City of Basketball Love

By Dan Arkans (@danarkans)

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(Ed. Note: This story is part of CoBL’s “Prepping for Preps” series, which will take a look at many of the top high school programs in the region as part of our 2023-24 season preview coverage. The complete list of schools previewed thus far can be found here.)

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The Cheltenham boys basketball team entered last season as one of the “elites.”

In the three seasons prior, the Panthers represented a program you could pencil in to contend for Suburban One League and District 1 championship and make a state run. A 30-2 campaign in 2020, when the Panthers did not lose a game during the regular season, marked the return of an area power.

However, after suffering some growing pains last season, Cheltenham is once again looking to get back to its elite status.

The Panthers finished 12-11 (10-6 SOL Freedom) last season, missing out on the District 1 and state playoffs and getting dethroned in the Freedom division.

“The standard is always our mark of 30-2,” Cheltenham sixth-year coach Patrick Fleury said,. “We want to push for district and state championships. We had a lot of guys who came through the program who played their first large role last year. This year these guys have had a year of experience. 

“It was a learning experience inside and outside of basketball last year. This year these guys have a better understanding of what we do and how we go about it. We acknowledge growing pains from last year. I put that on myself primarily.”

The Panthers will be withou two of their all-conference selections from a season ago after the graduation of Yakeen Respes and transfers of Kamani Healy (Abington Friends).

Even in their absence, the Panthers have a solid core returning of positionless basketball players as they have hopes of getting back to that 30-2 standard. Junior guard Josiah Hutson, the team's leading scorer a season ago is back*. Senior forward Nile Tinsley was an all-league honorable selection last season. Junior guard Osei Johnson is likely to lead the team on the offensive end.

Seniors Kevin Addison, Asante Johnson and Aidan Wilson-Worley all look to be a solid part of the rotation.

“I want to help younger guys expand the role, make sure they are good,” Wilson-Worley said. “I want to see everyone win. I want to see no bad energy on court. I want to see the team together. I think I can bring that. When I see them down I want to lift them up.” 

Sophomores Mark Hill, Chris Harmon and Kamal Mason and freshman Salim Kelly will all be involved in a rotation, which Fleury said can go at least nine deep. 

Peyton McClendon, a 6-8 sophomore forward, could emerge as a difference maker given his size on the guard-dominant roster.

“Peyton is progressing regularly,” Fleury said. “He took a liking to basketball. His growth has been tremendous. We are looking for him to be more aggressive. Nile will look to put pressure on the rim. He’s a very good passer. We want to use him in all facets. We are just excited for all these guys. This sophomore group has another three years together. We are going to rely on a lot of guys depending on the situation.”

The Panthers will continue to not only run teams out of the gym, but follow opponents all the way into the locker room. To say it's a defensive-first mindset is a gross understatement of the message Fleury continues to try to get across.

“Pat always preaches defense first,” Wilson-Worley said. “Offense will come. Defense is where it’s really at. When it comes to a big-time game we will need it. We have people who can get a bucket. If we get beat on defense we gotta take that personal.”

The Panthers have some matchups on their schedule they hope can get them prepared for the postseason. They have dreams of getting back to making a run in districts and states.

The first goal, however, will be wrestling that SOL Freedom title back from William Tennent after Tennent halted a two-year run of dominance by Cheltenham last year. With depth and defense the Panthers will be a difficult out.

“I feel like we can really go far,” Wilson-Worley said. “I expect us to win our league. Last year, we had a few ups and downs, just little things we were missing. We should win our league and make it to SOL, districts, taking little steps.”

*Editor's note: This story incorrectly state Josiah Hutson transferred from Cheltenham in a prior edition.