WPIAL Championship Preview: Who to Watch on Day Two (3A, 5A)
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After two WPIAL champions were crowned on Thursday night, two more boys games will tip off on Friday night with teams from classes 3A and 5A facing off for the title. The 3A championship between Avonworth and Shadyside Academy, will…
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Continue ReadingAfter two WPIAL champions were crowned on Thursday night, two more boys games will tip off on Friday night with teams from classes 3A and 5A facing off for the title.
The 3A championship between Avonworth and Shadyside Academy, will tip off at 5 p.m., and the 5A championship between Laurel Highlands and New Castle will top off at 9 p.m. Both games will be at the Petersen Events Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
Here are some players to keep an eye on in the action on Friday.
Rowan Carmichael Rowan Carmichael 5'11" | CG Avonworth | 2025 State PA – 5’9″ G – Avonworth
Carmichael is a freshman guard that possesses a high basketball IQ and has proven that he can score at a high level already in his career. Son of a college coach, Carmichael has an array of finishing moves and is shifty with the ball in his hands. He has quick feet that never seem to be still. He’ll shoot at any point while he has the ball, whether it’s off the catch or a full-speed floater.
Jordan Kolenda – 6’3″ W – Avonworth
Kolenda is at his best when he is driving and decision making. Utilizes a strong pivot foot in the paint and is creative with his shot selection. Also a threat from three-point land. Aggresive rebounder with solid height.
Peter Kramer Peter Kramer 6'4" | SG Hampton | 2024 State PA – 6’3″ G Shadyside Academy
Kramer is a sophomore guard whose length stands out among his physical attributes. He has active hands on defense and can quickly turn a steal or a tipped pass into a slam on the other end. In transition, often uses a euro-step to turn what would be floaters for others into lay-ups for him with his length.
Brandon Davis Brandon Davis 6'0" | CG Keystone Athletic Academy | 2023 State PA – 6’1″ G – Laurel Highlands
Davis is a deadly scorer that can do it in a number of different ways. Can throw down hard slams, step back and knock down threes, or set up his teammates well on each and every possession. Davis loves to create his own shots anywhere on the floor and will be tough to guard for anyone in the conference period.
Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA – 6’0″ G – Laurel Highlands
Gallagher is probably the most well-known prospect in all of Western PA regardless of sport. High major prospect in both sports, but decided to only focus on football in college. Regardless, the super athlete is still a phenomenal point guard. Excellent ball handler with an overwhelming amount of moves. Not afraid to pull up and knock down a mid-range jumper or a three, but also thrives when driving in traffic.
Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA – 6’3″ G – Laurel Highlands
DeShields is an explosive guard that thrives in the mid-range and on the run. Has an array of moves with his back to the basket, headlined by a consistent fadeaway jumper. Powerful and can rise up over smaller defenders to get his shot off whenever he wants, whether it is on one foot or two.
Mike Wells – 6’4″ F – New Castle
Wells is committed to Youngstown State for football, but is the leading scorer for this New Castle hoops squad. Fantastic athlete that can light it up from outside and speed into the lane on drives. Super strong and tough, will be hard to stop defensively. All-around scorer.
Isaiah Boice – 6’0″ G – New Castle
Boice is a sharp-shooter from outside that has become a solid defender as well. Confident in his ability from three-point range and you can expect New Castle to feed him outside. Ranked as PrepHoops’ #12 player in the state, and #1 shooting guard.
Jonathan Anderson – 6’0″ New Castle
Anderson is a guard that is a smart shot taker and a reliable finisher in the paint. High field goal percentage on the season and in recent games, and will once again look to be one of the team scoring leaders on Friday.