NEPA Breakout Prospects To Watch
The Anthracite Coal Region has a number of colleges across its landscape that fill their rosters with local players from the mountainous region that holds enough to coal to power the nation for 500 years. Today we look at several…
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Continue ReadingThe Anthracite Coal Region has a number of colleges across its landscape that fill their rosters with local players from the mountainous region that holds enough to coal to power the nation for 500 years. Today we look at several prospects who are making a name for themselves in Coal Country.
Connor Cranage | 5’10” | G | Blue Ridge
A three year starter, Cranage crossed 1,000 points as he led Blue Ridge to a divisional championship. He’s a solid ball handler who can run the offense and create opportunities for his teammates to get easy buckets. He’s also got a nice step back jumper to keep defenders on their toes. An active defender who can create turnovers and fast break opportunities. Can finish at the rim with either hand. He may be a bit off the radar as he plays at a rural school of about 300 kids, but he’s a nice prospect that D3 coaches should follow.
Ryan Nealon | 6’1″ | G | Abington Heights
Nealon will finish his run at AH as a three year starter in the backcourt. A well rounded guard who can finish at the rim through contact but also step back and hit threes from well beyond the line(He’s hit over 100 in three seasons and should get to about 150 for his career). A high basketball IQ allows him to be a well rounded player–he hits the boards pretty well, can run an offense and racked up 70 assists last winter.
Bailey Ziolkowski | 6’7″ | F | Pottsville Nativity
A big bodied forward with nice post moves and good rebounding ability, Ziolkowski is one of the more under-the-radar players in the Commonwealth. He has range that extends beyond the arc and is a confident shooter. He is an unsung leader in the Coal Region who should have a massive senior year and is breaking out on the AAU Scene this summer. Still growing into his body, he’ll continue to put on mass and size. One of the top big men in NEPA this winter.
Tanner Zawada | 5’10” | G | Mahanoy Area
An all state selection as a sophomore, Zawada led the Bears on a magical run into the PIAA State Playoffs. He can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot and get to the rim. Zawada is at his best, however, as a catch and shoot guy beyond the arc. Excellent form on his jumper with a high release point. Active on defense and good on top of the press with quick feet and good mobility. With two years to go, he could become the top player in the county.
Julius Currie | 6’2″ | G | Marian Catholic
Another small school player, Currie is a hot handed shooter from beyond the arc. A high scoring guard who’s jump shot is his primary option. He’s active on defense and can create turnovers that lead to points in transition. His ballhandling skills are improving and he can get to the rim through traffic. Had multiple games with 5+ threes last winter. He’ll be expected to be the go-to-guy for the Colts this winter.