HS Preview: Class 5A Section 1 of the WPIAL

<p>We continue our WPIAL high school basketball preview coverage here at Prep Hoops PA with Class 5A-Section 1. The information contained in the articles will include the high school teams in each section and the top players for this upcoming season. Also, a variety of other information will be made available such as Varsity newcomers, transfers, high-level college recruits, game-changers, impact performers, role players, quality incoming freshmen, other notables, etc. For the next series, we will touch on the four sections in the 5A classification. Enjoy the talent from this competitive group of players in Western Pennsylvania.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class 5A - Section 1</strong></span></p> <p>Albert Gallatin Colonials</p> <p>Connellsville Falcons</p> <p>Laurel Highlands Mustangs</p> <p>Ringgold Rams</p> <p>Thomas Jefferson Jaguars</p> <p>West Mifflin Titans</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991329" first="Rodney" last="Gallagher"] - 6’0 - junior - combo guard - Laurel Highlands High School</p> <ol> <li>An extremely talented two-sport athlete that is a proven leader on the hardwood for his team</li> <li>He has the ability to "take over" a game with a balanced attack on offense and utilizes his quick hands on the defensive side</li> </ol> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991336" first="Brandon" last="Davis"] - 6’2 - junior - shooting guard - Laurel Highlands High School</p> <ol> <li>A smooth, slick ball-handler who creates opportunities for a variety of scoring chances in transition and during the half-court set</li> <li>This high-level performer always wants the ball as the game reaches critical moments</li> </ol> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1187896" first="Evan" last="Berger"] - 6’2 - sophomore - shooting guard - Thomas Jefferson High School</p> <ol> <li>A "lights out" shooter from the perimeter who will score in a variety of ways during a contest</li> <li>He has a high basketball IQ which develops trust with the coaching staff and his teammates</li> </ol> <p>Josh Marietta - 6’4 - senior - wing forward - Connellsville High School</p> <ol> <li>A skilled slasher from the perimeter who has a post presence as well to create matchup problems for his opponents</li> <li>This young man rebounds on both ends of the court with excellent footwork and body positioning </li> </ol> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991354" first="Keondre" last="DeShields"] - 6’3 - junior - wing forward - Laurel Highlands High School</p> <ol> <li>He is a strong, talented guard/forward that scores from the outside and on penetration in the lane</li> <li>An overall balanced performer the ability to "run out" on the break and distribute passes to his team for buckets</li> </ol> <p>Mekhi Scott - 5’10 - senior - point guard - West Mifflin High School</p> <ol> <li>A skilled ball handler that always looks to get his teammates open in the half-court set and in transition</li> <li>His ability to knock down free throws on a consistent basis is another plus for this point guard</li> </ol> <p>Nick Peccon - 5’11 - senior - point guard- Ringgold High School</p> <ol> <li>He has the quickness to defend in the backcourt while being a solid leader on the offensive end of the floor</li> <li>A consistent shooter from the perimeter and within the arc for mid-range opportunities</li> </ol> <p>Jayden Pratt - 6’4 - senior - wing forward - Laurel Highlands High School</p> <ol> <li>An above-average rebounder and shot-blocker with tremendous vertical ability </li> <li>He has the talent to score in the post and from 15-18 feet during a game</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Other Notables:</strong></p> <p>Nolan Stephenson - 5’8 - senior - combo guard - West Mifflin High School</p> <p>Jacob Puskar - 6’2 - senior - wing forward - Connellsville High School</p> <p>Skyjuan Walker - 6’0 - senior - shooting guard - West Mifflin High School</p> <p>Deandre Dotson - 5’10 - senior - combo guard - Ringgold High School</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>High Level College Recruits:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991329" first="Rodney" last="Gallagher"], junior, Laurel Highlands HS - Holds many offers from D1 schools</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991354" first="Keondre" last="DeShields"], junior, Laurel Highlands HS - Holds a few D2 offers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Impact Performers:</strong></p> <p>Nick Pegg, senior, Albert Gallatin HS</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991348" first="Jordan" last="Mayer"], sophomore, Thomas Jefferson HS</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Role Players:</strong></p> <p>Joe Chambers, senior, Laurel Highlands HS</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1187977" first="Jamire" last="Braxton"], sophomore, Albert Gallatin HS</p>