Five Central Athletic League Juniors to Watch Pt. 2
Anticipation is in the air for a 2020/21 high school boys’ basketball season that is sure to excite nationally. Prep Hoops has shown you some players to watch out for in the Philadelphia region, and we continue that by going…
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Continue ReadingAnticipation is in the air for a 2020/21 high school boys’ basketball season that is sure to excite nationally.
Prep Hoops has shown you some players to watch out for in the Philadelphia region, and we continue that by going just outside the city to the Main Line.
With that being said, here’s is the final part of a two-part series on what juniors you should look out for in the Central Athletic League.
Dan Springman, C/PF Haverford: Springman uses his height to his advantage, playing as a stretch five, though he looks to play the more role of a center in Haverford’s play style. That works to his advantage as he’s a stalwart in the middle, stepping up to any player that comes toward him to potentially swat it away. His aggressive playing style works very well in his favor. On offense, he pushes it to the paint, looking for close scoring opportunities or a way to get to the line.
Daniel Katz, PF Harriton: Katz has a shooter’s mentality, but is very versatile, even as a forward. He possesses traits of a guard like great court vision and solid up-and-down agility. He starts separating himself from the pack once he gets open beyond the arc. That’s when you see Katz start to shine, an aggressive, but efficient shooter who can really shoot the ball from just about anywhere. Just because he’s a shooter doesn’t mean he doesn’t contribute on the defensive end, a pesky defender who stands his ground.
Matt Shuler, G Strath Haven: Shuler is a multi-sport star, also excelling on the football field, but the first thing that stood out watching his tape is his shot release. If he’s open, he’s pulling the trigger and he gets his shots off quickly, which is good in his case because that release might be quick, but it’s clean. Shuler is a reliable scoring option for Strath Haven and it’s not just from beyond the arc. He’s creating his own shots, driving into the lane, weaving through defenders for an open look. On defense, he creates turnovers, starts fast breaks on the other side of the floor from picking off a pass or blocking a close shot.
Demetrius Lilley Demetrius Lilley 6'8" | PF Lower Merion | 2022 State PA , C Lower Merion: The first thing you notice looking at Lilley is his height, his size on the court, which is a formidable presence. If you get near him on defense, there’s a good chance he’s causing a bad shot and picking up the defensive rebound, or he’s blocking a shot. On offense, it’s very difficult to guard him or just post up down low. If he’s getting the ball, he’s going to power his way into the paint for a close two. Anything you draw him up, even if that’s a three, he’s adapted to the stretch five so he’ll confidently take the shot and he’s becoming a sharp shooter out there.
Eric McKee, G/F Marple Newtown: McKee is as agile and crafty on the football field as he is on the basketball court. He’s confident with the ball, a relatively overlooked trait, but it shows that he wants to be a play-maker, and he is just that. Give him the ball at the top of the key, and he’s crashing the boards for a layup. With the ball at the top of the key, he’s got handles and he can shoot the three. He’s a great passer and on defense, his court vision and awareness takes flight, either causing a steal or swatting a pass or shot away. Need a turnover, McKee can make that happen, creating an opportunity going the other way.
Stay tuned for more player profiles and previews as the 2020/21 boys basketball season approaches.