Southeastern PA: Class of 2024 Impact Players
[player_tooltip player_id="991400" first="Ahmad" last="Nowell"] (C/O 2024) from Conwell-Egan HS. At the end of October, the PIAA reaffirmed its plans for high school basketball in the Covid-19 pandemic era. Teams can start practicing on November 20th and if everything goes as…
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Continue ReadingAt the end of October, the PIAA reaffirmed its plans for high school basketball in the Covid-19 pandemic era. Teams can start practicing on November 20th and if everything goes as planned, games can begin on December 11th. That means the Class of 2024 is just days away from putting on their big boy pants (as the kids say) and officially playing high school hoops.
Below is a list of 2024 prospects I saw compete between September and early November who are ready for that challenge and could have an impact for their varsity squads during the 2020-21 season.
Karmon Bambara – 6’3” / Cardinal O’Hara / Center: The “little” brother of Neuman-Goretti’s Solo Bambara Solo Bambara 6'6" | PF Neumann-Goretti | 2021 State PA , Karmon (RT Thunder AAU) is a developing offensive talent who is growing into his size 15 shoes. But make no mistake, the younger Bambara’s ability to impact a game is second to none. An enormously long wingspan makes this 9th grader a dominant force on the glass at both ends as well as a shot blocking machine. A nice flip hook and serviceable jumper from in close are Bambara’s key offensive weapons. Bambara is also a budding football star.
Elijah Duval – 6’3” / Msgr. Bonner / Point Guard: Duval is an explosive playmaker that often draws comparisons to Russell Westbrook. In July / August at the Check-Rock Summer League, he established that aggressive offensive reputation by repeatedly going right at older, more decorated players. Then this fall, Duval was one of the youngest prospects to lace ‘em up at the Difference Maker Elite open runs (Cherry Hill, NJ) where he continued to impress with his scoring ability and transition game. Duval runs with Team Final AAU.
Touari “Deuce” Ketner – 6’3” / Msgr. Bonner / Guard- Forward: Simply put there’s nothing Ketner can’t do on a basketball court and that’s why he is widely regarded as one of the top 2024 prospects in the region. Shoot, pass and dribble. Scores it all three levels. Rebounds and pushes the rock himself. Defends. Shoots the 3-ball. Ketner is a tremendous all around talent and has everything it takes to be the next national star out of Pennsylvania.
Nelson Lamizana – 6’5” / West Chester-Henderson / Forward: Lamazina is young and his offensive skills (especially his footwork) are raw, but there is a ton of upside here. The freshman is long, athletic and can run the floor. This combination enables him to blocks shots and cleans the glass at a high level. He does a nice job with outlet passes that trigger fast break points. In the summer, Lamizana plays with Downingtown Heat AAU.
Rocco Morabito – 6’0 / Shipley School / Wing: A CYO All-Star out of St. Margaret’s (Narberth, PA), Morabito is a physical backcourt player who can muscle past a defender with the dribble. The physical nature of his game makes it very difficult for defenders to keep Morabito from getting to his spots. His ability to absorb contact and still score the rock is unique for a 9th grader. Morabito has displayed the ability to post up smaller guards.
Ahmad Nowell – 6’0” / Conwell-Egan / Combo Guard: One of the top players in the state and a nationally ranked player in the Class of 2024, Nowell is going to take the Philadelphia Catholic League by storm this winter. The star of Team Final’s 15U squad, Nowell can rain in threes and attack the rim off the dribble. A physical guard with outstanding handles and footwork, Nowell is also a willing passer who when defenses collapse on him, can kick out to open shooters along the arc. Still, Nowell is probably at his best when pushing the transition game where he excels at scoring the ball and dropping dimes. As a bonus to all of his ridiculous offensive skills, Nowell is a solid defender and shot blocker.
Toby Ojukwu – 6’0” / Roman Catholic / Point Guard: Ojukwu is a strong, physical athlete who is very quick for his size. Offensively, he is a floor general and who can get into the paint and make the right decisions with the ball. This young buck can also score the ball in a variety of ways. Still, this 9th grader has become known for playing hard on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his physical presence allows him to body up opposing guards and be an absolute menace as the on-ball defender. Additionally, Ojukwu’s quickness allows him to slice through the passing lanes for steals.
Robert Wright III – 5’10” / Neumann-Goretti / Combo Guard: Wright is a super quick and versatile guard. His tremendous handles and outstanding court vision make him an elite floor general. Still, he can shoot the 3-ball off the dribble or pick action which allows him to slide over to the 2-spot. Wright excels on the fast break and has no issues finishing in traffic. He plays AAU ball for Team Delaware.