Prep Hoops PA Fall Rankings Update: 2023 Top Versatile Players

With the Fall Rankings Update going “live” this week we take a glimpse at the players that have the ability to play a variety of positions on the court. These young men can lead an offense with solid ball-handling skills, they can create opportunities for their teammates while exhibiting the talent to score from the perimeter. Also, these top performers look to expose their opponent’s weaknesses with match-up problems either through penetration to the basket or quality post moves in the lane. As basketball transitions to a more three-point shooting game, it is great to see some young hoopers still have the versatility to lead a balanced attack on the offensive end of the floor.

6-PACK ATTACK OF VERSATILITY

Landon Butler Landon Butler 6'2" | CG Latrobe | 2023 State PA , 6’2″, combo guard, Latrobe High School

A well-rounded player with sound basketball knowledge that can score in a variety of ways throughout a game. Not only will he “light it up” from long distance, but his mid-range ability is a definite asset as well. Also, this young man brings precision passing to the offense in the half-court set, while having excellent court vision to push the ball in transition to find open teammates. Landon has received interest from all three collegiate levels (D1, D2, D3) and continues to impress coaches with his talent.

Daemar Kelly Daemar Kelly 6'3" | SF Penn Hills | 2023 State PA , 6’4″, guard/forward, Penn Hills High School

He has the length and athletic ability to be a difference-maker from many positions on the floor consistently throughout a contest. This skilled guard/forward likes to have the ball in his hands running the offense but likes to get on the wing and drive to the basket as well. It’s like having another coach on the hardwood watching the leadership of this talented junior. Daemar has a few D1 offers on the table but definitely will attract much more as his high school campaign moves forward this winter.

Travarese Rowe Travarese Rowe 6'3" | PF McKeesport | 2023 State PA , 6’4″, wing forward, McKeesport High School

The exceptional vertical jumping skill portrayed by this high-flyer creates many different opportunities to score, especially on the offensive glass with thunderous slam dunks. He is confident on the wing and in the post to produce buckets consistently throughout the game. Also, running the fast break and filling the lane with strong finishes at the rim makes him a tough player to guard at any time. Travarese is getting a variety of recruitment contacts from a few D1 and D2 institutions, and many D3 schools. 

Damon Astorino Damon Astorino 6'2" | CG Eden Christian Academy | 2023 State PA , 6’2″, combo guard, Eden Christian Academy

His high basketball IQ makes him a leader on the floor who commands the offense from the point guard position while having the ability to knock down the perimeter jumper from the wing. The best part of this player’s game is the ability to penetrate the lane and finish with contact, which builds on his excellent free throw percentage of 90% this past season. He brings a quality post-game to the inside on offense despite only being 6’2. Damon has garnered attention from some D1 and D2 schools, with most from D3 college coaches.

Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA , 6’3″, combo guard, Laurel Highlands High School

A strong, skilled combo guard that likes to be a leader for his team especially at crunch time exuding the confidence needed to make the right plays in those moments. He looks to create opportunities not only for himself but his teammates while his team puts up many points on the scoreboard. The high motor and hustle brought in the offensive end of the floor by this top performer lead to a variety of easy baskets on his end. Keondre has developed some D1 and D2 interest, with D3 schools definitely reaching out.

Jayvin Thompson Jayvin Thompson 6'2" | SF Central Valley | 2023 State PA , 6’3″, guard/forward, Central Valley High School

This long, lanky, athletic guard/forward has the talent to score in bunches from a variety of positions on the court. He likes to drive the lane with creative finishes around the hoop, looks to shot the mid-range jumper, and gets putbacks from offensive rebounds. Also, he exhibits strong fundamentals and leadership for his team every time he steps on the floor. Jayvin is a D1 football recruit but has been attracting attention from D2 and D3 college coaches for basketball as well.