The Inquirer Southeastern Pa. boys' basketball Top 10

The Inquirer TOP 10

Team   Record

With last season's record, and final ranking in parentheses.

 1. Neumann-Goretti (4)    27-4

 The two-time defending Class AAA state champs are deep and talented. Derrick Stewart, a 6-foot-5 forward headed for Rider; up-and-coming wing Ja'Quan Newton; and 6-4 forward Johnny Davis lead the attack.

2. Chester (1)    31-1

The speedy Clippers have what it takes to claim an eighth state title. High-leaping wing Rondae Jefferson; 6-4 forward Erikk Wright; and the Robinson brothers, Darius and Kareem, are among the returnees for coach Larry Yarbray.

3. Friends' Central (2)    23-4

The Phoenix are not a one-man show. Amile Jefferson, a 6-8 dynamo and blue-chip recruit, gets support from three top guards: Conrad Chambers; Karonn Davis; and Billy Cassidy, a transfer from Monsignor Bonner.

4. Westtown (NR)    17-10

The team has a nice mix of experience and youth. Villanova recruit Daniel Ochefu, 6-7 Yilret Yiljep, and guard Floyd Preito are joined by transfers Jeremy Schulkin, formerly of Solebury School, and Marcus Howell (Phoenixville).

5. Math, Civics & Sciences (NR)    26-5

Jeremiah Worthem, a 6-6, 190-pound swingman, and 6-6 forward Quentin Davis get support from three quality transfers: Malik Starkes (Olney), Abraham Massaley (Prep Charter), and Basil Thompson (Roman Catholic).

6. Imhotep Charter (3)    31-3

The Panthers lost three Division I recruits but are again a force. Khyree Wooten, a 6-2 wing, and 6-6 forward Brandon Austin are the cornerstones. Help comes from guard Kamani Jordan and football star Shakur Nesmith.

7. Lower Merion (NR)    19-10

Look for the Aces to take the Central League crown away from Upper Darby and make major playoff noise. A solid nucleus is made up of lead guard Raheem Hall, 6-6 forward Darryl Reynolds, and 6-4 forward Mike Robbins.

8. St. Joseph's Prep (NR)    14-9

Four starters are back for the Hawks: combination guard and Notre Dame recruit Steve Vasturia, 6-4 swingman Miles Overton, and wing guards Gene Williams and Kevin Oberlies. P.J. Kelly, a point guard, is also in the mix.

9. Constitution (NR)    25-6

Junior combo guard Daiquan Walker and the Generals happily welcome two 6-6 transfers: Savon Goodman, formerly of the Academy of the New Church, and Craig Slade (Bonner). Ahmad Gilbert, a 6-3 lefty wing, is a promising freshman.

10. Roman Catholic (NR)    17-9

The Cahillites lack veteran leadership, but have a number of productive underclassmen. Shep Garner, Shafeek Taylor, and Rip Engel head the Class of 2014. Trevaughn Wilkerson, a 6-5 freshman, is a rookie-of-the-year candidate.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically): Archbishop Carroll (21-6), Council Rock North (27-3), Malvern Prep (24-7), Penn Wood (23-9), Philadelphia Electrical (23-6).

- Rick O'Brien