WPIAL Guards to Watch 2022-2023

<p>There are half a dozen or more guards in the WPIAL receiving serious press coverage--and deservedly so-- for their talents and ceilings as D1 or D2 prospects. That said, there are plenty of guards in the area who deserve further coverage for their talents and potential. Today we feature four of them. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1188639" first="Rowan" last="Carmichael"]</strong> | 5’9” | G | Avonworth 2025</p> <p>He’s the son of a successful college coach. That’s all you need to know…but seriously, being taught basketball by Hermie Carmichael of LaRoche on a daily basis and calling him “dad” is a big advantage. He’s got advanced skills with a high basketball IQ. Can shoot it from deep and is a solid defender. Good ballhandler who started to really mature towards the end of the season. He’ll certainly be one of the players to watch over the next few years in the WPIAL.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991376" first="Tasso" last="Sfanos"]</strong> | 6’1” | G | Mars 2023</p> <p>Sfanos averaged 16.4 PPG for an immensely talented Mars team that was kept out of the state playoffs thanks to the WPIAL’s “Follow the Winner” policy. With the graduation of talented big man [player_tooltip player_id="991240" first="Chris" last="Dvorak"] and lead guard [player_tooltip player_id="991289" first="Zach" last="Schlegel"], Sfanos will drive the bus next year. Good ballhandler who can pull up and create his own shot—He’s especially good at penetrating to the free throw line for a pull up—A lost art…Runs the floor well, finds small openings to complete key passes. He’s a well rounded ballplayer who should be receiving a host of interest from regional college coaches.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1403752" first="Peyton" last="Wehner"]</strong> | 6’0 | G | Pittsburgh Central Catholic 2024</p> <p>The starting QB at the highest profile WPIAL football program can also get it done on the hardwood. Wehner has good ballhandling skills and was one of the top defenders in 6A last year, often drawing the marquee player from the Vikings opponents. He’s got range beyond the arc but can also drive, finish at the rim and dish. While his future most likely lies on the football field, Wehner has the potential to be recruited to play college basketball as well if his development trajectory continues. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1188035" first="John" last="Wilkins"]</strong> | 6’1” | G | Seton LaSalle 2024</p> <p>Wilkins was primarily a complimentary player to the senior class and star junior [player_tooltip player_id="1116023" first="Connor" last="Spratt"] this past year. He’ll see a much bigger role as the second option to Spratt this coming year. Quick first step and crafty around the basket. He can shoot from deep and made several big shots in the Rebels wild comeback win over Aliquippa. Regional coaches should already be paying attention, particularly those in the PAC.</p>