2021-22 Catholic League Preview: Emerging Underclassmen
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It’s hard for freshmen in the Philadelphia Catholic League to make an impact right away. And yet, guys like Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ (Archbishop Carroll 6’3 G) and Hunter Johnson…
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Continue ReadingIt’s hard for freshmen in the Philadelphia Catholic League to make an impact right away. And yet, guys like Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ (Archbishop Carroll 6’3 G) and Hunter Johnson Hunter Johnson 6'2" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 PA (Cardinal O’Hara 6’0 G) were starters putting up double-digit points. Most others either got a handful of minutes on varsity and/or played JV, then take off as sophomores and juniors. Below are some sophomores and freshmen to pay attention to as the league games get underway.
Jalil Bethea Jalil Bethea 6'4" | SG Archbishop Wood | 2024 State #5 Nation PA | Archbishop Wood 6’4 G/W 2024
As Wood’s Varsity was making their Catholic League and District title run in Spring 2021, Jalil was on JV learning and growing. To date, he has yet to start a game for Wood, yet he’s one of their most important pieces given that he’s their second leading scoring (12.8 points). Most of his points come without ever having to dribble the ball as the majority of his shots are from three and he makes 35.5% of those. On the flip side, Bethea’s defensive impact doesn’t appear in the box score, but his awareness and communication as a help-side defender show up on tape.
Khaafiq Myers Khaafiq Myers 5'10" | PG Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA | Neumann-Goretti 5’11 G ‘24
His 5.6 points per game is not going to wow anyone. Khaafiq has a low usage on offense because he’s not responsible for initiating advantages and doesn’t have plays run for him. But his passing is essential to everything the Saints do. He extends advantages created by others and links them play finishers in the form of threes or dunks. Myers uses craft and vision to throw his teammates open too. As a result, he leads the league with 5.2 assists in 5 games. He also averages 2.2 steals. Philly hoops fans are just beginning to see what Khaafiq can do on the varsity level.
Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber 6'9" | C Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State #58 Nation PA | Archbishop Ryan 6’9 C 2024
Thomas went from Trenton Catholic in the spring to making a run at Peach Jam with Team Final 15u, and is now settled in as the premiere bigs in the Catholic League. His overall level of activity around the basket is always felt. In Ryan’s first eight non-conference games, Sorber is first on the team with 16.6 points/g and leads the Catholic League in rebounds (10.3/g) and blocks (3.5/g). His interior scoring provides a steady supply of offense, shooting 59.5% on two-pointers to go along with the 69.7% he shoots when he gets to the free throw line.
Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL | Neumann-Goretti 6’0 G 2024
Rob’s minutes as a freshman were inconsistent as he played behind 2021 1st team all-PCL and current Temple guard Hysier “Fabb” Miller. As a sophomore, he’s stepping into Fabb’s shoes as the Saints leading scorer, averaging 18.4 points. Teams haven’t been able to keep him out of the lane. His self-created rim attempts and the fouls he draws (6 FTA/g) are a significant part of Neumann’s offense. The surprising part of his game is his shooting from behind the arc, where he’s making 40% of his threes on five attempts per game.
Isaac Cole | West Catholic 6’6 W/F 2025
“Ice” is the 8th guy in West Catholic’s rotation and he works hard every second of his fluctuating minutes. He contributes 4.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and approximately 2 deflections in less than 16 minutes each game. His energy and shooting will continue to swing games in their favor as they begin league play.
Shareef Jackson Shareef Jackson 6'9" | C Roman Catholic | 2025 State #249 Nation PA | Roman Catholic 6’8 F/C 2025
The Cahilite freshman is only getting about 13 minutes per game, splitting reps at the five position with a senior, but he is making them count. Though not fully responsible for anchoring the defense, Shareef’s activity on that end has earned him starts in the last two games. He’s averaging 4.4 rebounds, 1 block, and 2.6, plus 3.9 points.
Jaron McKie Jaron McKie 6'2" | SG St. Joseph's Prep | 2025 State #74 Nation PA | St. Joe’s Prep 6’1 G 2025
The Prep is building something special with their core of freshmen and sophomores. McKie plays a huge role in what they do, having started since day 1 and spacing the floor. Son of Temple Coach Aaron McKie, Jaron is shooting 60% from deep (15-25 3FG in 5 games). In their latest game against Lincoln, he went off for a season-high 27 points, going 4 of 5 on treys and 7 of 7 on free throws.
Jake West Jake West 6'1" | PG William Penn Charter | 2025 State #193 Nation PA | Archbishop Carroll 5’8 G 2025
West has been a bench spark plug in starter-level minutes for the Patriots. The young point guard contributes 7.0 points per game but it’s his play-making that is most important. Jake’s passing ability (2.6 assists) takes the burden off their three other guards and helps them get their offense going as scorers.
Honorable Mention
Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ | Archbishop Carroll 6’2 G 2024
- 17.7 pts, 39% 3FG (18-46)
Darren Williams Darren Williams 6'4" | SG Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA | Archbishop Ryan 6’4 G 2024
- 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists
“Deuce Ketner” | Bonner-Prendie 6’6 F 2024
- 7 points and 4.6 rebounds
Said Lee | Bonner-Prendie 6’0 G 2025
- 4.75 points, 2.75 assists, and 3.25 steals
Hunter Johnson Hunter Johnson 6'2" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 PA | Cardinal O’Hara 6’1 G 2024
- 11.5 points, 3 assists 47.4% 3FG
Ty Mishock Ty Mishock 5'10" | PG Spring Ford | 2024 PA | Devon Prep 5’10 G 2024
- 5.0 points and 3.2 assists
Zane Conlon Zane Conlon 6'5" | SF Devon Prep | 2025 State PA | Devon Prep 6’4 F 2025
- 4.8 points and 4 rebounds
Toby Ojukwu | Roman Catholic 6’1 G 2024
- 9.3 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 steals
Olin Chamberlain Olin Chamberlain 6'0" | PG St Joseph's Prep | 2025 State PA Jr. | St. Joe’s Prep
- 3.2 points, 2.8 assists, started all five games
Tristen Guillouette | St. Joe’s Prep 6’9 C 2024
- 11.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 blocks
Jalen Harper Jalen Harper 6'4" | PG St. Joseph’s Prep | 2024 State PA | St. Joe’s Prep 6’2 G 2024
- 8.6 points, 36% 3FG