Catholic School Summer Round Up

A few times a year, I like to make sure to cover some of the top players coming out of Western PA parochial schools. These are five names you need to keep an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='2427351' first='Marco' last='Pfister'] earns a place in this month's Catholic school roundup because he represents a player whose opportunity is beginning to catch up with his ability. He had limited minutes with Cathedral prep last season, but that is about to change. A larger role in the backcourt now appears to be waiting for him. Pfister's offensive game is more complete than last season. He is a confident perimeter shooter with excellent range, and defenders cannot afford to give him clean looks with his feet set. Pfister is also an exceptional ballhandler who can create his own offense. He has great footwork around the basket along with a touch around the rim that makes him really tough to guard. Pfister also brings the defensive commitment needed for a championship-level team. There is nobody I've scouted so far that shows as much effort and hustle as Pfister. Not everyone outside the Cathedral Prep program knows [player_tooltip player_id='2427351' first='Marco' last='Pfister']'s name yet, but that should change.      [player_tooltip player_id='2427346' first='Ahmari' last='Horton'] emerged last season as one of Cathedral Prep's most dangerous scoring threats, averaging nearly 20 points per game. Horton's shooting is the foundation of his game. He has deep range and every one of his shots must be contested. He is the type of player that scores in bunches, and he can quickly rattle off 10+ straight points given the opportunity. The defining example came when he scored 43 points against Meadville to break Cathedral Prep's single-game scoring record. He has a strong midrange game and pull-up jumper. Anytime the ball is in his hands, he is capable of creating a shot for himself. Because a lot of defensive attention is focused on him, Horton finds ways to get his teammates involved and his passing ability makes him a complete playmaker.     [player_tooltip player_id='3721739' first='Brady' last='Sambuchino'] belongs in this month's Catholic school roundup because he is the player I most have my eye on for a break-out senior year. With several accomplished guards moving on, Prep will now need more from Sambuchino as a scorer and leader. Sambuchino reads the floor well, and definitely is in position to take over the PG spot after Nando Miriarchi graduated. That means that he has spent valuable time learning how to play within a talented lineup. As his responsibilities increase, that experience should allow him to step into a larger role without trying to force the game. Prep will need Sambuchino to hunt his opportunities next season.   But he is a name to keep an eye on throughout Western Pennsylvania this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2617665' first='Matthew' last='Jasper'] has been an important piece for the Central Catholic Vikings and his role will continue to grow this season. He has a knack for getting downhill and finding scoring opportunities around the basket. He converts on a lot of second chance points because he just out hustles everyone on the court. Jasper has a true ability to be able to score in traffic. He is willing to make the extra pass instead of forcing his own shot. Jasper is becoming more confident with his shot, and as that part of his game continues to improve, he is going to become very tough to defend.     [player_tooltip player_id='3229620' first='Charlie' last='Crummie'] has developed into one of those players coaches trust because he understands how to play the game without making mistakes when the ball is in his hands. I'd be surprised if any other player in the WPIAL has a better basketball IQ than Crummie's. He does not over-dribble or force possessions that are not there. Instead, he plays with the patience of a guard who understands what the team needs at that moment. He can really shoot it, too, so defenders can't lose track of where he is on the court. His understanding of how to play within an offense is part of what makes Crummie such an appealing prospect. He does not need every possession designed for him. Crummie earned All-Section recognition last season, and I see him building on that accolade this season.

A few times a year, I like to make sure to cover some of the top players coming out of Western PA parochial schools. These are five names you need to keep an eye on.