PIAA 6A State Final: Arch Wood / Reading – Prospect Watch
The PIAA District 6A State Final featured two of the most exciting teams in eastern Pennsylvania – Archbishop Wood (19-0; Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 champions) and Reading (25-2; Berks Conference and District 3 champions). Thanks to their smothering…
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Continue ReadingThe PIAA District 6A State Final featured two of the most exciting teams in eastern Pennsylvania – Archbishop Wood (19-0; Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 champions) and Reading (25-2; Berks Conference and District 3 champions). Thanks to their smothering defense, Reading prevailed 58-57 in a very intense and entertaining game. More importantly for our purposes, these team’s rosters were stocked with college prospects to scout.
Below is a look at the slew of college prospects that took the court last night for the PIAA 6A state tournament championship game.
Archbishop Wood:
Rahsool Diggins Rahsool Diggins 6'2" | PG Archbishop Wood | 2021 State #70 Nation PA – 6’3” / Senior / Combo Guard: After posting a stat line of 16 points; 5 boards and 7 dimes in 6A state semis, it was hard to believe Diggins could play much better than that performance. Well, were wrong. The 2020-21 Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) MVP and Wood’s all-time leading scorer with over 1,400+ points put on a show that will go down in PIAA state tournament lore. This kid can flat out score the basketball in ways that are too numerous to list. Diggins hit 5 threes (several from NBA range) and also scored off the dribble repeatedly. The result was an electrifying 26 point night. Additionally, his basketball IQ and crafty guard skills really stand out when you watch him play. Diggins is Committed to UConn.
Mike Knouse – 6’4” / Junior / Small Forward: Right now Knouse (6 points last night) is an excellent rebounder and glue guy who can really shoot the ball. He is especially skilled a hitting the 3-ball (2 threes last night). Another extremely athletic prospect, we predict Knouse will have a breakout season next winter. He scored 10 points in PIAA state tourney semis. Knouse is Uncommitted.
Marcus Randolph Marcus Randolph 6'5" | SG Archbishop Wood | 2021 State PA – 6’5” / Senior / Shooting Guard: Another 2020-21 PCL 1st team All-League selection, Randolph (9 points last night) displayed elite quickness and a healthy vertical. He can score in transition or drain threes in half-court (1 three last night). Compared to his 24 points (2 threes) in state semis vs Lower Merion, Randolph had a quiet night, but one could definitely still see why Chris Mooney and Richmond signed this elite prospect. Randolph is Committed to Richmond.
Daeshon Shepherd Daeshon Shepherd 6'5" | SF Archbishop Wood | 2021 State PA – 6’6” / Senior / Wing: In a twist that added some drama to this contest, Shepherd (2020-21 1st team PCL All-League and 1,000+ point career scorer) did not start for Wood. When he finally did enter the contest, Shepherd proved to be an extremely athletic slasher type wing with an impressive vertical. His length, quickness and anticipation skills make him a shot blocking machine. Shepherd is Committed to LaSalle.
Jaylen Stinson Jaylen Stinson 6'1" | PG Archbishop Wood | 2021 State PA – 6’0” / Senior / Combo Guard: Stinson was yet another 2020-21 PCL 1st team All-League selection for Wood and he comes with a reputation as a quick guard who is an elite 3-point shooter. Unfortunately, Reading’s suffocating defense limited Stinson’s opportunities and he only was able to drain 1 three and score 7 total points. What Stinson did diplay last night was the ability to handle the ball under intense defensive presure and next level quickness on his way to the tin. There’s no doubt Stinson’s reputation is legit as he hit 5-of-8 3PAs in the PCL championship game (21 total points) as well as 3 threes in PIAA state semifinals (12 total points). Stinson is Committed to James Madison.
Reading:
Daniel Alcantara Daniel Alcantara 6'4" | SG Reading | 2022 State PA – 6’4” / Junior / Shooting Guard: For an elite scorer at all three levels, Alcantara had a quiet night at the offensive end of the floor – only 10 points. Alcantara was patient and took advantage of the opportunities the defense gave him. However, this long, super athlete dominated the game defensively and put in serious work on the boards (9 rebs). When Reading switched to a man-to-man defense, Alcantara caused havoc for Wood’s offense. That stretch of the game triggered Reading’s win. Additionally, Alcantara shot 4/4 from FT line over the last 30 seconds of the contest. Finally, it should be noted that in the state semis win over Upper St Claire, Alcantara scored a season-high 27 points (15 in the first half) and grabbed 8 rebounds. Alcantara is Uncommitted.
Xavier Davis – 6’0” / Junior / Wing: “X” as he is known to teammates is part of Reading’s loaded Class of 2022. He came off the bench last night to and scored 4 points, but mostly he provide energy and tenacious defense. He also displayed a high basketball IQ. In the PIAA state semis Davis scored 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. “X” will be a prospect to keep an eye on during the spring/summer grassroots circuit. Davis is Uncommitted.
Moro Osumanu Moro Osumanu 6'6" | PF Reading | 2021 State PA – 6’6” / Senior / Power Forward: The elements of Osumanu’s game that leap out at you right away are his tenacity on the boards, his defensive intensity and ability to capitalize on 2nd chance opportunities. The 2020-21 All-Berks Conference selection (13.8ppg and 60% FGAs) was an absolute monster on the glass last night (12 rebounds). Whether he gets the ball via an offensive rebound or in Reading’s offensive sets, Osumanu simply the attacks the rim with a ferocity you don’t witness very often. In the ‘chip game Osumanu scored 21 points and was 9-10 on FGAs. While Daniel Alcantara Daniel Alcantara 6'4" | SG Reading | 2022 State PA typically grabs the headlines, Osumanu is the engine that makes Reading go on a nightly basis. Osumanu is Committed to West Chester University (PA).
Ruben Rodriguez – 6’1” / Senior / Combo Guard: Rodriguez (12 points last night – all in 2nd half) is a very consistent player who avoids mistakes, plays with energy and is a leader on the floor. With all the superstar talent around him, Rodriguez (1st Team All-Berks Conference) knows his role and excels in it. He can hit the 3-ball and will move to open spaces so that he is open for 3PAs via a kick out. Last night this combo-guard also converted 3-4 from the FT line in the final minute of the game. Rodriguez is excellent on-ball defender as well. Rodriguez is Uncommitted.