2023-24 Pioneer AC: POY Watch List…Part I

2023-24 Pioneer AC: POY Watch List&#8230;Part I

EJ Campbell (2024). Photo: Spring Ford Athletics

Carey Smith

November 9, 2023 @ 08:06 AM

With twelve competitive programs in the ranks, the Pioneer Athletic Conference is loaded with college prospects for the 2023-24 season. Thus, we have broken our PAC Player Of the Year preview article into two separate posts.   Below is Part I in our review of the players (Presented in alphabetical order.) we consider to be the front runners to win the 2022-23 Pioneer Athletic Conference POY award.   [player_tooltip player_id='1867330' first='Deacon' last='Baratta'] – 6'4” / 2025 / Phoenixville / [program_tooltip program_id='2078678' first='East' last='Coast Power'] / Wing: After he balled out from July through September, Baratta (11 ppg.; 5 rpg.; 43 3PM in 2022-23) skyrocketed up our 2025 rankings and thrust himself into this POY conversation. Baratta is a high IQ, well rounded prospect who stuffs the stat sheet. He knocks home shots from all over the floor, scores off dribble drives, excels in the open court, distributes, rebounds and block shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='1281774' first='EJ' last='Campbell'] – 6'1″ / 2024 / Spring Ford / East Coast Cyclones / Combo Guard: Campbell's attention grabbing 2022-23 season (13.2 ppg.; 1st Team All-PAC; 1st All-Area; D1-6A runner ups) was topped off by an even better stretch of play over the last four months. Thus, Campbell now ranks a one of the Top 80 players in the state. Campbell could always score and distribute from the shooting guard spot. But the improved handles, patience, and basketball IQ he has displayed of late has shown scouts and college coaches he can burn as a primary ball handler too. Campbell holds offers from Rider University and East Stroudsburg (D2).   [player_tooltip player_id='1589203' first='Dom' last='DeMito'] – 5'11” / 2024 / Pope John Paul II / [program_tooltip program_id='2243610' first='Eastern' last='PA Elite'] / Point Guard: In 2023-24 this Misericordia (D3) commit will be thrust into the role of scoring point guard as DeMito will be option No. 1 for PJP. DeMito (13 ppg. last season) is a high IQ and crafty lead guard with excellent change of speed abilities. He can use his dribbles to attack the rack for a hoop or to distribute via drive and kicks. DeMito is a high percentage 3-point shooter as well. At the other end, DeMito produces steals / deflections which lead to easy baskets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850319' first='Luke' last='Fryer'] – 5'11” / 2024 / Owen J Roberts / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] / Combo Guard: Fryer has emerged as one of the most feared shot makers in the PAC. His jumper is automatic from the baseline to the mid-range to the 3-point arc. Fryer (15 ppg. in 2022-23) can also get downhill and score off the bounce. Last season he registered six games of 20+ points. When he is not in scoring mode, Fryer can play as an instinctive point guard who facilitates for teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='1848538' first='Sadeeq' last='Jackson'] – 6'0” / 2024 / Pottstown / [program_tooltip program_id='2245515' first='NEPA' last='Elite'] / Combo Guard: Last season Jackson averaged 15.7 points per game and was a 2nd team All-PAC (Frontier Div) selection. We are expecting even better scoring stats and additional accolades for Jackson in 2023-24. He possesses excellent foot speed, elusive handles, and solid instincts. That trifecta enables Jackson to thrive on the fast break. In the half-court, Jackson is solid spot up three-point shooter. Additionally, Jackson moves well without the ball. Thus he frequently scores on cuts to the rim.     Part II will be posted on Friday.

With twelve competitive programs in the ranks, the Pioneer Athletic Conference is loaded with college prospects for the 2023-24 season. Thus, we have broken our PAC Player Of the Year preview article into two separate posts.