2025-26 William Penn Charter School is Rising as a National Power
Founded in 1689, William Penn Charter School (commonly known as Penn Charter) is an elite private school in Philadelphia, PA. The "Charter" in the school's name does not mean that it is a modern "charter school". Rather, it is a reference to the historic document signed by William Penn to establish the first Quaker school in America.
The boys basketball team competes in the Inter-Academic League, winning that championship four times, including an undefeated run this past year. It also competes for a state playoff tournament seed in the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISSA). Last year they earned the #2 seed, and advanced to the semi-finals where they got edged 61-59 by The Hill School.
The team is coached by Brandon Williams. In three years, he has established Penn Charter not only as a contender for league and state titles but as a burgeoning national powerhouse. They climbed to #23 in the national computer rankings last season.
The team's 2025-26 season game schedule and results can be found here.
This year's team features the level of talent, as profiled below, that should continue their recent success.
Dominic Comitale (2026) 6'0 guard - Comitale is a tough, hard-nosed guard. He shoots it, defends it, rebounds it, passes it. Does everything to compliment the talent around him and get wins. The prototypical glue guy.
Kasey Fleming (2026) 6'3 guard - Fleming is a strong shifty guard, that scores points in bunches; Just transferred in from George School (NJ). He is an elite 3pt shooter with a great feel for the game, that allows him to play on or off the ball. Coach Williams says Fleming is a leader and a winner. Holds offers from Rider and Navy. Played AAU with NJ Beasts-HGSL. High gpa
Daniel Gilhool (2028) 6'10 forward - The younger brother of LSU Freshman forward Matt Gilhool. He is a long lefty, who still needs to fill out. He has great defensive instincts, as he protects the rim and switch out on guards in ball screen coverage. Gilhool shoots it well from 3, making him a pick and pop threat, with the ability to attack closeouts off the bounce. Holds an offer from LaSalle. Plays AAU with Philly Pride-UAA.
Carter Smith (2028) 6'4 guard - The younger brother of Northwestern guard Blake Smith. He is a versatile guard that makes plays for himself and others. He is long and athletic with a high IQ and elite defensive instincts. He has a super high ceiling. Picked up his first D1 offer from Syracuse. Plays AAU with Team Final-EYBL. High gpa
Luke West (2028) 5'11 point guard - The younger brother of Northwestern guard Jake West. He is a high IQ, skilled and tough player. West is growing and coming into his game. Coach Williams projects West to take a big leap this season. Plays AAU with Philly Revolution-HGSL.
Jackson Boyd (2030) 6'1 guard - Boyd is a precocious 8th grader that will see time in the varsity rotation. He is very skilled and should trend as one of the best guards in the class. He guards it, shoots it and plays with a lot of confidence. Plays AAU with NJ Shoreshots-UAA.
To accommodate college scout visits, Penn Charter holds a schedule of Fall Open runs, the details of which can be found here.