Up next for Muhlenberg: Imhotep Charter (updated with time change)
Muhlenberg (18-10) vs. Imhotep Charter (26-3)
What: PIAA Class 5A Tournament, second round
When: Tuesday, 7:00
Where: Freedom High School, Bethlehem
About the Panthers
Defending PIAA Class 5A champs have won 23 straight state tournament games, with Class 4A championships in 2019, 2018 and 2017. Their last loss in state play came in a 2016 semifinal against eventual champ Neumann-Goretti. The only thing that’s stopped them in recent years is COVID-19: They went 2-0 before the state tournament was suspended in 2020 and couldn’t participate in states in 2021, despite a 14-0 record.
They also won a Class 3A title in 2013 and Class 2A titles in 2012, 2011 and 2009. Over the last 14 years they are 52-4 in state tournament play and 8-0 in championship games — and some people believe this may be their best team.
Only losses this season have come against nationally ranked teams: Long Island Lutheran, a Top 10 team in all the major polls; by two points to Simeon of Chicago, a Top 20 team; and by three points to Camden, which is ranked between No. 10 and No. 16 in top national polls.
Imhotep is ranked No. 11 in the nation by ESPN, No. 12 by Sports Illustrated and No. 14 by USA-Today. It is 17-0 vs. Pennsylvania teams, the latest a 52-point victory over Holy Ghost Prep in the opening round of state play.
Only one PA team, Math, Civics & Sciences, has come within 10 points, losing 77-68. Imhotep is averaging 70.2 points and has a 25.2 winning margin.
The roster, as you would suspect, is jam-packed with top-shelf talent. Start with 6-7 Justin Edwards, a Kentucky-bound wing who was the Class 4A Player of the Year last year on the Pennsylvania Sportswriters All-State team. He has led the team to three straight Philadelphia Public League titles.
Rahmir Barno, a 6-foot senior guard, was an All-State first-team pick last year and is signed to play at Florida Gulf Coast. He’s the fastest player on the team, attacks the basket and leads the pressure defensive attack.
Ahmad Nowell, a second-team All-State pick last year as a sophomore, topped 1,000 points this season. He can carry the load offensively, if needed, and is a 3-point threat. He has offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas and Memphis.
The top shooter may be 6-3 senior Yahmir Satterfield, a first-year starter and three-year captain. He has offers from West Chester and Kutztown, according to cityofbasketballlove.com.