Five Players to Watch in Berks I boys basketball
Daniel Alcantara
Reading High
The 6-4 senior is a gifted wing who can play inside or out, he only seemed to be tapping his potential last season when he was the second-leading scorer (14.0) and rebounder for the PIAA champs. His length was a key for the Red Knights’ stellar interior defense as they navigated their way to a state title.
Alcantara hit 30 3-pointers, shot 77 percent from foul line and is dangerous in the transition game — a true three-level player. He matched his career-high with 27 points in a state semifinal against Upper St. Clair.
Has college offers from Jacksonville, Kutztown, East Stroudsburg and West Chester.
Cameron Jones
Wilson
The 5-11 junior is a lockdown perimeter defender as a sophomore, Jones is now ready to become the Bulldogs’ overall leader and biggest scoring threat.
He gained valuable minutes as a freshman during Wilson’s postseason run and was an integral piece in the Berks Conference championship run last year, mostly on the defensive end. He averaged just 4.9 points but expanded his offensive game in the offseason and is now considered a threat behind the 3-point line as well as when taking the ball to the basket.
Had a great summer season with the Bulldogs, and with Philly Pride on the AAU circuit.
Josiah Jordan
Berks Catholic
Jordon brings the same speed and power combination to the court that he used to excel in football this season.
The 5-11 junior will play the point and will be a match-up problem for opponents; not many teams have defenders quick enough to stop him from taking the ball to the basket. And, with a stronger supporting cast around him, and plenty of shooters, he’ll be doubly difficult to contain.
Jordan led the Saints in scoring as a sophomore at 13.9 per game.
He’s just as good on the defensive end where his instincts and quickness make him a game-changer.
Colin Payne
Exeter
After a breakout season as the Eagles’ quarterback Payne is poised to do similar things this winter. He led the team in scoring as a junior at 14.5 points and figures to be one of the county’s top scorers this season.
“When you talk about a three-level scorer, he’s one of the few in the county,” said Exeter coach Matt Ashcroft. “He can score at the rim, in the mid-range game and at the 3-point line.”
Payne hit 28 3-pointers a year ago and shot 84 percent at the foul line. Tthe 6-4 senior will be a key defender and rebounder, as well.
Ruben Rodriguez
Reading High
After playing at Muhlenberg as a freshman Rodriguez made a smooth transition to the Red Knights, where he led state champs in scoring at 14.6 per game, and with 40 3-pointers. The 6-2 junior is a slasher who gets to the rim, he can knock down 3’s and has a knack for making plays in the clutch.
He was the only sophomore on the All-State Class 6A team. He has college offers from Jacksonville and St. Peters.
In two seasons he has two District 3 championships and a PIAA championship. He should finish his career with 1,600-plus points.
Other key players to watch in Berks I:
- Joey Chapman, 6-1 senior guard, Reading High
- Myles Grey, 5-11 junior guard, Reading High
- Matt Harley, 6-3 senior forward, Gov. Mifflin
- Ryan Koch, 6-4 junior forward, Berks Catholic
- Ofure Odiale, 6-3 junior center/forward, Wilson
- Aidan Sands, 6-4 senior forward, Berks Catholic
- Joey Schlaffer, 6-6 junior forward, Exeter
- Foday Sillah, 6-3 senior center/forward, Wilson