Western PA Saturday Playoff Performers
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We took in the Pittsburgh Central Catholic victory over Wilson(West Lawn) on Saturday but a host of other WPIAL teams were in action–Who stood out to us at the weekend? Tommy Kristian Tommy Kristian 6'0" | SG Pittsburgh Central Catholic…
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Continue ReadingWe took in the Pittsburgh Central Catholic victory over Wilson(West Lawn) on Saturday but a host of other WPIAL teams were in action–Who stood out to us at the weekend?
Tommy Kristian Tommy Kristian 6'0" | SG Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2023 State PA | G | Pittsburgh Central Catholic
TK has become one of our favorites to watch. He’s a scrappy throwback player who does all the little things that will make him an asset at the next level. He hits the floor, takes charges, can run the offense and proved so when Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA was injured and also can hit shots from beyond the arc. He’s a sparkplug for the Vikings and he’s embraced his role and done so at a high level. He’s a silent driving force of the PCC season.
Randy Wilkerson Randy Wilkerson 6'0" | CG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA | G | Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Normally a lethal shooter on the perimeter who can also hit a step back, Wilkerson was off on Saturday–but didn’t force shots. He played within the offense, got the bigs looks in the post and teamed up with Kristian to be a pain for the Wilson guards on top of the press. He’s going to Saint Vincent next year and should be able to be a contributor early.
Shea Champine Shea Champine 6'0" | CG Bishop Canevin | 2023 State PA | G | Bishop Canevin
One of the top seniors in the WPIAL, Champine is making the most of his first and only season as “The Man” for the Crusaders. He’s a strong bodied guard with a nice release on his shot. He’s got a lightning quick first step to the rim and blows by defenders. He’s got athletic ability and toughness to finish around the rim. Dropped 33 in Canevin’s win over Clarion-Limestone. He’s got D2 interest.
Makhai Valentine Makhai Valentine 6'3" | SG Steel Valley | 2023 State PA | G | Steel Valley
A lights out scorer from anywhere on the floor, Valentine went over 40 as the Ironmen beat Bedford. In the process, he became the all time leading scorer at Steel Valley with 1,751 points. A lightning quick release on his shot, Valentine can elevate above defenders or drive off the bounce and finish. He also played football and his body shows the result of the work he put in during weightlifting sessions. An explosive athlete who is among the top available players in the Class of 2023 in Western PA. He and Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA went shot for shot in a series of brilliant battles between SV and Seton LaSalle this year that will be talked about in WPIAL lore for years to come.
Bryson Kirschner Bryson Kirschner 6'4" | PF OLSH | 2023 State PA | F | Our Lady of Sacred Heart
Kirschner has helped OLSH maintain its high standard of play and advance in the first round of the state tournament by scoring 16 points as they survived a spirited challenge from Westmont Hilltop in OT. He’s a tough and physical forward with good footwork in the post who is a tough rebounder. He’s a player who could grow in to a contributor at PAC or AMCC schools and is one of the more underrated recruits in the frontcourt class of 2023.