January 29th & 31st, the Philadelphia Catholic League officially kicked off its 2021 season and the eight teams who were in action did not disappoint.
Jimmy KingJimmyKing6'0" | PGSt. Joseph's Prep | 2021StatePA 6’0 ‘21 SG - St. Joe’s Prep
The senior 2-guard scored 21 points and grabbed 4 boards versus Archbishop Carroll. His calling card is his jumper. King shot 3/7 from three, made 4/6 free throws and drained some mid-range attempts. Light on his feet, he also doubles as a secondary ball handler for “The Prep.” It doesn’t show up in the box score yet King plays solid team defense with effective digs and by cutting off slashed to the basket.
Moses HippsMosesHippsCGArchbishop Carroll | 2024StatePA 6’1 ‘24 SG) - Archbishop Carroll/Team Final
Moses put the league on notice in his high school debut against St. Joe’s Prep by dropping 20 points. What was most impressive about it is that he was aggressive but efficient. He shot 61% from the field, making 4/8 threes. His energy translated over to the defensive end as well. He’ll be one to watch going forward.
Malik EdwardsMalikEdwards6'0" | CGBonner/Prendergast | 2021StatePA 6’3 ‘21 CG - Bonner-Prendie/K-Low Elite
January 29th & 31st, the Philadelphia Catholic League officially kicked off its 2021 season and the eight teams who were in action did not disappoint.
Jimmy KingJimmyKing6'0" | PGSt. Joseph's Prep | 2021StatePA 6’0 ‘21 SG - St. Joe’s Prep
The senior 2-guard scored 21 points and grabbed 4 boards versus Archbishop Carroll. His calling card is his jumper. King shot 3/7 from three, made 4/6 free throws and drained some mid-range attempts. Light on his feet, he also doubles as a secondary ball handler for “The Prep.” It doesn’t show up in the box score yet King plays solid team defense with effective digs and by cutting off slashed to the basket.
Moses HippsMosesHippsCGArchbishop Carroll | 2024StatePA 6’1 ‘24 SG) - Archbishop Carroll/Team Final
Moses put the league on notice in his high school debut against St. Joe’s Prep by dropping 20 points. What was most impressive about it is that he was aggressive but efficient. He shot 61% from the field, making 4/8 threes. His energy translated over to the defensive end as well. He’ll be one to watch going forward.
Malik EdwardsMalikEdwards6'0" | CGBonner/Prendergast | 2021StatePA 6’3 ‘21 CG - Bonner-Prendie/K-Low Elite
Hot shooting was the theme of the week. Malik cashed in 3/7 from three, leading his Bonner with 18 points on Devon Prep. Spotting up or off movement, he remains one of the best shooters in Philly. But he has an inside game too. Malik’s offensive versatility was on full display. He’s tightening his handle and stepping up as leader on the team after the lost several starters to graduation.
James WeldeJamesWelde6'4" | SFBonner/Prendergast | 2021StatePA 6‘4 ‘21 SF - Bonner-Prendie
The other captain for Bonner does all the dirty work for his team, which is how he accomplished a double-double (13 points & 14 assists) in the Devon Prep game. He plays inside-out, with toughness on both ends. James made his teammates better by dishing 7 assists and getting two blocks. All around, he plays the game the right way.
Horace Simmons JrHoraceSimmons Jr6'6" | PFLa Salle | 2023StatePA 6’6 ‘23 SF) - LaSalle/Philly Pride
Horace started as a freshman on a young LaSalle team last season and is now taking on a leadership role in year 2. The 3&D Wing scored 26 points, doing most of his damage with 6 threes on 10 attempts. He spaced the floor on one end and played good help defense on the other. His length as a shot-maker and defender will continue to cause r opposing teams problems.
Hysier MillerHysierMiller6'2" | PGNeumann-Goretti | 2021StatePA 6’1 ‘21 PG) - Neumann-Goretti/Team Final
“Fabb” picked up right where he left off from last season. In the opening win against LaSalle, he scored 23 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and chipped in 5 assists. He’s also the area’s premier point of attack defender. Neumann doesn’t have the spacing level of spacing around him, but Miller proved he can create offense for himself and others in the featured role.
Daeshon ShepherdDaeshonShepherd6'5" | SFArchbishop Wood | 2021StatePA 6’5 ‘21 SF) - Archbishop Wood/Team Final
One of the best things about Shep is that he contributes to winning without much usage. He plays excellent team defense (2 blocks) with his strength and athleticism. He’s an opportunistic scorer, offensively (7-7 field goals). Versus Conwell-Egan, he went for 20 points by running the floor on the break, getting put-backs, and catching lobs. The only shot he missed was a free throw (5-6).
Donald ImoDonaldImo6'7" | PFConwell-Egan | 2021StatePA 6’7 ‘21 PF - Conwell-Egan 16 pts, 11 reb & 4 blk vs AW
Even though his team lost, Imo is starting to put it together as a senior. His biggest upside in on defense. He’s disruptive and alters shots everywhere (4 blocks) due to his length, agility and overall athletic ability. He also led the Eagles with 16 points and 11 total rebounds. His jumper will project well to college if he continues to show the willingness to take them and go 6-7 from the charity stripe.
