WPIAL Guards To Watch- AAU Spring Circuit 2023s
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The WPIAL will be stocked with a host of talented guards in the Class of 2023. Today we look at five of the finest in the Pittsburgh area to watch on the spring and summer circuit. Rodney Gallagher Rodney…
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Continue ReadingThe WPIAL will be stocked with a host of talented guards in the Class of 2023. Today we look at five of the finest in the Pittsburgh area to watch on the spring and summer circuit.
Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA | 6’0” | G| Laurel Highlands
The most electric recruit to come out of the WPIAL in 15 years, Gallagher is a two sport super-athlete who held power conference offers in both football and basketball. He’s settled on football but will be back to close out his hardwood career in style and in spite of that decision, it would be improper to leave him off the players to watch list. Gallagher is a do it all guard who has superior ball handling skills and speed, is a dangerous shooter and can attack the hoop. He’s the motor for Laurel Highlands and is without question the top player in the Class of 2023 in the Pittsburgh region.
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA |6’3” | G| Pittsburgh Central Catholic
As Brian Urso has looked to elevate the Central Catholic program to contender status during his time as head coach, DePante has been growing into one of the top players in Pittsburgh.
He’s a silky smooth guard who has excellent basketball IQ, dribbling skills, can shoot from range and also slash to the rim. He had several marquee performances as a junior and drew the attention of opponent’s top defenders on an nightly basis. He will be the go-to-guy for the Vikings as a senior, along with 6’7” Debaba Tshiebwe Debaba Tshiebwe 6'6" | PF Central Catholic | 2023 State PA (Yes, Oscar’s brother).
He plays AAU for Mason Elite and scored 48 this past weekend in an AAU contest. He has one offer from North Florida but should receive more D-1 interest this spring and summer.
Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA | 6’2” | G| Seton-LaSalle
Spratt enjoyed a breakout season for Coach Mark Walsh’s Rebels, leading them to a 9-1 divisional record and 18-4 season. He averaged over 25PPG and did it efficiently. He can score from anywhere on the floor, breaks down defenders off the dribble and is a creative passer. He has a high basketball IQ. Spratt’s shining moment came in a wild comeback win over Aliquippa. He hit an off balance three to send the game to OT and then scored the winning bucket in the extra session.
Spratt plays for Wildcat Select. A strong AAU Circuit could see Spratt earn D1 looks. PSAC and WV D2s should be in hot pursuit. One of the top guards in Pittsburgh this coming season.
Vinny Cugini | 6’2” |G| Aquinas Academy
Cugini has flown under the radar in terms of “love” from the press throughout his high school career as he’s played for tiny Aquinas Academy, a Class A Catholic school in the North Hills. He’s a scoring machine at the HS level with eye popping numbers(Well over 30PPG) and has been the centerpiece of the Aquinas program since his freshman year. Runs the floor well, can pull up from anywhere, above average ball handler who is unafraid to attack the rim. He has crossed 2,000 points in his HS career. He plays AAU for Mason Elite with DePante and currently has an offer from Bob Rukavina at Pitt Johnstown.
Jimmy Kunst Jimmy Kunst 6'2" | CG Highlands | 2023 State PA | 6’2” | G| Highlands
Kunst has been a key player since his freshman year and has grown from a slasher into a confident leader—He’s capable of scoring from all angles and spots on the floor. The progression in his outside shooting over three years has been a fantastic upward trajectory. He’s vocal, energetic and a playmaker at both ends of the floor. Kunst averaged 20.9PPG and led Highlands to a 19-8 record. He’s also a top tier baseball player and will face a decision on which sport to pursue.