Southeastern PA: Class of 2022 Impact Players
Kasem Watson — West Catholic Class of 2022 Previously we looked at the underclassmen prospects (Class of 2023 & 2024) who could contribute for their high school varsity teams this winter. Today, it’s time to review the Class of 2022.…
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Continue ReadingPreviously we looked at the underclassmen prospects (Class of 2023 & 2024) who could contribute for their high school varsity teams this winter.
Today, it’s time to review the Class of 2022. This group of juniors already owns significant varsity experience and thus they will have major expectations placed on their shoulders this winter. That should not be a problem as these are elite prospects and a few of them are on the verge of becoming national stars.
Below is a list of 2022 prospects I saw play between September and early November who will have a significant impact for their varsity squad during the 2020-21 season.
Daniel Alcantara – 6’4” / Reading / Shooting Guard: Alcantara is an elite scorer at all three levels. His posted a 30-point effort in a playoff game at the Competitive Edge Fall League, was one of the best performances I saw this fall. Alcantara owns an enormous wingspan, next level quickness and jaw dropping hops. A chase down, spike-off-the-backboard block and a tomahawk flush highlighted his impressive performance on Sunday. Alcantara will be a program defining player at the collegiate level.
Neel Beniwal Neel Beniwal 6'5" | SG Phelps School | 2022 State PA – 6’4” / Phelps School / Wing: Last winter Beniwal was one of the deadliest three point shooters in all of Delaware County. However, the long and athletic shooter missed a number of games with knee tendinitis. When healthy, Beniwal proved he can fill it up — 21 points (4 threes) vs Penncrest and 25 points in the District 1 playoffs vs North Penn. This summer Beniwal transferred to the Phelps School and reclassed into the 2022 graduation year. It was obvious this fall that he added muscle to his frame and improved his ability to score off the dribble. It should be a huge season for Beniwal.
Brett Byrne – 6’0” / Methacton / Combo Guard: Byrne is a 3-point specialist with rock solid mechanics and “in the gym” range. When playing without the ball, Byrne moves well and displays the instincts to find the open spaces on the floor. He can also run at point guard for stretches where he handled tight man-to-man pressure with no issues. 2020-21 should be a breakout season for Byrne who is the only returning starter for Methacton.
Quadir Copeland – 6’6” / Life Center (NJ) / Point Guard: If any player had a better Covid-19 hiatus then Copeland, I’d like to hear about that prospect. Copeland was already a 6’6” point guard with a very nice all-around game. Apparently over the pandemic he punched the clock hard on his body and skills. The result was that this fall a stronger and even more polished version of Copeland simply killed it at the Difference Maker Elite Open Runs (Cherry Hill, NJ). Schools like Oregon, Penn State, Maryland, you name it, have been contacting him.
Ryan Mackey – 6’0” / Conestoga / Point Guard: Mackey is a rock steady lead guard who showed he owns great handles and can drains 3s from the standstill or off pick action. Conestoga’s floor general plays with moxy, is excellent at leading the fast break and his court vision in the half-court is noteworthy.
Justin Moore Justin Moore 6'1" | CG Archbishop Wood | 2022 State PA – 6’2” / Bishop McDevitt / Guard: The former Cheltenham star was outstanding for K-Low Elite this past summer/fall. With his speed, Moore can really push the ball in transition which led to monster games. He can score at will, but always makes the right pass to the open teammate. Moore plays with extreme confidence and the composure of a veteran. He will be a great addition as the lead guard for Coach Will Chavis at Bishop McDevitt. Holds offers from a number of D-I schools including one from Drexel.
Tyler Seward Tyler Seward 6'2" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2021 State PA – 6’2” / Archbishop Carroll / Combo Guard: The former Haverford School (PA) starter (10.3 ppg. in 2019-20) hit the ground running with his new squad this fall. Seward continues to play a physical style of ball that has enables him to get to his spots and score at the tin. He can drain the mid-range jumpers as well. A developing 3-point shot is part of his skill set. In short, he owns a very impressive offensive arsenal. This 2020-21 high school season at Carroll could be his ‘What’s my name?’ stretch.
Kaseem Watson – 6’5” / West Catholic / Combo Guard: After a multiple standout performances this summer / fall, Kaseem stock is really on the rise. His ability to score and distribute is something special. This combo allows him to run at the point or shooting guard spot. Watson can really shoot it from outside but if a defender plays him too tight, Watson will go by him with the dribble and create havoc for the help side defense. An elite combo-guard, he holds several DI offers including from Mount St. Mary’s and Robert Morris.