Pittsburgh Midweek Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first week of January is starting to heat up with some big games and stellar performances from top players. Tonight we take a look at those top players, as well as some games to watch on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'8" junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1173989' first='Royce' last='Parham']</strong> showed on Tuesday vs Mars why he is an elite national recruit. Parham scored 32 points in just over 2 quarters as North Hills thumped the Planets in a 30 point blowout. He made it look easy with powerful post moves, showed an expanded ability to handle the basketball and was confident shooting from beyond the arc. He had a few blocked shots and cleaned up on the glass. This game was a tight contest a year ago--While both teams lost a TON of talent, we learned Tuesday that <em>Chris Dvorak</em> was a leader in the frontcourt that Mars hasn't been able to replace, as Royce dominated everything in and around the paint. We took in last year's contest as well as this one. Royce continues to improve every week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991376' first='Tasso' last='Sfanos']</strong> and <strong>Ryan Ceh</strong> both had 15 for Mars in the loss. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The University of Pittsburgh got a jumpstart on the Class of 2024 by securing a commitment from Lincoln Park Charter's 6'4" junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991401' first='Brandin' last='Cummings']</strong>. Cummings is the younger brother of Pitt senior Nelly Cummings--He also plays a similar style, but is bigger and stronger. He's a long guard who can shoot the lights out and is one of the leading scorers in the WPIAL this season, averaging over 25PPG thusfar. He and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991408' first='Meleek' last='Thomas']</strong> form one of the top backcourts in the entire state of Pennsylvania and Thomas remains on the board as one of the most sought after players in the Commonwealth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams have thrown all types of looks at Steel Valley's 6'3" senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1395834' first='Makhai' last='Valentine']</strong>....None of it has stopped him. Not Man to man. Not a zone. Forget the box and one. They've triangle and two'd him...He's still averaging over 30ppg. He's an electric scorer with a good bounce and tight handle. He's got two D1 offers right now and is part of a group of WPIAL senior guards who are flying under the radar, along with Central Catholic's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991365' first='Dante' last='DePante']</strong>(RadfordNorth Florida), Seton LaSalle's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116023' first='Connor' last='Spratt']</strong>(No offers) and Laurel Highlands <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991354' first='Keondre' last='DeShields']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Dumbroski</strong> is a sophomore guard at Serra Catholic who caught our eye when they played Seton LaSalle earlier this year. He's continued his fine form in a statement sophomore season--He had 24 in a big win over Clairton last night. He's a scrappy defender and a confident shooter who can also handle the ball--He'll be a player to watch in the Mon Valley the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allderdice topped Obama in a City League matchup on Wednesday and was led by promising sophomore guard <strong>Jack Segall</strong>. Segall saw spot time as a freshman and is a tough on ball defender who can also shoot the ball well. 6'5" senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991387' first='Sam' last='Kelly']</strong> added 21 points and the uncommitted wing has continued his strong play into his senior year. Kelly can battle in the post but also has the range to extend beyond the arc and draw bigger defenders away from the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Games To Watch Friday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>Isaiah Boice</strong> and New Castle make a trip across the northern portion of the WPIAL to take on Butler in a divisional matchup. Butler saw a good output in their win last night from freshman guard <strong>Donovan Carney</strong>--Devin's younger brother. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Hills tackles Moon Twp in a divisional contest which could be one to watch. Moon has come on strong and clipped off a win over defending New Jersey Group IV State Champion Elizabeth over Christmas. Moon also beat South Fayette on a buzzer beater in their last contest. Speaking of South Fayette, they take on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188607' first='Jayden' last='Davis']</strong> and Chartiers Valley in another marquee matchup in the same division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->