ALLENTOWN, PA – In a significant move aimed at accommodating its expanding reach, the prestigious Black Cager Fall Classic, one of the nation’s premier pre-season boys’ basketball events, will be held at the newly opened Executive Education Field House in Allentown, PA. This marks a new chapter for the beloved fall tradition, now celebrating its 10th year, with team registration currently open for the event scheduled on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Previously hosted at William Allen High School and the East Side Youth Center since 2022, the Black Cager Fall Classic has outgrown these venues, which hosted the event after its initial eight-year stint in Philadelphia. The move to the Executive Education Field House, a 28,200-square-foot facility, signifies a commitment to future growth, with expectations to host 96 teams in its inaugural year at this new location.
“The continued success of the Fall Classic is a reflection of Allentown’s pride and commitment to providing youth with first-rate modern athletic facilities,” said Delgreco Wilson, Executive Director of Black Cager Sports. “Participating coaches and players were blown away by the accommodations. With four brand-new hardwood regulation courts and highly visible scoreboards for each court, the basketball facilities are on par with high major Division 1 programs,” Wilson added.
The Executive Education Field House is uniquely equipped to handle such a large event, boasting over 2,000 parking spaces and elevators for disabled or injured patrons. The collaboration between Executive Education Academy Charter School and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has resulted in a facility that serves as a major asset not only to the school and Allentown but the entire region.
“The Field House hosted the Black Cager Pre-Live Summer Classic featuring over 30 teams in June. The positive feedback from that event confirmed that this facility is perfect for our growing needs,” Wilson noted.
The Fall Classic is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and has a storied history of featuring players who have gone on to become McDonald’s All-Americans and NBA draftees, including Jalen Duren, Seth Lundy, and Bub Carrington. Since 2015, over 100 participants have progressed to play NCAA Division 1 basketball.
For more information on the tournament, including visitor details, ticket sales, schedules, team information, sponsorship opportunities, and more, please visit delgrecowilson.com. Media Inquiries and Sponsorship Opportunities:
Delgreco Wilson, Founder, Black Cager Sports
Email: blackcager@gmail.com
Phone: 856-366-0992
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Black Cager Sports Media continues to lead in promoting and celebrating high school basketball excellence. Through events, media coverage, and community engagement, they foster the growth and development of young athletes, providing a platform for their talents to shine.
About Black Cager Sports Media: Black Cager Sports Media is dedicated to promoting, covering, and celebrating basketball excellence at the high school level. Through a combination of events, media coverage, and community engagement, Black Cager Sports Media aims to foster growth and development among young athletes while providing a platform for their talents to shine.
For more information on the Black Cager Fall Classic and related events, visit delgrecowilson.com.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 14, 2024 – The world of college basketball scholarships has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, and the epicenter of this transformation lies in the transfer portal. Once a mere footnote in the recruiting process, the transfer portal has now become a game-changer, reshaping the landscape for both high school prospects and college coaches.
The Transfer Portal: A New Frontier
Imagine a bustling marketplace where athletes can freely explore their options, unshackled by the traditional constraints of commitment. That’s the transfer portal—a digital agora where players can test the waters, seek greener pastures, and redefine their collegiate destinies. No longer bound by the rigid boundaries of their initial commitment, student-athletes can now move with unprecedented fluidity.
The Recruiting Dance: A New Choreography
For college coaches, the transfer portal has rewritten the recruiting playbook. Gone are the days when coaches could meticulously court high school phenoms, nurturing them from raw talent to polished stars. Instead, they find themselves wading through a sea of experienced players who have already tasted the college game. These transfer prospects arrive battle-tested, their skills honed in the crucible of actual competition.
The Second (and Third) Act
In this new era, players transferring for the second or even third time are no longer outliers—they’re the norm. The transfer portal grants immediate eligibility, allowing these seasoned athletes to step onto the court without missing a beat. Their maturity, physicality, and court awareness make them coveted assets for college programs hungry for instant impact.
The High School Dilemma
But what of the high school prospects—the fresh-faced dreamers who once held the keys to college basketball scholarships? Their path has grown rockier. With more than 2,000 transfer prospects flooding the market, coaches now have a buffet of options. Why invest in an untested high schooler when a battle-tested transfer is readily available?
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s crunch the numbers. In the Big Ten alone, 79 scholarship players entered the transfer portal during the recent window. These weren’t just fringe players; some were major contributors. The transfer frenzy has left high school recruits jostling for attention, their star potential overshadowed by the allure of experience.
The Way Forward
As we navigate this brave new world, we must strike a balance. Yes, the transfer portal offers exciting opportunities for athletes seeking fresh starts. But let’s not forget the magic of discovering raw talent—the high school kid with fire in their eyes, dreaming of cutting down nets. College coaches, take heed: The next superstar might still be shooting hoops in a high school gym.
In the end, the transfer portal isn’t the villain—it’s the catalyst for change. As we recalibrate our expectations, let’s remember that every journey begins somewhere. Perhaps, just perhaps, the next college basketball legend is dribbling a ball on a high school court, waiting for their chance to shine.
High School Live Periods
In the world of college basketball recruiting, there remain High School Live Periods when coaches focus their attention on high school prospects. These critical junctures allow coaches to assess both academic qualifications and playing ability. Among these periods, two specific windows stand out: June 21-23 and June 28-30. During these six days, Division 1 college coaches engage in off-campus activities to evaluate prospective student-athletes. Importantly, no in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts occur during these evaluation periods.
Black Cager Pre-Live Summer Classic
The Philadelphia/Camden region boasts one of the nation’s premier live events for high school prospects: “Philly Live.” Hundreds of Division I college coaches converge on Philadelphia annually to scout local talent. For high school coaches, participation in Philly Live has become essential—a strategic move to position their players for basketball scholarships. But there’s more: the Black Cager Pre-Live Summer Classic, taking place on June 15th and 16th, offers an additional opportunity. This event allows coaches to “warm up” their teams with two highly competitive games, closely mirroring the actual live period. Coaches can analyze game footage from these matchups to prepare for the high school live period.
While Division I coaches cannot attend the Black Cager Summer Classic, hundreds of small college coaches do. NAIA, Division II, and Division III coaches actively recruit players at Black Cager events. For high school coaches aiming to help their players secure college scholarships, participating in Black Cager tournaments is a strategic move that pays huge dividends. It’s an opportunity to showcase talent, build connections, and open doors for aspiring student-athletes. So, as the calendar turns to those crucial June days, the basketball world watches, and high school coaches seize their limited opportunities to shape the future of the game for the young men in their respective programs.
Tyler “Hype” Jackson is a Baltimore phenom and the number 1 point guard prospect in the class of 2025. Hailing from St. Frances Academy, he is garnering attention as one of the best guards in the nation, and for good reason. Playing alongside two high major wings Jahnathan LaMothe (Maryland) and Carlton Carrington (Pitt) last season, Jackson was often the finest player on the floor as a sophomore.
Tyler Jackson, ’25
More importantly, Jackson’s demeanor and behavior are truly commendable, especially considering his status as a top 10 prospect in his class. It is evident that his family, particularly his mother Ro’Shelle and Aunt Kimberly, have instilled in him values of respect, humility, and dignity. Their influence on him is clearly reflected in the way he carries himself both on and off the court.
The absence of arrogance and entitlement in a young athlete of his caliber is a refreshing departure from the stereotype often associated with elite urban athletes. Jackson’s embodiment of a throwback scholar-athlete highlights his dedication not only to his athletic pursuits but also to his academic endeavors.
His ability to remain unfailingly polite and respectful while being in the limelight is a testament to his character and the strong foundation laid by his family. Such qualities not only make him a standout athlete but also a positive role model for aspiring young athletes.
In a sports world where some individuals may succumb to the pressures of fame and success, Jackson stands as a shining example of how one can achieve greatness while maintaining humility and a strong sense of responsibility. His approach to life and sports serves as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, and maintaining a sense of perspective regardless of one’s achievements.
Jackson’s unique combination and maturity and breathtaking basketball skills have made him a highly desired prospect. Not yet an 11th grader, he has offers from Kentucky, LSU, Alabama and Mississippi State in the SEC. Big 10 offers have come in from Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers and Penn State. His ACC offers include Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Syracuse.DePaul and Seton Hall have come calling from the Big East. The Big 12 is represented by Kansas and Houston. These are just some of the scholarship offers Jackson is sorting through.
On the court, he has proven himself a worthy successor to the legendary Panther point guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin (VCU/Penn State). Jackson is already displaying impressive physical attributes and highly advanced basketball skills. Standing at around 6’3″ with a wingspan measuring 6’6.5″, he possesses a great combination of size and length for a point guard. His athleticism is exceptional, with remarkable speed and quickness that sets him apart from his peers. Fiercely competitive, he plays his best in big games with everything on the line. He willed his Team Thrill 16U squad to the UAA Championship a few weeks ago.
Jackson consistently gets buckets in bunches. In one weekend on he EYBL this summer, he averaged over 30 ppg against elite competition. Plainly stated, his scoring ability is nothing short of extraordinary. With an explosive first step, he can blow past defenders from a standstill position or off the dribble. His ability to change speeds effortlessly makes him very elusive and extremely difficult to guard man to man. In transition, he is an absolute blur with the ball, racing past opponents to finish above the rim regularly. Jackson will bang it on bigger men. Moreover, his tight handle and variety of dribble moves allow him to break down defenders and get to the rim at will.
While his 3-point jumper is still a work in progress, Jackson is already a highly proficient mid-range shooter off the dribble. His mechanics are sound, and he gets good elevation, allowing him to release the ball high, which bodes well for future development. With continued practice and refinement, his 3-point shooting range and consistency will improve over time.
As a point guard, Jackson has outstanding potential as a playmaker. He possesses excellent court vision and an ability to see over the top of defenses due to his height. He keeps his head up in transition, leading to accurate passes to teammates on the move. He is already possesses an elite understanding of how to attack in the pick-and-roll and in isolation situations. He consistently creates solid scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Defensively, Jackson is already displaying a high level of potential. His lateral quickness, length, and instincts make him a disruptive force on the defensive end. He is quick to anticipate passing lanes and uses his active hands to force turnovers. Moreover, his ability to pressure full court and stay engaged off the ball showcases his commitment to making an impact on both ends of the floor.
While Tyler Jackson is already an exceptional young talent, there are areas he can further develop. Playing in the nationally renowned St. Frances Academy program, for Coach Nick Myles, the sky is the limit when it comes to his development over next 24 months. Improving his shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc, will make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Additionally, continued growth as a decision-maker and honing his defensive techniques will elevate his game to new heights.
Overall, Tyler Jackson is a “SupaHighMajah” point guard prospect. With his size, athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, he has the potential to become one of the most exciting and dominant point guards of his generation. As he continues to refine his game and mature physically, expect to see him make waves on the national stage for the next two years at St. Frances and and contribute immediately in college and beyond.
There is a huge demand for high quality basketball… Hoopheads want to watch talented players in tightly contested games… On one hand, elite high school programs throughout the mid-Atlantic region are delivering… On the other hand, College programs? Not so much…
In recent weeks, Black Cager Sports has covered some of the finest scholastic basketball America has to offer. We were courtside for Camden vs Roman Catholic, Neumann-Goretti vs Roman Catholic, Reading vs Wilson West Lawn, Archbishop Wood vs Roman Catholic, Neumann-Goretti vs Archbishop Wood, Camden vs Roselle Catholic and Poly (MD) vs St. Frances (MD).
Rahsool Diggins defended by Hysier Miller. Photo Credit: Mark Jordan, Raw Sports
These were wonderful games featuring highly ranked players. Nearly every contest featured a few HIGH major Division 1 prospects and, in some cases, as many as 10 or 11 low to mid-major D1 prospects were on the floor at the same time.
The strong thirst for high level basketball is evidenced by the insatiable demand for tickets to these games. There was, literally speaking, not any empty seat available for any of these contests. The Camden/Roman game, Reading/Wilson game and Philadelphia Catholic League games were sold out within hours of the tickets being made available.
Hakim Bryd defended by Jaylen Stinson. Photo Credit: Mark Jordan, Raw Sports
The fact that tickets were NOT available only served as a slight deterrent to dedicated and determined Philadelphia area hoopheads. It merely added an element of creativity to the mission… They showed up anyway looking for a side door, a window, a heating duct… Any possible means of ingress. When all else fails, some deploy a high powered ‘blitz’ that hasn’t been seen round these parts since the departure of legendary Eagles coach Buddy Ryan.
Shit is that serious… Tickets to elite HS school basketball tickets move like Popeye’s chicken sandwiches when they first return to the menu.
I absolutely love packed gyms, highly ranked teams, intense rivalries and good players. This is basketball as it was meant to be played. The high schools have it in abundance.
Anthony Hoggard seated courtside for Camden vs Roselle Catholic at Neumann University
Philadelphia area colleges, for the most part, are not delivering a product of similar quality. The Big 5 has become almost an afterthought to all but the most dedicated alums. There is one exception of course, Villanova exists on a separate planet. The Wildcats have watched their blood change from red to blue over the last ten years or so. Thier ascent has been accompanied by an ever expanding cadre of front runners joinging the Main Line movement.
The rest are struggling mightily… After a solid start, Temple is 10-9 (2-5) and sit in 10th place in American Athletic Conference. La Salle also had a decent non-conference run and came back to earth once league play began. The Explorers are also 10-9 (1-6) and currently in 13th place in the A10. Last year’s Big 5 champion Penn Quakers are floundering at 8-7 (0-2 in the Ivy League). After seven league games, St. Joseph’s finds itself 7 games out of first place in the A10. The Hawks are 4-16 (0-7) on the season.
Outside of Villanova, the college basketball landscape in Philly barren…
Predictably, fans have been avoiding the Liacouris, Gola and Hagan arenas in droves. Even the fabled Palestra is more than half empty most nights. Meanwhile, true hoopheads have been climbing on top of one another for an opportunity to watch the finest high school teams in the area. As I noted earlier, people really want to see good competitive basketball game between strong and familiar teams featuring good players.
While high school basketball is very popular throughout the mid-Atlantic region, there are some significant and noticeable regional differences worth mentioning. It’s all good, but there are some decidedly different flavors…
Here, I’ll touch on a few variations that exist between elite high school basketball in Baltimore, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rodney Veney, Philly Pride Co-Director at Wood vs Neumann-Goretti
First up, the venues… In Philadelphia, games featuring 10-12 D1 prospects are often played in HS gyms with a maximum capacity of 600-800 spectators. To their credit, school administrators usually turn a blind eyes to those maximum capacity certificates hanging on the walls. As much as humanly possible, they try to accommodate the hungry and thirsty fanbase. They sell tickets til it just not possible to fit more human beings into the gyms. As a result, in most games, there is not a single free square foot of space in the gym that is NOT dedicated to the actual game.
Neumann-Goretti fans along the baseline during the Roman Catholic game
Referees are constantly tasked with gently reminding overzealous and passionate throngs to give the kids just a lil’ space so they can inbounds the ball along the baseline. Fully engaged fans can be found breathing down the necks of the players who can literally discern what fans had for lunch or whether they smoked ‘loud’ or ‘Reggie’ in the parking lot.
Lynn Greer, III along baseline during warmups at Archbishop Wood
It’s an intense atmosphere for sure… For a lil’ over two hours on game days, Roman, Wood and Neumann-Goretti gyms are packed tighter than slave ships traversing the Atlantic in the early 1800’s. The sheer number of excited, energetic and highly emotional humans easily overwhelms the climate control systems in these decades old facilities.
They get HOT as shit. By the 4th quarter, they feel like an oven set on ”HELL!”
Loyal fans happily endure the momentary discomfort… What are they gonna do? Where are the alternatives? Are they gonna go watch college games featuring losing teams with players from countries, counties and towns they can’t pronounce?
Naaaaah… Philly hoopheads wanna see Philly Ballers!
In Baltimore, big HS games are played in Division 1 facilities. Last year, big games were played in Towson’s SECU Arena which seats 5,200. Yesterday, I attended the St. Frances v Poly game at the 4,000 seat Talmadge L. Hill Field House on the campus of Morgan State University
St. Frances Academy supporters
They have it figured out…
In Philadelphia, one constantly hears that you cannot play high school games in Division 1 facilities. In Baltimore, One can constantly attend high school games played in Division 1 facilities.
What gives? We’ll try to clear up the discrepancy and report back to you…
St Frances Coach, Nick Myles, paces the sideline in front of overflowing capacity crowd
Every single seat was filled well before tip-off at the Hill Field House yesterday. Indeed, there were still hundreds in a line to purchase tickets that wrapped around the arena 15 minutes before tip-off. Just like in Philadelphia, the authorities didn’t pay close attention to that pesky maximum capacity certificate hanging in plain view.
Get this… The price of admission was $20 for a boys and girls doubleheader. Using “old” math skills I learned in the early 1970s, 4,000 times $20 equals a gate of about $80,000. In contrast, Camden High School home games cost $3. If Camden attract 1,000 fans to Woodrow Wilson HS the game will generate $3,000.
Maybe that why high schools in Maryland are able to afford shot clocks…
That’s another major difference between the brand of basketball played in Baltimore and that played in Philadelphia.
The presence of the 30 second shot clock changes the game.
Coaches are forced to really coach down the stretch.
Good defense is immediately rewarded.
Perhaps, most importantly, players learn to play under conditions they will face for the rest of their playing careers.
Indeed, I haven’t seen a persuasive argument AGAINST shot clocks in basketball… Ever…
There’s one more difference between HS hoops in the Philly and Baltimore that’s worthy of discussion. The cultural feel varies considerably…
Neumann-Goretti Senior Star PG Hakim Byrd. Photo Credit: Mark Jordan, Raw Sports
The very best Philadelphia High School games have an old-school Big 5 feel to them. The hard-core hoophead alums of Roman, Wood and Neumann-Goretti for the most part are middle-aged white males. These guys are fervent supporters of the young men currently playing for their alma maters. It’s a wonderful thing to see diverse crowds coming together to share a scholastic basketball experience.
High quality Catholic League basketball games are, arguably, the most diverse regularly scheduled gatherings in Philadelphia.
It’s a beautiful thing and it portends well for the role that sports can have in building and maintaining a semblance of unity in a city of racially stratified neighborhoods. Catholic League basketball in Philadelphia is truly a multicultural and multiracial phenomena.
The very best high school basketball in Baltimore is much different…
A section of fans at the Poly vs St, Frances game on Saturday
Games featuring the top teams and players have a decidedly HBCU homecoming feel to them. The alums, are Black, the fans are Black, the cheerleaders are Black, the ticket takers are Black, the security guards are Black, the athletic Directors are Black, the coaches are Black, the vendors are Black… Yesterday, there were well over 4,000 people in the Hill Field House and I might have seen a total of 10-12 white people.
It’s a wonderful thing to see Black people coming together to share a scholastic basketball experience. The manner in which people greet one another… The chants… The cheers… The food at concession stands… Everything is different when it’s done by Blacks for Blacks.
Angel Reese, St Frances Academy (MD), 2020 McDonald’s All-American
Every so often, I would sneak glance at the door… I was waiting for Avon, Slim Charles, Bodie Broadus and Wee Bey... How would they get past the metal detectors? Then I remembered Wee Bey is still upstate with Chris Partlow’s homicidal ass and Bodie is dead. So, I just watched a helluva high school basketball game.
St. Frances, led by their outstanding senior point guard, Ace Baldwin (VCU commit) 13 points, 8 assists and 5 steals, defeated No. 1 and nationally ranked Poly, 57-53. Senior forward Jamal West (South Alabama commit) contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over Poly, which was led by Marquette commit Justin Lewis (18 points) and Brandon Murray (15 points).
St. Frances Coach Nick Myles and Team Melo Director Julian Brown in Hill Field House
As usual, the hospitality shown to Black Cager Sports was beyond reproach. Team Melo Directors Bay Frazier, Julian Brown (pictured, above right) and St. Frances Academy Head Coach, Nick Myles always make sure Black Cager Sports feels right at home in the Charm City. The Baltimore HS basketball experience is not necessarily better than that of Philadelphia, but it certainly is different, very different.
The Black Cager 