2024 Fall Rankings: SEPA Under the Radar Prospects
[player_tooltip player_id="1153953" first="Luke" last="Bevilacqua"] of Neumann Goretti & Team Final EYBL. Earlier this week we published the fall edition of our Pennsylvania Class of 2024 prospect rankings. Today we decided to scour those rankings and unearth five players that are…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week we published the fall edition of our Pennsylvania Class of 2024 prospect rankings. Today we decided to scour those rankings and unearth five players that are flying under the radar.
Below are five southeastern Pennsylvania prospects you need to keep an eye on for the remainder of the fall and during the 2021-22 high school season, because they are sure to move up significantly in our next set of rankings.
No. 95… Pearse McGuinn Pearse McGuinn 6'8" | PF Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 State PA – 6’5” / Cardinal O’Hara / K-Low Elite / Shooting Guard: McGuinn is a 6’5” pure shooter who looks taller and longer than his listed measurements. In late June McGuinn put himself on the recruiting map by torching the nets at Philly HS Live (Session II) with his jumper. During the July live period his smooth shooting and all-around playmaking were major reasons why K-Low Elite posted a 6-1 record across their final seven games on the summer circuit. McGuinn can drain threes from all over the court and will sprinkle in a few mid-range knock downs as well. For a prospect of his length, he has proven to be a dependable ball handler. McGuinn should have a significant impact for O’Hara’s varsity team this winter.
No. 114… Luke Bevilacqua Luke Bevilacqua 6'10" | C George School | 2025 State #68 Nation PA – 6’9” / Neumann Goretti / Team Final EYBL / Power Forward: At 6’9” and 230 pounds, Bevilacqua is a skilled prospect who operates on the interior and does it very effectively. Bevilacqua owns good footwork, can establish position on the low blocks and then score with either hand. His size combined with his tenacious style of play make Bevilacqua a force on the glass. The big fella is also a solid rim protector. Every team needs a “big” who can provide a physical presence at both ends of the floor and in 2021-22 Bevilacqua will be that player for the NG Saints. The scary part is Bevilacqua has only been playing organized ball for three years.
No. 134… Aasim Burton Aasim Burton 6'3" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 State PA – 6’2” / Math, Civics & Sciences / Philly Ballhawks / Combo Guard: A versatile guard with elite scoring ability, Burton can get buckets at all 3-levels. Burton’s athleticism and speed are solid, but his quick first step is from another planet and that gift allows him to blow past defenders with ease. Once he penetrates the lane, he plays through contact and owns good body control which allows him to convert tough finishes. Nifty ball handling skills and creative change of pace moves allow Burton to create space for 3PAs or mid-range jumpers. He is the type of player who applies constant pressure on the opposing defenses. In August Burton played outstanding hoops at the CoBL Underclassman Exposure Camp and he has continued to play at a high-level during fall ball events. Burton’s arsenal of offensive abilities will make him one of the Elephant’s best scoring options this coming season. He recently picked up an offer from UTEP. We expect offers from major DI schools will come pouring in very soon.
144… Kevin McCarthy Kevin McCarthy 6'4" | SG Episcopal Academy | 2024 State PA – 6’4” / Episcopal Academy / Philly Pride Gold / Wing: During the 2020-21 season a string of injuries hit EA’s roster and McCarthy was thrust into the starting lineup. It appears the Churchmen have found their next star player. McCarthy (11.8 ppg & 3 rpg last winter) used the momentum from his EA season as a springboard for a tremendous spring/summer circuit. In June he averaged 24 ppg at the Big Shots/Philly Pride Tournament. During the July live period he was good for 20+ ppg. at the Spook Nook Jam Fest. In short, McCarthy is a walking bucket. With his pure shooting mechanics, quick release and deep range, McCarthy is lethal threat from behind the arc. His solid handles and ability to finish through contact with either hand make McCarthy an effective scoring threat off the dribble as well. A hard-nosed player with excellent court vision, an unselfish mind set and instinctive leadership skills, McCarthy can also run as a point guard if needed. This versatile prospect absolutely has DI potential.
No. 227…Christian Bliss – 6’3” / George School / NY Rens / Point Guard: Bliss if best known for shattering a backboard during his freshman year (2020) on a fast break dunk attempt. Eyewitness accounts of that insane event were all over social media back in ’20. However, this former Archbishop Molloy (NYC) scoring point guard can do much more then just elevate and flush on an opponent’s head. Bliss is especially adept at putting the ball on the floor and navigating his way through traffic for a lay-in. In transition he has been known to weave his way through an entire team for a bucket. Bliss does an excellent job of using his body and muscling his way past defenders. He also excels at penetrate and kick to the open three-point shooter dribbled drives. At the other end, Bliss is a particularly good on-ball defender. Holds offers from Siena, Bryant, and Drexel.