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2017 All-City Classic Standouts (June 2)

06/03/2017, 8:15am EDT
By CoBL Staff

Elijah Taylor (above) was one of the standouts at the 2017 All-City Classic. (Photo: Tommy Smith/CoBL)

CoBL Staff (@hooplove215)
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The 23rd annual Philadelphia All-City Classic took place at Girard College on Friday night, with a trio of games highlighting the best young hoops talent the area has to offer.

Here are the CoBL's picks for standouts:

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Allen Betrand (2018/Roman Catholic)
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard looks primed to be the leader of the Cahillites this season. After leading the team in scoring at 14.1 ppg, he showed he’s ready to increase that output in the coming year while playing for the Non-Public side. Betrand, who had an impressive spring with Philly Pride, showcased his quick first step coupled with several strong finishes at the rim including a few dunks. His strength is in transition but he also showed he can post up on the wing and create for both himself and teammates. His perimeter jumper appears much more fluid and consistent. With the return of Lynn Greer III and Seth Lundy coupled with the addition of transfer Hakim Hart from Kingsway (N.J.), the Cahillites should be a top contender in both the PCL and the state tournament with Betrand being the focal point of their offensive attack.

Dhamir Bishop (2019/Imhotep Charter)
One of the biggest spring stock risers locally in the class of 2019, Bishop showed why college coaches are starting to recruit the rising junior on Friday night. A highly-athletic 6-4 wing, Bishop can create shots off the dribble, getting to the rim and finishing through contact. A few tough defensive stands by his team led to some fast break opportunities, and Bishop capitalized, slamming home a few big dunks. Bowling Green and NJIT are only two schools to offer so far, but expect more colleges to begin contacting Bishop soon.

Mark Bradshaw (2019/Archbishop Carroll)
The MVP for the Non-Public side in the sophomore game was Bradshaw, a 6-foot point guard who will see an expanded role for the Patriots next season. Despite his relatively small stature, Bradshaw’s athleticism, powerful frame, and ability to get downhill towards the rim make him perfectly suited for the up-and-down nature of these games. When his 3-point shot is falling, which it was tonight, it makes him nearly impossible for defenses to contain.

Ed Croswell (2018/St. Joe’s Prep)
The 6-foot-7 forward has come a long way with his overall game since transferring over from Math, Civics & Sciences a few years ago. Once thought of as merely a back to the basket player who was primarily looked upon for rebounding and shot blocking, Croswell has expanded his game and become a player the Hawks can run their offense through. He showed an improved stroke on a baseline jump shot, worked in several hook shots and drop step fishes and even led the break on a few occasions for the Non-Public team. He’s continued to put his improved game on display with Philly Pride and it led to a Division offer from Rider. Croswell figures to receive many more offers going forward but his improved play is a good sign for the Hawks and a bad one for the rest of the PCL.

Mikeal Jones (2020/Girard College)
Playing in the freshman game for the second year in a row following his reclassification, Jones looked quite mature on the court Friday night. A 6-8 forward, Jones is an intriguing athlete with deceptive speed and agility. Being able to pull down a defensive rebound in one thing, but to be able to put the ball on the deck and soar coast-to-coast for a breathtaking slam is a huge part of Jones’ evolving game. Still a little raw with decision making on the court, Jones will use the next three years of his high school career to prepare himself to one day play at the high-major level.

Naheem McLeod (2019/Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
McLeod is continuing to grow into his 7-foot frame but with that continued maturation comes a more polished game, particularly on the offensive end. He scored ten points in the first half for the Public team and showed off a variety of moves. Although he tends to be the biggest player on the floor, McLeod runs the floor well for a center and usually gets rewarded for it with an alley-oop slam. His forte is controlling the glass while rejecting or contesting shots in the paint but his evolving offensive game should give the Colonials optimism. McLeod should continue to make strides heading in his junior season.

Sam Sessoms (2018/Shipley)
Using his quickness and court vision in the open court, Sessoms proved he is one of the best floor generals in the region. Winning MVP for the non-public side, Sessoms was finding open teammates all over the court, leading for easy scoring opportunities. Another feature of the  stocky 5-10 guard’s game on display was his defense; stealing the ball away from his opponents in the open floor. Because he hasn’t received any Division I scholarships yet, Sessoms will need to continue playing hard on both sides of the ball in order to earn himself a spot on a college roster after his senior season.

Elijah Taylor (2020/Imhotep Charter)
A bruising 6-foot-7 post, Taylor saw limited minutes for the nationally ranked Imhotep Panthers this past season, but made it clear tonight why he’s expected to step into a far more prominent role next year. Sporting a chiseled 215-pound frame, Taylor is light on his feet for a guy his size, allowing him to get up and down the floor and also rise up for multiple offensive boards on a single possession. The MVP for the victorious Public side, Taylor was able to get whatever he wanted inside throughout the game, and looked primed to be the Public League’s next dominant big man.

Cameron Young (2020/Neumann-Goretti)
Young was a late addition to the freshman Non-Public roster, but the blossoming 6-foot-5 swingman made it clear from the opening tip that he belonged. Fresh off a strong spring with K-Low Elite’s 15U outfit, Young showed off the upside that makes him a tantalizing prospect at this stage. A high-level athlete who plays with consistent energy, he made his presence felt defensively with numerous rebounds and blocked shots; offensively, his shots weren’t falling, but Young has a solid stroke, developing ball skills, and good court vision. One of the lesser known players in attendance, he has a chance to develop into a high-level wing prospect over the next several years with the powerhouse Saints.


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