Archbishop Carroll is our pick as the top boys basketball team in Pennsylvania. Also watch out for Imhotep Charter, Neumann-Goretti, Roman Catholic and Great Valley.
Derrick Jones will look to lead Archbishop Carroll to a state title in 2013-14.
Photo by Paul Burdick
MaxPreps 2013-14 Pennsylvania Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor)Head coach: Paul Romanczuk
2012-13 record: 23-7 and lost to Imhotep Charter, 54-45, in the PIAA Class AAA state championship
The Patroits enter this year with a ton of expectations. They defeated Greensburg Salem, 75-54, to win the 2009 Class AAA state title and are heavy favorites to win another Class AAA state championship this year. The Pats return probably the best player in the state in
Derrick Jones (6-6, Jr., F), who’s on everyone’s list, and has gotten offers from majors like Kentucky. Jones averaged a double-double, with 14.2 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 3.5 bpg. He does it all.
Inside presence
Ernest Aflakpui (6-10, Jr., C) returns after averaging 6.8 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Rounding out a talented group will be
Joe Mostardi (6-1, Sr., G), and newcomers
Austin Tilghman (6-1, Sr., G) and
David Beatty (6-2, Fr., G) give the Pats a solid backcourt.
Armand Sorrentino (6-4, Sr., F) provides strong defense.
"I could try my hardest to deflect this, and say that other teams are the teams to beat, but I understand other people look at us and have high expectations for us," Romanczuk said. "But expectations are just that. The talent that we have is just that — stuff that you can put on paper. We have to make sure we prepare and work hard like champions as well. Hopefully at the end of this season, we’ll be the ones holding up that gold ball. This is probably the most talented team I’ve ever had."
2. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)Head coach: Andre Noble
2012-13 record: 28-5 and won PIAA Class AAA state title with a 54-45 win over Archbishop Carroll for a third conseuctive state crown (the previous two came as a Class AA school)
Basil Thompson (6-6, Sr., F), a St. Francis commit, will be asked to play a larger role for the Panthers to make up for the graduation of all-everything Brandon Austin, now at Providence. One thing is for certain — Imhotep will be large, with
Deion Evans (6-7, Sr., F) and
Dymire Logan (6-7, Jr., F) joining Thompson in the frontcourt.
Jakwan Jones (5-11, Sr., G) will handle the point and
Devin Liggeons (6-3, Jr., G) and
Carnel Harley (6-6, Jr., F) could play vital roles.
3. Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia)Head coach: Carl Arrigale
2012-13 record: 23-6 and lost to Donegal, 55-50, in the PIAA Class AAA state quarterfinals snapping a run of three straight state championships
Miami-bound
Ja'Quan Newton (6-2, Sr., G) has been a little spoiled his first few years with the Saints, winning state titles his freshman and sophomore years. Newton, who averaged 18.4 ppg last year, would like to go out a winner. Athletic
Jamal Custis (6-5, Sr., F), a Syracuse football commit,
Lamarr Kimble (5-11, Jr., G) and
Troy Harper (6-3, Jr., G) will try to support him in that endeavor.
4. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)Head coach: Chris McNesby
2012-13 record: 19-7 and lost to Norristown, 79-66, in the first round of the PIAA Class AAAA state playoffs
The Cahillites enter this year with a little something to prove. They were embarrassed by being ousted in the first round of the state playoffs, and aim to change that this year. Roman has arguably the best backcourt in the state in Penn State-bound
Shep Garner (6-2, Sr., G) and Drexel-bound
Rashaan London (6-2, Sr., G). Watch for new addition
Tony Carr (6-1, So., G), a transfer from Abington Friends who will be asked to handle the point, freeing up London and Garner. Another transfer,
Gemil Holbrook (6-5, Jr., F), will bolster a frontcourt that features
TreVaughn Wilkerson (6-6, Jr., F) and
Manny Taylor (6-5, Jr., F).
Khalif Kroma (6-8, So., F) could play a key role.
5. Great Valley (Malvern)Head coach: Jim Nolan
2012-13 record: 28-4 record and lost in the PIAA Class AAAA state quarterfinals to Chester, 55-42
The Patriots could be party crashers this year in District 1, which has produced the last six PIAA Class AAAA (large school) state champions. A large reason why is the return of Villanova-bound
Mikal Bridges (6-7, Sr., F), who averaged 20 ppg and 8 rpg. Bridges will be joined by
Ryan Buchholz (6-5, Sr., F) and
Cyree Ames (5-8, Sr., G). The Pats may be the sexy pick in the toughest district in the state, with state powers Chester and Lower Merion lurking.
