PCL Playoff Preview: Unsung Heroes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Catholic League regular season is finally over and the playoff brackets are set. The MVP race is likely decided, but there are other players who will play key roles in the playoffs and don't get as much recognition. Based on PCL-stats only, here are the X-factors or unsung heroes from the top 6 teams heading into the playoffs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1123910' first='Khaafiq' last='Myers'] | 5'11 G 2024 Neumann-Goretti</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It might seem hard to stand out as a point guard when you share the backcourt with one of the country's best in Rob Wright III, however, that's not an issue for Myers. He averages 12.3 points, 4.7 boards, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 steals, despite battling a nagging lower body injury for most of the season. All of his abilities were on display against Roman Catholic. Wright III was out, but that didn't matter. Myers torched the Cahillites with his pullup jumper - from the mid-range and from deep (3-of-5) - for 16 points, grabbed 9 boards, facilitated and picked up 3 steals to give them the upset victory and first place in the league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1188620' first='Shareef' last='Jackson'] | 6'7 C 2025 Roman Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A first-year starter, Jackson's consistency is a major reason why Roman is in the #2 seed after losing so much production from a season ago. The Cahilites can always count on his 9.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2.5 bpg. They can throw it down to him in the post with his throwback game or play through him at the high-post. Of his best performances in league-play, which includes 4 double-doubles, his biggest came versus Father Judge. Jackson put up a monster effort with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and a career-high 6 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1202211' first='Michael' last='“Zaire” Paris'] | 5'11 G 2023 Archbishop Ryan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paris turned up at the Palestra last year and Coach Zeglinski hasn't been able to take him off the floor since. They're now in the #3 seed with Paris as their full-time point guard. He connects everything they do on both ends, contributing 11.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.6 apg, and 2 spg. Paris typically makes everyone else better, but he literally stole the show in their showdown at West Catholic. With 4 steals to go along with 16 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists, he led the charge to push the game into overtime. Paris made 8-of-11 free throws to help them get the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1013075' first='Carson' last='Howard'] | 6'8 C 2023 Archbishop Wood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing the same role he did as a junior, Howard is even more important this season. The Jersey-native and future ESU Warrior averages 12 points and 8.6 boards for the #4 Vikings. That doesn't factor in his toughness inside as a screener and post defender. He's scored a season-high 20 points versus Father Judge but his outing against St. Joe's Prep was just as crucial. Howard pulled down 16 rebounds (6 on offense), scored 6 of his 10 points at the free throw line, and blocked 3 shots as Wood secured the overtime win on the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1202209' first='Jalen' last='Harper'] | 6'3 G 2024 St. Joe's Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a perimeter-oriented attack that includes three players shooting over 42% from behind the arc, Harper gives them a downhill element. The young junior uses his explosive strides to pressure the rim and average 11.5 points and 3.7 assists, plus 6 rebounds. The Prep also benefits from his physical abilities as a defender with 1.1 spg and 1.1 bpg. Harper led the way in their upset victory over #2 Roman, giving the Hawks 17 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Additionally, the win has implications for the District 12-6A playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991381' first='Shemar' last='Wilbanks-Acqui'] | 6'3 G 2023 West Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilbanks-Acqui changes the math for the Burrs when he's on the floor. He adds perimeter scoring (13.8 ppg, 37.5% 3P) and secondary-playmaking (2.6 apg) to keep defenses off-balance. “Whop” can put his man on his hip and get buckets from all three levels. He dropped 19 points versus Lansdale Catholic 22 against O'Hara. But it was his complete floor-game hosting Wood on senior night that made the difference. He had 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 15 points, featuring the game-winning basket to make them the #6 seed going into the PCL playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Important Names</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1190330' first='Pearse' last='McGuinn'] | 6'7 F 2024 Cardinal O'Hara</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1472583' first='Blake' last='Deegan'] | 6'6 F 2023 Archbishop Carroll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1197608' first='Kevair' last='Kennedy'] | 6'0 G 2025 Father Judge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brady Egan | 6'4 W 2023 Bonner-Prendie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->