Age is just a number. Four players to watch in the WPIAL

Derek Malush

September 29, 2020 @ 02:19 PM

It doesn’t really matter what class or grade you’re in when it comes to playing ball. If you can hang with the best of them, your work and determination will speak for itself. Here are four players to keep a keen eye out for these next few seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id="990964" first="Brayden" last="Reynolds"] - PG at Chartiers Valley, Class of 2021 The patience this young man shows on the floor is something special. Rarely does he show any signs of weakness when bringing the ball up the court, however, defenders can’t sleep on him in transition either. His quickness combined with his floor general skills creates a tough read for any defense. The 6-foot-2 guard has the ability to bury long distance three-pointers, making the defense want to play up on him at all times. Although Reynolds is rather quick off the step and can drop a no-look dime at the drop of a hat, opposing defenses really don’t know whether to pick him up at half-court or wait for his drive-and-kick passes. He is the full package you want running your offense as he is a deep threat shooting the ball, can create great floor spacing and is always looking for the open man before unleashing one of his Tray Young-esk three balls.   [player_tooltip player_id="991034" first="Wes" last="Kropp"] - C/PF at Penn Hills, Class of 2021 If I could describe Kropp’s game in two words, it would be Nikola Jokic. The 6-foot-6 forward possesses savvy passing skills and the finishing ability of a guard. He can post up defenders on the block and execute a hook-shot with ease, or throw a behind the head pass to a cutting teammate without even looking. The awareness he carries is more guard-like than anything, however, Kropp has shown that he is looking to change that narrative. Averaging 16pts per game last season, Kropp does one thing that many big men struggle with. He does not bring the ball back down after getting a rebound. Kropp will keep the ball right where he grabbed it and put it back up without taking that extra power-dribble most big men like to do. Don’t count out his shooting ability either. Kropp will hit that top of the key jump shot effortlessly and is a little bit of a corner specialist beyond the arc. So watch out Mr. Jokic, because this kid is coming for you.   [player_tooltip player_id="991215" first="Eli" last="Yofan"] - SF at Fox Chapel, Class of 2022 This 6-foot-3 lefty is one of the more dangerous players when their team is on the fast-break. Not only will Yofan stop and pop a three-pointer in transition, but he will also go coast-to-coast and slam dunk it with his left, or both hands. Although, his defense might be his best attribute. He is known for reading the pass and poking it loose for one of his infamous fast-break finishes. And if Yofan doesn’t get the steal on defense, opposing teams need to watch out for his chase down blocks. His quick release shooting is another aspect of his game that should be heavily noted. It’s tough to find a player who isn’t a guard with a quick shooting technique like Yofan’s. He averaged 15.3pts last season along with 3 steals per game. As we are living in an era of three-point shooting, Yofan is proving to scouts that defense wins games.   Matthew Stanley - PG at Union Area High School, Class of 2023 You love to see it. A 5-foot-9 Freshman balling out in his first year while racking up 16pts per game. Stanley has a unique trait for someone his age. He can handle the ball with his left and right hand. As he isn’ the biggest or strongest guy on the floor, Stanley is fearless in the lane. Many players his age are more focused on the long ball, but he plays that old school type of game and takes it to the paint if need be. But don’t get me wrong, this kid can shoot the lights out. His release is quick and he can shoot off the pass or dribble with the same speed and motion. If you give him enough room to set his feet though, just know that it’s probably dropping through the net. Stanley plays with that small-player mentality, a Nate Robinson comparison to be more accurate. He knows he isn’t the biggest man on the floor, so he counters that with his ability to shoot and drive the lane without any disregard for his defenders. Stanley has only begun to scratch the surface and if his first year tells us anything, it’s that this kid is going places. Fast.