Trey’s PIAA 4A Pre-Season Top 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pre-season top five teams in the PIAA 4A classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>5. Bishop McDevitt</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDevitt is my dark horse prediction for the 4A classification. They will be guided by longtime former coach Jim Rowe, who returns as head coach with 18 seasons of experience in the same position. [player_tooltip player_id='2632695' first='Kenyon' last='Portee Jr'] transfers in and figures to be their most important piece as a versatile scoring wing. Guards Ethan Hammer and [player_tooltip player_id='2889059' first='Patrick' last='Denisco'] are experienced and should help make the transition for Portee easier. If Rowe can right the ship, the Crusaders figure to be back near the top of state competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>4. Archbishop Carroll</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with the loss of three key players from a season ago, Archbishop Carroll expects to be in the mix for a 4A state medal. [player_tooltip player_id='1608257' first='Ian' last='Williams'] leads the way after missing his entire junior year. Drew Corraro is also fully healthy and will be joined by Nick Lugendo to form a versatile front court. I expect [player_tooltip player_id='1406770' first='Nasir' last='Ralls'] to be the x-factor for a very talented Patriot team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>3. Cathedral Prep</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cathedral Prep finished last season as District 10 champs and lost in overtime of the state quarterfinals. This year, they are geared up towards another district championship and hope to advance further into state playoffs, led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2466501' first='Nando' last='Mirarchi']. [player_tooltip player_id='2427351' first='Marco' last='Pfister'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2288500' first='Michael' last='Thompson'] will give the Ramblers solid play on the wing. [player_tooltip player_id='2492448' first='Ashton' last='Wilbur'] is a young point guard who has promise and should see the floor this year. If Cathedral Prep can put it all together, they will be a serious 4A threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2. Lincoln Park</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing Brandin Cummings and Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park had a down year during the 2024-25 season, however their fortunes will change as [player_tooltip player_id='2398507' first='Josh' last='Pratt'] transfers to the program. Josh is the younger brother of LA, who owns a pair of WPIAL titles as a former player at Lincoln Park. They'll also need contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='2534566' first='Damar' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3035854' first='Jeremiah' last='Pratt'], ‘28 guards who will play major minutes for the Leopards. Amaizen Straughters will be a name to monitor as a freshman. Lincoln Park is in prime shape to get back to the big game with the Pratt's on their side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>1. Berks Catholic</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though they came up short in the state championship a season ago, Berks Catholic should be the clear favorite heading into 2025-26. They will be led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1588135' first='Kingston' last='McKoy'], a Colgate University commit and two-time all-state selection. The guard play of [player_tooltip player_id='2450749' first='Carmelo' last='Harper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2515014' first='Junior' last='Guilavogui'] will be important in getting back to the big game and bringing home gold. [player_tooltip player_id='2427273' first='Jeremiah' last='Camara'] transferred to BC from Reading and could be the missing piece for the Saints.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->