Penn Charter School 2026-27 Player Profiles
Founded in 1689, William Penn Charter School, commonly known as "Penn Charter," is an elite private school in Philadelphia, PA, and the oldest Quaker school in the world. 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 establishing the first Quaker school in America.
The Quakers boys basketball team competes in the Inter-Academic League and for a state playoff seed in the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA). The team is coached by Brandon Williams. Coach Williams arrived at Penn Charter after building a reputation for player development on the grass roots circuit with Philly Pride. Under Williams, Penn Charter has become one of the region's elite programs. In his first season, 2023-24, the Quakers rallied from a 2-3 start in league play to win five straight and claim the school's first outright Inter-Ac title in 20 years. They repeated in 2024-25 with a perfect 10-0 league record, the program's first undefeated conference run in 21 years, and rode a roster featuring three high-major DI commits, including LSU-bound 6-10 forward Matt Gilhool and Northwestern commit Jake West, to a 24-4 record and the No. 2 seed in the PAISAA tournament, falling to The Hill School in a nail-biter 61-59 in the semifinals.
The 2026-27 Penn Charter roster is again loaded with college prospects as profiled below and is poised to make another strong run.
Grahm Hamilton (2027) 6’7 forward - Hamilton provides valuable senior leadership, toughness, rebounding and three-point shooting to an extremely talented group. He is a physical, competitive forward who brings a consistent presence on both ends of the floor. A strong academic D3 prospect who has received interest from Hamilton, Williams, Wesleyan, Trinity and Tufts, among others. High gpa
Jeremiah Camara (2028) 5’9 point guard - A transfer from Berks Catholic (PA) Camara will be a key piece of this season’s rotation. He brings a much-needed toughness and fearless mentality to and is not afraid of the moment. An explosive scorer who can carry a team offensively on any given night and has the ability to heat up quickly. Scores in bunches with a combination of three-point shooting, crafty finishes around the rim and an ability to consistently get to the free-throw line. Jeremiah will also continue playing football this fall and will participate in our Saturday open gyms throughout the season.
Brayden Erfle (2028) 6’7 wing (6’11” wingspan) - After missing his sophomore season recovering from ACL surgery, Erfle put together a productive spring and summer, winning a 16U EYBL Peach Jam Championship and had a strong June high school Live period. This upcoming season should be a major opportunity for him to re-establish himself. An elite shooter with deep range and who can attack hard closeouts and finish at the rim or in the midrange. He also projects to be one of the better rebounders in the area due to his toughness, physicality and willingness to compete. Has been offered by Lafayette.
Daniel Gilhool (2028) 6’11 forward - Gilhool is the younger brother of Kansas State redshirt freshman Matt Gilhool. A left-handed big with a smooth shooting stroke and excellent feel for the game. He has the ability to be one of the better passing bigs in the area and can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Developed a much stronger defensive presence over the summer and should emerge as a legitimate rim protector who can alter and deter shots around the basket. Averaged 2.0 blocks per game last season and has the tools to improve on that production this year. Has been offered by Lafayette.
Benicio Presley (2028) 6’1 guard - Presley missed his first two varsity basketball seasons due to injuries suffered on the football field, but returned to the hardwood this past summer and will provide valuable depth at the guard position. Physical and quick, with the tools to become one of the team's better defenders both on and off the ball. His catch-and-shoot ability keeps defenses honest, while his ability to get into the paint creates opportunities for himself and others. Plays with good instincts and has shown the ability to make the right reads once he gets downhill.
Carter Smith (2028) 6’4 guard - Smith is a consensus 4-star recruit. He is a long, athletic and plays with an extremely high basketball IQ. Coming off a tremendous summer that saw him win the 16U EYBL Peach Jam Championship, where he was the best player on the floor in the championship game. Smith gets downhill at will and consistently touches the paint, with the ability to finish at the rim with either hand. His feel and decision-making allow him to consistently make the right reads and impact the game across multiple statistical categories. It is expected that Smith will be one of the premier guards in Pennsylvania this high school season, regardless of class. Has received multiple D1 offers, including holds offers from Penn State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Marquette, Virginia, St. John’s, Vanderbilt and VCU. High gpa
Luke West (2028) 6’0 point guard - The younger brother of Northwestern sophomore Jake West. Luke has a knack for getting downhill and has a variety of finishes around the rim. Deceptively quick, plays with a high basketball IQ and is extremely consistent as a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc. Has the potential to continue growing physically, and his family history suggests there may still be additional size coming. Jake experienced his growth spurt toward the end of his junior year, so his physical development will be something to monitor moving forward.
Joven Strine (2030) 6’5 wing - Recently reclassed and transferred from Big Spring High (PA) where he played varsity basketball and averaged just under 18 points per game as a freshman. Strine is an elite shot maker with size and athleticism who thrives in transition and as a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc. Took a significant step this past summer in attacking hard closeouts, developing into a legitimate three-level scoring threat in the halfcourt. His combination of size, shooting ability and improving ability to attack off the bounce gives him significant upside. Has been offered by La Salle. High gpa
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.