Pioneer Athletic Conference: 2024-25 POY Watch List

Below is a review of the prospects who are the front runners to win the POY award in southeastern Pennsylvania's Pioneer Athletic Conference.    Baratta is the co-favorite to win the 2024-25 PAC Player of the Year award. Last season he averaged 12 points per night, posted several 20+ point scoring games, was a 1st Team All-PAC selection and helped push the Phantoms to the 5A state tourney. That is an extremely respectable season. But from June through October, Baratta elevated his game to another level and simply destroyed the competition. Over the last five month he has registered scoring outbursts of 34, 26 as well as 24 points. He notched countless double doubles too. In short, we are expecting an epic senior campaign from Baratta. This stretch-4 prospect can produce points at every level. Baratta's list of assets – his size, solid frame, high IQ, accurate jumper, and crafty dribble moves -- make him a difficult match up. He also cleans the glass at both ends and is an underrated passer. Baratta recently picked up an offer from NYU (D3).     The comparison that keeps coming to mind for Iemmello is TJ McConnell from his 76er days, only with a better 3-point shot. Iemmello is s crafty guard with fantastic end to end speed, tight handles, and a high IQ. That trifecta enables Iemmello to push the fast break for scores or assists. On half-court possessions those assets combined with Iemmello's quick first step, polished footwork and extensive list of dribble moves get him to the cup for lay-ins. On dribble drives where the defense cuts him off, Iemmello will execute drop passes to the dunker spot or kick outs to open shooters. As mentioned above, Iemmello is a solid three-point shooter. He is especially effective on pull up threes or 3PAs coming off ball screen action.     During his junior season Kern averaged 13.4 points per game on the strength of 38% shooting from behind the arc. But it was a ridiculous three game bonanza he posted late in the 2023-24 season that really grabbed our attention. Across that stellar stretch of play Kern registered stat lines of 27 points (2 threes) and 6 rebounds; 19 points (1 three) and 7 boards; and 24 points (3 triples) to go along with 8 rebounds. In 2024-25 we expect those type of performances to be the norm for Kern and for this lefty to contend for the conference POY award. When he is not splashing threes, Kern can score via dives to the rim, face-ups in close and post ups. Kern has knack for turning offensive rebounds into points too. In all these scenarios, Kern can convert through contact. On defense, Kern is a fierce rebounder and dependable shot blocker.     Nguyen (1,000-point scorer) is the other co-favorite to win the 2024-25 PAC Player of the Year award. As a junior, Nguyen posted 15 ppg., connected on 67 three-point attempts and was a 1st Team All-PAC selection for the second straight year. Nguyen's deep range, quick trigger and non-stop off ball movement make him one of the most sought-after shooting guards in the region. If a defender overplays Nguyen on the topside, he will cut back door for an easy lay-in. Nguyen's length and respectable handles enable him to attack the rim off the dribble and score over his defender. His dribble pull-up game must be respected too. Nguyen already holds numerous DI offers.

Below is a review of the prospects who are the front runners to win the POY award in southeastern Pennsylvania's Pioneer Athletic Conference.