SEPA Scouting: New Names to Know – Part II
Malcolm Wrisby-Jefferson (C/O 2023) from Phelps School. Photo: Phelps School Athletics In the first two months of the 2021-22 season more than a few new names have emerged in southeastern Pennsylvania as legitimate college basketball prospects. Below is Part II…
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Continue ReadingIn the first two months of the 2021-22 season more than a few new names have emerged in southeastern Pennsylvania as legitimate college basketball prospects.
Below is Part II in our review of players in the region who have recently placed their name firmly on the recruiting map.
Christian Bliss – 6’3” / Sophomore / George School / NY Rens / Point Guard: The former Archbishop Molloy (NYC) scoring point guard is new to the southeastern Pennsylvania hoops scene. However, after posting games of 22, 30 and 29 points he will be the first name discussed on every opposing team’s scouting report. Bliss is especially adept at using the dribble to navigate his way through traffic for a bucket. He is a physical guard who can use his body to muscle past defenders. As a bonus to his scoring, Bliss possesses remarkable penetrate and kick skills. At the other end, Bliss is a tenacious on-ball defender.
Cam Chilson – 6’0” / Junior / Methacton / East Coast Power / Shooting Guard: Chilson is a speedy, extremely athletic, two-way prospect with excellent instincts for the game. At the offensive end Chilson knocks down threes and can operate in pick and roll action as the ball handler. He is tough to guard because of his fantastic off ball movement. Here in January 2022 this first year varsity player has really found his scoring touch. He recorded 10 points vs. Upper Merion; 12 points vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh (2 threes); 18 points (plus 3 steals) in a win over Norristown and finally, 21 points in a victory against Phoenixville. On defense, his quick hands and anticipation skills produce numerous steals or deflections. Earlier this season Chilson posted 5 steals vs. Lansdale Catholic.
Byron Hopkins – 6’0” / Senior / Upper Moreland / Point Guard: Hopkins is an amazing athlete who is also a high-level quarterback for the UM football team. On the hoops court Hopkins is one of the top off the dribble 3-point shooters we have witnessed this season. This winter Hopkins has notched games of 23 points (4 threes) vs. Cheltenham; 18 points (3 threes) vs. Upper Merion and 17 points (2 threes) against Wissahickon. Hopkins’ quick hands, tremendous foot speed and endless motor enable him to scoop up countless loose balls and then push Upper Moreland’s transition game.
Tomir Johnson – 5’10” / Senior / Dock Mennonite / Pro Youth / Combo Guard: A simply lethal perimeter shooter with range well beyond the 3-points arc, Johnson only needs a sliver of space to get off his shot. His dribble drive skills are solid enough that defenders must give some respect to that element of his game as well. Check out these scoring performances by Johnson — 20 points (4 threes) vs. Jenkintown; 20 points (5 threes) vs. New Hope-Solebury; 24 points (4 threes) vs. Dobbins Tech; and 15 points (5 threes) and 5 rebounds vs Phoenixville. Johnson’s high percentage 3-point shooting is a big reason Dock Mennonite has jumped out to a 9-2 start this season.
Debarrin Norman – 6’6” / Senior / Abington Friends School / Team Final Black / Wing: Offensively, Debarrin is a versatile prospect who can score in the post and in transition. In transition his athleticism and hops allow him to finish breaks with authority. His catch and rip game from the perimeter is developing nicely as well. He is averaging 10.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Debarrin’s highlight from the early on in the 2021-22 season came against Penn Charter when he posted 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. At the other end of the floor, Debarrin is an excellent defender with outstanding instincts. His length and athleticism allow him to maximize those instincts.
Malcolm Wrisby-Jefferson – 6’4” / Junior / Phelps School / Boys2Men / Combo Guard: Wrisby-Jefferson is a long, Swiss army knife prospect with tremendous potential. On offense he can score at all three levels, handle the ball well enough to initiate a half-court offense and is a willing passer. Defensively Wrisby-Jefferson can guard 1-5 and is a good shot blocker when he comes from the weak side. His size, athleticism and high IQ make Wrisby-Jefferson (7 ppg. & 3 rpg.) a plus player on both ends of the floor.