Central Pennsylvania 2021 Rising Stars
Central PA has some gems who can play on all levels. These 8 came into their own this past season and flashed the ability to lead their teams going into their senior year. Kai Cipalla – 6’3 SG – Warwick/York…
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Continue ReadingCentral PA has some gems who can play on all levels. These 8 came into their own this past season and flashed the ability to lead their teams going into their senior year.
Kai Cipalla – 6’3 SG – Warwick/York Ballers
A 2-guard who makes his presence felt on both ends, Cipalla uses his size and strength to get downhill to attack the basket. Additionally, Kai has a consistent mid-range and an improving 3-pointer. He can create space for himself, but if he’s not the primary ball-handler, he’ll have to get more comfortable playing off-ball.
Davante Dennis – 6’6 SF – Red Lion
Davante is an explosive wing with some versatility. He thrives in the open floor, but can get to his spots for jumpers against set defenses. His best trait is his combination of physical tools, athleticism and defensive instincts. He simply needs to play more games to develop his feel in the half court.
Kenyon Elliott – 6’3 CG – Bishop McDevitt/Team PA
Kenyon is an intriguing prospect. He has a great burst and knack for getting to the rim. He even has the wiggle to create his own shot. Defensively, he locks people down. But Elliott has to show he can stretch the floor and finish through contact. How he puts it all together will be major for him.
John Fenwick – 6’8 PF – Southwestern York/York Ballers
John is a natural stretch 4. He’s someone you don’t have to call a play for because he can knockdown 3s without dribbling and cut to the basket for easy layups. As Fenwick improves as an overall athlete, so will his ability to attack closeouts and defend other bigs.
Jackson Mascari – 6’3 SG – Hershey/Central PA Elite
Jackson is a do-it-all guard with some bounce. He scores on all 3 levels, all over the floor. His upside lies in his potential to be a jumbo playmaker because he can create advantages for himself and teammates. He’ll be interesting to watch vs higher levels of competition.
Nate McGill – 6’4 SG – Northern York/Team PA
This is a two-way athlete with skill. One defense, McGill blocks shots and gets deflections. His feel and rhythm translates to his game on offense where he’s either creating space for step-backs or dunking on defenders. Nate is another player to keep track of over the Summer and during the state playoffs.
Sam Sherry – 6’9 PF – Cumberland Valley/Team PA
Making 41% of his 3s this season, Sam is an elite shooter. He smoothly gets to his jumper vs quicker players. he projects more as stretch big than a wing. But if Sherry can put the ball on the floor, comfortably, and move laterally, he’ll have some position versatility.
Ryan Smith – 6’2 SG – Central Dauphin/Central PA Elite
Ryan is a good shooter (30%) who projects to improve next season (71% FT). He knows how to get open and has a quick release against contested looks. Ryan has a nice mid-range game too. The question for him is whether he can be a secondary playmaker when he can’t get his own shot.