Philly Basketball 24 • 7 • 365

City of Basketball Love

Current Section

Home

Philly All-City Classic Standouts

05/30/2015, 2:00am EDT

By Tom Reifsnyder and Ari Rosenfeld

Imhotep (Pa.) 2017 PG Daron Russell. (Photo: Tom Reifsnyder)

Tom Reifsnyder (@tom_reifsnyder) &
Ari Rosenfeld (@realA_rosenfeld )
--

The top rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from the greater Philadelphia area put their skills on display for Philly USA Basketball’s All-City Classic at Girard College on Friday Night. The event featured three games, with the 2018s playing first, then the 2017s, and finally the 2016s.

Here’s a few thoughts on the event’s top performers; for recaps of the three games and a feature on one top area 2016, click here:

~~~

Bernard Lightsey (2018/Imhotep Charter)
Lightsey’s Public team led for the entirety of the 2018 game, thanks in large part to his hot start. Just midway through the first half, he had already knocked down two three-pointers and elicited some “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” from the crowd with some impressive dribble moves en route to the basket. He would ultimately finish with 18 points and take home MVP honors, showcasing his ability to run a team and get his own points when needed. His form on his jumper is a bit suspect, but it goes in with a fair degree of consistency. Although he is still a shade under 6-foot, his steady play and strong frame have Lightsey looking like he is ready to contribute for Imhotep as soon as this season.

Damon Wall (2018/Doane Academy)
Wall arrived a bit late to the event’s opening game, and due to other players’ absences, ultimately suited up for the Non-Public team, instead of the Public squad he was slated to play with. His presence was felt immediately upon his insertion into the contest, as he started things off with a deep contested trey. From then on, however, he stuck to his bread and butter of racing by defenders on his way to the rim. Wall gets a bit out of control and shot-happy at times, but his slashing ability from the point guard spot is undeniable.

Marcus Little (2018/Academy New Church)
In a game devoid of anyone that could match up with his 6-foot-8 frame, Little consistently had his way in the post when he was able to get touches. It’s sometimes hard for a true post presence to get involved in an all-star game environment, but when the game slowed down, Little used his strong frame and soft touch to score 11 points on the night. Little still needs to improve his conditioning and athleticism to make a more consistent impact, but his offensive arsenal is already quite developed for a player with his combination of size and youth. Aside from his play down low, he showcased a workable mid-range jumper, knocking one down and barely rimming out on another. Right now, Little certainly looks like the top local big man in the 2018 class, both in terms of current production and future potential.

Koby Thomas (2017/Imhotep Charter)
Thomas was in full acrobat mode for tonight’s 2017 game, soaring through the air for an array of high-flying finishes. It’s no surprise that a player like Thomas, who loves to run and leak out on the break, excelled in this kind of event, but putting up 27 points is always worth noting. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly the 6-5 wing's game translates to a high school setting this winter with his new Imhotep squad, which plays a run-and-gun style conducive to Thomas’ exploits. Thomas didn’t shoot many jumpers tonight, because he didn’t have to, but you can be sure that teams will start testing his efficiency from deep once they grow tired of his assault on the rim.

Evan-Eric Longino (2017/Germantown Academy)
Some may call this 6-5, 220-pounder a 'tweener,' but regardless of what you call him, he’s a matchup problem. Longino muscled through defenders all night long for his hard-fought 14 points and Co-MVP honors. There really wasn’t a player on the floor that could guard him; the guards were too small, and the bigs were too slow. He’s got a nice off-the-dribble game for a player his size and a soft touch around the basket that makes him a nightmare in the post. Maybe he’ll grow a few more inches, maybe he won’t. He’s a player to watch, nonetheless.

Daron Russell (2017/Imhotep Charter)
Russell (pictured above) was up to his usual antics tonight as the always-energetic point guard mesmerized the crowd with a number of ankle-bending crossovers and step-back jumpers en route to his 19 points. Although his notable performance came in a losing effort, you wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t check the scoreboard. If there’s one thing you can count on with Russell, it’s his work ethic. Whether he’s up 20 or down 20, he’s going to give you a show; and that was evident tonight.

Nysier Brooks (2016/Life Center)
Brooks had a slow start in the first half, scoring just four points and hardly receiving any opportunities on the offensive end. But whatever he did during halftime must have worked, because the 6-foot-9 power forward went off in the final 20 minutes, scoring 16 of his game-high 20 points and grabbing Co-MVP honors to boot. Granted, a lot of his points came on fast-break dunks resulting from lackluster defense, but he was running the floor like there was no tomorrow and grabbing every rebound in sight.

Lamar Stevens (2016/Roman Catholic)
Stevens was going at it with Friends’ Central wing DeAndre Hunter all game, and the Roman Catholic small forward made sure it was clear who came out on top. Stevens scored 18 points (8 more than Hunter) and led his Non-Public team to victory, earning himself Co-MVP honors. His shot wasn’t falling from the outside, as it usually does, so Stevens decided that dunking the ball might be a more efficient use of his talents. So he dunked it, over and over again, to the dismay of every defender, mostly Hunter, that drew his matchup.

Josh Sharkey (2016/Archbishop Carroll)
In a game generally lacking intensity and defense, Sharkey was the oddball, full-court pressing his man and diving all over the floor for loose balls. This style of play has become the norm for the 5-foot-10 guard, who makes up for his lack of height with a whole lot of heart. Defense might be his calling card, but his offensive skills also have the tendency to impress. Whether he was dashing up the court for a nifty reverse layup or stepping back for a three, Sharkey was the motor that ran his team’s offense tonight. Sharkey, who scored 12 points, earned the Most Unselfish award for his overall gritty effort and willingness to defer to his teammates, which they surely appreciated.