Updated Rankings: 2023 SEPA Stock Risers
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[player_tooltip player_id="1378453" first="Ruben" last="Rodriguez"] from Reading. Photo: @Rubrodriguez25 On Wednesday we published our updated 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.…
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Continue ReadingOn Wednesday we published our updated 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 , Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA and Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA .
So today we will review the Pennsylvania Class of 2023 rankings and review six players who used the 2021 “fall ball” events as well as the 2021-22 high school season to increase their recruiting stock significantly.
Below are six southeastern Pennsylvania 2023 stock risers you need to keep an eye on for the remainder of this high school post season and into the spring grassroots circuit.
114 to 47… Ruben Rodriguez Ruben Rodriguez 6'2" | PG Reading | 2023 State PA – 6’0” / Reading / Team Final EYBL / Point Guard: In 2020-21 Rodriguez was as a distributing floor general for an extremely talented Reading team that captured the 6A state title. This winter, Rodriguez took on more of a scoring point guard role, posting a school record 50-burger (in 3 quarters of play) vs. Daniel Boone as well as 35 points against Berks Catholic. His versatile, well-rounded skill set is now next level. On the season Rodriguez averaged 19.4 ppg., cracked the 1,000-point mark for his career and was recently named the 2021-22 Berks Conference POY. Over the last two seasons he has guided Reading to 50 wins and counting.
60 to 48… Onyekachi Nzeh Onyekachi Nzeh 6'9" | PF George School | 2023 State PA – 6’9” / George School / Team Final EYBL / Power Forward: “Kachi’s” 7’3” wingspan, athleticism, leaping ability and soft touch have made him a dominant interior prospect for years. In 2021-22 it was his significantly upgraded jump shot that caused his stock to rise further. This big man can now hit jumpers from the baseline, elbows and even behind the arc. This season “Kachi” averaged a double-double — 21 points and 10 rebounds per game. His superb winter was highlighted by a 35-point (2 threes) performance vs. Abington Friends. With another year remaining at George School to further develop his jumper, “Kachi” should make for an extraordinary stretch-4 player in college. He now holds over 15 high major college offers.
NR to 133… Josh Coulanges Josh Coulanges 5'9" | PG Cardinal O'Hara | 2023 State PA – 6’0’’ / Cardinal O’Hara / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: Entering the 2021-22 season, Coulanges was more of a scoring two guard who could put points on the scoreboard at the rim and in the mid-range. This winter his potential to play as a distributing lead guard revealed itself and thus, he skyrocketed up our rankings. As the extremely talented, but young O’Hara roster developed around him, Coulanges used his slick handles to his facilitate for others more often. His ability to drive and kick or drive and drop a dime to an interior teammate was on full display this season. But make no mistake, this 2023 prospect can still get buckets (10.8 ppg.; 46% FGAs). As his 3-point shot continues develop he will become a 3-level scoring prospect.
NR to 162… Andrew Phillips Andrew Phillips 6'3" | SF Malvern Prep | 2023 State PA – 6’3’’ / Malvern Prep / 610 City / Wing: In 2020-21 Phillips was a reserve who averaged only 8 points per game. This season the physical (215 lbs.) and extremely athletic prospect earned a spot in MP’s first five and his stock took off from there. Phillips is an aggressive offensive player who is difficult to stop because of his versatility. He is comfortable operating on the interior as a power forward or he can play on the perimeter as a high percentage 3-point shooter. This season Phillips is averaged 15.5 points as well as 5.3 rebounds per contest. He recorded notable games of 26, 23 and 22 points. As a bonus to his scoring, Phillips is a plus defender, who led Malvern in steals and provided solid rim protection. Phillips’ 2021-22 breakout season was recognized with an All-Inter-Ac 1st Team selection.
265 to 164… Augustus Gerhart Augustus Gerhart 6'9" | PF Hill School | 2023 State PA – 6’9’’ / Hill School / Philly Pride National / Power Forward: One would be hard pressed to name another 2023 big who has increased his recruiting stock as much as Gerhart over the last six months. For some time now Gerhart has been an efficient interior scoring threat. For a big fella he possesses elite athleticism and smooth footwork. Then this season his mid-range jump shot started clicking and he even began to sprinkle in a few made threes. Those added offensive elements are the reason for his climb in our rankings. Gerhart averaged 19 ppg. along with 9 rpg. this winter and was a 2021-22 Mid-Atlantic Prep League All-League Selection. He recently picked up offers from two of the Ivies — Penn and Columbia.
278 to 225… Charlie Thornton Charlie Thornton 6'4" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA – 6’4” / Radnor / Prim3 Tim3 / Wing: Thornton’s skill set took enormous steps forward this season. He showed significant improvement in his shooting stroke and is now a legitimate three-point threat. Thornton (11 ppg.) also improved his ability to blow by a defender with one or two dribbles for lay-in. His development into a reliable half-court scorer was a big reason for Radnor’s historic success this season (22-3, playing in District 1-5A championship game). Plus, he still excels in transition where he can finish on an opponent’s head. Thornton recorded a season high 20-points vs. Marple-Newtown and posted two double-doubles this winter.