Suburban Philly Top Performers: Uncommitted 2021s – Part III
As we have stated previously, the Covid-19 pandemic had a tremendous negative impact on recruiting for Pennsylvania’s Class of 2021. The result of a year’s worth of limited exposure for current seniors is that suburban Philadelphia’s Class of 2021 still…
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Continue ReadingAs we have stated previously, the Covid-19 pandemic had a tremendous negative impact on recruiting for Pennsylvania’s Class of 2021. The result of a year’s worth of limited exposure for current seniors is that suburban Philadelphia’s Class of 2021 still features a slew of high level prospects who have yet to commit to a college basketball program.
Last week we posted Part I in this series. Then on Wednesday we revealed Part II. Today we present the third and final installment in our list of high level 2021 prospects from the Philly suburbs who remain uncommitted.
Fareed Burton, Jr. – 6’1” / Senior / Chester / Point Guard: The most impressive element of this lefty’s offensive skill set is the variety of ways he can carve up a defense. Burton (16.2 ppg,; 4.2 apg.; & 5.5 rpg.) is lethal from 3-point range and in the mid-range. He can score at the rim off the dribble drive with either a hesi or a well-timed Euro-step. Burton possess outstanding court vision, so when opponents attempt to slow down his scoring via a double team, he moves the ball quickly to the open teammate (4:1 A/TO). Burton’s top performances list from this winter is a very impressive: 27 points, 5 rebs and 4 dimes vs. Archbishop Ryan in PIAA 5A State semis; 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals vs Crestwood; 22 points, 5 boards and 5 steals vs Imhotep; and a triple double — 17/12/11 — against Interboro. Burton has outstanding lateral movement and good defensive instincts so it should not be surprising that he recorded numerous games with 5 or more steals (112 in his career).
Luke McCarthy – 6’0” / Pope John Paul II / Shooting Guard: McCarthy is a gifted three point shooter who is money on spot ups or coming off pick action. This shooting guard had numerous games with 3 or more 3PM and drained 30 threes on this Covid shortened season. As a bonus to his behind the arc skills, McCarthy can also get out in transition and finish in traffic. McCarthy’s offensive skills (11.9 ppg.) pushed PJP to the Pioneer Athletic Conference title (10-0 regular season) as well as the District 1-4A trophy. He scored a season high 22 vs. Perkiomen Valley; posted 18 pts vs Upper Perkiomen and 15 against Pottstown.
Ryan Riotto Ryan Riotto 5'11" | CG Bishop Shanahan | 2021 State PA – 5’11” / Bishop Shanahan / Combo Guard: Riotto owns a very nice jumper with range out to the 3-point line, so he can run at the shooting guard spot. A high basketball IQ and extensive dribbling skills allow Riotto to be an effective primary ball handler, even under extreme pressure. In short, he’s the text book definition of a combo-guard. This past season, he averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 41% from three and 85% from the charity stripe. Shanahan Head Coach John Dougherty described Riotto as “a clutch performer and shooter”. The highlight of Riotto’s outstanding senior campaign came when he hit six of seven 3-pointers and went 9-for-12 from the free throw line on his way to 29 points in a victory over Downingtown East. At the defensive end, Riotto is excellent at slicing through the passing lanes for steals and then pushing the ball down the floor for easy buckets.
Christian Tomasco Christian Tomasco 6'9" | PF Archbishop Ryan | 2021 State PA – 6’10” / Archbishop Ryan / Power Forward: Tomasco’s breakout started during Fall 2020 at the Difference Maker Elite Open Runs (NJ). Then this winter playing for Archbishop Ryan he simply blew up. College coaches will not find many 6’10” kids who can shoot threes, run the floor, catch alley-oops and block shots. Tomasco (13 ppg. & 7.5 rpg.) is extremely athletic for a kids his size and glides on the basketball court. He possess a super smooth face up game where he can score with J or blow by a defender for a slam (61% on FGAs). When opponents went zone against AR, they simply threw an alley-oop over the top to the sure handed Tomasco for the flush. He is a legit shot blocker (3.2 bpg.) and was the 3rd leading rebounder in PCL. Tomasco posted numerous outstanding games this winter, but two really standout – in the 5A state semis victory he recorded 26 points (12-13 FGAs); 6 rebounds and 6 blocks. Tomasco also notched 24 points 12 boards in a regular season win vs St. Joe’s Prep.
Jahzeel Watson – 6’4” / Pottstown / Small Forward: Watson is a throwback style small forward who excels in the mid-range and the painted area. With his feathery jump shot Watson can score from the elbows, as well as the nail, and FT line extended areas. Watson’s ability to hit 15-17 foot jumpers sets up his ball fake and drive to the tin move. Additionally, Watson crashes the offensive glass very well and converts on second chance opportunities. The result of spending the majority of his minutes in the lane is that Watson lived at the free throw line this past season. Watson had 9 regular season games where he attempted 6 or more free throws and he totaled 87 FTAs this winter. Watson’s senior season (13.9 ppg.) was highlight by a 19 point game vs Upper Merion; 17 points against Pope John Paul II; and 16 points (8-11 on FTAs) vs Methacton. Watson is a two sport athlete who is also a highly recruited football player (WR/DB).