Lehigh Valley 2024\2025 To Watch
After taking a look at a few of the top seniors in the Lehigh Valley, its time to feature some of the younger players coming through the area. These underclassmen made marks and will look to increase their visibility over…
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Continue ReadingAfter taking a look at a few of the top seniors in the Lehigh Valley, its time to feature some of the younger players coming through the area. These underclassmen made marks and will look to increase their visibility over the next several years.
Nick Coval Nick Coval 6'1" | CG Parkland | 2024 State PA | 6’2” | G | Parkland 2024
We knew how good Coval could be. He’s the son of a coach…and not just any coach…Legendary DeSales coach Scott Coval is the coach he calls “dad”….He potential was seen as a freshman after he made a splash in the rugged East Penn Conference. He took it to another level as a sophomore. He’s got a sweet stroke, dishes the rock well, has handles and a high basketball IQ. He’ll also hit the glass and do the dirty work on D. Coval passed 20 on a number of occasions, including an eye popping 33 vs Pocono Mountain East and 29 vs Pocono Mountain West. He also ripped Allen for 25. Plays AAU for Team Final. He has an offer from Robert Morris but that list will certainly take off the next two years. Schools like Lehigh and Lafayette would be wise to get involved with a hometown kid like him who has deep basketball roots in the area.
Matthew Machalik | 6’0” | G | Palmerton 2024
PHS has had its legends over the years, most notably the late Dr. Bob Mlkvy—“The Owl Without a Vowel”—The Bombers had several young talents this past year, but their tough-as-nails dual sport star led the way. Machalik, who also is the star QB on the Palmerton football team, had a fantastic sophomore season. The big bodied guard averaged 16.5PPG and showed that he could find the bucket in a number of ways. He’s got a quick first step and uses his powerful frame to attack taller defenders without fear. He went over 20 points half a dozen times. Named area Player Of The Year as a sophomore. He’ll have options as to what sport he decides to play in college, but it’s not unreasonable to expect interest from both football and basketball coaches.
Brayden Hosier | 5’10” | G | Palmerton 2024
The Bombers return almost everything in the coming season and the backcourt duo of Machalik and Hosier will drive the bus the next two years. If Machalik’s the muscle man, Hosier’s the smooth operator. He can hit it from deep, he’s a quick and active on defense. Runs the floor well and has good vision. His biggest performance of the year was scoring 26 on a very good Northampton team. With two more years to go, Hosier will be one of the top players to watch out of the Colonial League for local D3 schools.
Jahrel Vigo | 6’1” | G |Allentown Central Catholic 2025
Freshman don’t usually play varsity at Rockne. Fewer freshmen see meaningful time. Vigo broke into the starting lineup. He’s physically mature for his age, has the engine to play at warp speed and can fire it up beyond the arc. He’s athletic and uses that to his advantage. The points didn’t need to come this year—ACC had plenty of options—His duty was to learn on the job. He’ll carry the torch and be asked to be more of a lead guard who handles and distributes—but can still light up the scoreboard when needed. He was named the Allentown Morning Call Rookie Of The Year. He’s joined an elite group of guys who made early impacts at the storied program—Marakovits, McCaffrey, Rakhman…Time will tell how high his stock rises.