City of Basketball Love

CoBL Staff (@hooplove215)
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PHILADELPHIA — Philly USA Basketball concluded its busy week of events with the Boys All-City Classic on Friday night at West Philadelphia High School. The freshman, sophomore and junior games featured some of the top high school talent in the city.

Here’s who stood out to the CoBL staff on Friday night:

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Jaden Banner (2025 | West Catholic)
During the Sophomore game, a part of the crowd only wanted to see the ball in Banner's hands. And he didn’t disappoint. The 6-6 wing started the game looking for his teammates and wasn’t much interested in scoring, but in the second half he started going off. Banner ended the game with 16 points and dominated the glass on both sides. While he benefited from cuts and assists from his teammates to score in the paint, Banner also made two 3-pointers at the end of the game. 

Jalil Bethea (2024 | Archbishop Wood)
Stating pre-game that he wanted to win MVP, Bethea came out on fire. He got on the scoreboard early with a catch-and-shoot three, then proceeded to unleash a barrage of pull ups. His high arching shots were made possible by his ability to string together efficient dribble-combos that got him to space he needed to get them off. And when it wasn't his three-balls flying through the air, it was him on lobs and dunks.

Luke Bevilacqua (2025 | George School)
The 6-10 post was one of the most dominant centers, but it is clear he is extending his game outside the paint. Bevilacqua, who was named Defensive Player of the Game, contributed with 14 points. Good post moves and outstanding touch around the rim are his favorite weapons, but he can also catch the ball outside the 3-point line and go by the defenders with a few dribbles. He also added two blocks and numerous offensive boards. After getting the defensive board, Bevilacqua pushed the pace in transition as if he was the point guard and also hit a contested 3.

Devin Booker (2025 | Cristo Rey)
It felt like Booker was trying to tear the rim off based on the way he attacked it. In the first half, he showed his finesse inside with a few lays. Then things changed in the second. At 6-4, the Blue Pride wing threw down dunk after dunk. He attacked closeouts, slashed to the basket and ran the floor in transition, finishing all of his opportunities the same way — with monster jams that got the crowd going and landed him the game MVP. 

K.J. Cochran (2025 | Perkiomen School)
The 6-3 point guard added 19 points for Team Red in the Sophomore game and showed he can score at all three levels. The ability to attack the basket but also a solid 3-point shot are his preferred options during the game, but he can also hurt the defense with contested mid-ranges and the use of fade-aways. Cochran, who also played QB for the football team, has received an offer to play basketball at St. Joe’s. After averaging 17 points a game as a sophomore for West Chester East, he will take his talent to the Perkiomen School.  

Matt Gilhool (2024 | Long Island Lutheran, N.Y.)
Gilhool gave it his all on both ends. The 6-10 combo big would alter a shot on defense, sprint the length of the court, then catch a dump-off pass or get an offensive board for a putback. He displayed skill inside when he used his footwork to evade contests and finish on either side of the hoop. Gilhool demonstrated more perimeter skills when knocked down a three in-rhythm. After a season at Westtown, he’ll head to Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) next season.

RJ Smith (2026 | Imhotep Charter) 
The freshman was one of the most entertaining players in the first game of the day as he found the end of the net in any way he wanted and from anywhere. The 5-8 point guard doesn’t suffer the height of his opponents at all, as he gets by them with outstanding ball control and uses quick hesitations to create separation and shoot 3s with great percentages. Smith, MVP of the game, scored 21 points with four 3-pointers and the spin is one of his signature moves. He has great court vision to find open teammates but he is also a good defender as he had a few steals as well. Smith is ready to take a crucial role in the upcoming year at Imhotep. 

Ian Williams (2026 | Archbishop Carroll)
Williams put together a 21-point performance in the freshman game. The 5-10 guard can do it all on the court. He can read the defender and quickly decide what he wants to do. He can be a problem in many ways as he can score against taller defenders using the contact but can also shoot the ball from deep. Around the rim Williams has a good touch and uses his lengthy arms to make layups. His Euro-step is impressive. The guard, MVP of the game, was already a starter for Archbishop Carroll as a freshman and his name is getting noticed in the AAU circuit as well due to his efficiency with the  NJ Scholars.  

Ryan Williams (2024 | Malvern Prep)
While others took a more light-hearted approach to the game, Williams was all business. He went all the way into his bag. Floaters, mid-range pull up, craft finishes, pull up threes: you name it and Williams got to it. He threw down a transition dunk for good measure. His buckets came from each level - including NBA range - as he scored about 20 points, all without cracking a smile. 

Rob Wright III (2024 | Montverde Academy, FL)
​​​​​​​Suiting up in the city one final time before he throws on the MVA purple and gold, Wright III made certain to leave an impression. He showcased his court vision and ability to get  into the paint as he set the table for his teammates. But it was shooting from deep that won him MVP. The pure point guard cashed in several trey balls in every way possible. He stepped back, spotted up, and relocated for one triple after another. Wright III even went to his in-between game to lead the team in scoring and to the win.

Honorable Mentions

Munchie Ashley-Wright (2026 | Neumann-Goretti) Emmanuel Butts (2026 | Haverford School), Olin Chamberlain Jr (2025 | St. Joe's Prep), Jaden Colzie (2024 | Plymouth Whitemarsh), Drew Corrao (2026 | Archbishop Carroll, Timmy Dennis (2026 | Episcopal Academy), Donovan Fromhartz (2025 | Downingtown West), Deuce Ketner (2024 | Bonner-Prendie), Zaahir Muhammad-Grey (2026 | Imhotep), Jacob Nguyen (2025 | Spring-Ford),  Ma'kye Taylor (2024 | Imhotep), Jake West (2025 | Archbishop Carroll), Nasir Williams (2025 | Sankofa), Nasseem Wright (2024 | Math, Civics & Sciences)