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2025 Philly Live II: Saturday Standouts (Pt. 3)

06/29/2025, 6:15pm EDT

By CoBL Staff

By CoBL Staff (@hooplove215)
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The annual two-weekend hoopfest that is Philly Live 2025 continued on Saturday, with 10 courts of action going between the gyms at Jefferson University and the Alan Horwitz ‘Sixth Man’ Center from first tip-off at 9:00 a.m. to the final tip at nearly 9:00 p.m.

CoBL had writers and scouts scattered throughout both gyms, checking out as much of the competition as we could. Here’s Pt. 3 of who stood out in games we were able to get our eyes on:

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Delbarton School (N.J.) 2026 Günther Neumann. (Photo: Owen McCue/CoBL)

Günther Neumann (2026 | Delbarton School, N.J.)
The 6-foot-3 guard has a lot to like about his game, and showed many of those parts off in a 68-48 win over Unionville on Saturday at Jefferson. It starts with a sweet looking stroke and terrific mechanics as a catch-and-shooter. Neumann can also put the ball on the deck and has some strength on his frame, helping him finish inside. He got to show off his vision as well, making a pair of finds to teammates Marty Hindelong inside, navigating the tight space in the lane with ease.

Josh Obiora (2026 | St. Georges, Del.)
Putting up 15 points, 12 boards, two steals, and four blocks versus Archbishop Ryan, Obiora showed he could compete on almost any court. Listed at 6-8, the big wing needs to add muscle mass, but he still managed to control the paint with his low post defense and event creation on that end. Obiora displayed flashes of being able to create for himself on offense, too. In addition to his putbacks, he attacked the rim from the second level and posted up on the block. His toughness on both ends was commendable and promising.

Max Okebata (2027 | La Salle College H.S.)
Despite La Salle’s tough 62-53 loss to Largo (Md.), Okebata delivered a strong performance. The 6-3 rising junior shooting guard stepped up as the team’s go-to-option after an early injury to their big man, finishing with a team-high 17 points (6-13 FG), 10 rebounds, two threes, two assists, and a steal. A physical presence inside with sharp instincts and the ability to score from all three levels, Okebata played as a consistent playmaker with determination and toughness to keep his team competitive.

Mike Pereira (2026 | Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
The 6-9 rising senior center finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots in the Colonials’ impressive 77-65 victory over Jackson-Reed (D.C.) on Saturday during Day Two of Philly Live II. He continues to have an excellent summer, showing his improved athleticism, footwork, strength around the basket, and improved offensive skills. It has all translated into a growing number of college recruiters flocking to his games. Against Jackson-Reed’s 6-10 Kaylin Dunbar, Pereira more than held his own, showing better mobility, was tough to move from his spots, and made three great passes, one a no-look pass to a breaking teammate on the baseline.

Mani Sajid (2026 | Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
The 6-4 rising senior guard wowed everyone in the Colonials’ 77-65 victory over Jackson-Reed (D.C.) on Saturday during Day Two of Philly Live II. It was the best he looked, showing a great array of passing, shooting, driving, rebounding, and finishing. He closed with a game-high 29 points, and could not be stopped. His passing was the most impressive part about his game. As he was attracting numerous defenders, his anticipation in hitting teammates in stride as they cut to the basket was uncanny. He was able to find teammates in traffic and in mid-air. His shooting was impeccable, hitting six of nine from three-point range, and even his misses rimmed in and out. He left numerous college scouts that lined the court nodding their heads.

Mason Santiago (2026 | St. Peter’s Prep, N.J.)
Santiago finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals in an overtime loss to Neumann-Goretti on Saturday at Jefferson. He’s a strongly built 6-foot-3 guard but still has some smoothness to his game. He knocked down a pair of shots from deep, pulling up from well beyond the arc to beat the halftime buzzer for the second. With his size at the guard spot, he invites contact when he attacks the basket (8-of-10 from the line) and is another strong body on the glass. Defensively, even against a stable of speedy N-G guards he found a way to get a hand on the ball and make things happen for his team.

Eric Scott (2027 | West Catholic)
The 5-10 rising junior point guard led all scorers with 17 points in a 56-50 win over St. Peter’s Prep (N.J.). Scott shot 5-of-9 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, coming through in key moments. He showed a solid midrange touch, brought energy on both ends, and came up with a big steal while also contributing as a rebounder. His hustle and timely shot-making stood out in a competitive matchup, while teammate Kingston Wheatley (2026) helped lead the attack at the rim.

JP Skoric (2026 | Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
Skoric led all scorers in Don Bosco Prep’s narrow 46-43 loss to Dr. Phillips (Fla.) to start the day, finishing with 19 points, a game-high six rebounds, plus a block, a steal, and an assist. The 6-8 rising senior forward made his presence felt on both ends, using his length to finish around the rim and contest shots. He scored at all three levels and showed creativity around the paint, drawing multiple fouls and knocking down shots with a natural high release. A strong low-major D1 prospect, Skoric has seen offers roll in this past June as his game continues to expand.

Quinn Slack (2027 | Central Bucks East)
The 5-11 rising junior point guard delivered a team-high 14 points and posted a double-double with 12 rebounds, adding two steals and three assists in a 55-53 win over Wayne Hills (N.J.). Slack was confident attacking the lane and showed impressive body control on finishes, converting several tough layups through contact. He brought strong awareness and defensive energy throughout the game.

Ian Smith (2028 | Imhotep Charter)
It was an all-out war on Court 4 between Imhotep Charter and Gonzaga College (D.C.), with the stands packed and a ring of spectators around the court. In a balanced matchup that didn’t really see many standout performances, Smith certainly earned his spot here with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The 5-10 guard, now the Panthers’ featured lead guard and looking in better shape than a year ago, knocked down four 3-pointers on seven attempts, including a couple pull-ups on the move, and was also four-of-five from the line, his only miss coming on an attempt at a 3-point play.

Roman Catholic 2026 guard R.J. Smith. (Photo: Owen McCue/CoBL)

R.J. Smith (2026 | Roman Catholic)
Smith made his unofficial “debut” for the Cahillitites on Saturday at Jefferson, scoring 21 points in a Roman win over Coatesville. He drove down the right side of the lane for the first points of the game 20 seconds in. The whole offensive arsenal was on display as the game progressed, a pull-up three, step-backs, crossovers, and a whole lot of tough finishes that he made look easy. He has some chemistry with AAU teammate Sammy Jackson already but his playmaking should shine through as well as his scoring as he develops more reps with his new Roman teammates.

Shakur Starling (2027 | Central Dauphin)
In two games against 6-6-plus wings in consensus top 100 of their respective classes, the 6-2 combo guard showed he wasn't out of place. Starling went off on the offensive glass. He repeatedly ripped the ball out of the air for second-chance opportunities. His work as a slasher was critical too. Starling rocked his man from side to side before exploding into the lane, using his strength to get all the way to the cup, then either absorbing the contact for a tough lay or drawing the foul. He put up 20 and 10 versus Tatnall, but more important the Rams came away with two wins.

Vinny Starr (2026 | Conrad, Del.)
The 5-9 combo guard did a pretty good job running the show for the Red Wolves versus Trinity, getting his team organized and into set. But he was an even bigger help torching the defense from deep. Without having to force anything, Starr lit the Shamrocks up with catch-and-shoot threes and pull-ups when necessary. He also kept the defense honest by getting off shots inside the arc. With and without the ball, he made his way to the paint for touch shots around the basket before leading all scorers with 29 points (six threes).

Andre Steele Jr. (2027 | Trinity)
In a contest against Conrad that went down to the wire, Steele Jr. was a two-way nightmare and a closer. Standing about 6-0, his first step off the dribble granted him access to the paint whenever he needed it. And while defenders couldn't stay in front of Steele Jr., offensive players struggled to get past him. He stripped the ball away and shot the gap to create instant offense, including a transition dunk. Finally, he put the game away at the free throw line with four straight makes, finishing with 21 points and four steals.

Abdou Toure (2026 | Notre Dame, Conn.)
Even in a tight 52-51 loss to a talented Jackson-Reed (D.C.) squad, Toure made a lasting impression. The 6-6 rising senior combo forward was the complete package for the West Haven-based team. He posted a game-high 26 points along with seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He threw down three dunks with ease, coming off steals, fast breaks, and passes, and was a force on the glass. Toure scored all his points inside the arc or at the foul line, shooting 8-of-11 at the stripe with multiple and-ones, showing his comfort in drawing contact. A high-motor interior scorer with great length.

Jymin Veney (2027 | St. John's College, D.C.)
In a primetime game against Archbishop Carroll, Veney was absolutely wrecking shop for the Cadets. He put his athleticism and feel on display with how he crashed the boards and forced turnovers. His knack for being around the ball and making things happen gave his team an edge, because even when it seemed like Carroll was building momentum, there he was to stomp it out. Veney made shots inside and outside of the arc as well, racking up 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Sidwell Friends (D.C.) 2028 guard Jadah Washington. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)

Jadah Washington (2028 | Sidwell Friends, D.C.)
Washington is something that’s becoming a bit of a dying breed: a pure point guard. The 5-10 ball-hander put on a PG clinic in Sidwell’s two games Saturday afternoon, but especially in the win over Archbishop Wood. Washington only took two shots and consistently passed up tough takes to the rim in favor of getting his teammates one open look after another, racking up 11 assists, and if he turned it over more than once or twice we’d be surprised. Washington also complemented that passing with five rebounds and five steals, showing his impressive athleticism, effort, competitiveness and defensive acumen for a young guard.

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Honorable Mention