{"id":119444,"date":"2026-02-20T22:58:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T22:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/119444\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T22:58:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T22:58:10","slug":"philadelphia-high-school-basketball-team-shifts-narrative-about-kensington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/119444\/","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia high school basketball team shifts narrative about Kensington"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia\u2019s free newsletter<\/a> to keep up with news on the city\u2019s public school system.<\/p>\n

This story originally appeared in Kensington Voice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Kensington Tigers play \u201ctrench.\u201d <\/p>\n

Scrappy, some trash talking, putting their all on the line. That\u2019s how starting point guard Rob Smith describes their style. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to make sure we don\u2019t go out like some punks,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

And this season, they didn\u2019t. The Tigers went undefeated for six weeks from the jump \u2014 winning 13 games in a row. It\u2019s the best the team has performed in a regular season since at least 2005, according to a database that tracks Philadelphia high school team stats, marked by wins against tough opponents like Olney Charter High School \u2014 which went on to win the division \u2014 Thomas A. Edison High School, and East High School of West Chester Area School District. They built a new reputation for Kensington basketball and, in the meantime, boosted school morale. <\/p>\n

The Tigers are made up of four Kensington public high schools \u2014 Kensington High School, Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, Kensington Health and Sciences Academy, or KHSA, and the U School. Most of the players live within walking distance from KHSA. <\/p>\n

Heading into the season, they might\u2019ve been a recipe for low expectations. Some players had been overlooked by other high schools, about half of the starting lineup is considered undersized for the sport, and they represent Kensington, a neighborhood that comes with a reputation. But that served as motivation, and they turned low expectations into fuel. <\/p>\n

\"\"Kensington High School’s Reid Smith, center, in action during a game against Northeast High School. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

\u201cWe looked at ourselves as the underdogs,\u201d said co-captain Alejandro Paulino. \u201cNobody ever heard of Kensington for basketball. We came in here to change that … We came in with the mindset that we can be anyone we want. We just gotta put the work in.\u201d <\/p>\n

They expect the best from each other. When one player is down, another is by their side helping them shake it off. At their best, they move well for each other. They spread the ball around. They strive to create a well-rounded system. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not one person above the team,\u201d said Ryan Smith, father of twins Rob and Reid Smith. \u201cEverybody plays for each other, plays hard for each other.\u201d <\/p>\n

We’re here to help.<\/p>\n

Every day, Chalkbeat Philadelphia reporters are answering your questions, following the money, and digging into what’s happening in the city’s public schools. Keep up with our free newsletter, delivered every Wednesday and Friday morning.<\/p>\n

Kensington Tigers have a coach with high standards<\/p>\n

The team made a name this year with new coach Ethan Feuer at the helm. Feuer, who\u2019s also a beloved ninth-grade English teacher at Kensington Health Sciences Academy, started coaching the Tigers\u2019 JV team in 2023. Now he\u2019s the varsity coach, and brought most of the starting players up with him. The core of the team (Paulino, Reid and Rob Smith, and Frankie Ramirez) have also been playing with each other on club teams since middle school, at least. There\u2019s team synergy.<\/p>\n

Feuer began his coaching career at Benjamin Franklin High School under mentor Ron Sizer. He credits the Tigers\u2019 success to its culture \u2014 partly his tight relationships with the players. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a love that we share that is really important when it comes to winning games,\u201d Feuer said. \u201cWhen you\u2019re facing adversity, you rely on the relationships that you\u2019ve built.\u201d <\/p>\n

The team also has an unyielding work ethic. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen such strong commitment from a team to improve as individuals and as a unit,\u201d Feuer said. Every varsity player shows up consistently on time for practice. In previous seasons, attendance would have dwindled. <\/p>\n

In addition to preparing plays, conditioning, and practicing skills, the team watches recordings of competitors\u2019 games before they face them. \u201cKnow thy enemy,\u201d Feuer said. <\/p>\n

Feuer maintains high standards on and off the court. Each player signs a contract agreeing to maintain grades of C or above in every class. If he spots a C, he\u2019ll check in on them. If the explanation is just that they\u2019ve been slacking, they sit out, he said. If there\u2019s a challenge they need support with, he\u2019s there. He\u2019ll help them through whatever assignment they\u2019re missing and connect with teachers, if needed. <\/p>\n

\"\"Ethan Feuer, head coach of Kensington High School boys basketball, speaks with the team. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

On a weekday in late January, towards the end of the season, the team had practice after their second unexpected loss \u2014 a one-possession game. In the Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, or KCAPA, gymnasium, the team sat in folding chairs and focused on a screen. They were rewatching the second half of the game to learn from mistakes. <\/p>\n

Feuer stood at the front, gesturing enthusiastically or pointing to open players. He noted low energy, drooping heads, missed free throws. They were off their game. Players asked for rewinds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing in life that\u2019s free gentleman, that\u2019s free throws. Nothing standing in our way,\u201d he said. They had missed 23 free throws in the last two games, according to Feuer, and lost by a collective 20 points. Those games were in their grasp. <\/p>\n

They needed more confidence, to stay calm when the odds were stacked against them, Feuer said. \u201cThere can\u2019t be any excuses.\u201d <\/p>\n

Players respect the agreement to prioritize school over basketball. It lends to a more serious team culture. But most of all, they appreciate how Feuer treats them. Exceeding competitors\u2019 expectations is great, though for them, it\u2019s more important to live up to Feuer\u2019s and each other\u2019s. <\/p>\n

He\u2019s \u201clike my school father,\u201d Reid Smith said. For Rob, Feuer keeps him intact. \u201cThat\u2019s one guy I can go and talk to when I\u2019m mad,\u201d Rob said. \u201dHe\u2019ll tell me what\u2019s right and what\u2019s wrong, because I\u2019m still learning. I just take heed of what he\u2019s saying.\u201d <\/p>\n

Paulino considers Feuer handing him the captain title as a sign of trust. \u201cWhen I let him down, I feel like I let myself down.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"\"Ethan Feuer, head coach of Kensington High School boys basketball, speaks with the team at half time of a game. Feuer stresses academics and accountability with his players. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) \u2018A strong brotherhood\u2019 drives team\u2019s success<\/p>\n

The players describe their teammates as brothers. Their friendships work in the game and in the hallways. They hang out after school and help each other with homework. They remind each other to show up on time to practice. Their camaraderie translates to the court. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe built a strong brotherhood slash team, and that\u2019s what led us to win 13 games in a row,\u201d Reid Smith said. <\/p>\n

Rob, Paulino, and Feuer gave a rundown of the team: Reid, starting shooting guard, is known as \u201cthe sniper\u201d because he \u201ccan knock it down anytime,\u201d Rob said. He\u2019s like \u201cagent zero,\u201d a guy who handles business and gets out. He\u2019s \u201cgoing in there with his business bag.\u201d <\/p>\n

Reid trusts Rob, also known as \u201cRB3,\u201d with his life. Rob is the team\u2019s top scorer and plays with ferocity and speed. While the twins aren\u2019t exactly telepathic, they know what the other is going to do before they do it. If one is on a fast break, the other is trailing. <\/p>\n

\"\"Kensington High School’s Alejandro Paulino dribbles down the court during a game. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s Paulino, a starting combo forward and a high-impact player who does everything on the court with hustle. He\u2019s an influence. He wears responsibility for more than just himself. Fellow co-captain and team role model is Nyree Ellis, a forward and well-rounded player. \u201cHe can\u2019t be knocked down,\u201d Rob said. <\/p>\n

Trenton Blackwell, though he suffered from a hip fracture in the sixth game, has a natural gift \u2014 he\u2019s a high-flyer and can dunk off the dribble. Nasir Davis, an honor-roll Kensington High School student, was a \u201cblacktop ball player,\u201d Feuer said. The dream was to \u201cconvert him to hardwood … Now he\u2019s one of our better defenders. He can jump out of the gym.\u201d<\/p>\n

Freshman Qayaan Scott is a high-impact player who gets crucial rebounds. Scott was encouraged to attend KHSA and join the Tigers by friend Frankie Ramirez. Ramirez, a first-year at KHSA, was the team\u2019s sixth man. But after Ellis\u2019 injury, he joined the starting lineup. As the only starting freshman, he knocks out three-pointers like it\u2019s his job. <\/p>\n

Daryne Ligon, 6 feet, 5 inches tall, brings height, works hard on defense, and collects key rebounds. He\u2019s also a straight-A student, according to Feuer. Dereon Dews, or \u201cDdews,\u201d plays hard every minute he gets in the game. \u201cHe\u2019s the hardest worker on the team,\u201d Feuer said. \u201cHe sets the standard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Kensington High School’s Nyree Ellis, left, tries to control a rebound. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

Jesse Wise, starting forward, is strong and agile. He plays with intensity, like the stakes are on his shoulders. Wise transferred to KHSA as a junior just for basketball. <\/p>\n

Wise was a walk-on as a freshman at Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School, a private school with a powerhouse basketball program in South Philadelphia. But by his third year, he was on the bench. When he was on the brink of quitting the sport, dampened by low confidence, he reached for Feuer. <\/p>\n

Feuer coached him on a summer team and recognized his raw talent. He couldn\u2019t let Wise quit the game, mostly because of the impact it would have on his quality of life. \u201cHe\u2019s a great student, a great kid, and someone who impressed me on the court right away,\u201d Feuer said. \u201cIt would be a shame to lose him from the sport.\u201d <\/p>\n

He and Ryan Smith, also a KHSA school safety officer, contacted Jesse\u2019s grandmother and caretaker, Judith Williams-Wise, to pitch the idea of Jesse transferring. <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t an easy decision for Williams-Wise, 77, of South Philly. Neumann and Goretti was like a family tradition. Her oldest son and other family members attended. But sitting on the bench was affecting her grandson\u2019s sense of self. <\/p>\n

She saw this as a chance for Wise to be happy, to redeem himself. <\/p>\n

\u201cI always tell him, \u2018You\u2019re like the last of me. I\u2019m just trying to make sure you\u2019re okay. I want to help you make your dreams.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n

\"\"Kensington High School’s Jesse Wise shoots during a game against Northeast High School. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

Wise joined for the second semester of his junior year and quickly became an integral part of the team. He\u2019s the kind of player who does everything \u2014 rebounds, steals, assists.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need guys who aren\u2019t afraid to get their hands dirty. He\u2019s number one on that list,\u201d said coach Dan McDowell. \u201cYou can\u2019t win without players like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since the change, Wise is more confident. \u201cI don\u2019t feel like I have to prove myself all the time,\u201d he said. He also has the top grades of the entire junior class. <\/p>\n

At a game in early January, grandmother Williams-Wise was sitting proudly in attendance, as she usually is for home games. Wise ran over for a hug. <\/p>\n

Off the court, Wise is soft-spoken, sensitive. He credits his grandmother for everything. \u201cShe\u2019s the reason why I\u2019m still around … she shaped me to be the man I am today,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Of the team, \u201cNobody loses their cool when we play,\u201d Wise said. \u201cWe\u2019re all just trying to help each other get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Kensington High School boys basketball fans react during a game. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

After dealing with a few late-season injuries, the Tigers landed third in their division, with a 15-4 overall record including non-league games. <\/p>\n

As the season progressed, teachers and staff were buying team merchandise, Feuer said. More students and school community members attended games. Excitement grew. <\/p>\n

In February, they made it to the playoffs. They planned a \u201cblackout\u201d in school \u2014 students and staff wore all black in support on game day. About 200 people attended the home game at KCAPA, according to Feuer. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole community rallied around this team,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

They lost in a heartbreaker \u2014 by just three points in overtime. <\/p>\n

\"\"Qayaan Scott comforts Rob Smith after the Kensington Tigers’ first loss of the season. (Kriston Jae Bethel for Kensington Voice) <\/p>\n

But the season was an overall success. They put Kensington basketball on the map. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe built a culture of winning that the community can be proud of, both on and off the court,\u201d Feuer said. \u201cI am so proud of this team and I know the best is yet to come.\u201d <\/p>\n

They have high hopes for the future. With a younger team, they\u2019ll have four of the same starters back next year \u2014 Paulino, the Smith twins, and Wise. <\/p>\n

\u201cNow every team wants to beat us, but we\u2019re still the underdogs,\u201d Paulino said. \u201cWe still didn\u2019t get what we wanted yet, we want to go far.\u201d <\/p>\n

By the end of that practice in January, the team scrimmaged. One of the last plays signifies a slice of what makes the team special \u2014 the way they share the ball. <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see some confidence,\u201d Feuer yelled. <\/p>\n

They ran hand-offs \u2014 Scott handed off to another player, Ramirez ran a back door cut and made a lay up. It looked easy, smooth. <\/p>\n

Watching from the sidelines, Smith narrated: \u201cEverybody plays unselfishly. Everybody loves each other. So everybody carries the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia\u2019s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city\u2019s public school system.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":119445,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[56607,56608,56609,69,71,70,7625],"class_list":["post-119444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-philadelphia","tag-kensington-high-school","tag-northeast-high-school","tag-phi","tag-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia-headlines","tag-philadelphia-news","tag-philly"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119444\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}