2023-24 Pioneer AC: What’s My Name?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pioneer Athletic Conference is primed for an entertaining and competitive 2023-24 season featuring high-level play from star players. By now you are familiar with the PAC ballers we are talking about. Names like [player_tooltip player_id='1589403' first='Julian' last='Sadler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1460771' first='Jacob' last='Nguyen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1867330' first='Deacon' last='Baratta'], [player_tooltip player_id='1589203' first='Dom' last='DeMito'], [player_tooltip player_id='2226415' first='Myon' last='Kirlew'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1848628' first='Kyle' last='Shawaluk'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the court with those No. 1 options will be a group of prospects who are not household names yet, but they will contribute for their varsity teams this winter and potentially play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we want to highlight five of these PAC athletes so this winter when someone asks you, <em>“What's His Name?”</em> you will know the answer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1850292' first='Jayden' last='Byrd'] </strong><strong>– 5'10″ / 2024 / Norristown / 610 City / Point Guard:</strong> Byrd is a tremendous athlete (also excels in football at WR) who averaged 12.3 ppg. last season. In 2022-23 he scored 19 against Boyertown as well 19 vs. eventual PAC champion Spring Ford. Yet somehow, he is still finding the radar. Byrd's 3-point shooting must be respected. But with his speed and shiftiness, his transition game should be feared. Byrd also does an excellent job of using his dribbles to patiently probe a defense until he can find an open teammate.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2322850' first='Christian' last='Cervino'] </strong><strong>– 5'1” / 2024 / Phoenixville / PSB Philly / Point Guard:</strong> This two-way guard is a solid third option for the Phantoms offense. Cervino (8.8 ppg. last season) can hit threes of every variety – spot ups, off pick action, in transition and pull ups. Additionally, his quick and elusive handles enable Cervino to run as a primary ball handler at times. At the other end, Cervino is a tenacious on-ball defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2383351' first='Caleb' last='Zavertnik'] </strong><strong>– 6'5” / 2024 / Pope John Paul II / PSB Philly / Small Forward:</strong> With his height as well as his ability to hit threes, slash to the rim and clean the glass, Zavertnik is a stretch-4 prospect to watch this winter. On defense, Zavertnik can guard 3 through 5. Plus, he is a sneaky good rim protector. We are expecting a breakout season from Zavertnik who is just scratching the surface of his potential. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1454265' first='Lymir' last='Green'] </strong><strong>– 5'9” / 2026 / Spring Ford / Buckets LLC / Combo Guard:</strong> During fall ball action the talented Green was in the starting lineup on several occasions for Spring Ford. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Green's quickness, elusive handles and court vision will bolster Spring Fords already high-octane offense. When he is not scoring / distributing of the bounce, Green is lacing threes as well as pull-up jumpers. He causes havoc on defensive end with his intense on-ball pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nadhir Ward </strong><strong>– 6'0” / 2024 / Pottsgrove / Wing:</strong> Ward (11 ppg. in 2022-23) is a versatile hybrid guard-forward prospect with a solid frame. He can shoot the 3-ball, slash to the cup for a catch and lay-in and beat a defender off the dribble. Ward's high IQ and unselfish nature make him a reliable facilitator too. Because of his athleticism, instincts and quickness Ward is a plus defensive player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->