Understanding the Drastic Increase in Transfers Among HS Basketball Players: A Rational Choice Approach

May 29, 2025 By in Uncategorized Leave a comment

by Delgreco K. Wilson, M.A.

The Onset of the Modern Transfer Era in Philly: Brian Shorter’s Transfer to Oak Hill

As a freshman at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, Brian Shorter quickly established himself as a force on the court. Coming off the bench, he averaged 15.3 points per game, earning All-Public League Third Team honors—an impressive debut for a young player in one of the nation’s most competitive high school leagues.

By his sophomore year, Shorter’s dominance was undeniable. Named ESPN’s Sophomore of the Year, he put up 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, leading Gratz to the Public League semifinals, where they fell just short, 70-69, to a Southern High team led by future college standout Lionel Simmons. Shorter’s efforts landed him on the All-Public League First Team and All-City Third Team—a testament to his rapid ascent.

His junior season was nothing short of spectacular. Averaging 31.8 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, Shorter delivered a masterclass in the semifinals, dropping 33 points and grabbing 17 rebounds while shooting an astonishing 14-of-15 from the field. Yet once again, Gratz fell to Southern, leaving Shorter with back-to-back semifinal heartbreaks. Despite the team’s playoff struggles, his individual brilliance was undeniable: repeat First Team All-Public and All-City selections, along with Pennsylvania’s Gatorade Player of the Year award.

After three seasons, Shorter had amassed 1,869 career points—just 383 shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s storied Philadelphia Public League record. But rather than return for a final chase at history, he made a pivotal decision: transferring to Oak Hill Academy, the Virginia boarding school renowned for grooming elite basketball talent.

The move was a calculated one. At Oak Hill, Shorter would face national competition, gain exposure to top-tier scouts, and position himself for a marquee college recruitment—priorities that outweighed the allure of local accolades. In an era before high school transfers became commonplace, Shorter’s choice foreshadowed a growing trend: the pursuit of broader horizons, even at the cost of hometown legacy.

His story raises enduring questions about ambition, loyalty, and the evolving landscape of prep sports. Was it a betrayal of Philadelphia basketball, or simply the smart play for a star with bigger dreams? Decades later, as elite prospects routinely hop between schools in search of the best platform, Shorter’s decision looks less like an anomaly and more like a precursor to the modern game.

Rational Choice Analysis of Elite High School Basketball Transfers

Under a rational choice framework, individuals (in this case, elite basketball players and their families) make decisions by weighing the perceived costs and benefits of different options to maximize their expected utility. In the context of high school basketball transfers, the primary utility being maximized is future career success in basketball, which includes college scholarships, NBA prospects, and long-term financial security.

Key Factors Influencing Transfer Decisions

1. Maximizing Exposure & Development (Benefit)

  • National academies (IMG, Montverde, Oak Hill, etc.) provide:
    • Higher-level competition, improving skills faster.
    • Better coaching & training facilities, increasing NBA draft potential.
    • National TV games & scouting exposure, enhancing recruitment chances.
  • Rational calculation: The long-term payoff (D1 scholarship/NBA career) outweighs short-term costs (leaving hometown).

2. College Scholarship & NBA Draft Prospects (Benefit)

  • Elite programs have proven pipelines to top NCAA programs (Duke, Kentucky, etc.).
  • Playing at a nationally ranked school boosts recruiting rankings, increasing scholarship offers.
  • Rational choice: A marginal increase in draft stock (e.g., moving from a 3-star to a 5-star recruit) can mean millions in future earnings.

3. Social & Peer Effects (Benefit)

  • Networking with other elite players improves visibility (e.g., playing alongside future NBA talent).
  • Rational incentive: Being in a “basketball factory” increases the likelihood of being scouted.

4. Financial Incentives (Benefit – Sometimes Explicit, Often Implicit)

  • While direct payments are prohibited (NCAA rules), some elite programs offer:
    • Indirect benefits (housing, travel, academic support).
    • Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities in states with favorable laws.
  • Rational calculation: Even without direct pay, the future financial upside justifies the move.

5. Costs of Transferring (Considered but Outweighed)

  • Social/emotional cost of leaving friends & family.
  • Academic disruption (though many elite programs provide tutoring).
  • Risk of reduced playing time (if joining a stacked roster).
  • Rational response: These costs are deemed acceptable given the potential career payoff.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for Long-Term Gain

Under rational choice theory, elite players and their families act as utility-maximizing agents, making strategic moves to optimize career outcomes. The short-term sacrifices (relocating, leaving hometown teams) are outweighed by the expected long-term benefits (scholarships, NBA opportunities, financial security).

This trend mirrors free agency in professional sports, where players seek the best environment for career advancement—except in this case, the “market” is high school basketball, and the “currency” is future earning potential.

Some Prominent High School Transfers in the Greater Philadelphia Region

Carlin Warley, transferred from Frankford to Phil-Mont Christian in 1989

Arthur “Yah” Davis, transferred from Frankford to Roman in 1996

Kyle Lowry,  transferred from Northeast High School to Cardinal Dougherty in 2002

Jarrod Denard, transferred from Imhotep to Friere Charter in 2006

Shannon Givens, transferred from ANC to Fels in 2008

DJ Newbill, transferred from Imhotep to Strawberry Mansion in 2008

Sam Foreman, transferred from Haverford School to Vaux in 2012

Lamar Stevens, transferred from Haverford School to Roman in in 2015

Stevie Jordan, transferred from Conwell-Egan to Advanced Prep in 2015

David Beatty, transferred from Carroll to St. Benedict to Imhotep

Cam Reddish, transferred from Haverford School to Westtown  in 2016

Hakim Hart, transferred from Kingsway Regional to Roman in 2017

Isaiah Wong, transferred from Notre Dame to Bonner in 2017

Allen Betrand, transferred from Fels to Roman in 2017

AJ Hoggard, transferred from Carrol to Huntington Prep in 2018

Jerome Brewer, transferred from West Catholic to Camden in 2018

Taquan Woodley, transferred from Neumann-Goretti to Camden in 2018

Jaylen Stinson, transferred from Haverford School to Wood in 2019

Hysier Miller, transferred from King to Neumann in 2019

Marcus Randolph, transferred from Willingboro to Wood in 2019

Jalen Duren, transferred from Roman to Montverde in 2020

Justice Williams, transferred from Roman to Montverde in 2020

Dan Skillings, transferred from St. Joe’s Hammonton to Roman in 2020

Khalil Farmer, transferred from Shipley to Roman Catholic in 2020

Christian Tomasco, transferred from Bishop Eustace to Ryan in 2020

Budd Clark, transferred from Boys Latin to West Catholic in 2020

Sultan Adewale, transferred from St. Louis Christian Academy to Neumann-Goretti on 2020

Jameel Brown, transferred from Haverford School to Westtown in 2021 

Thomas Sorber, transferred from Trenton Catholic to Ryan in 2021

Ahmad Nowell, transferred from Houston High School to Roman Catholic in 2021

Flash Burton, transferred from MCS to O’Hara to in 2022

Larenzo Jerkins, transferred from Chester to Neumann-Goretti in 2202

Elmarko Jackson, transferred from St. Augustine Prep to South Kent in 2022

Ant Finkley, transferred from West Catholic to Huntington Prep to Roman Catholic

Shawn Simmons, transferred from Bonner to Friends Central to Life Center to Hillcrest

Tristen Guillouette, Life Center Academy, St. Joseph’s Prep, George School 

Robert Wright III, transferred from Neumann-Goretti to Montverde in 2023

RJ Smith, transferred from Imhotep to Roman Catholic in 2025

Luca Foster, transferred from Archbishop Carroll to Link Academy in 2025

The Uninhibited Brilliance of Calvin Coleman: A Lincoln Lion’s Journey From Classroom to Canvas

May 12, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

A Lincoln Legacy

Baltimore, Maryland – There are places that shape you irrevocably—not just through education, but through an alchemy of community, history, and shared purpose. Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, chartered in 1854 as the Ashmun Institute, is such a place. To attend Lincoln in the 1980s, as Calvin Coleman and I did, was to be woven into a tapestry of Black excellence, where the echoes of Langston Hughes’ poetry and Thurgood Marshall’s courtroom triumphs lingered in the halls. It was, then and remains today, a small, loving, nurturing learning community where the motto “If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” wasn’t just scripture—it was a call to creative and intellectual audacity.

Coleman, a Hampton-born, Swarthmore-raised scholar-athlete with a Lincoln degree in Early Childhood Education, seemed an unlikely candidate to become a globally exhibited artist. He admits art was “the furthest thing from [his] mind” during his athletic youth. Yet Lincoln’s transformative spirit—where future doctors, lawyers, and poets sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the shadow of the Alumni Memorial Arch—has a way of revealing hidden destinies. For Coleman, that destiny would unfold in layers of acrylic, fabric, and lyrical abstraction.

The Unlikely Artist: From Classroom to Canvas

After 14 years teaching elementary school, Coleman made a leap of faith in 2004, trading lesson plans for canvases. His self-taught style, a vibrant fusion of Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism, emerged not from formal training but from an intuitive dialogue with texture and hue. “My work is inspired by spirituality, love of music, and nature’s beauty,” he explains. “The messages are global: God is real, the human spirit is strong, and the world is a beautiful place”.

Coleman’s technique is tactile, unrestrained and authentically Black. He builds paintings like a jazz composer—layering “heavy body acrylic paint,” textiles, and manipulated canvas strips into symphonies of color. Influenced by Richard Mayhew’s chromatic fluidity and Chaim Soutine’s dense textures, his works pulse with what critic Wuanda Walls called “an aura of originality and poetic whimsy”. In series like “The Family” and “The Key to Knowing,” Coleman distills universal themes into visual poetry. A 2008 “Rebirth” exhibition at Philadelphia’s ArtJaz Gallery showcased his evolution: haunting portraits of familial bonds, where “together as a unit, the family prevails with greater strength”.

Lincoln’s Echoes in Coleman’s Art

The Lincoln experience—steeped in Black intellectual tradition and communal resilience—permeates Coleman’s oeuvre. His 2013 exhibition “Do You Feel What I See?” (Galerie Myrtis, Baltimore) and 2010 “Amalgamation” (DuSable Museum, Chicago) reflect the same interdisciplinary curiosity nurtured at Lincoln, where Albert Einstein once lectured on physics and racism. Coleman’s art, like Lincoln’s legacy, bridges divides: his works hang in U.S. embassies and corporate offices (Goldman Sachs, GE Healthcare).

During our recent reunion at his Maryland home/studio, Coleman gestured to a half-finished piece. “This is Lincoln,” he said. “The colors, the chaos, the harmony—it’s all there.” Indeed, his paintings mirror the university’s ethos: bold, unapologetic, and deeply human.

A Testament to Black Creative Freedom

Coleman’s journey—from Lincoln’s “Orange and Blue” to international galleries—embodies the HBCU’s mission: Learn. Liberate. Lead. His art, like Lincoln itself, refuses to be confined. Whether in Rome’s U.S. Embassy or a private collection, his works declare, as Langston Hughes might, that Black creativity is “a dream deferred” no longer.

As the sun set over his studio, Coleman mused, “Lincoln gave me the courage to trust my voice.” For those of us who walked those hallowed grounds, his art is more than pigment and fabric—it’s a love letter to the institution that taught us to rise, always, in our might.

“L U!” we shout—knowing, as ever, that Calvin Coleman’s brilliance is Lincoln’s too.

Delgreco K. Wilson, ’88  is a Lincoln University alumnus and cultural critic. Calvin Coleman’s work can be viewed at ArtJaz Gallery.

A New Era for Villanova Basketball: Why Kevin Willard is the Right Fit

April 9, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

RADNOR, PA – In Philadelphia, the head coaching job for Villanova men’s basketball isn’t just another position—it’s a crown. As a lifelong Philadelphian, I’d argue that only the Eagles’ and Phillies’ top jobs command more universal respect than leading the Wildcats. The Sixers, Flyers, and Union coaches have their admirers, but none occupy the same pedestal as the man steering Villanova.

That reverence is largely the legacy of Jay Wright, who transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Wright didn’t just surpass Big 5 legends like John Chaney and Jack Ramsay—he redefined what success looked like in Philadelphia basketball. Six Big East titles, four Final Fours, and two national championships in 21 seasons set a standard that seemed almost impossible to maintain.

When Wright stepped down in 2022, Villanova turned to his protégé, Kyle Neptune. But after three underwhelming seasons—no NCAA Tournament appearances, no deep Big East runs—the school moved on. Now, the Wildcats have handed the keys to Kevin Willard, a seasoned Big East hand with a track record of player development and program-building.

Kevin Willard, Villanova

Willard, 50, arrives after a three-year stint at Maryland, but his roots run deep in the Big East. He spent six years as Rick Pitino’s assistant at Louisville and 12 as Seton Hall’s head coach, where he turned the Pirates into consistent contenders. At his introductory press conference, flanked by a strong staff—David Cox, Kevin Norris, Ashley Howard, Greg Manning Jr.—Willard sounded like a man ready to plant his flag.

Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager Sports (l) and Greg Manning, Villanova Assistant Coach (r)

“I’m in the prime of my coaching career,” he said. “This is where I want to be.”

But beyond the résumé, what makes Willard the right hire? Because he’s a player’s coach—a term often overused but perfectly fitting here. He doesn’t just develop talent; he invests in his players as people.

Take Donta Scott, the former Imhotep Charter star. Willard recruited him to Seton Hall, then coached him at Maryland, pushing him to embrace a more aggressive offensive role. Scott, now in the G League, credits Willard’s guidance for his growth. Or Julian Reese, who became just the second Terp ever to reach 1,000 rebounds under Willard’s watch. And then there’s freshman phenom Derek Queen, whose buzzer-beater in this year’s NCAA Tournament announced him as a future star.

Perhaps the most telling story is that of Michael Nzei, a Seton Hall role player under Willard. When asked if Nzei could play professionally overseas, Willard didn’t hesitate: “He’ll make more money on Wall Street.” Two weeks after his final game, Nzei landed a job at Goldman Sachs.

Eric Watkins, VU Sports (l) and Ashley Howard, Villanova Assistant Coach (r)

That’s the kind of coach Villanova is getting—one who sees the bigger picture. In a Big East loaded with heavyweights like Rick Pitino, Shaka Smart, and Dan Hurley, Willard has the presence, the pedigree, and the player-first approach to restore Villanova to its rightful place among college basketball’s elite.

The Main Line is ready. The Big East should be too.

Jerome Brewer’s La Salle University Homecoming: A Lesson in Maturity and Purpose

April 8, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

CAMDEN, NJ – In an era when college basketball players often chase the brightest spotlight or the most lucrative NIL deals, Jerome Brewer’s decision to return home stands as a rare act of introspection and social responsibility. The 6’8” forward, who has navigated a winding collegiate journey from Texas A&M Commerce to McNeese State, could have followed his former coach to North Carolina State or sought a bigger stage elsewhere. Instead, he chose La Salle University—not just for basketball, but to fulfill a deeper mission.

Brewer’s choice reflects a maturity beyond his years. At a time when young athletes are frequently pressured to prioritize immediate success, he considered something more enduring: his ability to influence the next generation. His insistence that La Salle facilitate access for Camden City Public School students to games and practices isn’t a mere publicity gesture; it’s an intentional effort to reinforce the values that shaped him.

“Sports act as an agent of socialization,” Brewer said, articulating a perspective more common among seasoned coaches than 22-year-old players. “They teach values, behaviors, and skills—teamwork, communication, resilience.” His words underscore an awareness of basketball’s broader role, one that extends far beyond the box score.

This understanding didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Brewer’s formative years were spent in Camden’s gyms, where the game was both an escape and an education. After a brief stint in the Philadelphia Catholic League, he returned to Camden High, helping restore its basketball prominence alongside future Division I standouts. When college offers didn’t meet his expectations, he bet on himself—first at prep school, then in the Southland Conference, where he blossomed into an All-League performer before injury intervened.

His resilience was tested again last year when he redshirted at McNeese State, biding his time for the right opportunity. When it arrived, he weighed his options with the discernment of someone who recognizes that a career is more than stats or conference prestige. He thought of his younger brother, Domani, a budding seventh-grade phenom who now has a front-row seat to his brother’s final collegiate chapters. He thought of Camden’s kids, who will see in him a path forward.

Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, a former Temple standout under John Chaney, praised Brewer’s character, calling him “one of the finest student-athletes to come through Camden in recent years.” City Councilman Arthur Barclay, who played for John Calipari at Memphis, highlighted Brewer’s potential as a role model: “He was one of them not long ago. Now, he’s showing them what’s possible.”

La Salle, under new coach Darris Nichols, gains not just a versatile forward who can stretch defenses and guard multiple positions, but a leader who grasps the weight of his platform. In return, Brewer gets a chance to cement his legacy where it matters most—at home.

In an age of fleeting allegiances and transactional relationships, Brewer’s decision is a reminder that some choices are about more than basketball. They’re about purpose. And in that regard, his homecoming is already a victory.

A Clash of Titans: Auriemma and Staley Meet Again, With Philadelphia Ties Binding Them

April 5, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the past 40 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to Phil Martelli’s brilliant college basketball mind—from the days when his “office” at Saint Joseph’s was little more than a converted broom closet in Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse to his 24-year reign as head coach. Phil was, and remains, my guy. And because he’s my guy, I’ve also been privy to the quiet confidence, the generational rivalries, and the Philadelphia-bred connections that have shaped the modern era of women’s college basketball.

Dawn Staley, resplendent in the Gucci drip

This Sunday’s national championship game between Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies and Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks isn’t just a battle of the sport’s two best programs—it’s a collision of legacies, Philadelphia ties, and a coach’s unshakable belief in his homie.

At the peak of Geno’s dominance, when his UConn teams seemed invincible, I’d pop into Martelli’s office and tell him, “She’s coming.” Dawn Staley—the North Philly legend, the Raymond Rosen Projects product, the point guard who played with the ferocity of someone who knew the game owed her nothing—was closing the gap. Martelli, ever loyal to his longtime friend Geno, would shrug. “Nah, Del. Geno’s got this thing wired.”

Geno Auriemma, UCONN coaching legend

But then A’ja Wilson arrived in Columbia. Then came the national titles, the undefeated seasons, the undeniable truth: Dawn Staley had ascended to the throne once occupied by Pat Summitt and Geno himself. Now, she stands alongside Kim Mulkey as the new standard-bearers of the sport. And yet, Geno—ever the competitor—wants his crown back.

This morning, at 6 a.m., my phone buzzed with texts from Martelli. Of course, he’s riding with Geno. That’s what Phil does. But me? I’m riding with Dawn, the kid from NORF Philly who turned into a queen.

May the best team win. But know this: No matter the outcome, Philadelphia’s fingerprints are all over this game. And that, more than anything, is worth celebrating.

The Vital Role of Civil Society in Preserving Democracy: Lessons from Blanche Nixon’s Legacy

April 3, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

By Delgreco K. Wilson

PHILADELPHIA, PA — On a bright afternoon this week, my family gathered at the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia for a rededication ceremony honoring my great-aunt’s legacy. Blanche Nixon was a petite but formidable woman, a relentless advocate for the children of Southwest Philadelphia, who believed fiercely in their potential. “There’s no such thing as a bad child,” she often said, and her life’s work reflected that conviction. She understood that civil society—the network of libraries, schools, churches, and community organizations operating outside direct government control—was the lever by which marginalized youth could be uplifted, their talents nurtured, and their futures secured.

The Free Library of Philadelphia, Blanche A. Nixon Branch, Cobbs Creek

The timing of this celebration could not be more significant. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, the nation finds itself at a precarious juncture, one in which the very foundations of an inclusive, truthful historical narrative are under siege. Public institutions—particularly libraries—will be called upon as never before to sustain democracy by preserving access to knowledge, fostering civic engagement, and resisting the erosion of fact in favor of political expediency.

The Assault on Truth and the Role of Civil Society

Recent years have seen a deliberate campaign to narrow the scope of American history, stripping it of its complexities and contradictions. President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting so-called “critical race theory” in schools was just one salvo in a broader effort to enforce a sanitized version of the past—one that ignores the competing traditions of liberalism, civic republicanism, and the ascriptive hierarchies of racism, nativism, and sexism that have shaped the nation.

Delgreco K. Wilson (author), Kim Wilson (sister) and Lea Wilson (mother)

Republican-led states have accelerated this trend, passing laws that restrict how race, gender, and systemic inequality are taught. The result is a distorted narrative, one that suggests America’s political culture has been defined solely by individualism and egalitarianism, rather than a continuous struggle between these ideals and the forces of exclusion.

In this environment, civil society must become the keeper of inconvenient truths. Libraries, universities, advocacy groups, and cultural institutions—organizations that operate independently of government and corporate control—are now essential counterweights to state-sponsored historical revisionism. They provide the spaces where marginalized stories can be told, where banned books remain accessible, and where citizens can engage in the kind of informed discourse that democracy requires.

Kelly Richards, President and Director, Free Library of Philadelphia

Why Libraries Are Democracy’s Lifeline

Public libraries, in particular, stand as one of the last truly democratic institutions in America. They are not just repositories of books but civic hubs—what sociologists call “third spaces”—where people of all backgrounds can gather, learn, and debate without the pressures of commerce or partisan influence.

  1. Guardians of Truth in an Age of Misinformation
    In an era of algorithmic echo chambers and politicized media, libraries provide free access to vetted information. They are among the few remaining places where individuals can engage with diverse perspectives, fact-check dubious claims, and develop the media literacy necessary to navigate a fractured information landscape.
  2. Sanctuaries for Banned Knowledge
    As school boards and state legislatures remove books on race, gender, and sexuality from curricula, public libraries often become the only places where such works remain available. In doing so, they fulfill their historic role as defenders of intellectual freedom.
  3. Community Anchors in Neglected Neighborhoods
    Blanche Nixon understood that libraries are more than just buildings—they are lifelines for underserved communities. They offer job training, after-school programs, and safe spaces for children who might otherwise lack them. In neighborhoods like Cobbs Creek, they are often the only institutions providing free internet access, literacy programs, and legal resources to residents shut out of traditional power structures.
  4. Archives of Local History
    Beyond their role in education, libraries serve as living archives, preserving the stories of ordinary people whose struggles and triumphs are too often excluded from official narratives. In doing so, they ensure that history is not merely the domain of the powerful but a collective inheritance.
Daneen Nixon (Blanche Nixon’s Granddaughter), Delgreco K. Wilson (Blanche Nixon’s nephew)

The Fight Ahead

The challenges facing American democracy are not abstract. They manifest in the closure of rural libraries due to funding cuts, in the intimidation of educators who teach about systemic racism, and in the growing partisan divide over what constitutes “acceptable” knowledge.

But the rededication of the Blanche A. Nixon Library is a reminder that resistance is possible. It is a testament to the power of civil society—of individuals and institutions that refuse to let communities be defined by neglect or historical amnesia.

State Senator, Anthony Hardy Williams

Blanche Nixon’s legacy teaches us that the work of democracy is not just about elections or laws but about the daily, unglamorous labor of sustaining spaces where people can learn, question, and grow. As the nation moves toward its semiquincentennial, the survival of its democratic experiment may well depend on whether institutions like public libraries can continue to fulfill that role.

The alternative—a nation stripped of its full history, where access to knowledge is dictated by ideology—is one that figures like Blanche Nixon spent their lives fighting against. The best way to honor her memory is to ensure that fight continues.

At Water’s Edge Cafe, Charm and Crab Reign Supreme

March 30, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

RESTAURANT REVIEW

CRISFIELD, Md. — Not every great meal requires white tablecloths, sommeliers, or a soundtrack of softly tinkling piano. Sometimes, all you need is a well-worn wooden table, a view of the Chesapeake Bay, and a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. At Water’s Edge Cafe, a humble, no-frills eatery perched on the water in this sleepy Eastern Shore town, the mission is simple: serve honest, delicious food without a shred of pretension. And by that measure, it succeeds spectacularly.

Forget about chandeliers or artfully arranged amuse-bouches—this is a place where the ceiling fans might predate the Reagan administration, where the decor leans more toward “cozy dockside shack” than “design magazine spread.” But what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in flavor, hospitality, and sheer uncomplicated joy.

The star here is the seafood, as it should be in a town that bills itself as the “Crab Capital of the World.” My companion opted for the Crab Imperial, a dish so pure in its devotion to lump crab that it feels almost revelatory. Unlike its more structured cousin, the crab cake, this version is luxuriously loose, bound only by a whisper of imperial sauce—no filler, no fuss, just sweet, briny crab in its most unadulterated form. It arrived alongside rustic skin-on mashed potatoes and southern-style mac and cheese, both hearty and unpretentious, the kind of sides that demand a second (or third) forkful.

I went with the fried flounder, a golden, crispy-edged specimen that shatters at the touch of a fork to reveal pearlescent, moist flesh beneath. The fries were hot and salty, the cole slaw bright and tangy—no culinary pyrotechnics, just textbook execution. Even the service, delivered by our attentive and knowledgeable server, Cameron, was effortlessly warm, the kind of hospitality that feels rare in an era of over-orchestrated dining.

And then there’s the price: under $40 for two entrees and sides, a near-miraculous value in an age where a single cocktail in Manhattan can cost more.

Water’s Edge Cafe isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is—a place where good food, friendly faces, and the lapping of bay waves against the dock are the only luxuries you need. If you find yourself on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, skip the fuss and head straight here. Just don’t blame me if you start plotting a return trip before the last bite is gone.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (Excellent)
Water’s Edge Cafe — 1108 W Main St Crisfield, MD, United States, Maryland 21817 | (667) 868-4100 | No Reservations, No Pretenses

A Taste of Persia in Brooklyn: Sofreh Shines with Masterful Persian Cuisine

March 27, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

RESTAURANT REVIEW

BROOKLYN, NY — As a Philadelphian raised on the holy trinity of Angelo’s cheesesteaks, Tony Luke’s roast pork, and the comforting embrace of melted Cooper Sharp, I rarely venture beyond the familiar. But when a trusted friend insisted on a trip to Sofreh, the celebrated Persian restaurant in Prospect Heights, I surrendered to curiosity—and left utterly enchanted.

Helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh is a revelation, a place where the soul of Iranian cooking is rendered with both reverence and artistry. The space itself is understated yet warm—high ceilings, black wood beams, a marble bar glowing under soft light. Reservations are fiercely sought after (book weeks ahead), yet the staff makes every guest feel like family. Before I could introduce myself, the host greeted me by name: “Delgreco, we look forward to serving you.” Such grace sets the tone for the evening.

We began with the Eggplant and Whey Dip, a lush, smoky spread crowned with crispy onions and drizzled with mint oil. But the true showstopper was the Barbari bread, a Persian flatbread so pillowy, so perfectly blistered, that it could single-handedly justify the trip. Tearing into its warm, sesame-studded crust, I understood why bread is sacred here.


For the main act, my friend chose the Dried Lime & Herb Beef Stew, a deep, tangy marvel of braised beef, kidney beans, and citrusy Persian limes. But my heart—and appetite—belonged to the Lamb Shank, a dish so sublime it bordered on spiritual. The meat, braised until it surrendered to the slightest nudge of a fork, swam in a fragrant broth of dill and dried lime, each spoonful a symphony of warmth and spice. Paired with saffron-kissed rice, the lamb was butter-soft, its richness cut by the bright, herbal notes of the broth. This wasn’t just dinner; it was an epiphany.

Sofreh doesn’t just serve food—it offers an education in Persian hospitality, where every detail, from the minimalist decor (a canvas for the vibrant dishes) to the impeccable service, feels intentional. As I left, already plotting my next visit (perhaps before a Nets game at Barclays?), I realized Sofreh had done the impossible: made a Philly guy forget about cheesesteaks, if only for one glorious night.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (Exceptional)
Sofreh — 75 St. Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY | http://www.sofrehnyc.com | Reservations Essential

The Rise of Julian Reese: A Quiet Force in a Basketball Dynasty

March 9, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — On a crisp Saturday afternoon in March, senior forward Julian “JuJu” Reese stepped onto the court at the Xfinity Center for the final time in his collegiate career. With 19 points, 11 rebounds, and a commanding presence in the paint, Reese led the No. 11 Maryland Terrapins to a 74-61 victory over Northwestern. It was a fitting farewell for the Baltimore native who has quietly become one of the most dependable and impactful figures in college basketball, even as his older sister, Angel Reese, has become a national icon and a lightning rod for conversation in the sports world.

The Reese family is basketball royalty. Julian’s mother, Angel Reese Sr. (née Webb), was a standout at UMBC in the late 1980s and early 1990s, amassing 1,390 points and 932 rebounds—numbers that Julian has nearly mirrored in his own career. His aunts also played Division I basketball, and the family’s love for the game runs deep. But while Julian’s older sister, Angel, has become a household name for her brash confidence, outspoken personality, and trailblazing impact on women’s basketball, Julian has carved out his own path—one defined by steady growth, quiet determination, and an unwavering commitment to his team.

A Legacy in the Making
Julian Reese arrived at the University of Maryland in the fall of 2021 as a highly touted recruit from St. Frances Academy, a Baltimore-based basketball powerhouse. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan that seemed to stretch from baseline to baseline, Reese was a physical specimen with raw potential. He chose Maryland over offers from Seton Hall, LSU, and Temple, among others, and immediately made an impact as a freshman. Despite playing just 17.7 minutes per game, he averaged 5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, showing flashes of the dominant force he would become.

His freshman year, however, was marred by turmoil. Eight games into the season, head coach Mark Turgeon resigned, and interim coach Danny Manning took over. The Terps finished a disappointing 15-17, but Reese’s potential was undeniable. When Kevin Willard was hired as head coach in the off-season, Reese made the decision to stay at Maryland rather than enter the transfer portal—a choice that would prove pivotal for both him and the program.

Under Willard’s guidance, Reese blossomed. As a sophomore, he became a full-time starter, nearly doubling his production to 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Maryland improved to 22-13 and made a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament. By his junior year, Reese had established himself as one of the top frontcourt players in the Big Ten, averaging 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

This season, Reese has been the anchor of a resurgent Maryland team. Alongside his former S. Frances Academy teammate, Derik Queen, Reese has helped the Terps return to national prominence. Heading into the Big Ten tournament, Maryland is ranked 13th in the nation, with Reese leading the charge. He ranks second in the Big Ten in offensive rebound percentage and first in defensive rating, a testament to his relentless work ethic and basketball IQ.

The Reese Family Dynamic
The Reese siblings are a study in contrasts. Angel, the older sister, is a force of nature—charismatic, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. She has become a cultural icon, using her platform to advocate for women’s sports and empower young girls. Her larger-than-life personality has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and her success at LSU, including a national championship in 2023, has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball history.

Julian, by contrast, is the quiet sibling. Reserved and introspective, he prefers to let his game do the talking. While Angel thrives in the spotlight, Julian is more comfortable in the shadows, focusing on the nuances of his craft. Yet, despite their differences, the bond between the two is unshakable. Angel has been one of Julian’s biggest supporters, often cheering him on from the stands alongside their mother, grandparents, and extended family.

Their contrasting personalities reflect the duality of the Reese family’s basketball legacy. Angel is the trailblazer, the one who pushes boundaries and challenges norms. Julian is the steady hand, the one who embodies the fundamentals and traditions of the game. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of basketball—a sport that has been the lifeblood of their family for generations.

A Future in the NBA
As Julian’s collegiate career winds down, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. The answer, according to scouts and analysts, is a resounding yes. Reese’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess makes him a legitimate NBA prospect. His ability to finish around the rim, coupled with his elite rebounding and shot-blocking skills, has drawn comparisons to players like Clint Capela and Jarrett Allen.

While Reese’s game is not without its limitations—he has attempted just one three-pointer in the past three seasons—his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. His mobility and versatility on defense, in particular, make him an attractive option for NBA teams in need of a rim protector and rebounder.

A Legacy Secured
Julian Reese’s journey at Maryland has been one of perseverance and growth. From a raw freshman navigating a coaching change to a senior leader poised to make a deep tournament run, Reese has left an indelible mark on the program. He will finish his career with over 1,400 points and 1,000 rebounds, joining an elite group of players who have achieved such milestones.

But more than the numbers, Reese’s legacy lies in his quiet determination and unwavering commitment to his team. In a sports landscape often dominated by flashy personalities and viral moments, Reese has been a reminder that greatness can come in many forms.

As the JuJu Reese era comes to a close, one thing is certain: the Reese family’s basketball legacy is in good hands. Whether on the court or off it, Julian Reese has proven that he is more than just Angel’s little brother. He is a star in his own right—a testament to the power of hard work, humility, and an unyielding love for the game.

A Triumph for Tradition: Father Judge’s Victory at The Palestra Rekindles the Spirit of Philadelphia Basketball

February 24, 2025 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In the heart of Philadelphia, where the echoes of basketball history reverberate through the halls of The Palestra, a new chapter was written on Sunday afternoon. Father Judge High School, a proud institution from Northeast Philly, defeated defending champion Roman Catholic, 41-34, to claim the Philadelphia Catholic League Boys’ Basketball Championship. The victory, their first in 27 years, was not just a triumph for the Crusaders but a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of the most storied venues in sports.

The Palestra, the cathedral of college basketball, turned 98 this year. Since its opening in 1927, it has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other arena in the country. Its hallowed floor has been graced by legends, from Wilt Chamberlain to Kobe Bryant, and its intimate, raucous atmosphere has made it a shrine for basketball purists. Yet, in recent years, The Palestra’s relevance as a contemporary venue for college basketball has waned. The Philadelphia Big 5, once the lifeblood of the arena, no longer calls it home. Temple, Villanova, La Salle, and St. Joseph’s have opted to play their city series games on their own campuses, leaving Penn, the Palestra’s home team, as a fading force in the Ivy League.


But if the Big 5 has moved on, the Catholic League has stepped in to fill the void. The Catholic League Final Four has become the premier basketball event at The Palestra, a showcase of the city’s rich high school basketball tradition. On Saturday, approximately 10,000 fans—exceeding the arena’s official capacity of 8,700—packed into the venerable building to witness Father Judge and Roman Catholic battle for the most coveted high school championship in Pennsylvania. The atmosphere was electric, a reminder of what makes The Palestra special: the passion of the fans, the intensity of the competition, and the sense that, for a few hours, time stands still.

The game itself was a gritty, hard-fought affair, emblematic of Philadelphia basketball. Father Judge, led by head coach Chris Roantree, overcame a sluggish start to outlast Roman Catholic in a defensive slugfest. The Crusaders went the entire first quarter without a field goal, managing only two free throws, as Roman Catholic’s suffocating defense disrupted their rhythm. Sophomore point guard Tyler Sutton was a revelation for Roman, scoring 20 of his team’s 34 points and showcasing a blend of poise and skill that belied his age. But Father Judge’s senior point guard, Kevair Kennedy, weathered the storm, delivering clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. His 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists may not have been eye-popping, but his leadership and resilience were instrumental in securing the title.

The game also featured a standout performance from Father Judge’s Everett Barnes, whose defensive dominance evoked memories of Bill Russell. Barnes, a towering presence in the paint, blocked shot after shot, keeping his team within striking distance during their offensive struggles. Alongside Roman Catholic’s Shareef Jackson, another formidable big man, Barnes is headed to the Patriot League next year, leaving one to wonder why Penn’s Steve Donahue didn’t make a stronger push to keep these local talents in the city. Their absence will be felt, but their performances on Saturday were a testament to the depth of talent in Philadelphia high school basketball.

For Father Judge, the victory was the culmination of a remarkable turnaround. Four years ago, Roantree took over a program that had gone 2-12 in the Catholic League. Under his guidance, the Crusaders have risen to the top, their journey a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. The postgame celebration was a scene of unbridled joy, as players, coaches, and fans reveled in a moment that had been decades in the making. For the Judge community, this championship was more than just a trophy; it was a reaffirmation of their identity and a source of immense pride.

As the final buzzer sounded and the Crusaders celebrated on the court, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history. The Palestra, with its wooden bleachers and arched rafters, has witnessed countless moments of triumph and heartbreak. On Sunday, it added another to its collection. Father Judge’s victory was a reminder of what makes this arena so special: its ability to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime, and to serve as a bridge between the past and the present.
In a city that loves its basketball, The Palestra remains a sacred space. While the Big 5 may have moved on, the Catholic League has ensured that the arena’s legacy endures. For one night, at least, The Palestra was once again the center of the basketball universe, and Father Judge’s Crusaders were its brightest stars.