Battle for the Bell: 2024 Standouts
The Battle for the Bell: Gripper Games were a success. This was my first time seeing Philly Pride and K-Low Elite in-person this year and 15u teams exceeded my expectations. Pride 15u finished 2-0, Team Final went 1-1, and K-Low…
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Continue ReadingThe Battle for the Bell: Gripper Games were a success. This was my first time seeing Philly Pride and K-Low Elite in-person this year and 15u teams exceeded my expectations. Pride 15u finished 2-0, Team Final went 1-1, and K-Low went 0-2, but all the games were exciting and the teams are loaded with talent.
Reid Belcher Reid Belcher 5'11" | PG Friends Central | 2024 State PA | 5’10 G |Friends Central | K-Low Elite
The guard from Friends Central brought a competitive edge to the K-Low 15 squad. Versus Philly Pride, he had six steals which led to fastbreaks and easy buckets. Some were at the point of attack; others were as a help defender. That edge carried over to the second game. Even down double digits in the second half, he picked up Team Final’s PGs full-court, forcing a few turnovers. He averaged 12 points and 4 steals on the day.
Darren Williams Darren Williams 6'4" | SG Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA 6’2 G | Archbishop Ryan | K-Low Elite
His team was down early in game one against Pride. But D-Will delivered body blow after body blow by slashing to the basket, taking the game to the wire. His 21 points contribution featured a couple pull-up threes as well. He took the same mentality into the Team Final game, adding 13 points. The shots he created for himself and others were a big portion of their offense on Saturday.
Jeremiah White Jeremiah White 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA 6’7 F | Imhotep | Philly Pride
Jeremiah is going to be a problem in the city for the next three years. He was active on both ends – cleaning the glass, contesting shots, running the floor, etc. In the K-Low game, he put up 16 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Jeremiah was at a size disadvantage in the post and in foul trouble against Team Final, so his counting stats weren’t eye-popping. Yet, his length, quickness and toughness helped them pull out the win.
Ryan Williams Ryan Williams 6'3" | SG Malvern Prep | 2024 State PA 6’2 G | Malvern Prep | Philly Pride
As an off-ball player and budding 3-level scorer, Ryan scored within the flow of the offense. He played within himself and didn’t force anything. Versus Team Final, he exploded out the gate with 2 threes and a mid-range jumper. Ryan finished the game with 18 points, draining 4 from behind the arc. In their earlier game, he did most of his damage (13 points) inside the arc as Pride staved off K-Low’s comeback.
Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ 6’3 G | Archbishop Carroll | Team Final
“Mosey” did Mosey things on Saturday. He hit 4 triples in game one versus Philly Pride (15 points) and a couple more versus Philly Pride (11 points & 5/5 FT). One key area Hipps has improved in this Spring/Summer is shot selection. His volume is lower compared to his freshman season, but his percentages are up, maintaining his gravity as a floor spacer with a quick trigger.
Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL 5’11 G | Neumann-Goretti | Team Final
Rob is a Delaware native but proving to be one of the best young guards in the city. He can play different styles depending on what his team needs. Against Philly Pride, he had to hunt his shot and carry the scoring load, leading them with 20 points. But with backcourt made Deuce Jones scoring 20, Rob picked his spots (16 points), controlled the pace, and kept a surging K-Low at bay by drawing fouls.
Bonus: Amir Williams Amir Williams 6'6" | SF Neuman-Goretti | 2024 State PA 6’5 W | Neumann-Goretti | Team Final
Williams only averaged 8.5 points for the day, but the athleticism and length he brought to the floor were easy to see. His combination of vertical pop, lateral mobility, and strong lower body were a joy to see live. As his offensive game grows, Amir is going to be a force in the Philly area.