2023 Fall Rankings: SEPA Stock Risers
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[player_tooltip player_id="1188210" first="Alassane" last="Amadou"] from SCH Academy. Photo: Philly Pride Earlier this week we published our Class of 2023 prospect rankings and by now you are familiar with the names who have remained at the top list for a year…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week we published our Class of 2023 prospect rankings and by now you are familiar with the names who have remained at the top list for a year or more. Names like five-star recruits Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA , Horace Simmons Horace Simmons 6'6" | SF LaSalle CHS | 2022 State PA Jr and Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA .
So today we decided to review Pennsylvania’s Class of 2023 rankings and reveal six players who used the summer 2021 grassroots period as well as September’s “fall ball” events to increase their recruiting stock significantly.
Below are six southeastern Pennsylvania stock risers you need to keep an eye on for the remainder of the fall and during the 2021-22 high school season.
223 to 7… Alassane Amadou Alassane Amadou 6'9" | PF SCH Academy | 2023 State #188 Nation PA – 6’9” / SCH Academy / Philly Pride National UAA / Wing: One could argue that no prospect (regardless of class) posted a bigger breakout on the July circuit than Amadou. Last winter Amadou was an athletic, high-energy reserve (4 ppg. & 4 rpg.) on a deep Bishop McDevitt roster. He showed enough during the 2020-21 season that he received offers from a couple Big 5 schools. Then in July 2021, thanks to improved perimeter shooting and a new fearless style of attacking play, he simply went off. This wiry and long athlete proved repeatedly he can shoot the three (40% on 3PAs) or score off the bounce. At the UAA Finals in Indiana, Amadou posted a ridiculous near triple-double — 15 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks — against Texas Impact. During July he led the UAA circuit in rebounds (12 rpg.) and blocks (3 bpg.). Maryland, VCU, Cincy and Marquette recently joined the parade of offers for Amadou.
NR to 18…DeMajh Salisbery – 6’0” / LaAcademia Charter / Philly Pride National UAA / Combo Guard: Salisbery’s play from the spring through September was superb and if this lead guard continues to play at an elite level this winter, we expect numerous DI offers will come pouring in. Salisbery (Son of former Temple star, Dustin Salisbery.) is one of the best 2023 scoring guards in the area. He has shown the ability to hit threes, score off the dribble-drive and get out in transition. Salisbery has a knack for getting to his spots regardless of the defensive scheme. Additionally, Salisbery can facilitate for others. He is also an intense, on-ball defender as well as an excellent rebounding guard.
NR to 60… Onyekachi Nzeh Onyekachi Nzeh 6'9" | PF George School | 2023 State PA – 6’9” / Junior / George School / Team Final EYBL / Power Forward: “Kachi” spent June through September scoring on the interior at will and terrorizing foes on the glass at both ends of the floor. An athletic and long prospect with a quick second jump, his ability to convert offensive rebounds into points is second to none. At the other end, “Kachi’s” physical attributes also make him a superior rim protector. He has already received scholarship offers from Iowa, Maryland, VCU, Hofstra, Creighton, Temple, LaSalle, TCU, Seton Hall, Bryant, Siena, and New Mexico State. The frightening part is the Covid shortened 2020-21 season was just his second year of high school basketball. This kid’s upside is ridiculous.
146 to 110… Matt Mayock Matt Mayock 6'4" | SG Westtown School | 2023 State PA – 6’4” / Westtown School / East Coast Power-Rap / Combo Guard: Mayock’s reputation as a high-level spot up shooter proceeds him, but from spring 2021 through July he showed that he is developing into a more complete player. In recent months he scored off the bounce and was remarkably effective in pick-n-roll and pick-n-pop action. At the Hoop Group Jam Fest Mayock scored 20+ points in a high-profile contest against Rhode Island Elite. That standout performance put him on the college recruiting map. In September while playing with Westtown at the Big 64 Showcase (PA) Mayock was very impressive again, and he is now tracking as a legitimate DI prospect.
NR to 209… Angel Otero Angel Otero 5'11" | CG Abington Friends School | 2023 State PA – 5’11” / Abington Friends School / BW Elite / Combo Guard: Otero has always been a hard-nosed, crafty combo guard who can absorb contact and finish at the rim. But this summer his improved 3-point stroke proved to be an effective weapon, making Otero a dual threat guard. In the championship game of the Spooky Nook Jam Fest (PA), Otero knocked home three treys (13 points total) and BW Elite took home the trophy. Now that opponents must respect his perimeter shooting, Otero can use that threat to set up his dribble-drive game. Otero can get to the cup using his excellent hesitation / change of pace skills or he can use his quickness to simply blow past a defender on a straight line.
296 to 265… Augustus Gerhart Augustus Gerhart 6'9" | PF Hill School | 2023 State PA – 6’9’ / Hill School / Philly Pride National UAA / Power Forward: On the summer grassroots circuit, Gerhart (a.k.a. “Big Aug”) really made his presence known on the interior at both ends of the floor. On offense, Gerhart showed off decent foot work and a soft touch in close with either hand. He was continually active on the offensive glass and converted second chance ops at a high rate. At the defensive end of the floor, he is an intimidating rim protector and cleans the glass. But do not make the mistake of thinking Gerhart is a plodding big. No chance. This prospect is a very athletic forward, so he can play above the rim, is a capable three-point shooter and can guard smaller players out on the perimeter. We guarantee that Gerhart will have a substantial impact for the Hill program this winter.