Pittsburgh Top Performers: Opening Week of the Season
Things have slowly picked up here in the Pittsburgh area in the basketball scene. As the COVID-19 pandemic roars on, the basketball shoes still squeak on the hardwood throughout various gyms. With limited access to watch games, I was…
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Things have slowly picked up here in the Pittsburgh area in the basketball scene. As the COVID-19 pandemic roars on, the basketball shoes still squeak on the hardwood throughout various gyms. With limited access to watch games, I was still able to catch some action, and was able to witness some notable performances from a few standout performers.
Noah Jackson, Sr. Central Catholic
- Noah possesses a very high basketball IQ and really controls the tempo offensively for the Vikings. A stronger guard who can get in the lane consistently, Jackson showed an ability as both a leader and floor general for Central. His game extends beyond the arc, but he focuses primarily as the main facilitator and play maker on the team. A strong on ball defender, Jackson is capable of having a stellar senior season the rest of the way.
Matt Aulicino, Jr. Central Catholic
- The main down low presence for the Vikings, Aulicino might not be the tallest post player, but he certainty is the toughest. Aulicino has no problem using his strength to battle down low with other bigs. He uses a spin move into an up and under consistently, which tends to get defenders off their feet and gets Aulicino to the line. A constant rim protector, he has good timing defensively, but at times can get in foul trouble with falling for pump fakes. Between defensive toughness and solid offensive ability, Aulicino will be a force in the post this year.
Connor Lkyczek, Sr. Seneca Valley
- A strong guard who can get to the rack at will, but has trouble finding his offensive rhythm at times. Lyczek is what you would call a streaky scorer, but when he is on he’s a challenge to guard. In the open court and with a downhill driving angle, Lyczek is hard to cover with his quick first step, making it difficult to cover defensively. He is prone to picking up offensive fouls by lowering his shoulder when he goes to the basket, but if you aren’t sliding over in time it’ll be a layup each and every time.
Cole Brooks, Sr. Seneca Valley
- A smaller guard who might not seem imposing, but once the ball is in his hands you can’t take your eye off him with his ability to score at will. A long range three point threat, Brooks handled a lot of the guard responsibilities for Seneca and was capable of controlling the offense and scoring. Brooks has a way of drawing shooting fouls, especially from three, and getting teams in foul trouble and giving himself an opportunity for an easy three points. Brooks doesn’t always try his luck at driving to the rim, but when he does he shows a soft touch on a 6-8 foot floater he’ll utilize.
Eli Yofan Eli Yofan 6'3" | CG Fox Chapel | 2022 State PA , Jr. Fox Chapel
- Yofan was one of the strongest guards I watched play in the last week. A natural lefty who can drive to the tin at will, also showed an ability to drive not only to the left, but also the right. Yofan stretched his offensive game to the three, but didn’t show much of an in between game. He has a knack for getting fouled and being able to finish through contact with his sturdy frame. He also thrived defensively, getting numerous deflections for either a steal himself, or a steal for a teammate. Yofan’s motor is incredibly high, and you could clearly tell his team thrived because of his energy. By developing an in between game, Yofan’s skills will see a huge jump, and put him into a new tier in Pittsburgh high school basketball.
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA , So. Central Catholic
- One of the smoothest players I witnessed over the past few games. The sophomore sensation has a tight handle and a great feel for the game in both the full and half court. As the main scoring threat for Central, it is hard to stop him when he’s on, but he’s capable of getting into shooting slumps. He showcased great scoring versatility by racking up points from really everywhere on the floor. He still has some maturing to do, but being only a sophomore and this far advanced, he is well on his way to being a household name in Pittsburgh.
Dolan Waldo, So. Bethel Park
- A springy combo wing, Waldo showed great athleticism by going up for a put back dunk with ease on one play. His offensive approach tends to start from the top of the key, where he is able to either face up defenders, or put his back to the basket and go to work in the paint. His game doesn’t extend past 15 feet, but he’s relentless on the glass and never gives up on a play. If his game can move further out and he develops some perimeter scoring, Waldo will expand his overall game and draw a lot of attention his way.