SEPA Spring Grassroots Stock Risers: 2023s
In this article:
Josiah Jordan (C/O 2023) from Reading KTB Select. Below is a look at 16U (2023) prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played outstanding basketball during the Spring 2021 grassroots circuit and raised their stock with college coaches. Xzayvier Brown Xzayvier Brown…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBelow is a look at 16U (2023) prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played outstanding basketball during the Spring 2021 grassroots circuit and raised their stock with college coaches.
Xzayvier Brown Xzayvier Brown 6'1" | PG Roman Catholic | 2023 State #233 Nation PA – 6’2” / Roman Catholic / K-Low Elite / Point Guard: Brown is the text book definition of a point guard and thus a coach’s dream to have on the floor. On the break he makes all the right decisions and rarely turns the ball over. In the half-court he is poised and able to get the team into their sets. Lastly, Brown displays a good feel for when the squad needs a bucket and then can go and score the ball. Has offers from Saint Joseph’s, Drexel and others.
Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA – 6’7” / Imhotep Charter / Team Final EYBL / Wing: If there is a 2023 Pennsylvania prospect who had a better spring season than Edwards we haven’t heard about it. In his final event of the spring 2021, Edwards was once again extremely impressive while leading Team Final 16’s to the 17U championship (Yes, they “played up”.) at the Big Shot Shots / Team Final event (PA). That marked the third tournament TF EYBL 16’s have won this spring (MADEHoops Midwest Mania (IN) & Southern Jam Fest (VA) were the others.). Edwards’ outstanding play (2X tourney MVP) has been a major reason for their success. He is an elite, lefty wing player who with his downhill style applies constant pressure on the opponents. If defenses are able to wall off the lane, he can knock down threes off the dribble or distribute an open teammate.
Augustus Gerhart Augustus Gerhart 6'9" | PF Hill School | 2023 State PA – 6’9’ / Hill School / Philly Pride / Power Forward: This spring Gerhart (a.k.a. “Big Aug”) really made his presence known at the defensive end of the floor where he served as an rim protector, cleaned the glass and displayed that he is athletic enough to guard smaller players out on the perimeter. On the offensive end, Gerhart showed off decent foot work and a soft touch with both hands on the interior. But, do not make the mistake of thinking Gerhart is a plodding big. No chance. Again this prospect is an athletic big, so he can play above the rim and finish with authority. He has recently received offers from Drexel and Univ. of Albany
Josiah Jordan – 5’10’’ / Berks Catholic / Reading KTB Select / Combo Guard: Jordan’s aggressive downhill style of guard play earned him several mentions in our SEPA grassroots report. When / if a defender is able to keep Jordan out of the paint, he can slam on the brakes for a stop and pop three ball or mid-range jumper. Jordan’s elite skill helped guide Reading KTB Select to several tournament championships this spring, including a 5-0 overall record and the 17U championship (the team “played up”) at the Battle of the Beach (MD) event.
Michael “Zaire” Paris Michael “Zaire” Paris 5'11" | CG Archbishop Ryan | 2023 State PA – 5’11” / Archbishop Ryan / Philly Revolution / Combo Guard: A lefty backcourt player with elite speed who plays a slasher style of game, this past winter Paris saw significant time for PIAA 5A state tourney runner up Archbishop Ryan. At the Southern Jam Fest, Paris and his Revolution teammates “played up” in the 17U gold division and Paris still scored at the rim whenever he wanted. Across three games that weekend (2-1) Paris averaged around 24 ppg. and posted a 30-point effort. As a bonus to his offensive skills, Paris owns a high motor and thus is a menace on defense who recorded multiple steals each game.
Earnest Shelton – 6’4’’ / TBD / Philly Revolution / Shooting Guard: One of the best shooters in southeastern Pennsylvania’s Class of 2023, Shelton is another Bishop McDevitt prospect who is looking for a new high school program after that school’s closing. Already a much sought after talent, Shelton only boosted his stock after he “played up” at the Big Shots / Team Final event and killed foes in the 17U age group. He averaged 15 points a game and scored 26 against SK Elite (NY) as the Revolution 17U squad went 2-2 on that weekend.