Exploring Opportunities: The 2023 High School Open House at Belfield Recreation Center

On November 8th, 2023, the Belfield Recreation Center played host to an impressive gathering of educational institutions from across Philadelphia. The occasion was the much-anticipated 2023 High School Open House, organized by Urban Sports Rescue, Inc. This event provided a unique opportunity for 7th and 8th-grade students to interact with administrators from a wide array of esteemed high schools. With a roster that included Imhotep Charter, Penn Charter, Friends Central, Liguori Academy, Roman Catholic, La Salle High School, Boys’ Latin, Cristo Rey, Archbishop Ryan, Mercy Tech, St. Joseph’s Prep, and ANC, the event promised to be an enlightening experience for all attendees.

The Belfield Recreation Center transformed into a bustling hub of aspirations and possibilities, with representatives from some of the city’s most prestigious high schools setting up booths to showcase their unique offerings. Each school brought with them a wealth of information about their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and the vibrant communities that define them.

Students had the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences, gaining firsthand insights into what each high school had to offer. Whether through interactive demonstrations, presentations, or engaging conversations with faculty members and current students, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the opportunities awaiting them in their high school journey.

The participating high schools were committed to fostering an environment that empowers young minds to become the leaders of tomorrow. The event emphasized the importance of holistic education, showcasing a range of academic disciplines, athletic programs, and artistic endeavors that catered to diverse interests.

The 2023 High School Open House at Belfield Recreation Center was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the students who attended. It was a testament to the power of collaboration between schools, organizations, and the community at large. As the students departed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, they carried with them the promise of a promising educational journey that would shape their futures for years to come.

For all current (Fall 2023) 7th & 8th Graders

On November 8, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, there will be an open house event for elementary and middle school students called “Highschool open house.” The event aims to help students find their path in education. Several schools, including Roman Catholic, Imhotep Institute, ANC, Little Flower High, Archbishop Ryan, St Joseph’s Prep, Cristo Rey, and Liguori Academy, have confirmed their participation. The event will take place at Belfield Recreation Center, located at 2109 W Chew Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138. For more information, interested individuals can contact 267-235-7070 or tonycousar.usr@yahoo.com.

Urbans Sports Rescue Presents Lacrosse Workout part 2

Come and enjoy as we present the wonderful game of lacrosse. lacrosse is considered the oldest game in North American( origins trace as far back at early 12th century). The event is open to ages 6-13 as we go through a introductory skills of lacrosse. for more information contact Tony Cousar at tonycousar.usr@yahoo.com

July 29th 2023 11am – 2pm
Location: Belfield Recreation Center
2109 W Chew Ave

Lacrosse Workout part 1

Contact Rasool Hajj @ urbansportsrescue@gmail.com

Urban Sports Rescue, Inc. Presents Unsigned Senior Showcase for boys. One of the premier event on the east coast returns with a deeper talent pool, this year’s event is filling up fast with over colleges already committing from across the United States. Don’t miss your opportunity to partake in this exciting event. Open to all D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO and PREP SCHOOLS. 5 Games Limited to 100 players.

Date:  April 15th 2023

Location: Imhotep Charter located at 6201 N 21st Philadelphia Pa

General Admission is $10 (for NON Coaches)

College Coaches Admission
Entry with Packet $70
Entry without Packet $35

Player Registration $50 Cash App $RasNasr (Please complete registration form then you will be contacted)

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/YVXm6PpjuunPQ8BF7

GAMES WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON SPORT FAN BASE NETWORK 

Game Day Schedule
9:45 am (1) Chosen League vs (2) Uplift Youth 215

11:00 am (3) Difference Makers vs (4) Delaware Basketball Explosion

12:15 pm (5) Brotherly Love Pro Am vs (6) All City Classic

1:30 pm (3) Difference Makers vs (2) Uplift Youth 215

2:45 pm (5) Brotherly Love Pro Am vs (7) Philly Live

4:00 pm (8) Rump Classic vs (6) All City Classic

Live Stream: SFBN (YouTube)

Game 1 Registration @ 9:00 am

The Chosen League – Coach Stan Williams

Basil Saunders 6’4” Imhotep HS

Unais Moore 6’4” Lower Merion HS

Isaiah Kennedy 6’1” Imhotep HS

Mohamed Sylla 6’9” Sankofa HS

Shawn Chandler 5’9” St. Elizabeth HS (del)

Titus Bacon 5’9” Eastside HS (NJ)

Deywilk Tavarez 6’2” ANC

Nicholas Sylvester 5’11” GAMP

Malcolm Muhammad 6’1” Imhotep HS

Brady Eagan 6’6” Bonner HS

Game 1 Registration 9:00 am Saturday

Uplift Youth 215 – Coach Juwan Muse

Salat Young 6’7” Olney HS

Samir Boyer 6’1” Olney HS

Idris Williams 6’1” Quality Academy Prep

Xavier Brewington 6’3” Polytech (Del)

Stanley Parker 6’2” Fels HS

Derek Porter 6’4” Tacony Academy

Maki Pettigrew 6’2” SLA Beeber HS

Ayyub Noble 5’11” Palumbo HS

Kamal Johnson 5’11” Audenried HS

Game 2 Registration @ 10:00 am Saturday

Difference Makers Coach – Nick Daggett

Nasir Washington 6’3” Pennwood HS

Jaden Williams 6’7” West Philly HS

Deyshon Miller 6’4” Quality Academy Prep

Conner Mattern 5’10” Shamokin HS

Jacere Vega 6’1” William Penn

Jahmair Atwell-Fisher 6’4” Bartram HS

Digreg Stevenson 6’ William Penn HS

Jonathon Orr 6’ La Academia HS

Taliq Johnson 5’8” Boys Latin HS

Game 2 Registration @ 10:00am Saturday

Delaware Basketball Explosion – Coach Rob/Coach Mike

Brandon Swinton 6’6” Freire HS

Mike Breakley 6’5” St George HS

Jabree Martin 6’2” Great Oaks HS

Juni Diaz 6’2” Concord HS

Denzel Whatley Williams 6’ Newark HS

Jalen Sample 6’ William Penn HS

Marcus Edmond Jr. 6’3” Middletown HS

Xavier Richards-Powell 6’2” Howard HS

Jaiden Guy 6’1” William Penn

Game 3 Registration @ 11:00am Saturday

Brotherly Love Pro Am – Mone Moore

Elijah Bryant 5’10” Paul Robeson HS

Kareem Diaz 6’4” Dobbins HS

Cameron Wilson 6’6” Mast Community Charter

Aamir Murray 6’2” Constitution HS

Tysir Hicks 6’ Boys Latin HS

Samaad Powell 6’2” Chester Charter HS

Rakiem Mills 6’ Lincoln HS

Makai Garnett 5’10” Tech Freire HS

Eddie Howard III 6’3” Lincoln HS

Game 3 Registration @ 11am Saturday

All City Classic – Coach Jay Hicks

Chauncey Pressley 6’1” MCS

Dayon Warren 6’3’ Tri-State Prep

Nile Mosby 6’4” Carver HS

Adama Diarra 6’6” Audenried HS

Yassir Joyner 6’3” Upper Darby HS

Quadir Hopkins 6’4” Bodine

Simere Blagman 6’1” West Philly HS

Kervin Similien 5’7” Constitution HS

Julian Jones Jr. 5’10” Bracetti Academy

Game 5 Registration @ 1:45pm Saturday

Philly Live – Jermaine Washington

Naji Reid 6’1” League Bound Academy

Taron Taylor 6’3” P.E.T

Tobe Chimira 6’5” Odyssey Charter

Mike James 6’5” Overbrook HS

Jayson Love 6’2” Palumbo Academy

Teddy Pendergrass III 6’2” Lower Merion

Jordan Meeks 6’3” Lower Merion

Jadin Roscor 6’4” Frankford HS

Kristian Coleman Sankofa HS

Game 6 registration 3pm Saturday

Rump Classic – Sharif Hanford

Rodney Howard 6’7” Fels HS

Jeffery King III 5’9” MSC

Mel Linsey 6’6” Holy Ghost Prep

Rashan Lock-Hicks 5’7” MCS

Michael Zaire Parrish 5’10” Ryan HS

Jerell Keel 6’3” ANC

Nayeem Johnson 6’3” MCS

Mohamed Sesay 6’1” MCS

Friday 8/12 – Championship

Purpose vs Philly Hoop Group

The top 2 teams in the Chosen League meet for the Championship.

Purpose has been rolling through the tournament, winning every game by double digits. How would they respond in a close contest?

Philly Hoop Group has been playing well also. They are coming off a comeback victory over SPUGY, in a game that was very tight down the stretch. However they did struggle to close out the game from the free throw line. Free Throws Matter!

Key Matchups

Point Guards – Carryn Easley, Purpose vs Kaylin Bethea, PHG.

Carryn is a pure PG. She understands the balance of involving her teammates and when to look to score. Defensively she is dangerous making plays on the ball. 

Kaylin brings the poise to the situation for PHG. She senses moments and is unafraid to take big shots. Her efficiency with her dribbles gets her to spaces on the floor in which she can make plays. 

The Glue Kids – Olivia Jones, Purpose vs Olivia Snead, PHG

Both players can score but how they impact the game outside of scoring is huge.  Although they didn’t guard each other often, it would come down to how many winning plays they could make for their team. When your team needed it most – Who could get the big rebound, steal, take a charge, or finish free throws?

Turning Points

This was the best game of the League. It was filled with multiple lead changes throughout.  Each team showed their depth as players stepped up. 

PHG threw the first punch in the 1st half. Trailing 6-8 they went on a 9-0 run highlighted by #11 Aleah Snead 3FG and back to back layups by #12 Haylee Adamski. PHG led 15-8.

Purpose responded with a 14-2 run to close the first half. During the run it solid defense, made free throws, and #10 Carryn Easley & #33 Rhian Stokes stealing the ball and #23 Amber Howard finishing in transition. Halftime Purpose led 22-17.

Start of the 2nd half was big for PHG. #12 Haylee Adamski 3FG capped a run as they regained the lead 26-25. Teams exchanged baskets and the game was tied at 34 with 8:30 remaining.  

Tied at 38, Purpose #0 Olivia Jones made her impression on the game. Consecutive possessions went like this – She got a steal that led to a bucket. On the next trip down she took a charge. Next trip on offense she scored a tough bucket in the paint.  Smoke cleared and Purpose was up 42-38 and went on to a 47-43 victory.

Standouts:

#0 Olivia Jones, Purpose – The Chosen MVP earned it the hard way. She embraced her role and consistently did the dirty work for her team. Defending bigger players, setting screens, rebounding, scoring in the paint and making free throws.  Don’t get it twisted she has GAME. She can shoot, pass, and dribble and can play anywhere on the floor. But that winning mentality makes her different.

#33 Rhian Stokes, Purpose – The smooth guard scored a game high 14 points. She put herself in position to finish plays in transition. Made an impact defensively with several steals. 

#12 Haylee Adamski, PHG – Led her team with 12 points. Her buckets were the loud type! She made multiple shots that tied the game or gave her team the lead. 

#35 Deja Evans, PHG – Interior defense can get overlooked. She did a great job being in the right spots, challenging shots, and fighting for rebounds. She made it extremely tough for the Purpose to score around the basket. 

AL

Thursday 8/11

The Final 4 – The top two seeds Purpose & Philly Hoop Group were ready to take on the survivors from Wednesday night, Philly Elite and SPUGY. 

SPUGY vs Philly Hoop Group

Philly Hoop Group has been the most balanced team in the tournament.  SPUGY, minus the star power of Hannah Hildalgo, still had plenty of talent to pull off the upset. 

Key Matchups

Backcourt – Kaylin Bethea, PHG vs Shariah Baynes, SPUGY – Both of these future D1 PGs bring a lot of speed and athleticism that can impact the game on both ends. 

Wings – Aleah Snead, PHG vs Shayla Smith, SPUGY – They are high impact players but do it very differently. Snead is more of a slasher while Smith is more of an outside shooter. 

Frontcourt – Dejah Evans & Bella Toomey, PHG vs Quanirah Cherry-Montague, SPUGY – The PHG frontcourt makes up for the size difference by playing with a consistent energy. Quanirah’s length and athleticism make her a layup threat and shot changer. 

Turning Point

At the Half, SPUGY led 26-24. Shayla Smith scores a quick 8 but PHG responds to close the gap to 34-32 with 16 mins left. 

SPUGY #5 Taylor Brown came off the bench and made back to back 3 pointers to hold the lead at 50-46  with 5 minutes left.

PHG #35 Deja Evans ties it at 50 by getting a put-back on a missed free throw. After a stop on the next possession, Kaylin Bethea hits a transition pull-up jumper to give PHG the lead 52-50 with 2:40 left in the game.

The PHG defense held SPUGY to 2 points the rest of the way and they made enough free throws to hold on the W 55-52.

Standouts

#11 Aleah Snead, PHG – Lead her team with 12 points. She didn’t shoot a lot but was very efficient throughout. 

#23 Shayla Smith, SPUGY – Battled through foul trouble in the 1st half. Her strong start to the 2nd Half put her team in position to win. 

#0 Shariya Baynes, SPUGY – She was the engine in the first half. Using her quickness to get in the paint. Shot the ball from the outside with confidence.

#14 Kaylin Bethea, PHG -”Big Play KK” When the game was in the most intense moment she stepped up and broke the 50-50 tie on a cold blooded pull-up in transition.

Purpose vs Philly Elite

Philly Elite entered the game as the underdog and Purpose was looking to remain undefeated.

Key Matchups

In the Paint – Controlling the paint would be very important for PE to have a chance at the upset. They had the size advantage with the combo of Amya Stewart and Gianna Johnson

Purpose has the Swiss Army Knife in Olivia Jones and she hasn’t had a problem with any matchup she’s seen.  Would she be able to hold it down?

Backcourt – The Purpose trio of Easley, Correa, and Stokes has been a handful for everyone. Would the PE guards Anye Washington, Saniyah S, and Aaliyah M. be up for the task?

Turning Point

The two questions asked above were answered quickly. 

In the paint, Olivia Jones showed the physicality to hold it down.

In the backcourt, the Purpose guards got it going early.  Carryn Easley was the engine as she had some nice assists and finished when she got to the cup.

Purpose jumped out to a 14-5 lead and never looked back.

Standouts

#10 Carryn Easley, Purpose – Showed that she is a true PG. Was pesky on defense and she created several turnovers. On offense she “chose her shots wisely” and used her drive to create shots for teammates.

#0 Olivia Jones, Purpose – The most well rounded basketball player in the tournament. What can’t she do?? She does whatever the team needs in order to get the W. Her defense, rebounding, and ability to draw fouls stood out. (Made 8 free throws)

#22 Kaleah Correa, Purpose – Played well off the ball. Was ready to shoot when open. Was a blur in transition. Showed a lot of toughness tonight. 

#21 Amya Stewart, Philly Elite – Every time she stepped on the floor she showed up. The footwork in the paint is impressive. Her competitiveness and overall approach to the game make her a great teammate.

Philly Finest vs Philly Elite

Heading into tonight there were 6 teams remaining. The winners advance to the Final 4. 

Philly Finest advanced by defeating Urban Sports Rescue. Philly Elite looking to bounce back after a loss to Philly Hoop Group on Winners Wednesday.

Key Matchups

This game would be a battle of styles. Philly Finest pressure defense and quick strike offense versus the size and strength of Philly Elite. 

Turning Points

Philly Elite started the game on a 10-0 run. They established an inside presence and showed outside shooting.  The frontcourt combo of Amaya Stewart and #21 impacted both ends by challenging shots defensively and finishing at the basket on offense.  

Trailing in the 2nd half Philly Finest did make run to tie the game at 37 off a steal by Mouse and found #13 Saniyah Washington for a 3 pointer.

#22 Amaya Stewart- Philly Elite played the closer by responding with a bucket and foul. Preserving the W.

Standouts

• #22 Amaya Stewart, Philly Elite – consistent impact on both ends of the floor. Rebounded well and showed footwork that led to finishes. 
• 13 Saniyah Washington, Philly Finest – Made timely plays. Whether it was knocking down big time 3 point shots or applying the pressure defensively. 
• #1 Amaya Scott, Philly Finest – Provided the spark to get her team going. Finished plays in the paint. In the 2nd half impacted the game with her passing and defense.
• ##23 Anye Washington, Philly Elite – Played a steady game. Shot the 3 with confidence when given space. Showed poise versus the pressure. Canceled the hopes of a PE comeback with key buckets at the basket.

NNN vs SPUGY

NNN entered the game by defeating Hunting Park. SPUGY was looking to respond after losing to Purpose on Winner’s Wednesday.

Key Matchup

#23 Gabby Casey, NNN vs #0 Shayla Smith, SPUGY – Two of the top scorers in the area going bucket for bucket as they tried to lead their teams to the Semis.  They both had scoring explosions that changed the game.

Turning Point

Late In the first half with the SPUGY leading 16-14, Shaylah Smith scored 4 straight baskets to stretch the lead to 24-16. Catch and shoot game is looking very mature for such a young player.

Down 40-29 Gabby Casey came alive and sparked a run closing the gap to 45-40.  The highlight of the game came off a twee-cross-stepback 3 from deep. 

Standouts:

• #0 Shayla Smith, SPUGY – Not only scored in bunches to finish with 21 but was more aggressive in rebounding on both ends. 
• #23 Gabby Casey, NNN – Scored a game high 29. Made six 3 pointers. Impressive quick release jumper off the catch and off the bounce.
• #32 Quanirah Cherry-Montague, SPUGY – Her most complete game so far at the Chosen League. Using her 6-4 frame to get position in the paint and finish.  Also had several block shots to make her presence felt.
• #1 Dallas Pierce, SPUGY – Smooth score came to play. She picked her spots. Showed a physical midrange game and was comfortable shooting with defenders in her space.

The Chosen League Girl’s Tournament

Tuesday 8/9

Philly Finest vs Urban Sports Rescue

These two teams were both coming off Losses and they needed to win in order to avoid “Going home and keeping their uniform.”

Philly Finest has a team of mainly Sophomores and they like to play a speedy game. Urban Sports Rescue is a mixed group trying to establish an identity. 

Key Matchups

This was more about style of play instead of individual player matchups.

PF leads with their pressure defense to create scoring opportunities. USR would have to be able to play vs pressure to make this a game.

Turning Point

PF’s Mallory Farr made back to back 3s early in the first half to establish the lead. This set the table for the pressure defense to control the game. 

Standouts 

• #0 Mallory Farr, Philly Finest – Shooting is a lost art. Her catch and shoot 3 point shot found the mark 3 times in the first half. 
• #11 Sanai Johnson, Philly Finest – Provided a spark off the bench. Repeatedly found making the right play on offense for herself or finding teammates. 
• #23 Sakinah Abdus- Salaam, Urban Sports Rescue – Impacted the game the most for her team. Rebounded, handled the ball solidly against pressure, and showed the ability to shoot from the outside.

Hunting Park vs NNN

Same situation as the first game. Whoever wins gets to stay and play the next day. This was match featured a lot of young talent and potential. 

Key Matchups

The front court battle between two young forwards, HP’s Torii Evans and NNN’s Kaiya Raine.  It wasn’t about the points. It was about the competitiveness to rebound and defend with great energy. 

The backcourt battle between HP’s Jessie Moses and NNN’s N. Bennet did not disappoint. Both players had “takeover the game” type of moments.

Turning Point 

End of the first half N. Bennet hit a Steph Curry range 3 pointer at the buzzer. Then started the 2nd half with back to back 3s  to close a 5 point deficit. When the run settled NNN was up 12 and never looked back.

Standouts

• #32 Nal’la Bennet, NNN – Made five 3 pointers to finish with a game high 19. Her points were very loud!
• #20 Jesse Moses, HP – Came off the bench to lead HP with 15 points. The young guard was in attack mode quite often and she was a big reason HP led at half.
•  #23 Gabby Casey, NNN – Showed that she too will make you pay when open from thee. Made three 3 pointers and multiple hustle plays throughout the game.