Players to Watch: A Sophomore, a Junior & a Senior…

<p>Keighton Reese - Apollo Ridge, Class of 2021<br /> <br /> If you ever wanted to learn or show your child how to catch and shoot a basketball, watch Keighton Reese on the offensive end.<br /> <br /> His release when he catches a pass is blinding because it sometimes seems as if he doesn’t even catch the ball at all. He is absolutely lethal from long range and moves without the ball, spreading the floor for his teammates to secure a bucket.<br /> <br /> Reese is not afraid to pull the trigger either. He buried an as of now career-high seven three-pointers in a game versus Sto-Rox in 2019. And did it as a Sophomore. Usually, sophomores are more hesitant when playing for a varsity team, however, he does not shy away from letting it rain on is opponents.<br /> <br /> Averaging 18 point per game last season, Reese heads into his senior season hungry to take Apollo Ridge to the next tier of success. A Western Pennsylvania Championship title.<br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991224" first="Devin" last="Whitlock"] - Belle Vernon, Class of 2022<br /> <br /> If you do not have great floor awareness when playing against [player_tooltip player_id="991224" first="Devin" last="Whitlock"], chances are you’re getting your pocket picked by him. His defensive I.Q. sets him apart from everyone else on the floor. The 5-foot-8 guard has the tendency of not only jumping the lane and stealing a pass to a would-be shooter, he will push the ball in transition and make your team suffer the consequences on the fast break.<br /> <br /> Whitlock is also very feisty for a point guard. If you don’t box him out correctly he will jump with the tallest of them to fight for a second chance opportunity. In a game versus Washington High school in late January of this year, the all-section junior dropped a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He also added two steals to his resume that game.<br /> <br /> Another great skill to have, which some may say isn’t really a skill but more of a reaction, is that Whitlock will more than likely follow up every shot he takes. Usually, players will start to drift into the back-court after putting up a three pointer or a deep two point attempt. Devin does a great job of following his shot upon his release to ensure his team gets the upmost out of every possession.<br /> <br /> Averaging 19.8 point per game as a sophomore for Monessen before transferring to Belle Vernon, Whitlock helped Monessen reach the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals.<br /> <br /> Imagine what this kid will do in his next season. Stay tuned.<br /> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CtQA6">[player_tooltip player_id="991224" first="Devin" last="Whitlock"] Highlight Tape</a><br /> <br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991021" first="Jackson" last="Faulk"] - West Allegheny, Class only 2020<br /> <br /> When you think of an all-around great player, this kid should definitely step to the front of the line. In his junior season, Faulk averaged 25.2 points per game, made 71 three-pointers and made first team all-section. All before his senior season.<br /> <br /> His decision making in crunch time is what makes this kid a special talent. He knows when to pass the ball and how to pass the ball when reading the defense right. He can decide on whether to shoot a long ball or take an open lane and seize it at the right moment. When it’s under 10 seconds in a game, you want Faulk making the final decision.<br /> <br /> The small guard possesses great vision as well, which attributes to his magnificent decision making. He can execute a one handed bounce pass from mid court to a cutting teammate with extreme contentment and ease. And when he isn’t on the passing end of things, he is most likely finishing at the rim with strong poise and speed. With one of the more advanced finger rolls I’ve seen in the last few years, Faulk will not only put your team ahead with under five seconds to go, but he’ll look pretty doing it.<br /> <br /> He enters his senior season in just a few short months so check out his highlight tape below!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2BB1pu">[player_tooltip player_id="991021" first="Jackson" last="Faulk"] Highlight Tape</a></p>