Next Man Up: 2024 Potential Breakout Players
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Junior year is really where players start to blossom and show on the varsity level as they step into bigger roles. Here are a few names in the 2024 class who flashed in the summer or who I wasn’t able…
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Continue ReadingJunior year is really where players start to blossom and show on the varsity level as they step into bigger roles. Here are a few names in the 2024 class who flashed in the summer or who I wasn’t able to see at open gym, but will turn up this season.
Kevin Addison 6’4 & Kamani Healey 6’3 | Cheltenham
Cheltenham won the Suburban One League title in 21-22 but could be even better this season with the progression of their two junior wings. Healy can knock it down from deep at a high rate. Addison can stretch the floor too but scores more as a slasher. In Coach Pat’s scheme, they both punish opposing teams on defense and generate transition buckets with rebounds and steals. The tandem is gong to be a problem in the Suburban One League this year.
Laquan Byrd Laquan Byrd 6'3" | SF Father Judge | 2024 State PA | W 6’4 Father Judge
Byrd missed most of his sophomore season with injury and returned with 5 games left. In the span, he was one of the most productive players in the PCL, averaging 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 50% from three (8 of 16). Byrd is a threat to catch-and-shoot or attack closeouts. He uses his strength when playing through contact and when taking on bigger wings defensively.
Amari Dow Amari Dow 6'2" | SG Cristo Rey Philadelphia | 2024 State PA | G 6’3 Cristo Rey
Dow plays with a battery in his back. You can see it when he’s fearlessly driving to the cup and pushing it in transition. He gets open threes moving without the ball and makes the extra pass. Most of all, the left two-guard sells out on defense and when grabbing boards. He’ll be a signature piece on a sneaky good Blue Pride team this season.
Larenzo Jerkins Larenzo Jerkins 6'5" | PF Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA | F 6’5 Neumann-Goretti
Jerkins has put in the necessary work to improve all-around since he returned home to Philly from Chester. He makes a living as a high energy, small-ball “big”, who can clean the glass and has a face-up game. But he’s slowly extending his skills to the perimeter. His finishing is enhanced by his ability to play in the open floor and hit spot-up threes.
Kevin Rucker Kevin Rucker 6'5" | SG Bonner-Prendergast | 2024 State PA Jr | G 6’5 Bonner-Prendie
Rucker Jr was also at Chester a season ago. The skill that stands out most in his role with the Friars is attacking on the move. “Pop” is committed to getting into the lane whether it’s off of a DHO or a simple cut. His secondary creation usually leads to quality shots in the paint, free throw attempts (which he knocks down), or an open look for someone else.
Delaware Special: Justin Hinds | W/F 6’5 Salesianum
Sallies lost the state’s POY (Justin Molen) to graduation and have tapped Hinds to fill some of that void. With a plus wingspan, he excels as a lateral mover, able to guard perimeter at the point of attack. His soccer background is evident when he’s working under/over screens to blanket his man and contest shots. The increase in minutes should accelerate his development offensively too.
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