Chester is a national power and an obvious choice for the top spot in Pennsylvania.
Photo by Ken Inness
1. ChesterHead coach: Larry Yarbray
2011-12 finish: 32-0, Class AAAA state champions
The
Clippers are not only the best in the state, but among the top teams in
the country, finishing No. 5 in the country by MaxPreps last season.
It's also where the Clippers will begin again this year. Chester carries the nation's
second-longest winning streak in the nation, 58 games, behind St.
Anthony's 60-game streak and is a combined 63-1 over the last two
seasons. This storied team has won eight state titles, more than any
other large school in state history. This could be Chester's best team,
going for a third-straight state title. The hub of the Clippers is
Arizona-bound
Rondae Jefferson (6-7, Sr., G/F), but they also return
Richard Granberry (6-6, Sr., F) and
Darius Robinson (6-2, Sr., G).
Conrad Chambers (6-0, Jr., G) transferred in from Friends Central and
gives a strong backcourt even more depth.
View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings2. Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia)Head coach: Carl Arrigale
2011-12 finish: 28-3, Class AAA state champions
The
Saints will be going for a fourth-straight state championship and
what's more, they have powerhouse Chester on their schedule.
Neumann-Goretti finished No. 20 in the country, according to MaxPreps,
and start this season at No. 12. Topping the list of returnees is one of the
top juniors in the nation, point guard
Ja'Quan Newton (6-2, Jr., G).
The Saints also return power forward
John Davis (6-4, Sr., F), and a
pair of solid juniors in
Jamal Custis (6-6, Jr., F) and
Tony Toplyn
(6-5, Jr., F). Here's the problem: The Philadelphia Catholic League is
loaded, with Archbishop Carroll now carrying 6-10 Ernest Aflakpui, St.
Joseph's Prep with Steve Vasturia (Notre Dame) and Miles Overton (Wake
Forest). The Saints open their season at Class AAAA state runner-up
Lower Merion.
View all of our Pennsylvania boys basketball photo galleries3. Lower Merion (Ardmore)Head coach: Gregg Downer
2011-12 finish: 29-4, Class AAAA state runner-up
The
Aces would be state champs in most other states, their one problem is
the scourge of Pennsylvania, perennial power Chester. Two of Lower
Merion's four losses came against the Clippers, once in the District 1
finals and then in the state championship. Syracuse-bound
B.J. Johnson
(6-6, Sr., F) tops the list of players back, joined by
Yohanny Dalembert
(6-6, Sr., F),
Jaquan Johnson (5-11, Jr., G),
Justin McFadden (6-3,
Jr., F),
Raheem Hall (6-1, Sr., G),
Corey Sherman (5-10, So., G),
Baird Howland (6-5, Sr. guard-forward) and
Jule Brown (6-5, So., F). Downer is one of the best coaches in the state, and he'll have a whole
season to devise a scheme that somehow unseats Chester. Downer also
isn't afraid to play anyone. Lower Merion opens the season against
Neumann-Goretti.
View last season's Pennsylvania boys basketball Freeman Rankings4. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)Head coach: Speedy Morris
2011-12
finish: 21-6, District 12 Class AAAA champion
The Hawks have arguably the
best backcourt in the state in Notre Dame commit
Stephen Vasturia (6-5,
Sr., G) and Wake Forest-bound
Miles Overton (6-4, Sr., G). The problem
is they're also the tallest players on Prep's team and will be asked to
do more than shoot. Legendary coach Speedy Morris is another asset. He
gets the most out of his players, and it's a team that slightly
underachieved last year, losing in the first round of the PIAA state
playoffs. Back with Vasturia and Overton are
Pj Kelly (5-10, Sr., G),
Kyle Thompson (6-1, Jr., G) and
Chris Clover (6-1, So. G). Rebounding
and sharing the ball are Morris' top concerns. A killer schedule
features tests with Neumann-Goretti and Philadelphia Public League
powerhouse Imhotep Charter.
View last season's Pennsylvania boys basketball stats leaderboard5. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)Head coach: Chris McNesby
2011-12 finish: 18-10, lost to Lower Merion in Class AAAA state playoffs
The
Cahillites were a young team that made some splashes last year. They
opened the season with a victory over Lower Merion, and grew and matured
as the season progressed. The main nucleus of an 18-win team returns,
topped by
Shep Garner (Jr., 6-2, G),
Trevaughn Wilkerson (6-6, So., F),
Shafeek Taylor (6-7, So., F),
Traci Carter (6-0, So., G),
Rashann London
(6-2, Jr., G),
Matt Simon (6-1, Sr., G) and
Hezekiah Trahn (6-4, Jr.,
F). Guard play and Roman's up-tempo style are strengths. Carter and
Garner are the catalysts. The biggest need for the team is
for everyone to remain healthy.
View last season's Pennsylvania boys basketball playoff brackets
