Four SEPA Predictions for the PIAA State Championship Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are four predictions for this weekend's PIAA state tournament championship games that relate to teams or prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2352449' first='Alassan' last='N'Diaye'] (Neumann-Goretti) vs. Roman Panko (Hershey) Will Be an Entertaining Matchup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PIAA 4A state championship game will feature a clash between two extremely talented power forwards in [player_tooltip player_id='2352449' first='Alassan' last='N'Diaye'] and Roman Panko. N'Diaye (16 ppg. &amp; 8.6 rpg. in 2024-25) is a highly regarded stretch-4 prospect with a smooth 3-point shot and polished footwork. His bag of interior fakes and spin moves are impressive. In NG's 1st Round victory, N'Diaye exploded for 26 points (1 three). N'Diaye also registered a double double of 17 points (2 threes) and 10 boards in the semifinals. Roman Panko is a 6'5” senior who is a traditional power forward. He does his scoring damage from the mid-range to the rim. Panko can pop face up jumpers and produce points on dives to the cup as well as post ups. Plus, he is solid pick-n-roll player. This season Panko averaged 6 points per night and recorded a season high 14 points against Milton Hershey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2424028' first='Jayvon' last='Byrd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2427981' first='Eric' last='Scott'] Lead West Catholic to the 3A Title</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This dynamic pair of 2027 prospects have been crushing opponents in the 3A state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='2424028' first='Jayvon' last='Byrd'] is well known as an automatic three-point shooter. However, during states it has been Byrd's ability to attack his defender off the bounce and get to the cup that has really impressed. Byrd (11.8 ppg.; 3 rpg. &amp; 4 apg. in states) has also proven that he can into the paint and then deliver well timed dimes to the dunker spot as well as shooters along the arc. In the 3A tournament point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2427981' first='Eric' last='Scott'] has been stuffing the stat book for 11.5 points and 4 rebounds per night. Scott is a multi-skilled floor general with a highly accurate 3-point shot and the ability to get into the lane for lay-ins or to execute a kick out pass. Byrd excels at pushing the rock in transition for scores or assists. His live dribble passing skills produce easy buckets for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>College Coaches Will be Watching Father Judge against Roman Catholic…Part III</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Father Judge leads the 2024-25 season series between these two squads, 2-0. One of those victory was a 41-34 win in the PCL title game. So, Roman has double revenge in mind this weekend with the 6A state title on the line. If they are to take home the 6A hardware, Roman will need monster efforts from power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1188620' first='Shareef' last='Jackson'] (1st Team All-PCL; Lafayette commit) and athletic wing prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1406768' first='Sammy' last='Jackson'] (13 ppg. &amp; 5 rpg.; 2^nd Team All-PCL). Running with those two is our No. 1 ranked 2027 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='2195052' first='Tyler' last='Sutton'] (1^st Team All-PCL; multiple DI offers). One of the most underrated guards in the region, Sebastian Edwards will make major contributions for Roman too. Father Judge will counter with their elite guard trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1611959' first='Derrick' last='Morton-Rivera'] (18.5 ppg.; No. 2 ranked 2026 prospect), [player_tooltip player_id='1197608' first='Kevair' last='Kennedy'] (14.6 ppg.; Merrimack commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='2525533' first='Rocco' last='Westfield'] (9 ppg. &amp; 41% on 3PA). All three of those talented guards are shooting better than 39% from behind the arc this season. On the interior, 6'9” Loyola (MD) commit [player_tooltip player_id='1460634' first='Everett' last='Barnes'] will do battle with [player_tooltip player_id='1188620' first='Shareef' last='Jackson']. For Father Judge, also keep an eye on shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1608273' first='Max' last='Moshinski']. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The [player_tooltip player_id='2438097' first='Cam' last='Sweeney'] Tour Continues to Impress</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hershey faces a daunting opponent in their 5A championship contest against Neumann-Goretti. But one thing is for sure, standout 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2438097' first='Cam' last='Sweeney'] will be ready for the challenge. During his junior season, this three-level scorer averaged 20 points per night (40 3PM) as he pushed Hershey to the District 3-5A championship. Sweeney poured in 28 points (1 three) during Hershey's D3-5A title game victory. Sweeney's outstanding play has continued here in the 5A state tourney as he is averaging 21 points per night. His stellar play during 5A states was highlighted by a 25-point effort (1 three) in Hershey's quarterfinal win over West York. Sweeney thrives at scoring in the open court where he can pilot the break for scores or assists. On half-court possessions, Sweeney can stroke the 3-ball from all over the arc and blow past defenders off the dribble for floaters, runners, and lay-ins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->