Western PA High Academic Performers

Now that high school classes have been in session for a little over two months, here at Prep Hoops PA our scouts developed a list of high academic achievers this Fall. We are proud to showcase some of the top players in Western Pennsylvania who excel not only on the hardwood but in the classroom as well. Points per game numbers matter just as much as the grade point average for this talented group. These basketball players help us understand the definition of a student-athlete for the senior and junior classes this upcoming winter. The hard work and dedication to becoming a well-rounded member of their respective school systems are extremely important to these young men. 

CLASS OF 2022:

Rank #9 -  Devin Carney Devin Carney 6'1" | CG Butler | 2022 State PA / 6’0 / combo guard / senior / Butler High School

• He averaged 30 points per game for Butler High School last season
• This young man has committed to play Division 1 basketball at Elon University
• Devin holds a (4.0 grade point average) as a senior

Rank #12 - LA Pratt LA Pratt 6'5" | SF Lincoln Park | 2022 State PA / 6’5 / point guard / senior / Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

• He averaged 15 points per game for Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School last season
• With good performances this AAU season, he has received some Division 1 offers this summer
• LA holds a (3.7 grade point average) as a senior

Rank #14 - Gavin Cote Gavin Cote 6'5" | CG Peters Township | 2022 State PA / 6’5 / shooting guard / senior / Peters Township High School

• He averaged 18 points per game for Peters Township High School last season
• Has a good amount of Division 2 offers on the table from strong play during the spring and summer AAU circuit
• Gavin holds a (4.1 grade point average) as a senior

Rank #18 - Jackson Jurzang Jackson Jurzang 6'2" | CG Winchester Thurston | 2022 State PA / 6’1 / point guard / senior / Winchester Thurston High School

• He averaged 32 points per game for Winchester Thurston High School last season
• By solid performances on the court, he is developing interest from Division 2 and Division 3 schools
• Jackson holds a (3.7 grade point average) as a senior

Rank #19 - Alex Griggs Alex Griggs 6'1" | CG First Love Christian Academy | 2022 State PA / 6’1 / combo guard / senior / First Love Christian Academy

• He averaged 15 points per game for First Love Christian Academy last season
• This player picked up a few Division 1 offers to move toward his last year of basketball
• Alex holds a (3.8 grade point average) as a senior

CLASS OF 2023:

Rank #4 - Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA / 6’0 / combo guard / junior / Laurel Highlands High School

• He averaged 20 points per game for Laurel Highlands High School last season
• A heavily recruited athlete with many Division 1 offers for basketball and football
• Rodney holds a (4.0 grade point average) as a junior

Rank #15 - Damon Astorino Damon Astorino 6'2" | CG Eden Christian | 2023 State PA / 6’2 / combo guard / junior / Eden Christian Academy

• He averaged 23 points per game for Ambridge High School last season
• Has a few Division 2 offers and a variety of interest from other Division 2 and Division 3 college coaches
• Damon holds a (4.0 grade point average) as a junior

Rank #17 - Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA / 6’2 / combo guard / junior / Central Catholic High School

• He averaged 18 points per game for Central Catholic High School last season
• A Divison 1 offer was received this summer as well as opportunities from Division 2 schools
• Dante holds a (4.4 grade point average) as a junior

Rank #20 - Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA / 6’3 / combo guard / junior / Laurel Highlands High School

• He averaged 15 points per game for Laurel Highlands High School last season
• This performer is attracting interest from Division 2 and Division 3 college recruiters
• Keondre holds a (3.8 grade point average) as a junior

Rank #22 - Bryce Epps Bryce Epps 6'0" | PG South Allegheny | 2023 State PA / 6’0 / combo guard / junior / South Allegheny High School

• He averaged 16 points per game for South Allegheny High School last season
• Has garnered college attention from Division 2 and Division 3 coaches recently
• Bryce holds a (3.7 grade point average) as a junior