Top WPIAL Performers on the HGSL Circuit
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Until the shoe circuits start up this summer, the HGSL (Hoop Group Select League) is the most competitive prep basketball on the East Coast. Events earlier this month at Spooky Nook (Manheim, PA) and the Pitt Jamfest (Pittsburgh, PA) each…
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Continue ReadingUntil the shoe circuits start up this summer, the HGSL (Hoop Group Select League) is the most competitive prep basketball on the East Coast. Events earlier this month at Spooky Nook (Manheim, PA) and the Pitt Jamfest (Pittsburgh, PA) each drew more than 400 teams. Top talent from all over the country was on full display. It is often difficult to gauge a local player’s next-level potential watching local WPIAL contests. However, a few WPIAL players are turning heads on the national stage. As a direct result, a few picked up offers this weekend. Here are the standout WPIAL players from the first two sessions.
Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA -Laurel Highlands / Team Durant EYBL / @teamdurrantaau / @RodneyGallaghe6
Rodney rarely leaves the floor for the national powerhouse – Team Durant. Not many WPIAL players have the opportunity to play for a team sponsored by KD. In years past Rodney would overpower smaller, less athletic guards. He now relies more on his high basketball IQ and well-developed skill set. He rarely makes a mistake and is a natural leader on the floor. Rodney has multiple Power 5 offers in Basketball and Football.
Eli Yofan Eli Yofan 6'3" | CG Fox Chapel | 2022 State PA – Fox Chapel / Team Wildcat / @Team_Wildcat / @eliyofan
Eli is deceptively quick, has a very good handle, and is a long-range sniper. He already has a D1 offer from the Naval Academy. After a string of impressive performances this past weekend, he picked up an offer from Pitt Johnstown.
Devin Carney Devin Carney 6'1" | CG Butler | 2022 State PA – Butler / PK Flash / @PKFlash1 / @devin24carney_
Devin unquestionably has a D1 jump shot. He has the ability to create his own shot on nearly every possession. Quick-release, excellent balance, textbook form, and deadly accuracy. For most players, his shot selection would be questioned. However, like other elite scorers, he converts at such a high rate that his shots are not only accepted but highly encouraged. Devin was already holding D1 offers from Duquesne and St. Francis and picked up an offer from George Mason after an impressive Jamfest performance.
Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA – Peters Twp / Team Wildcat / @Team_Wildcat / @spratt_connor
Connor has emerged as one of the leading scorers on the circuit, averaging around 20 points per contest. He has been equally impressive as a tenacious defender. Connor has elite handles, court vision, and is lightning quick. Outstanding finisher in the lane, with range well beyond the arc. Look for Connor to be among the leading scorers in the WPIAL next season, even though he may be even more valuable on the defensive end.
Jake DiMichele Jake DiMichele 6'3" | CG OLSH | 2022 State PA – OLSH / Pittsburgh Tar Heels / @pgh_tarheels
Jake can flat out score, anytime, anywhere. Converts at a very high rate beyond the arc, and has a well-developed mid-range game. Jake can also get to the hole consistently. As continues to face high-level competition this spring, expect him to start picking up offers.
Joey Dudkowski – Pine Richland / Caveman Basketball / @cavemanbb / @Dudkowski
Joey Dudkowski is an athletic SG who can score from anywhere. He led PR in scoring on their way to a WPIAL Championship. Joey led the Caveman team in scoring at the Pitt Jamfest and contributed the most well-rounded offensive and defensive performance for his team. He attacked the rim against 7’0 centers and hit contested shots all weekend.
Jaden Gale– Bishop Canevin / Team Wildcat /@Team_Wildcat / @j_Ballin13_11
Jaden is shaping up to be one the best “power players” in the WPIAL. Jaden is nearly unstoppable in the paint. When he is isolated with another forward, he drives the lane very effectively. Jaden runs the court well and is an outstanding finisher in transition. No one will be surprised if Jaden leads a powerful Canevin squad all the way to the Class 1 State finals, in Hershey next season.
Dolan Waldo – Bethel Park / PK Flash / @PKFlash1 / @Waldo31Dolan
Dolan is proving that he can more than hold his own against very high-level competition. At 6’7” 190, he is one of the elite post players in Western PA. Very athletic and moves extremely well for his size. Dolan has nice footwork and a soft touch in the paint. As he gains more exposure this Spring and Summer expect offers to start coming his way.
Braden Renyolds/ Chartiers Valley / Team Wildcat / @Team_Wildcat / @BradenReynolds5
One of the most competitive players in the gym at any event. An excellent shooter and finishes strong at the cup, in half-court sets, and in transition. As a very quick jumper, he is consistently able to get shots off in the paint against larger opponents. Braden is holding a D1 offer from West Point and picked up two more quality offers this weekend from Mercyhurst and Pitt-Johnstown.
Gavin Cote – Peters Twp / PK Flash / @PKFlash1 / @gavincote2
Gavin very effectively uses his 6’5 frame and quick release, along with outstanding accuracy, to perform as one of the elite perimeter scorers in the WPIAL. Works his defender, usually a smaller guard, into the paint and exploits the height difference for high percentage buckets. One of the best rebounding guards in the WPIAL. Will team up this fall with Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA at Peters Twp. to form one of the top backcourts in Westen PA.
Noah Wright – Penn Trafford /Caveman Basketball / @cavemanbb / @noahwr1ght_