AAU Weekend – Rising Juniors in the Pittsburgh Area
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We continue with our coverage of this past weekend’s multitude of AAU Tournaments around the state of Pennsylvania. A quality group of Rising Juniors performed extremely well during the Friday thru Sunday events on the hardwood. Let’s take an in-depth…
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Continue ReadingWe continue with our coverage of this past weekend’s multitude of AAU Tournaments around the state of Pennsylvania. A quality group of Rising Juniors performed extremely well during the Friday thru Sunday events on the hardwood. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 2023 basketball class members.
Luke Lawson Luke Lawson 6'3" | SF Seneca Valley | 2023 State PA (6’3 guard/forward), Seneca Valley High School, PK Flash
- Has the ability to score from a variety of spots on the floor
- A match-up problem for defenses with his size and offensive talent
Max Rottman Max Rottman 6'0" | SG North Catholic | 2023 State PA (6’1 guard), North Catholic High School, PK Flash
- Extremely quick guard with or without the ball in his hands
- He looks to create opportunities for his teammates in the half-court set
Randy Wilkerson Randy Wilkerson 6'0" | CG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA (5’11 guard), Central Catholic High School, PK Flash
- A slick, shifty guard with excellent court vision
- He can push the ball in transition and limits turnovers when running the offense
Andrew Maddalon Andrew Maddalon 6'2" | SG North Catholic | 2023 State PA (6’1 guard), North Catholic High School, PK Flash
- His ability to use his knowledge of the game to be a leader on the floor is a strong asset
- Can rebound on both ends of the floor using proper technique
Landon Butler Landon Butler 6'2" | CG Latrobe | 2023 State PA (6’3 guard/forward), Latrobe High School, PK Flash
- Has the shooting talent to knock down shots from the three-point line and mid-range
- An overall skilled performer that makes players around him better
Bryce Robson (6’0 guard), Deer Lakes High School, Easy Street
- He likes to facilitate to his team on the break or in the half-court offense
- Gets in the lane with his quick first step and above-average ball-handling skills
Cadin Olsen Cadin Olsen 6'5" | SF Armstrong | 2023 State PA (6’1 guard), Armstrong High School, Easy Street
- An excellent mid-range shooter that can also step back and fill it up from long-distance
- High basketball IQ makes him an even stronger player for his team
Dean Furer Dean Furer 6'2" | SG Freeport | 2023 State PA (6’1 forward), Freeport High School, Easy Street
- Looks to play with a physical edge and doesn’t shy away from contact
- He has the ability to score in bunches once he gets going offensively
Rocco Spadafora Rocco Spadafora 6'0" | SG OLSH | 2023 State PA (6’0 guard), OLSH High School, Prospects
- If left open on the perimeter he is almost automatic with his quick release
- Has improved his ball-handling and feels more confident setting up an offense
Jackson Kerley (6’1 forward), Quaker Valley High School, Prospects
- A solid perimeter scorer with a quality jumper who can get hot at any time
- Long and lanky forward who is developing a bit of a post-game as well
Rocco Coladonato (5’11 guard), OLSH High School, Prospects
- He has the quickness and knowledge to be a “coach” on the floor
- Likes to lead the fast break and can take it to the hoop or kick out to a teammate on the perimeter
Damon Astorino Damon Astorino 6'2" | CG Eden Christian Academy | 2023 State PA (6’2 combo guard), Ambridge High School, Urban Impact
- A top scorer that can “fill it up” on drives to the basket, perimeter shots, and the foul line
- Despite his size he is an extremely strong rebounder that likes contact
Nathan Hargrove Nathan Hargrove 6'0" | PG Neighborhood Academy | 2023 State PA (6’0 guard), Neighborhood Academy High School, Urban Impact
- A vocal player that brings the energy all game long and motivates his teammates
- Once he gets “fired up” lookout, his defensive energy is electric and causes havoc for opponents
Xzavier Rodgers Xzavier Rodgers 6'1" | CG Obama Academy | 2023 State PA (6’1 combo guard), Obama Academy High School, Urban Impact
- Can handle the ball with above-average skill and has the confidence to score any time he touches the ball
- Has outstanding hands on the defensive side of the court, which causes many deflections
Cam Greil (5’9 point guard), Fox Chapel High School, BSA Select
- His quickness with the ball and passing skills are off the chart
- Looks to shoot from the perimeter, but can get to the hoop with creative finishes
Kaleb Pryor Kaleb Pryor 5'10" | PG Gateway | 2023 State PA (5’11 combo guard), Norwin High School, Legendz
- He never slows down on either offense or defense, just a high motor player all around
- Does score in bunches from the backcourt and likes to get in the lane and finish as well
These Super Sixteen players are not only rising to the occasion on the court, but their stock is moving up the lists of many college coaches attending AAU tournaments. The ability of these boys has been showcased this spring and with continued hard work the summer will be just as big for them with recognition.