PIAA D1-6A Qtr Final: Lower Merion/Cheltenham – Prospect Watch
The PIAA District 1-6A Quarter Final matchup between Lower Merion (#9 seed) and Cheltenham (#1 seed) turned out to be a fast paced and exciting contest. Lower Merion (now 9-3) won 59-50 and moves on to play the No. 4…
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Continue ReadingThe PIAA District 1-6A Quarter Final matchup between Lower Merion (#9 seed) and Cheltenham (#1 seed) turned out to be a fast paced and exciting contest. Lower Merion (now 9-3) won 59-50 and moves on to play the No. 4 seed Garnet Valley (Central League Champs) in one semifinal. Cheltenham ends their season with a 14-2 record.
Below is a look at several of the college prospects who took the court last night.
Lower Merion:
Sam Brown Sam Brown 6'3" | CG Lower Merion | 2023 State PA – 6’2’’ / Sophomore / Shooting Guard: LM’s lefty 2-guard had a quiet night (6 points) but it’s clear this prospect can really shoot the ball. His game features “in the gym” range and a very nice step back jumper. Brown also owns better handles then one would expect from such a pure shooter. Last year Brown saw significant minutes for an LM team that won 20 games and made it to the PIAA 6A state tourney Sweet 16. So he is battled tested and thus was very poised on the court last night under intense pressure from Cheltenham. Brown is Uncommitted.
Sam Davison – 5’10’’ / Senior / Shooting Guard: After missing his junior season in order to rehab a torn ACL, Davison has come back this season and been a key scoring option and defensive standout for the Aces. Last night he scored at all 3-levels and led LM with 18 points. Davison plays with an energy level that is noticeably different form the other players on the court. One LM coach described Davison as “an animal”. His well-rounded skill set is complimented by a high basketball IQ. DII and DIII coaches should be all over this kid. Davison is Uncommitted.
Demetrius Lilley Demetrius Lilley 6'8" | PF Lower Merion | 2022 State PA – 6’9’’ / Junior / Forward-Center: Lilley turned in a 31 points and 20 rebounds double-double in LM’s 2nd Round win over Downingtown West. Thus Cheltenham shaded their defense to limit the big fellas (250 pounds) opportunities. That scheme slowed down Lilley somewhat, but not enough as Lilley he scored 12 points. He showed decent touch in the mid-range and the ability to drive the ball along baseline, elevate and the throw it down with authority. Lilley can also pass out of the double team. He holds offers from a number of schools including Saint Joe’s and LaSalle. Lilley is Uncommitted.
Cheltenham:
Saleem Payne – 5’10’’ / Junior / Combo Guard: The Panthers star backcourt player (13ppg; 5 apg; 3 rpg;) scored 20 in Cheltenham’s 2nd round District win over Methacton and then 15 last night against Lower Merion. Payne is an ultra-quick athlete who can score at all 3-levels. He is very good in transition and at absorbing contact while scoring at the rim. Once he has drawn the foul, he is absolute money from the FT line (3-3 last night). Earlier this season he posted 28 points vs William Tennent and was 8-8 from the charity stripe during the 4th Quarter. Payne is Uncommitted.
Mike McClain – 6’4’’ / Senior / Wing: McClain has a reputation as a lock down defender who gives maximum effort at both ends. That rep held up last night against LM as he guarded everyone on the court (1 through 5). At the other end of the floor, McClain (6 points) displayed a solid offensive skill set and a high basketball IQ. An athlete with size and high level quickness, McClain can also mix it up on the interior some. He plays for Philly Pride AAU. McClain is Uncommitted.
Justin Savage – 6’3’’ / Junior / Shooting Guard: A high level 2022 prospect who can hit the three consistently, last night Savage showed a nice ability to drive and kick out to open teammates. Savage also did an excellent job of moving without the ball. Lastly, Savage did some nice work in the paint. Overall against Lower Merion he demonstrated a skill set that fits the highly sought after stretch-4 style of player. Savage is Uncommitted.