Southeastern PA: Class of 2023 Impact Players
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Anthony Finkley of West Catholic (C/O 2023). On Tuesday I looked at Class of 2024 prospects who could have an impact for their high school varsity teams this winter. Today, it’s time to review the sophomores who have the same…
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Continue ReadingOn Tuesday I looked at Class of 2024 prospects who could have an impact for their high school varsity teams this winter. Today, it’s time to review the sophomores who have the same expectations.
A number of these 2023 prospects contributed to their varsity squad as freshmen. Now in 2020-21 those kids will be expected to take on major roles. Other 2023s will be cracking the varsity lineup for the first time. Either way, these highly skilled Class of 2023 ballers will be a factor for their varsity squad this winter and eventually they will ball at the next level.
Below is a list of 2023 prospects I saw play between September and early November who should have an impact for their varsity squad during the 2020-21 season.
Anthony Finkley – 6’6” / West Catholic / Point-Forward: “Ant” is an extremely versatile and athletic baller. He owns good handles, excellent court vision / passing skills and can drain the 3-ball. That skill set allows Finkley to excel in a hybrid point-forward role. As a bonus to all these perimeter skills, Finkley is no slouch on the interior. His length and solid footwork allow him to score from either block with ease. By the end of 2019-20 season, Finkley was a starter for West Catholic. This winter he will be expected to develop into a major contributor. Holds an offer from Billy Lange at Saint Joe’s.
Darrien Grady Darrien Grady 5'9" | PG Shipley School | 2023 State PA – 5’10’ / Shipley School / Point Guard: A former starter and leading scorer (25 ppg.) for Moorestown Friends (NJ), last winter Grady notched four games where he scored 32 or more points and posted a 44-point performance against Abington Friends that was ridiculous. Grady has shown no signs of letting up this fall. Grady was hitting stand still threes from way downtown (56 3PM in 2019-20 HS season) and reasonable distance treys off pick action. When defenses chase him of the 3-point line, he can score off the dribble in the mid-range or get all the way to the tin. In recent runs, Grady has displayed the ability to find the open teammate and pass out of the double team. As with most elite level point guards, he possess a high basketball IQ.
Elmarko Jackson –6’3’ / Academy of the New Church / Point Guard: In 2019-20 Jackson (13 ppg.) was a star at St. Augustine Prep (Richland, NJ). This past summer he transferred to ANC and reclassed into the Class of 2023. ANC is getting a Russell Westbrook type guard — very aggressive, athletic (as hell), rugged and skilled. The difference is, Jackson he can actually shoot the rock. Holds numerous offers, including from Sienna, Rider, GWU and Cal-Berkeley. Jackson is a two sport athlete who is also an All-State lacrosse player.
Trey O’Neil – 6’0’’ / Westtown School / Combo Guard: O’Neil is a 2023 guard who is on the rise thanks to excellent summer / fall runs. His ability to blow by opponents and create scoring opportunities for himself or teammates is special. O’Neil has displayed a high basketball IQ and filthy dribbling skills which allow him to operate as a one man press break. Finally, he possess a solid shooting stroke so he can knock down threes and mid-range jumpers.
Lucas Orchard – 6’3’’ / Devon Prep / Wing: Orchard’s tenacity, athleticism, wingspan and ability to read the passing lanes led to numerous transition baskets for Devon Prep this fall. This kid simply has a nose for the ball whether it’s on the glass, in the air or on the floor. He scored at all three levels and was also a willing passer. Orchard is a skilled wing who played with a great deal of energy. He is a 2023 prospect we will definitely keep a close eye on.
Stanley Porter – 6’7” / West Chester East / Center: A mountain of player, Porter stands 6’7” and change, has an enormous wingspan and a wide base. This fall in the Competitive Edge HS League, Porter used his physical attributes to be a high level rim protector and dominate the glass. For a prospect of his size and young age, he runs the floor well and exhibited solid foot work on the interior.
Trey Shinholster – 6’2” / Penn Charter / Guard: Last season Shinholster was a freshman who received solid varsity minutes for the Quakers. This summer / fall for K-Low Elite he had a breakout thanks to his elite level scoring. Once coach described his ability to score the rock as “crazy good”. Specifically, Shinholster can shoot the lights out and finish at the rim with both hands. A high motor and excellent work ethic compliment his offensive skills. Shinholster is a prospect with tremendous upside.
Horace Simmons Jr Horace Simmons Jr 6'6" | PF La Salle College HS | 2023 State #221 Nation PA – 6’6’’ / LaSalle College HS / Wing: Last winter Simmons was a starter for LaSalle’s varsity squad as a “glue guy” with a specific role – rebound and play defense. While running with Philly Pride this summer / fall, Simmons has been able to unleash his offensive game and the results are impressive. He has shown that he can drain Js from numerous spots on the floor as well as an improved ability to put the ball on the deck and get to the tin. Simmons is extremely athletic and still putting on muscle, so his upside is tremendous.