Central League (SEPA) Preview: Elite Wings / Small Forwards
Phil Cook (white jersey) of Lower Merion Aces. Photo: Lower Merion Athletics. If the Covid-19 pandemic and Governor Wolf ever allow the 2020-21 PIAA high school basketball season to tip off, I expect the Central League in the Southeastern region…
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Continue ReadingIf the Covid-19 pandemic and Governor Wolf ever allow the 2020-21 PIAA high school basketball season to tip off, I expect the Central League in the Southeastern region of the state to continue its high level of competition and produce numerous prospect who will play at the collegiate level.
I make this statement for a number of reasons. The first is the number of elite level shooters taking the floor this season for Central League teams. The second reason is the fact that the Central League boasts a host of talented guards who can, simply put, get buckets. Reason number three for my statement is the group of “bigs” from the Central League who will excel during the 2020-21 season and at the next level. Today we will look at the final reason, the Central League’s bevy of talented wing players / small forwards.
Phil Cook – 6’2” / Senior / Lower Merion / Small Forward: If Cook was 6’5” he would be a mid-major DI basketball recruit, as he has all the tools to succeed as a stretch four at that level. He is tremendous athlete who can shoot 3’s, run the floor, block shots and rebound. On the other end, his quickness and ability to slash through passing lanes for steals / deflections is a key component of the LM’s very effective press defense. Despite his outstanding hoops profile, Cook (3 sport athlete) will play football at Ursinus College next year.
Josh Hagan – 6’2” / Senior / Ridley / Wing: A returning starter and frequent double-digit scorer for Ridley hoops, Hagan is a versatile player who can impact a game from behind the arc or off the dribble. Additionally, Hagan has a nose for offensive rebounds and frequently converts those 2nd chance opportunities into buckets. Of note from last year was Hagan’s 14 point effort vs. Haverford. Hagan is a multi-sport athlete at Ridley and will play lacrosse at Eastern University (PA) after he graduates.
Will Higson – 6’2” / Senior / Haverford / Small Forward: An excellent 3rd scoring option for Haverford, Higson is skilled at moving to the open spots on the floor where All-County player John Seidman John Seidman 6'3" | SG Haverford | 2021 State PA can find him. Higson can also score off the dribble pull-up as he proved during a career high 19 points vs. Ridley last season. His emergence as a scoring threat in January / February was a big reason Haverford was able to turn around their 2019-20 season and qualify for the District 1 tournament. Higson is also a 220 pound, All-Delaware County linebacker for the Fords football team, so you know he can handle contact on the way to the rack.
Jack Liedtka Jack Liedtka 6'3" | SG Conestoga | 2021 State PA – 6’3” / Senior / Conestoga / Wing: Liedtka is the perfect complimentary player on a Pioneers team that features an elite point guard (Ryan Mackey) and two skilled bigs (Andrew Fox and Mike Walz) who will play at the next level. Liedtka is a phenomenal shooter with “in the gym” range who stretches the floor for Conestoga. He can drain shots coming off pick action and off the dribble. As a bonus, Liedtka moves very well without the ball so he is easy to find when ‘Stoga’s bigs need to pass the ball out of a double team. Still, Liedtka is not a one dimensional player. If a defender plays up on this Class of 2021 prospect, he has the skills necessary to put the ball on the floor and get to the glass for a bucket.
Gannon McKee – 6’4” / Senior / Garnet Valley / Wing: A long athlete with hops, McKee is best known for his ability to rains in threes of the spot up variety. He owns a quick trigger, so if a defender loses McKee for even a second, his watery jumper is up and most likely in. As a bonus, McKee can score off the dribble, especially with the nice spin move that he has developed. With his long wingspan, athleticism and high basketball IQ, McKee is a decent shot blocker off the weak side rotation.
Ben Stanton – 6’0” / Junior / Penncrest / Wing: Stanton was on the varsity roster as a freshman and made a few appearances during garbage time. Last season as a sophomore, Stanton developed into a reliable spark of the bench who drained open 3’s and attacked the rim off the dribble. With the loss of three starters to graduation, in 2020-21 Stanton will be expected to step into the spotlight for the Lions. That should not be a problem for the highly skilled Stanton who should post a breakout season this winter.