City of Basketball Love

Tyler Sandora (@tyler_sandora) &
Ray Dunne (@RayDunneBTB)
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Here’s our picks for standouts from the Friday’s Jameer Nelson Classic games at Chestnut Hill College; recaps from the three games can be found here:

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Jon Bol Ajak (2019/Church Farm)
The 6-11 big man brought out some high-major coaches to check out his game against Overbrook on Friday. Ajak, who is oozing with potential, dropped 13 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Ajak displayed his mid-range jumper a few times in the game, and it was evident that not many players in the area have the ability to be so powerful around the rim and so graceful in their jumpers.

Christian Brown (2019/Fels)
A transfer from Olney Charter, Brown got on the scoreboard early and often on Friday. He had totaled 11 points before the end of the first quarter. A 5-10 guard, Brown was crafty around the rim, and finished well against Shipley’s big man Ray Somerville. Brown did hit three 3’s in the game, but was at his best when attacking the basket with a full head of steam. Brown was a big part of why Fels was hanging on with and almost took down Shipley.

Khai Champion (2020/Shipley)
Taking a major step up in terms of production because of the injuries of two starting guards, Champion didn’t miss a beat, scoring 20 points and leading the Gators over Fels. The younger brother of Loyola (Md.) guard Chuck Champion, Khai had a balanced scoring effort throughout the game, although most of his points came in the second half. While he reached his season high in scoring, Champion also played the role of primary ball handler for the Gators.

Cyrie Coates (2018/Overbrook)
One of the newcomers on Overbrook’s squad, Coates is off to a great year at his new school. A lanky 6-6 wing, it looks like Coates’ best basketball is ahead of him. While he could still use some added weight to his frame, Coates’ game style includes flashy finishes at the basket. He even showcased a deep shot, draining two 3’s in the loss. His motor could also use improvement, but Coates has the physical attributes to make a name for himself during his senior year.

Colin Reed (2019/Archbishop Ryan)
The 6-4 guard had himself a career day against Academy of the New Church, dropping a career-high 30 points in the win. Reed showed off his impressive jumper from long range, knocking down 6/9 three-pointers. In the second half, Reed was able to do more work inside and draw fouls, two elements that he is looking to add to his game with consistency going forward.

Taleeq Robbins (2021/Archbishop Ryan)
Thrust into a starting role as a freshman, the 6-3 forward has not disappointed for the Raiders. Robbins scored eight points and pulled down nine boards, showing exceptional abilities down low given his height and age. Averaging 8.2 points per game, he figures to be a big part of the Raiders’ future.

Glenn Sabb (2020/Academy of the New Church)
Playing much bigger than his 6-2 frame, the sophomore guard had some bounce to him in his team’s loss to Archbishop Ryan. Sabb attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing contact en route to 18 points and a 6/6 day from the free throw line. The effort wasn’t lost on the other end of the floor as Sabb pulled down 11 rebounds and was up in people’s face all game long.

Khalif Washington (2019/Overbrook)
A flashy 5-9 guard, Washington was all over the place in his team’s overtime win over Church Farm. On offense, Washington was shooting from all over the floor, but was best when in the paint. On the defensive side of the ball, he found himself pestering Church Farm defenders with his quick hands and feet. One of the veterans on the Panther’s squad, Washington finished with 21 points.

Honorable Mentions:

Joey Gruzinski (2020/Shipley), Isaac Marshall (2018/ANC), Max Scott (2019/Church Farm), Ray Somerville (2019/Shipley), JaQuill Stone (2019/Archbishop Ryan), Raquon West (2018/Constitution)