Western Pennsylvania Players to Watch in the New Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the New Year! And with it, some new names in Western Pennsylvania are rising in the rankings and gaining the attention of our scouts. Here are five names to watch in January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brett Loughry","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Grove City","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBrett Loughry has emerged as a player to watch in January, following his impressive performances throughout December, including a notable 22-point game against North Hills and 28 points against Fairview. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLoughry is a true sharpshooter, especially when he gets his feet set. His range extends to past the professional three-point line, making him a serious threat from long distance. His smooth and consistent shooting form, combined with the speed at which he releases his shot, makes him a challenge to defend. Opposing teams must be vigilant in not allowing him open looks.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBut he is more than just a shooter. Brett is also a tenacious defender. His defensive instincts and agility enable him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1204046"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLucas Luteran has established himself as a player to watch in January, thanks to his impressive scoring ability, defensive skills, and overall toughness on the court. He is averaging 24 points per game, 7 rebounds, and shooting 45% from the three-point line so far this season.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLuteran's offensive game is highlighted by his excellent jump shot, especially from midrange and beyond the arc. He is tough to guard because he does such a good job at stretching defenses. Luteran's athleticism is notable, where dunks consistently even though he is sub 6 feet. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHe's a physically tough defender who brings intensity and aggressiveness to each game. His quickness and strength allow him to guard multiple positions, and his mindset of never backing down from anyone makes him a formidable defensive presence. He can get hot-headed at times but never out of control. It's a testament to him being a true competitor. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLuteran could easily be an excellent player at the DIII level, and if he keeps growing and improving his athleticism over the next year, I could see some DII schools taking interest. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1880770"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMichael Plasko performances, including scoring 37 points against Cannon Mac and 30 against Shaler, underscore why he is a player to watch in the new year.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePlasko's shooting is a key component of his game. He exhibits a nice shot off the dribble, particularly when moving to his right. Where Plasko really stands out is in his midrange game. This skill is crucial as it provides his team with a reliable scoring option outside of the three-point line and inside the paint.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePhysically, Plasko's size and strength are significant advantages. He finishes well at the rim, where he effectively utilizes his body to score against bigger defenders. His physicality also contributes to his play on the fast break, where he not only shows good vision but also the ability to make smart passes.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDefensively, Plasko is solid. His anticipation of passing lanes makes him a threat for steals, and he has the size and strength to guard multiple positions. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1187923"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMajor Rainey remains a must-watch player in the New Year, thanks to his impressive average of 17 points per game and his overall enhanced aggressive play. His performances indicate a significant evolution in his game, marked by greater poise and assertiveness on the court.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHe demonstrates a heightened level of confidence and determination, which shines through in big moments. His ability to maintain composure under pressure is a testament to his mental toughness and maturity.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePhysically, Rainey is gifted with explosive jumping abilities, good size, and strength. These attributes contribute to his reputation as a high flier with incredible dunks. His explosive first step allows him to create separation from defenders, making him a constant offensive threat.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRainey's ball-handling skills are impressive for a player of his size and position. This ability, coupled with his solid mid-range jump shot, makes him a versatile offensive player. He can score in a variety of ways, whether it's driving to the basket, shooting from mid-range, or finishing strong at the rim, especially through contact.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDefensively, his tenacity and willingness to never back down from a challenge make him formidable. College coaches need to take notice. He is clearly a DII level player with tons of upside. He will continue to improve his game at the next level. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Carson Baer","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Pine Richland","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCarson Baer boasts a particularly noteworthy performance, recently scoring 17 points against Central Catholic. Baer's skill set, especially his shooting ability and defensive prowess, make him a standout player.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBaer's excellence as a shooter, especially from long range, is a defining attribute of his game. He has the ability to get his shot off quickly and his accuracy from the three-point range is impressive both when he has his feet set and off the dribble. This versatility makes him a consistent scoring threat from beyond the arc and spreads the defense, creating space for both himself and his teammates.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDefensively, Baer excels in reading the offense. His anticipation in reading passing lanes and getting his hands up for steals reflects his high basketball IQ. Additionally, Baer's contribution to help-side defense is noteworthy. He understands the importance of team defense. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6598679fe81d6"} /-->