Top WPIAL Front-Court Players from the Class of 2023
In this article:
“Back to the basket” players seem to be a relic of the past in the WPIAL. Most of the players on this list are just as comfortable on the perimeter as in the paint. However, there is no substitute for…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading“Back to the basket” players seem to be a relic of the past in the WPIAL. Most of the players on this list are just as comfortable on the perimeter as in the paint. However, there is no substitute for size in basketball and these players make a HUGE difference every time they take the floor. We have watched countless WPIAL games, and AAU events to compile a list, in no particular order, of the Top Front-Court players in the WPIAL class of 2023.
Travarese Rowe Travarese Rowe 6'3" | PF McKeesport | 2023 State PA / McKeesport / Team Wildcat Adidas Circuit / @LDunny23
Traverese “Dunny” Rowe is a high-flying athletic force. His quick, skilled footwork in the paint is impressive. He is outstanding in transition and his thunderous dunks can change the momentum of the game in an instant. His defensive effort is outstanding. With his timing and athleticism, he is one of the best shot blockers in the WPIAL, regardless of grade or class. Dunny is running with Team Wildcat on the Adidas Silver Circuit this spring.
Adam Bilinski / 6’2” / Norwin / Mason Elite / @AdamBilinsky
Adam is coming off an outstanding sophomore campaign. He was selected First Team All-Section at 6A Norwin, as a sophomore. Adam has excellent bounce and plays taller than his actual height. He is a skilled ball handler who can consistently make his own shot. Adam has a well-developed mid-range game. He will be Norwin’s main scoring threat in the fall. Adam is playing with Mason Elite this spring.
Damon Astorino Damon Astorino 6'2" | CG Eden Christian Academy | 2023 State PA / 6’2” / Ambridge / @Damon_2023
Damon is a rare player who can excel at four positions. He can run the point, and has the size and strength to play either forward position. Damon has an excellent basketball IQ and moves well without the ball. A proven scorer, he averaged 22 per game as a sophomore for the Bridgers. Look for another high-scoring year for Damon as he leads Ambridge in the Fall. He is playing for BSA Select this spring.
Virgil Hall / 6-8 / Baldwin / NJ Scholars Elite / @iamvirgilhall
Possibly the only true “Big Man” of the group. Virgil moves his massive 6’8” frame very well. He has good feet and the necessary ball skills to take other front-court players to the rack. He may well have the most upside as any player in the class of 2023. Virgil is playing with the New Jersey Scholars of the Nike EYBL this spring.
Daemar Kelly Daemar Kelly 6'3" | SF Penn Hills | 2023 State PA / 6-5 / Penn Hills / Team Final EYBL / @DaeeKelly_3
Daemar is as comfortable on the perimeter as in the paint. He is a consistent shooter with a nice touch. He is a tough athletic defender who runs the floor well and finishes well on the break. Daemar is playing with Team Final on the Nike EYBL circuit this fall.
Players to watch
Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA / 6-2 / Laurel Highlands / Wildcat Select
Sam Kelly Sam Kelly 6'5" | PF Allderdice | 2023 State PA / 6’4” Allderdice / Team Wildcat
Cadin Olsen Cadin Olsen 6'5" | SF Armstrong | 2023 State PA / 6-4 / Armstrong
Ta’Mere Robinson Ta’Mere Robinson 6'3" | SG Brashear | 2023 State PA / 6-3 / Brashear