Western PA Breakout Players to Know Before the Season Begins

You might not know these names in Western PA just yet, but by the middle of the season, I'll bet you will have heard of them. These are five breakout candidates.    [player_tooltip player_id='1204042' first='Kellen' last='Ball'] has a physical style of play and is an excellent rebounder. He plays bigger than his height, leveraging his toughness to battle against taller opponents in the paint. His hustle is unmatched—Kellen dives for loose balls, fights for every rebound, and does whatever it takes to secure possession for his team. Offensively, Kellen has shown that he can be a reliable scorer for Meadville. He finishes well through contact and shows a solid understanding of positioning. As a spot-up shooter, Kellen can knock down shots from mid-range when his feet are set. On defense, Kellen's physicality and tough mentality stand out. He can guard multiple positions. Beyond basketball, Kellen is a high-level volleyball player, which speaks to his overall athleticism. Kellen's intelligence and leadership potential are evident in his play.     JT Delsandro boasts exceptional skills, a high basketball IQ, and an unwavering work ethic. JT is a very good shooter, particularly effective when his feet are set. He is quick in transition and can finish with either hand. He embodies the old-school point guard mentality of facilitating the team's success over individual accolades. Defensively, JT plays with toughness and no fear and is unafraid to mix it up with any opponent. He leads by example, always putting the team first and encouraging his teammates to elevate their play. While still a bit undersized, there is potential for JT to grow physically in the coming years, and even if he doesn't, his skill set and determination make him a formidable player. JT maximizes his abilities through hard work, intelligence, and sheer determination.     Willie Shunk is a dominant force on the boards, especially on the offensive glass. His excellent vertical leap and athleticism keep his play above the rim. Known for his toughness and physical style of play, he brings a big physical presence down low that opponents find challenging to match. With an excellent basketball IQ and strong academic standing, Willie combines intelligence with athleticism to make smart decisions on the court. Over the summer, he has dedicated himself to improving his game. Willie's relentless work ethic and physical abilities suggest he will be a true impact player in District 10 this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2492448' first='Ashton' last='Wilbur'] is already a big-time playmaker. He thrives when the floor is spaced when he can attack the rim 1-on-1. He has a nice jump shot off the dribble and a quality midrange game. Defensively, he is a lockdown defender. Over the summer, Ashton has put in significant work to continue improving his game. Although he is young, he'll be a name to know around District 10 by the end of the season.     Over the summer, Noah was invited to several high-quality camps. Known for his tremendous court vision, he excels at facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for his teammates. Noah possesses a big vertical leap and a smooth jumper. He gets his shot off quickly and has very deep range. His mid-range game is also solid. Noah is tough and confident. He is effective in transition, finishing well at the rim and excelling in isolation situations. Defensively, Noah brings intensity and awareness, using his size and athleticism to guard multiple positions.

You might not know these names in Western PA just yet, but by the middle of the season, I'll bet you will have heard of them. These are five breakout candidates.