PIAA 6A Second Round: Coatesville 59, Cumberland Valley 56

In the second game of a heavyweight 6A doubleheader in Reading, state power Coatesville outlasted Cumberland Valley to advance to its second consecutive state quarterfinal. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1379430' first='Amon' last='Fowlkes'] led the way with 20 points, including the game-winning 3 with less than two seconds on the clock. Cumberland Valley senior [player_tooltip player_id='2819899' first='Creston' last='Austin III'] led all scorers with 22 points and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2633131' first='Jared' last='Dolimpio'] impressed with 20 of his own.    With Coatesville struggling to score for much of the game, Fowlkes was the key spark that kept them in it before the rest of his teammates could get going. The energetic guard scored 14 of his 20 points before halftime, knifing into the lane with regularity for swift finishes and showing keen vision on a handful of dumpoff passes. Fowlkes spearheaded a pressure defense that would force a number of Cumberland Valley turnovers, none bigger than one in the final minute to tie the score at 56. His cold-blooded 3 with under two seconds to play was the fitting end for the senior who's looking to earn his way onto the scholarship radar with his play.     The other key for the victors was the play up front of Brown, who overmatched a relatively undersized Cumberland Valley frontcourt with his length and relentless effort. Brown was a consistent factor within 15 feet, carving out space within the defense for dropoff finishes or quick faceup attacks. While he struggled to convert on some short-range attempts, he was frequently able to collect his own miss for a contested putback. Brown's length, mobility, and deceptive strength always provide a difference-making presence defensively, which is where he figures to draw the most intrigue among scholarship-level coaches heading into the summer.     Helping lead the charge for a Cumberland Valley team that easily could have walked away with the win, Dolimpio showed off his energetic two-way play that's placed him on early D1 watch lists heading into the grassroots season. He started out showing his instincts and athleticism on a pair of cutting finishes before getting going from beyond the arc on a couple catch-and-shoot 3s. Dolimpio would later show off his athleticism and nose for the rim with a series of driving finishes highlighted by a momentum-grabbing runout dunk late in the third quarter. His downhill play was muted a bit by a stingy Coatesville zone, but his well-rounded game and aggressive approach make for a highly intriguing prospect to continue tracking down the line.     The other primary scorer helping combine with Dolimpio for nearly 80% Eagles' points, Austin III showed off a versatile, high-motor game to go out with a bang in what would be his final high school game. With a well-built 200-pound frame that he carries with swiftness and agility, he provides a matchup problem as a threat to finish with physicality inside, step out for open jumpers, or attack slower bigs off the bounce. Austin III plays well in transition, running ahead for smooth and athletic finishes. He also consistently found his way into soft spots of the defense in the halfcourt for easy buckets. His strength and versatility should translate smoothly at the D3 level sooner rather than later.     The top long-term prospect on the floor, Hiller had a bit of a quiet outing but hit a number of key shots to help deliver the win. Looking taller and more comfortable athletically with each viewing, Hiller is still learning where to assert himself over the course of a game, but showcases some of the most advanced shooting footwork you'll see from a prospect his size, let alone one who's just 14 years old. He would cash in on a pair of 3s en route to his 10 points, but no bucket was bigger than the breakaway layup to tie the game with less than a minute remaining. Hiller never wavered in his engagement and impact in the floor game even through the slow offensive night. The future remains incredibly bright for the young sharpshooter who has a chance to break out nationally before too long.     While he'll be pursuing football at the next level, having committed to East Stroudsburg to play tight end, Buzalka deserves mention here for his versatile, high-IQ play at the helm of the Cumberland Valley offense. Playing as somewhat of a point-center, he facilitated from all over the floor while showcasing advanced court vision and useful passing craft. Defensively, while undersized for the frontcourt, Buzalka used his strength and sense of positioning to battle inside with a lengthier Coatesville lineup. The unorthodox forward went out more than admirably in what may have been his last organized basketball game.

In the second game of a heavyweight 6A doubleheader in Reading, state power Coatesville outlasted Cumberland Valley to advance to its second consecutive state quarterfinal. Senior guard Amon Fowlkes Amon Fowlkes 5'8" | CG Coatesville | 2025 State PA led the way with 20 points, including the game-winning 3 with less than two seconds on the clock. Cumberland Valley senior Creston Austin III Creston Austin III 6'4" | SG/CG Cumberland Valley | 2025 State PA led all scorers with 22 points and sophomore guard Jared Dolimpio Jared Dolimpio 6'2" | SG Cumberland Valley | 2027 State PA impressed with 20 of his own.