Allentown, PA – During the first annual Pre-Live Period Summer Classic,Delgreco Wilson, Executive Director of Black Cager Sports was thrilled to announce a significant partnership with Education Academy Charter School, bringing a series of high-profile basketball events to the newly unveiled Executive Fieldhouse. This state-of-the-art facility, built in collaboration with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), spans an impressive 28,000 square feet and is designed to host four basketball games simultaneously.
“We are very excited to host Black Cager Sport Events in our fieldhouse. They have demonstrated an ability to attract highly competitive high school programs to Allentown,” said Executive Education Academy Charter School CEO Robert Lysek. “Not only do Executive student-athletes benefit, but our facility is also used by many local and regional programs. We look forward to hosting several Black Cager events every year.”
Bob Lysek, Executive Education Charter School, CEO (l) and Executive supporter Pamela Tillett (r)
The Executive Fieldhouse is a premier multi-court facility featuring four brand-new regulation-size courts, each equipped with large, dedicated electronic scoreboards. The venue boasts a cutting-edge sound system, full wheelchair accessibility, and ample space for concessions. Additionally, the facility offers over 2,000 adjacent parking spaces, ensuring ease of access for spectators and participants alike.
Delgreco Wilson expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’ve hosted basketball events for more than a decade, and the Executive Fieldhouse is the finest multi-court facility in the mid-Atlantic region. The presence of two highly qualified athletic trainers provided by LVHN is a huge plus, as players and coaches can rest assured that sports-related injuries are appropriately treated right away.”
Jason Boggs, Director of Basketball Events, Black Cager Sports
The commitment from Black Cager Sports to host multiple events annually at the Executive Fieldhouse is set to elevate the local sports scene. “Bob Lysek and Ray Barbosa are very easy to work with. They want to provide young people with a clean, modern, and safe place to compete and gain exposure. Black Cager Sports shares the same goals. My partner, Jason Boggs, and I have decided to make this a long-term partnership,” Wilson added.
Gabe Hornberger ’25, Executive Academy wing receiving D1 interest from Patriot and Ivy Programs
This collaboration underscores Executive Education Academy Charter School’s dedication to enhancing athletic opportunities for its students and the broader community. The Executive Fieldhouse, with its cutting-edge amenities and strategic partnerships, is poised to become a central hub for competitive basketball in the region.
Understanding the evolution of Black political thought in America is crucial for Black youth for several compelling reasons. It provides historical context, fosters critical thinking, nurtures a sense of identity and empowerment, and equips them to navigate and challenge contemporary social and political issues. The current right wing assault on critical race theory (CRT), often misrepresented and maligned, poses a significant threat to the dissemination of this important historical information.
Historical Context and Awareness
Recognizing Struggles and Achievements: Knowledge of the evolution of Black political thought allows Black youth to understand the historical struggles and achievements of African Americans. This includes the fight against slavery, segregation, and systemic racism, as well as the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and intellectuals. This historical awareness is vital for comprehending the context of present-day social and political dynamics.
Understanding Diverse Perspectives: The landscape of Black political thought is diverse, encompassing various ideologies from Black Conservatism to Black Nationalism, from Civil Rights to Black Power movements and from Abolitionist movements to Insurrectionist movements. Familiarity with these different perspectives helps Black youth appreciate the unique complexity and richness of their heritage and the multiple pathways through which their ancestors sought justice and equality.
Fostering Critical Thinking
Analyzing Contrasting Views: Engaging with the ideas of thinkers like Nat Turner, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, and Walter Williams, alongside those of Black Lives Matter and other contemporary movements, encourages critical thinking. Black youth can learn to analyze, compare, and contrast different viewpoints, fostering a deeper understanding of political and social issues.
Developing Informed Opinions: By studying the evolution of Black political thought, Black youth are better equipped to form their own informed opinions about current issues. This includes understanding the historical roots of systemic racism, the debates surrounding economic policies, and the various approaches to achieving social justice.
Identity and Empowerment
Building a Sense of Identity: Knowledge of their history and the intellectual legacy of their forebears helps Black youth build a strong sense of identity and pride. It affirms their place in the American narrative and highlights the resilience and contributions of their community.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding the struggles and achievements of past generations can be empowering. It provides Black youth with role models and a sense of continuity, motivating them to engage in activism, leadership, and efforts to bring about positive change in their communities.
Navigating Contemporary Issues
Addressing Systemic Challenges: The historical and theoretical frameworks provided by Black political thought are essential tools for understanding and addressing contemporary issues such as police brutality, economic inequality, and educational disparities. These frameworks offer insights into the root causes of these problems and potential strategies for overcoming them.
Resisting Misrepresentation: The current assault on CRT often involves misrepresenting it as an anti-American ideology. In reality, CRT and the broader study of Black political thought provide critical analyses of American history and society, essential for a comprehensive education. By understanding these ideas, Black youth can better resist and challenge attempts to restrict or distort their history and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Countering the Assault on Critical Race Theory
The Importance of Accurate Historical Education: The misrepresentation of CRT as a divisive or harmful ideology is a red herring that distracts from its true purpose: to critically examine and understand the role of race and racism in shaping American society. Restricting the teaching of CRT and related historical content deprives Black youth of crucial knowledge and undermines efforts to create an informed and equitable society.
Advocating for Comprehensive Curriculum: Ensuring that Black youth have access to a comprehensive and accurate curriculum that includes the evolution of Black political thought is essential. This not only fosters a more inclusive education system but also prepares all students to engage thoughtfully and empathetically with issues of race and social justice.
In conclusion, more than ever before, it is vital for Black youth to know and understand the evolution of Black political thought in America. This knowledge enriches their historical awareness, fosters critical thinking, nurtures their sense of identity, empowers them to address contemporary challenges, and equips them to counter efforts to misrepresent and restrict their history. Ensuring access to this important information is a crucial step towards a more just and informed society
As I prepare to graduate this month, I find myself reflecting on my incredible journey at the University of Maryland. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, I arrived in College Park as a shy young man with a learning disability. I spent much of my elementary and middle school years struggling to adjust to school. Basketball became my way up and out of Norristown, PA. Basketball led me to Coach Andre Noble and Imhotep Charter High School where I learned how to learn. Today, I stand before you as a college graduate, a published author, and the all-time leader in basketball games played in a Terrapin uniform. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of this community.
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Maryland basketball fanbase. Your prayers and encouragement during our most challenging times meant the world to me and my family. When our home was flooded out, you rallied together, raising over $60,000 to ensure that my mother and siblings could relocate. Your kindness and generosity touched our hearts, and we will forever be grateful.
Throughout my time here, I had the privilege of playing for three different coaches: Mark Turgeon, Danny Manning, and Kevin Willard. While coaching changes can be unsettling for players, I never once considered transferring. Why? Because I knew that my place was right here in College Park. Thousands of college basketball players enter the transfer portal each year, seeking greener pastures elsewhere. But for me, there was no place I’d rather be than wearing the red, black, and gold of the Terps.
As I step off the court and into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the memories, friendships, and life lessons that this university has given me. My book, WIRED DIFFERENTLY: My School Journey, chronicles my K-12 educational experience as a student who learned differently. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering support of a community that believed in me.
To my teammates, coaches, professors, and fellow students: thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. I am proud to be a Terp for life, and I will continue to carry the spirit of Maryland with me wherever I go.
In a sports media landscape dominated by conventional narratives and mainstream perspectives, the emergence of Cameron Giles and Mason Bethea’s sports talk show “It Is What It Is” marks a pivotal moment in media representation. Their unapologetically Black platform has provided a voice to urban communities, offering authentic analysis and commentary on professional and collegiate sports. Moreover, their decision to reintroduce the great Heisman winner and Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson as a football analyst on a national media platform was a commendable act of inclusivity and fairness.
Cameron Giles, “It Is What It Is”
Plainly stated, Cam and Mase are some “real niggas.”
Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significance of Cameron Giles, better known as Cam’ron, and Mason Bethea, known as Mase, in reshaping the media landscape. Through “It Is What It Is,” they have shattered stereotypes and provided a space for genuine dialogue, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Black community. By addressing sports from an urban Black male perspective, they have filled a void in the media that was long overdue for recognition. Their decision to hire O.J. Simpson as a professional football analyst on their platform is particularly noteworthy. Despite Simpson’s controversial past, including his acquittal of all charges related to the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, he remains a figure of interest and relevance in the sports world. However, mainstream media outlets had long ostracized Simpson, effectively silencing his voice.
Mason Bethea, “It Is What It Is”
The white controlled media totally discarded the Juice… They didn’t fuck with him at all.
Giles and Bethea’s willingness to challenge this status quo and provide Simpson with a platform to share his insights demonstrates an honorable commitment to fairness and inclusivity. In doing so, they have acknowledged the complexities of Simpson’s legacy while affirming his right to participate in public discourse. By offering viewers an uncensored and unfiltered perspective, “It Is What It Is” continues to push boundaries and redefine norms in sports media.
Moreover, the decision to feature Simpson aligns with the ethos of their show, which prioritizes authenticity and honesty above all else. Urban Black males, a demographic often marginalized in mainstream media, have historically maintained a connection with Simpson that transcends his controversial past. By recognizing this connection and embracing Simpson as a contributor, Giles and Bethea have reaffirmed their commitment to representing the diverse experiences within their community.
In conclusion, Cameron Giles and Mason Bethea’s “It Is What It Is” serves as a beacon of inclusion and authenticity in the media landscape. By providing a platform for unfiltered dialogue and diverse perspectives, they have challenged conventional narratives and empowered marginalized communities. Their decision to reintroduce O.J. Simpson as a football analyst reflects their commitment to fairness and inclusivity, while also acknowledging the complexities of his legacy. As we celebrate their contributions to sports media, we must also recognize the broader impact of their work in promoting diversity and representation.
Get ready for a clash of titans in the Catholic League semifinals! For over two decades, the Philadelphia Catholic League has witnessed a reign of dominance from two powerhouse programs: Neumann-Goretti and Roman Catholic. With a staggering 19 out of 24 titles between them, these juggernauts have left little room for anyone else to claim the crown.
Their run of dominance was interrupted a mere 5 five times over the past quarter century. Speedy Morris, leading St. Joseph’s Prep, snatched back to back titles in 2004 and 2004. Mike McCarron led North Catholic to a title in 2008 after Speedy vanquished an undefeated (14-0) Roman squad in the quarterfinals. John Mosco led Archbishop Wood to a pair of titles in 2017 and 2021.
But every dynasty faces its challengers, and this year, the boys from Northeast Philly are poised to shake up the status quo. Led by head coaches Joe Zeglinski and Chris Roantree, Archbishop Ryan and Father Judge have emerged as formidable contenders. With a blend of preparation, toughness, and fearlessness, they’re ready to take on the blue bloods from Center City and South Philly.
Could this be the year the balance of power shifts? Will we witness Northeast Philly’s emergence as new epicenter of scholastic hoops in Philadelphia? Or will Neumann-Goretti and Roman Catholic continue their stranglehold on the championship trophy?
Let’s talk about it!!
Maggie’s is a Northeast Philadelphia landmark. Maggie’s is a terrific place to eat, drink and meet with friends and make new ones. The menu is outstanding and the food is absolutely delicious.
After months of legal turmoil veiling my focus, I found myself thrust back into the heart of basketball drama, this time amidst the fervor of a Philadelphia Catholic League Playoff clash between Archbishop Ryan and St. Joseph’s Prep. I haven’t been writing much about high school basketball. I’ve been largely preoccupied with a pressing legal matter for the past 11 months. Fortunately, those issues are in my rearview mirror. Just know, I’ve got a helluva story to tell and I’m gonna tell it in excruciating detail. For now, like the late great Marion Barry, all I’m gonna say is…
“Bitch set me up!”
Y’all ain’t gonna believe what the prosecutor tried to do. But that’s another story for another day in the very near future… Stay tuned for details.
Today, in a battle reminiscent of classic Philadelphia high school basketball lore, Archbishop Ryan clashed with St. Joseph’s Prep in a Catholic League Playoff game that had the entire city on edge. The stakes were high, with a trip to the iconic Palestra dangling as the ultimate prize.
The matchup was a spectacle, boasting a lineup of D1 prospects destined for greatness. Both teams were under the guidance of esteemed coaches eager to etch their names in the annals of Catholic League history. Jason Harrigan, known for his past successes at Del-Val Charter and Cardinal O’Hara, now helmed St. Joe’s Prep, aiming to lead his squad to glory after coming agonizingly close last season.
Jason Harrigan, St. Joseph’s Prep Head Coach
However, the road to victory was fraught with challenges. Harrigan’s plans took a hit when standout 6’9” 240 pound, PF/C Tristen Guillouette faced eligibility issues, altering Prep’s strategy and forcing them to adapt on the fly. Despite the setback, Harrigan’s quartet of D1 guards, Jaron McKie, Jordan Ellerbee, Jalen Harper and Olin Chamberlain fought valiantly to keep their dreams alive.On the opposing bench, Joe Zeglinski, a coaching veteran with a storied track record, marshaled his Archbishop Ryan team with precision. Led by the dynamic duo of Thomas Sorber and Darren Williams, Ryan’s players showcased their mettle in a tightly contested affair on the road.
Thomas Sorber, ’24 Archbishop Ryan
The venue was perfect… The refurbished and renovated St. Joseph’s Prep gym is stunning. The lighting is wonderful, the floor is spectacular, there’s ample space for a couple thousand fever pitched spectators and the scoreboards are state of the art. Danny DiBerardinis and the rest of the Prep Administration have done a phenomenal job restoring the gymnasium to peak condition.
The game unfolded as a defensive chess match, with Prep’s relentless pressure testing Ryan’s offensive prowess. Sorber, in particular, found himself the focal point of Prep’s defensive scheme, laboring for every point while Williams seized opportunities to shine.
Olin Chamberlain, ’25 St. Joe’s Prep
No one should be surprised that Ryan is back in the Final Four. Georgetown commit, Sorber is concluding one of the great schoolboy careers in recent memory. His sidekick, Florida Gulf Coast commit, Darren Williams is morphing in Cuttino Mobely right before our eyes.
In a tightly waged contest, the two Ryan stars managed to eke out a road win over the four D1 guards. To Harrigan’s credit, St. Joseph’s Prep had an excellent defensive gameplan. They hounded, harassed, fronted and double Sorber. He worked extremely hard for every point.
The intense focus on Sorber allowed Williams to take advantage opportunities on the wing. The smooth southpaw hit big shot after big shot to fight off a persistent Prep attack.
Jaron McKie, ’25 St. Joe’s Prep
Heavily reliant on isolation, Prep struggled to establish a rhythm on the offensive end. While Ellerbee and Harper can thrive in transition and beating defenders off the bounce, McKie is an absolute knock down jump shooter. While he can create his own shot, that’s not his forte. I kept waiting for Prep to run McKie off a screen or two or three or four to get an open look. McKie with his feet set from 22 feet is equivalent to a layup and Chamberlain can get him the ball in shooting position.
In the end, Sorber missed a free throw and Jaden Murray misfired on consecutive layups to give Prep an opportunity to steal a win. Huge shots by Ellerbee and McKie led to a tie game. After what seemed like 7 consecutive time outs, Ryan inbounded the ball and Ryan Everett made a perfect entry pass to Williams who immediately released a picture perfect 15 foot jump shot that was pure from the moment it left his hand.
Game!
Ryan is once again in the Final Four at the Palestra.
Will someone other that Roman or Neumann-Goretti cut down the nets this year?
I don’t know… But I would not bet against, Zeglinski, Sorber and Williams.
Joe Zeglinski is, by far, the most accomplished coach in the Catholic League without a title. Since taking over at his alma mater, he’s been to the Final Four damn near every year. He’s produced a plethora of scholarship players. One of his guys is an NBA player. All he does compete against the best year in and year out.
Could Archbishop Ryan defy the odds and topple perennial powerhouse Neumann-Goretti and beat Roman Catholic or Father Judge to claim the championship? With Zeglinski, Sorber, and Williams leading the charge, anything seems possible.
In the unpredictable landscape of Catholic League high school basketball, one thing is certain: the stage is set for an epic showdown, where legends would be made and dreams realized. And in this tale of triumph and tenacity, Archbishop Ryan has staked its claim as a team to be reckoned with.
As we get to the end of the Regular Season and the Conference playoffs, this year has been an excellent year where parity has been the key word and the “Blue Bloods” of District 1 (Chester, Abington, Lower Merion, Plymouth Whitemarsh & Coatesville) have expectedly and somewhat unexpectedly maintained their positions among the top of the standings while teams such as Henderson, Central Bucks East, Bensalem, Spring-Ford, Unionville & Upper Dublin (last District title 1985) are on missions to bring home the elusive District title in their respective classes. This season has been as competitive as any in the recent memory of District 1. In past years, District 1 has been dominated by names such as Kobe Bryant, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Eric Dixon, John Allen, John Salmons and Jameer Nelson. This year, District 1 has had a plethora of very good players, but no one has separated themselves to that extent. A lot of the players this year have crossed that 1,000-point threshold, which shows the quality and the type of high school careers of these young men. The playoffs should be as exciting as almost every lower seed team will have a chance of winning. As the title states, “Coaching Matters” and players will look to create their own legacy in this postseason.
I have chosen a few players and coaches that have stood out in the area. District 1 covers the largest area in SEPA basketball. With that understanding, I have 3 All area teams that covers every league that makes up District 1. Also, I wanted to give some recognition to some of the Freshman and Sophomores that have been contributing heavily on the Varsity level.
Keith Taylor, Chester Head Coach
Coach of the Year-Keith Taylor (Chester) This was a year when a lot of coaches could have won this award. You have coaches like Chris Cowles (Unionville), Derek Brooks (Upper Dublin) and Ron Morris (Bensalem), who have led their programs to new heights. Eric Burnett (Phoenixville), Ken Ivory (Pottstown), Joe Dempsey (Spring Ford), Jason Ritter (Henderson), Eric Henrysen (CB East) and Pat Lockard (Methacton) battle through their tough leagues every year and seem to get stronger in the postseason. You have coaches such as John Allen (Coatesville) and Pat Fleury (Cheltenham) who year in and year out do an incredible job despite all the barriers that other coaches in this district don’t have to deal with. But it came down to 3 wonderful coaches that led their teams to incredible and unexpected seasons. Those 3 coaches are Timothy Smallwood (Radnor), Gregg Downer (Lower Merion) and this year’s winner Keith Taylor (Chester). Each of these coaches had tremendous arguments to win the award. Smallwood is a new coach and lost much of the team that won the 5A District title last year and he led this unheralded group to the #3 seed (5A) and a 19-3 record. Last year’s team was a hard act to follow but the encore turned out to be much better than people expected. Downer, what else can be said about the job he does yearly except Remarkably Consistent. This year was supposed to be the year that Lower Merion was going to come back to the pack. This year’s Sr class has seen 2 District Titles (back-to-back) and a Final Four appearance last year. He led this year’s squad to a 21-1 record and the #1 seed in District 1 6A.
But nobody led a turnaround like Coach Taylor of Chester. 2 years ago, Chester had the look of a team that might 3-peat in District 1. Winning the 5A title with 3 Sophomore starters, it had the look of a dynasty in the making. Chester, historically the best District 1 team in the history of HS basketball in PA. This was not a new phenomenon that Chester would have a dynasty. But along the way, changes started happening. 1st Chester lost 2 of those Sophomore starters to Catholic League teams and fell out of the playoffs all together last year and coming into this year, the 3rd Sophomore starter from the 2022 champs, went to the Catholic League too. Expectations around the area for Chester were the lowest in recent memory. No one was picking Chester to win anything, no one even knew if they were going to make or miss the playoffs again. Taylor and his staff knew something that the rest of the region did not know “Chester is still Chester”. This is not like the Chester juggernauts of the yesteryear; this is a Chester team led by a football star Connecticut (Football) Signee Dominick Toy and by Sr G Dante Atkinson. This group has 8 players averaging between 10.5 and 5.3 ppg. This group may not be led by a Zain Shaw, Jameer Nelson or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, but by group of tough-minded players ready for battle. This group ended the regular season at 20-2 and are poised to make a run at the District and State crowns. In a year where there are no dominant teams throughout the district, Taylor and the Clippers of Chester have an excellent chance to add to the school’s impressive hardware total.
Co Player of the Year-Jaden Colzie (Plymouth Whitemarsh) & Nyle Ralph-Beyer (Henderson) Both players have proven that their reputations coming into the season were warranted. Sacred Heart signee Ralph-Beyer has led Henderson to a 19-3 record while averaging over 23 ppg. The silky-smooth Guard scores in a variety of different ways while playing unselfish basketball. He also accepts the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s top perimeter player while scoring at this clip. He is trying to lead Henderson to their 1st District Title in school history. Him and backcourt mate Connor Fleet, have both eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier this season, giving them that rare distinction in High School. For these reasons Nyle has been named Co Player of the Year in District 1. The season for Jaden Colzie culminates a superb career that he has had at Plymouth Whitemarsh. A 4-year starter, Colzie always seems to play his best in the big games. Last year in Kobe Bryant Gymnasium, Colzie led the 4th quarter charge that knocked off 2-time defending 6A District Champions, Lower Merion. Then went on a delivered the knockout blow to Spring Ford to win the 6A District 1 title. This year for an encore, Colzie in the 1st SOL game of the season, he went to Abington and scored 27 points on 10/11 shooting in the FIRST HALF. Then in a matchup with Henderson, he went for 31 points in a heartbreaking loss. Because of such outbursts, Colzie faced a variety of junk defenses and still averaged 20.3 ppg and went over 1,000 points. He is on pace to be in the Top 10 scorers in Plymouth Whitemarsh history which is impressive considering his freshman season was the “COVID” year. Colzie has been named Co Player of the Year for always stepping up in the big games.
The echoes of the Wildcats’ triumphant three-point barrage against Stonehill still resonate within the walls of Rupp Arena as No. 17 Kentucky prepares to face a hungry St. Joseph’s team on Monday night in Lexington, Ky. The Wildcats, rebounding from a challenging loss to #1 ranked Kansas, showcased their deep shooting prowess in a dominating 101-67 victory. However, the focus now shifts to a pivotal matchup against an improved and determined St. Joseph’s squad, with shooting accuracy emerging as the linchpin for success.
Rob Dillingham, Kentucky Freshman
In a surprising turn of events, it’s the unsung freshmen, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, who have stolen the spotlight for the Wildcats early in the season. Against Stonehill, Sheppard dazzled with 25 points, sinking 7 of 8 from beyond the arc, while Dillingham added 20 points, connecting on three three-pointers. Both players also demonstrated their playmaking abilities, contributing seven assists each. Despite the presence of highly acclaimed recruits like Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, it is Sheppard and Dillingham who have exceeded expectations, adding a new dynamic to Kentucky’s lineup.
Sheppard and Dillingham have outperformed all expectations early in this season. While Senior wing Antonio Reeves leads Kentucky with 17.8 points per game, Dillingham averages 16.8 points per game in just 22.3 mpg. Meanwhile, Sheppard has contributed 13.3 points and 3.0 steals per game in just 23.0 mpg for the guard-heavy Wildcats. Senior forward Tre Mitchell is adding 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Reed Shepperd, Kentucky Freshman
It should be noted that Sheppard is Kentucky royalty. His father, Jeff Sheppard is a Kentucky legend. The elder Sheppard played at Kentucky from 1993 to 1998 and was named Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament in San Antonio in 1998. He played on two national championship teams at Kentucky under Rick Pitino in 1996 and under Tubby Smith in 1998.
However, not all of Kentucky’s highly touted recruits have found immediate success. Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, projected as one-and-done lottery picks, have struggled to acclimate to the college game. Both players are averaging just above 9 points per game and have yet to find their rhythm, especially from behind the three-point line. Shooting percentages from behind the arc reveal their difficulties, with Edwards at a mere 14.3% and Wagner at 23.5%. As they face familiar foes in St. Joseph’s, the hope is that the challenge will serve as motivation for the talented rookies to break out of their offensive slump.
Lynn Greer, St. Joseph’s
In his fifth year as head coach, Billy Lange has been steadily steering St. Joseph’s in the right direction. The Hawks, off to an impressive 3-1 start, have shown promise. Expectations are sky high among Hawk faithful. Lange enters the game with enough size and athleticism to truly compete with SEC programs like Kentucky. Redshirt freshman center Christ Essandoko is 7’0” and 285. He is averaging 4.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg. St. Joseph’s features a pair of athletic power forwards. Sophomore PF Rasheer Fleming, a Camden High School teammate of D.J. Wagner, is averaging 10.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg. A gifted athlete, Fleming can run and jump with anyone in the country and has started to generate some NBA buzz. Kacper Klaczek (6’8”, 225 lbs) is another athletic PF that plays extremely hard for Lange. Thus far, Klaczek is contributing 7.0 ppg and 4.3 prg in 24.0 mpg.
St. Joseph’s possesses a well-rounded roster, with junior Erik Reynolds II leading the scoring charge at 14.3 points per game. Reynolds is complemented by Lynn Greer III,Xzayvier Brown, and the athletic Fleming, all averaging double figures in scoring. Greer has evolved in a selfless leader in this program. He has the size, strength and lateral quickness to compete with Wagner, Dillingham and Shepperd. Brown was the best high school guard in the Philadelphia/Camden region last season, not named Wagner. His transition to college basketball has been seamless. Lange has developed a high degree of trust in Brown very early in his rookie campaign. His teammates also look for Brown to make plays in crunch time. The Hawks’ success hinges on their ability to convert three-pointers, a facet they struggled with in their last game.
Xzayvier Brown, St. Joseph’s
Unlike most Kentucky fans, Calipari and his assistant Bruiser Flint are intimately familiar with the Hawk program. While he was coaching UMass, Calipari and former Hawk Coach Phil Martelli waged some serious slugfests. Flint, a former SJU point guard (1983-1987) also led UMass for five years in the late 90’s and battled Martelli and the Hawks every year in some memorable contests.
The matchup holds significance for both teams, as a St. Joseph’s victory would signify a turning point and a re-emergence as a national force. For Kentucky, the familiarity with the Hawks’ program adds an intriguing layer to the game, with the potential for breakout performances from Delaware Valley natives Edwards and Wagner against a familiar foe.
As Kentucky and St. Joseph’s prepare to clash on the hardwood, the game takes on added importance for both teams. Kentucky’s young stars aim to continue their impressive start, while St. Joseph’s, under the leadership of Billy Lange, seeks to announce their arrival on the national stage with a signature win. The spotlight will be on the three-point line, where Kentucky’s sharpshooters and St. Joseph’s skilled backcourt will determine the outcome of this high-stakes showdown. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could reshape the narratives of both teams in the early stages of the college basketball season.
Five years back, my buddy Orlando reached out, hoping I could facilitate a meeting with Dawn Staley for his daughter, Hannah then a high school freshman. She was a promising player with dreams of meeting Staley joining South Carolina’s roster. Knowing Orlando’s keen eye for talent, especially with his talented sons, I understood the significance of his request. I recalled meeting Hannah a couple of years prior at Life Center Academy, a young, dynamic player on the court, dribbling with restless energy along the sidelines during a boy’s game.
It was a moment etched in my memory, thanks to NBA agent Stephen Pina, who had pulled me aside and insisted, “Del, she’s the one.” His conviction about her talent in middle school left a lasting impression. So when Orlando called, seeking that connection with Staley, I knew I had to make it happen.
The phone call was fantastic; Staley’s support and encouragement left Hannah absolutely captivated by her idol. Hannah went on to become, perhaps, the best PG prospect in the class of 2023. Staley would win another National championship. However, Notre Dame would ultimately land the uber-talented Hidalgo.
Then came the surreal moment today when I tuned in to watch high school All-American and McDonald’s All-American game MVP, Hannah, face off against my homie in her first college game in Paris, France five years after I connected them.
In the first quarter, Hannah burst out, racking up a quick 13 points, and by halftime, she had 17. But, as we’ve come to expect over the past decade, Staley and the Gamecocks were dominating, leading by 15 midway through the game.
You simply can’t make up a story like this. It’s as good as it gets. Hannah Hidalgo reminds me of another little point guard from the Raymond Rosen projects in “Norf” Philly that took college basketball by storm over thirty years ago.
The Black Cager 