WPIAL 4A & 5A: 5 Standout Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year, the WPIAL has more stand-out players than I can count. In this series, I'll be breaking down the standout players by class. Here are some top players from Class 4 &amp; 5A.</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":"Ryan Ceh","_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":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mars","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Caveman","_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: 400u0022u003eRyan Ceh stands out as a top player in District 7 Class 5A. At 6'6u0022 with a 30-inch vertical leap, Ceh's physical attributes alone are impressive, but it's how he utilizes these gifts on the court that truly showcases his talent and potential.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis vertical leap and agility enable him to be a dominant force in rebounding, where his knack for anticipating the ball's trajectory off the rim.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDefensively, Ceh is an exceptional shot blocker. His defensive versatility is further highlighted by his capacity to guard the perimeter and switch onto guards. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOn the offensive end, Ceh averages an impressive 24 points per game. His recent performance of 45 points and 13 rebounds in a victory over West Allegheny underscores his ability to take over games. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCeh's talent has not gone unnoticed, with interest from DI, DII, and DIII schools. His skill set and performances suggest he could thrive at a mid-major DI school, where his versatility and athleticism would make him an impact player. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1188071"],"_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: 400u0022u003eJack Dunbar boasts exceptional shooting ability. His smooth shooting stroke is the result of refined technique and countless hours of practice. His range enables him to stretch the floor and create space for both himself and his teammates. His ability to beat defenders from deep or off the dribble makes him a constant threat.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDunbar's inside-out move exemplifies his skillful ball handling and ability to create shooting opportunities against tight defenses. He's not just a perimeter shooter — he can score in multiple ways, making him difficult to defend.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis athleticism is another significant aspect of his game. Dunbar possesses good size, which, when combined with his athleticism, allows him to play above the rim. His jumping ability is evident both in his scoring and his defense, making him an all-around player who contributes significantly on both ends of the floor. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eReaching 1,000 points for his career is a testament to Dunbar's hard work over his high school career. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of his impact on the court and his importance to his team's success.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 has risen to prominence as a top player in District 7 Class 5A. His performance this season, highlighted by averaging 25 points per game and recently scoring 27 points in a recent victory over Avonworth, proves his impact.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePlasko's midrange game sets him apart. His ability to create and make shots under pressure makes him a go-to option in critical game situations. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePlasko's strength and size aid him in finishing at the rim against through contact and make him a versatile defender. He leverages his physicality to guard both perimeter players and bigger opponents. His ability to play both ends of the floor is what every coach desires in a playeru003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Danny Slizik","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Chartiers Valley","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDanny Slizik has distinguished himself through his three-point sharpshooting. His ability to consistently knock down three-point shots when his feet are set makes him a significant threat from the perimeter. The speed with which he gets his shot off makes it difficult for defenders to close out on him in time.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBut he is more than just a shooter. Slizik's defensive skills are also a cornerstone of his game. He possesses super quick hands that disrupts the flow of the opposing team's offense and creates turnovers. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThat said, there's room for Slizik to elevate his game further. Developing a shot fake and a midrange game during the offseason would add more to his offensive arsenal. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1188639"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRowan Carmichael is drawing notable interest from Navy among other programs. His comprehensive skill set, combining shooting prowess, craftiness, and basketball intelligence, marks him as a standout player in the WPIAL.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCarmichael's ability to finish at the rim with both hands shows his versatility, and his craftiness in navigating through defenses allows him to create scoring opportunities even in heavy traffic.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAs a shooter, Carmichael excels both off the dribble and in spot-up situations. Carmichael's performance in fast-paced games further highlights his ability to thrive under pressure and at high speeds. His exceptional ball handling and quickness facilitate fast-breaks, where he can either finish strongly at the rim or distribute the ball to teammates in optimal scoring positions. His high basketball IQ is evident in his playmaking and decision-making on the court. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65be91c2c4dd6"} /-->