2023-24 Fordham Prep Season Preview
Fordham Preparatory School is a private, Jesuit, boys’ college-preparatory school located in the Bronx. It is located on the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University. From its founding in 1841 until 1970, the school was under the direction of the university.
The boys varsity basketball team competes in the CHSSA A Division. Coach Brian Downey will be in his tenth year at the helm.
The Rams are excited this preseason as they have the entire starting five returning from last year’s squad:
Ryan Jackson (2024) 5’9 point guard - Jackson had an excellent junior year and made a big splash in summer ball. He is ready to return as the Ram to steer this ship. A guard with great court awareness, excellent handle, and undeniable scoring skills, will be sure to give many opponents a difficult matchup. Can hit the 3, excellent off the dribble with the pull-up, and making it look easy finishing at the basket. His non stop motor and mental toughness have college coaches very interested.
Will Gregory (2024) 6’4 shooting guard - Gregory can fill it up and is an absolute offensive assassin. Being mainly a 3 point shooter last year, Gregory has grown, and in so doing, so has his game. Besides improving his 3 point shooting, he has now incorporated a pull up off the dribble, and is getting to the basket with much more confidence. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his defense and physical strength is improving everyday. Playing with Jackson in the backcourt this season will be fun for Gregory, and should be fun to watch.
Charlie Panarella (2024) 5’9 guard - Panarella plays bigger than his frame and his heart seems bigger than both. An excellent defender, and rebounder, can score as well, both getting to the basket and knocking down the open 3. Tenacious on both sides of the floor, Panarella makes it hard for Coach Downey to take him out of any game.
Matt Herlick (2025) 6’1 small forward - Herlick is arguably the best athlete on the team. The strong lefty has lift off the floor and very quick baseline to baseline. His strength and jumping ability makes it easy for him to finish at the rim and his pull up is improving everyday. Plays big for a guard and will be sure to create some matchup problems.
Matt Kapher (2024) 6’5 small forward - Kapher is by default “the big” but is really a post player that can also pop out and knock down jump shots with range. Plays smart on both sides of the floor with fundamental footwork and deceptive moves. Will be asked to play the opponents’ bigs and keep them off the boards. A task he is used to and accepts eagerly game in and game out.
To see the 2023-24 Fordham Prel game schedule, click here