Highlighting Small Schools – 5 Prospects in Western PA
It often seems like the bigger schools get the lion’s share of coverage and evaluations. But there are plenty of top players in the smaller schools of Western Pennsylvania. This article details five names you need to watch in the…
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Continue ReadingIt often seems like the bigger schools get the lion’s share of coverage and evaluations. But there are plenty of top players in the smaller schools of Western Pennsylvania. This article details five names you need to watch in the upcoming season.
Daemyin Mattocks
Daemyin Mattocks
Daemyin Mattocks has a remarkable blend of quickness and heart and hustle. His speed is the first thing you notice — Mattocks possesses the kind of burst that can change the pace of a game. Defensively, he’s a hawk, constantly reading passing lanes and using his quick hands to disrupt passes. into easy transition opportunities.On offense, Mattocks is an adept finisher around the rim, using both hands with equal finesse. His shooting form shines when his feet are set. That said, if Daemyin shows a bit more consistency on the move, he could elevate his game even further.
Brady Mayo has firmly established himself as a top player. He possesses a quick-release jump shot that consistently finds the net from any range. He’s not just a perimeter threat, though — his strong offensive rebounding, physicality, and understanding of positioning, allow him to outmaneuver taller players under the rim.While driving to the hoop, Mayo leverages his body well, absorbing contact and maintaining control through the finish. He’s also a remarkably good ball handler. But what really sets Mayo apart is his court vision. He’s not only a scorer but a facilitator, capable of finding the open man and understanding the flow of the game. His ability to read the game translates into strong defensive play as well.Clutch situations seem to bring out his best. Mayo has shown time and again that he’s not afraid of the big moments, demonstrating a level of poise and confidence.
Highlights
Ronan Dorler
Ronan Dorler
Ronan Dorler, a 6’5 Senior forward features a multifaceted game that impacts both ends of the floor. His skill set begins with an exceptional ability to rebound. Dorler’s size and strength allow him to secure positioning, while his understanding of angles and timing ensures he is a force on the offensive and defensive boards.His footwork is exemplary for a player of his stature, enabling him to stay in front of smaller, quicker opponents while also holding his ground against bigger forwards and centers. His presence inside deters opponents from driving the lane, and he has a knack for altering shots without committing fouls.Offensively, he demonstrates a versatility that stretches defenses thin. From the low post, Dorler can punish smaller defenders with back-to-the-basket moves, using his well-honed baby hook shot to score over outstretched arms. This same strength and soft touch make him a reliable finisher at the rim, converting high-percentage shots even under duress.Beyond his interior game, Dorler has shown the capacity to score from midrange, keeping defenders honest and unable to collapse solely on the paint. While he may not be a traditional floor-spacer stretching to the 3-point line, his effectiveness from mid range distances make him challenging to guard. On top of this scoring ability, Dorler exhibits surprisingly adept ball-handling for his size. While he may not be leading fast breaks, his ability to handle the ball reduces the risk of turnovers and aids in facilitating offense, particularly in high-low actions or when creating from the elbow.
Archie Murphey
Archie Murphey
Archie Murphey has a silky-smooth shot and a constant 3-pt threat, even with a hand in his face. But he is more than just a perimeter threat. His ability to use a ball fake allows him to create space and scoring opportunities. Murphey doesn’t shy away from mixing it up inside. He has the size and strength to take on interior defenders, making him a dual threat. His willingness to embrace contact plays into his effectiveness as an offensive rebounder.
Collin Jones
Collin Jones
Collin Jones epitomizes the quintessential floor general. His defensive acumen is immediately evident in his play — his quick hands and instinctual reading of the game make him a perennial threat in the passing lanes. His defensive prowess is such that he can change the tempo of a game by creating turnovers and sparking fast breaks.Offensively, Jones brings a balanced attack. His ability to pull up off the dribble gives him an edge, making him a scoring threat from virtually anywhere on the court. This skill also ensures that defenses cannot afford to play off him, as he can stop on a dime and convert a mid-range jumper with consistency. As a spot-up shooter, Jones is equally effective.Jones displays ambidextrous finishing around the rim. This ability to finish with either hand makes him a challenging matchup for defenders and a reliable scorer in transition.Jones’ court vision is particularly noteworthy, especially in fast-break situations. His decision-making is sound — he knows when to take it to the rack himself and when to distribute the ball to teammates in better scoring positions. This unselfishness is a hallmark of his game — his willingness to make the extra pass for an easy bucket not only exemplifies his team-first mentality but also speaks to his maturity and understanding of the game.