Five 2027 Western Pennsylvania Guards Poised for Big Seasons

You're going to hear more hype around these guards as we get closer to the high school season. Here's why:    [player_tooltip player_id='2773580' first='Gary' last='Tarbuk'] plays with confidence, energy, and an unmatched basketball IQ. He has a smooth jumper, good range, and the confidence to take big shots. He can stretch the floor as a spot-up threat, and can beat closeouts to open up other parts of his game. What separates Tarbuk is his competitive fire. He is an unrelenting defender and isn't afraid to mix it up physically. He is the type of guard who takes pride in taking care of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='2399293' first='AJ' last='Tarpley'] has the tools to affect the game in almost every way, including scoring, creating, rebounding, and defending.He handles pressure well and does not get sped up by defenders trying to pressure. Tarpley can get his own shot, and he also has a quick first step. He finishes well through contact and has the athleticism to score in traffic. Tarpley averaged 13 points per game last season and was named the team's Most Outstanding Player. Defensively, Tarpley has the size, length, and athleticism to guard almost every position. He is definitely in consideration as one of the best players in Western PA.     [player_tooltip player_id='3229620' first='Charlie' last='Crummie'] has a complete feel for the game. The Seton LaSalle guard is fundamentally sound and almost never turns the ball over. What stands out most is Crummie's basketball IQ. He sees the floor well and plays with the kind of patience that makes him a true game controlling guard. Crummie is also an exceptional shooter. When he gets into rhythm, he gets completely locked in from deep. As he continues to add strength in the offseason, he is positioned as one of the top guards in the WPIAL.     [player_tooltip player_id='1163399' first='Grant' last='Craig'] has already proven he can produce at a high level, averaging 18 points per game last season. What stands out is his shooting. He has deep range and can get hot quickly from beyond the arc. Craig can also create space off the dribble and his ability to hit the three and finish at the basket makes him difficult to guard. He also does a strong job running the offense. He plays with pace and control and creates scoring chances for his teammates. Defensively, Craig is impactful when he gets into passing lanes. His hands are quick, and he competes with the kind of confidence and toughness coaches want. He is not afraid to mix it up physically, and his competitiveness shows up on both ends of the floor. He has already reached the 1,000-point milestone at Westmont Hilltop, he continues to produce against strong competition, and his game has steadily improved as the AAU season has progressed. Will be attending Harvard and Cornell Elite Camps later in the summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='2737167' first='Blake' last='Marchinke'] is a multi-sport athlete, a proven winner, and one of the most productive backcourt players in his area. He has already helped lead Cranberry to a District 9 Class 3A title and earned All-District recognition last season. He boasts an overall feel for the flow of the game. He sees the floor well and makes good decisions. He is the type of guard who runs the offense and becomes an extension of the coaching staff while on the floor. Marchinke has deep range, gets his shot off quickly, and is lights out when he has his feet set. He is not afraid to mix it up physically and brings a tenacious defensive attitude.

You're going to hear more hype around these guards as we get closer to the high school season. Here's why: