CHELTENHAM BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Patrick Fleury (Third Year)
Assistant coaches: Sharif Bray, Steve Smith, Malcolm Weston, Brian Neeley Torre Harrison
Last year’s record: 25-4 Overall 14-0 League
The Panthers class of 2020 graduated eight seniors last season. Seven of the eight Panthers are playing collegiately. Cheltenham senior Jaelen McGlone was the lone SOL player named to the Pennsylvania Sportswriters Class 6A All-State Team, earning third team recognition. The 6-4 senior guard was a first team All-SOL American Conference selection. He scored 480 points as a senior, averaging 16.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 block for a Panther squad that captured the American Conference title with a perfect 14-0 record for the first time in school history. McGlone started all 29 games for a District One 6A runner-up Panther squad that was 25-4 and still alive in the PIAA 6A playoffs when the season was halted. McGlone, who will continue his career at Rider University, joins Zahree Harrison (Saint Francis), who was sidelined all season with an injury, as the first seniors in program history to earn full basketball scholarships.
Notable losses (key players lost to graduation:
Zahree Harrison -Saint Francis University PA
Jaelen Mcglone -Rider University
Brandon Scott- Lackawana College
Sean Emfinger -Lackawana College
Travis Coleman- Lackawana College
David Pope- Lackawana College
Lou Liedtka -Davidson University (Soccer)
Key returners: Michael Mcclain 12th Guard, Brandon Hawkins 12th Guard, Saleem Payne 11th Guard, Rasheem Dearry 11th Guard, Justin Savage 11th Guard
Others to watch: Ife West Ingram 11th Guard, Elias Walker 11th Guard,, Nasir Edens 11th Guard, Joey Weimer 11th Guard, Keeon Healey 11th Guard
Strengths/Question Marks: The Panthers are returning a junior-heavy roster that will be led by three seniors. They are bringing back four varsity players from last year’s team. The Panthers will have to learn quickly in order to enjoy a successful season.
Outlook: “The Panthers would like to continue their success from last year and set their sights on making the best of the year. The Panthers will rely on their ability to make plays for their teammates while also defending as a unit. The Panthers will rely on their interchangeable pieces this year and will need to work hard to maintain the success of the past.
“The Panthers’ combo guards, Michael Mcclain - a 6’4 senior in his fourth year on varsity, Ife West Ingram (6’5 Jr.), Justin Savage (6’4 Jr.), Rasheem Dearry (6’3 Jr.) and Brandon Hawkins (6’0 Sr.), will give the Panthers a unique and agile look to their defense and offense. Saleem Payne and Elias Walker will be the primary ball handlers for the Panthers, and their speed and ability will help the Panthers towards achieving their team goals with their play. Nasir Edens, Joey Weimer and Keeon Healey will help round the Panthers out with their shooting and playmaking for the team. The Panthers are excited for the opportunity to compete for the 2021 basketball.”
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