Western PA Midseason Report: Small School Standouts

We're already approaching the midseason mark. Here are some of the smaller school players who've stood out.    Alex Price is enjoying an outstanding first half of the season, consistently logging 20+ point games. A multi-sport athlete, Alex carries over his athleticism to the basketball court with evident ease, using his speed, strength, and balance. He finishes exceptionally well at the rim and is fearlessly absorbing contact and staying under control even when confronted by taller defenders. Offensively, Alex's shooting ability stands out immediately. He knocks down shots under pressure and has a particularly strong midrange game. Whether spotting up from distance or creating his own shot off the dribble, he is a big-time scoring threat. On fast breaks, Alex's solid decision-making and composure allow him to set up teammates or attack the basket himself. Beyond scoring, Alex shows an impressive understanding of the game and situational awareness. He knows when to pass, when to slow down, and when to push the tempo. He is the kind of player a team needs when the game is on the line.     Andrew McCloskey is enjoying an excellent first half of the season. His physical build allows him to rebound effectively for a guard. When driving to the basket, Andrew shows no fear and his physicality makes him a matchup nightmare for smaller guards. His willingness to absorb contact, combined with his strong upper body, makes him an excellent finisher. His assertive style translates well on the defensive end, where he uses his toughness to challenge anyone. He takes pride in rebounding, playing stout defense, and taking on challenging defensive assignments.     [player_tooltip player_id='2624994' first='Avery' last='Collins'] has been showcasing an advanced offensive skill set and athleticism. His ball-handling abilities stand out immediately—he's comfortable dribbling under pressure and creating his own shot off the bounce. One of Avery's defining attributes is his true midrange game. He excels at pulling up for jump shots around the elbow or off one or two dribbles. Opposing defenses have difficulty contesting this midrange attack because he's equally capable of blowing by defenders. He can elevate quickly and absorb contact, allowing him to finish strong at the rim or draw fouls. His knack for scoring in multiple ways has led to several 30+ point outings this season, and he recently reached the 1,000-point milestone in his high school career. He appears comfortable leading the team when the ball is in his hands.     Yonah Itskowitz has noticeably increased both his weight and athleticism since last year, a development that has bolstered his performance on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Yonah's added length causes significant problems for opponents. Offensively, he has showcased a refined approach, using a quick first step to beat defenders off the dribble and finish strong at the rim. His body control allows him to absorb contact without losing balance, leading to high-percentage finishes and frequent trips to the foul line. In addition to his slashing ability, Yonah is an excellent shooter. By mixing an inside-out approach—attacking the lane and spacing the floor—he forces defenses to make decisions on how to best guard him. His willingness to mix it up with bigger opponents and his steadily improving athleticism further illustrate why he's thriving this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2621059' first='Evan' last='Strimel'], a 5'7" is turning heads this season by putting up huge numbers, including multiple 30-point performances. Despite his smaller stature, he has established himself as a prolific scorer, thanks to his quick first step, excellent ball handling, and the ability to finish strong at the rim. His agility and balance get him through traffic and help him convert in transition. He also demonstrates a high basketball IQ, knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down. His willingness to make the extra pass and create scoring chances for others underscores his unselfish style of play. Physically, Evan is tough and fearless. He hustles on every possession, exuding energy and heart that spark his teammates.

We're already approaching the midseason mark. Here are some of the smaller school players who've stood out.