The Inquirer Preseason Boys' Basketball Top 10
The Inquirer TOP 10
The Inquirer TOP 10
PRESEASON BOYS' BASKETBALL
Team Rec.
With last season's record, and 2011-12 final ranking in parentheses.
NR-not ranked.
1. Chester (1) 32-0
The Clippers return three starters: Arizona recruit Rondae Jefferson, guard Darius Robinson, and 6-foot-7 forward Richard Granberry. Conrad Chambers and Isaiah Warren came over from Friends' Central and Archbishop Carroll, respectively.
2. Neumann-Goretti (2) 28-3
The three-time defending Class AAA state champs are spurred by 6-5 forward John Davis and 6-3 wing guard Ja'Quan Newton. The duo gets support from point guard Hanif Sutton, 6-5 forward Tony Toplyn, and guard Lamarr Kimble.
3. Lower Merion (3) 29-4
Four starters are back for the Aces: 6-7 guard and Syracuse recruit B.J. Johnson, 6-3 guard Raheem Hall, point guard JaQuan Johnson, and 6-4 swingman Justin McFadden. Yohanny Dalembert, a 6-8 center, provides inside muscle.
4. Imhotep Charter (NR) 22-8
Do-everything Providence recruit Brandon Austin, 6-6 forward Nigel Grant, and guard Devin Liggeons are joined by two transfers from Math, Civics & Sciences: guard Abraham Massaley and 6-6 forward Basil Thompson.
5. St. Joseph's Prep (8) 21-6
Everything revolves around Steve Vasturia (Notre Dame recruit) and Miles Overton (Wake Forest). P.J. Kelly and Kyle Thompson help out in the backcourt. Chris Clover, a 6-3 sophomore, is a JV call-up.
6. Math, Civics & Sciences (NR) 19-10
In addition to 6-7 forward Jeremiah Worthem and 6-8 center Quadir Walton, the Mighty Elephants are powered by three transfer guards: Shafeek Taylor (Roman Catholic), Britton Lee (Roman), and Louis Myers (Southern).
7. Germantown Academy (NR) 20-10
The Patriots' drive for an Inter-Ac League crown will be headed by point guard Nick Lindner, 6-9 center Julian Moore, and 6-6 forward Greg Dotson. Guard James Drury and 6-5 forward Earl Edwards round out the starting lineup.
8. Abington (NR) 20-8
Four impact players return for the speed-laden Ghosts: point guard Anthony Durham, wing guards Jordan Simmons and Jiere Morrisey, and swingman Matt Penecale. Coach Charles Grasty can use as many as 11 players.
9. Roman Catholic (10) 17-10
A solid backcourt is composed of Shep Garner and Rashann London. The Cahillites have two 6-6 forwards in TreVaughn Wilkerson and Manny Taylor. Traci Carter, a 6-1 sophomore guard, is also in the mix.
10. Archbishop Carroll (9) 20-8
Point guard Yosef Yacob, who is ticketed for Binghamton, and 6-6 forward Derrick Jones are the cornerstones for the Patriots. Intrigue surrounds the arrival of Ernest Aflakpui, a 6-9 sophomore center from Ghana.
Under consideration, listed alphabetically: Archbishop Wood (14-9), Coatesville (25-7), La Salle (11-13), Norristown (22-6), Penn Wood (16-9), Philadelphia Electrical (16-11), Roberts Vaux (15-11).
- Rick O'Brien