SEPA Spring Grassroots Report: Week 6 – Part II
In this article:
Shawn Simmons of Team Durant. As we mentioned in the SEPA Spring Grassroots Report article posted on Tuesday, this past weekend was an extremely busy one for grassroots teams from southeastern Pennsylvania. With competitive tournaments in Albany, NY; Scranton, Pennsylvania;…
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Continue ReadingAs we mentioned in the SEPA Spring Grassroots Report article posted on Tuesday, this past weekend was an extremely busy one for grassroots teams from southeastern Pennsylvania.
With competitive tournaments in Albany, NY; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Spooky Nook, PA; and Hampton Roads, Virginia there were plenty of opportunities for prospects to catch the attention of college coaches. So, we thought Week 6 of the spring grassroots circuit needed some bonus coverage.
Below is Part II in our review of prospects from southeastern PA (and beyond) who impressed with their outstanding play on the grassroots circuit this past weekend.
17U (2023)
Maki Pettigrew – 6’0” / Junior / SLA at Beeber / SK Elite 17 / Combo Guard: Pettigrew is coming off a breakout high school season in which he posted 12 ppg. and at the HG Southern Jam Fest (VA) he showed no signs of letting up. He is a versatile backcourt prospect who can play either guard spot. Pettigrew’s quick first step and elusive handles allow him to operate as a lead guard who can score or distribute off the bounce. When he slides over to the shooting guard spot, Pettigrew can slash to the basket for a catch and lay-in. The occasional 3-ball is also part of his scoring arsenal.
Priest Ryan – 6’6” / Junior / Perkiomen School / Team Final EYBL / Power Forward: After a solid season for Perkiomen School, Ryan played at an elevated level at the Gym Rats Live event (NY). He is a traditional power forward who does his offensive damage on the interior. He is especially effective on second chance opportunities. Ryan is a long, fast, athlete with hops which means he can also play above the rim in transition. He is a force on the defensive glass too.
Shawn Simmons – 6’6” / Junior / Hillcrest Prep (AZ) / Team Durant / Wing: Yes, we know Simmons goes to school in Arizona. However, he is a Philly native, and it has been some time since we scouted him. So, here is an update. Simmons has grown into an astonishing athlete who plays the game with unmatched energy and tenacity. He is a legit 6’6” with an even longer wingspan. At the Gym Rats Live tournament (NY), he was a dominant shooter / scorer from the mid-range to the rim. At the other end, Simmons can guard 2 through 5. He currently holds numerous offers from Big East and A-10 schools.
16U (2024)
Dior Kennedy – 6’3” / Coatesville / Team Final Red / Wing: Kennedy is a fast-rising 2024 prospect who can score the ball at all three levels. He is especially successful when he uses a crossover dribble to blow by a defender for a lay-in or to create space for his 3-point shot. Kennedy has tremendous foot speed, tight handles, and long arms, so he is built for the transition game. On defense, he is an on-ball menace who frequently picks opposing guard’s pockets.
Darren Williams Darren Williams 6'4" | SG Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA – 6’3” / Archbishop Ryan / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: At the Gym Rats Live tournament (NY) Williams once again showed that he is muscular guard who plays with a unique physical style. When you combine that physicality with his filthy handles, it means Williams can get his spots with ease. Additionally, this lefty can splash threes from all around the arc. Of course, he can score the rock on the break too. For a guard, Williams is a decent shot blocker.
Ryan Williams Ryan Williams 6'3" | SG Malvern Prep | 2024 State PA – 6’4” / Malvern Prep / Philly Pride National UAA / Combo Guard: During the 2021-22 high school season Williams led the always competitive Inter-Ac in scoring (18 ppg.). On the 2022 spring grassroots circuit this wiry combo guard has continued to score the rock at an astonishing clip. This past weekend at the KYDA Invitational (Scranton, PA) he gave opponents buckets at all three levels. Williams is especially lethal when he can create separation off the dribble for a 3-ball or to get to his stop & pop game.
Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL – 6’1” / Neumann Goretti / Team Final EYBL / Point Guard: Over the last three months, Wright has been firing on all cylinders and his recruiting stock has skyrocketed. He closed the high school season as the leading scorer in the PCL (19.2 ppg.) and then piloted NG to the PIAA 4A state title. This spring Wright has been slaying foes on the grassroots circuit. His latest accomplishment was leading Team Final to a 4-0 record and the 16U title at the Gym Rats Live tournament (NY). His extraordinary level of all-around guard play earned him age group MVP honors at that marquee event.
15U (2025)
Kenny Gatling – 6’3” / Wilmington Christian (DE) / Philly Pride 302 / Combo Guard: Gatling possesses a noteworthy dribble drive skill set, which is especially effective when he attacks the rim from the baseline. If he cannot get all the way to the cup, Gatling will unleash his nice floater game. At the HG Southern Jam Fest (VA), Gatling showed on the defensive end that he is capable of blocking perimeter jumpers as well as field goal attempts in the paint.
Kai Shinholster Kai Shinholster 6'5" | SG William Penn Charter | 2025 State #133 Nation PA – 6’3” / Penn Charter / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: A standout 2021-22 high school season further enhanced Shinholster’s reputation as a lights out 3-point shooter. Last weekend at the Gym Rats Live event (NY), Shinholster again drained a slew of threes. However, Shinholster also showed that he owns the basketball IQ to recognize when to use a ball fake, then a few dribbles to create space for scoring opportunities inside the arc. His length and quickness make Shinholster a solid rebounding guard. Watch closely and you will notice that Shinholster plays the game with next level poise.
Kai Stryhn – 6’3” / York Suburban / York Ballers / Shooting Guard: Stryhn is a an elite three–point shooter who has logo range on his stroke. When a defender closes out too quickly, Stryhn will make the extra pass or put the ball on the floor to get to his mid-range jumper. Stryhn helped the York Ballers to a 4-0 record and their division title at the ZG MidAtlantic Coaches vs. Cancer tournament (Manheim, PA).