WPIAL Class 1A Section 3 Preview

<p>Now let’s take an in-depth look at the WPIAL’s Class 1A-Section 3 basketball preview evaluated by Prep Hoops Pennsylvania. These articles will include the high school teams in each section and the top players for this upcoming season. Also, a variety of other information will be made available such as Varsity newcomers, transfers, high-level college recruits, game-changers, impact performers, role players, quality incoming freshmen, other notables, etc. Below we will check out the talented players from this section.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class 1A - Section 3</strong></span></p> <p>Aquinas Academy Crusaders</p> <p>Imani Christian Academy Saints</p> <p>Leechburg Blue Devils</p> <p>Neighborhood Academy Bulldogs</p> <p>St. Joseph Spartans</p> <p>Propel Andrew Street Panthers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Top Players:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1188606" first="Alier" last="Maluk"] / 6’9 / freshman / wing forward / Imani Christian Academy</p> <ul> <li>This freshman's size makes him a matchup problem all over the court with his perimeter and post skills</li> <li>He will be one of the most heavily recruited players in a long time by the end of his high school career</li> </ul> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991305" first="Senique" last="Jenkins"] / 6’5 / senior / power forward / Imani Christian Academy</p> <ul> <li>A tall, lanky forward with the ability to score on the fast break with "big time" dunks at the rim</li> <li>This young man's shot-blocking and rebounding skills are a tremendous asset of his game</li> </ul> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991346" first="Vinnie" last="Cugini"] / 6’1 / junior / shooting guard / Aquinas Academy</p> <ul> <li>His ability to score all over the court "lights up" the scoreboard every night he steps on the hardwood</li> <li>An always improving performer has continued to develop a complete offensive arsenal</li> </ul> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1147707" first="Bez" last="Abdul"] / 6’0 / sophomore / combo guard / Imani Christian Academy</p> <ul> <li>A quick, speedy guard combo guard with the natural ability to take over games on penetration and precision passing </li> <li>He can score in a variety of ways throughout the four quarters of a contest every Tuesday and Friday evening</li> </ul> <p>Braylan Lovelace / 6’3 / junior / shooting guard / Leechburg High School</p> <ul> <li>An athletic and skilled player that slashes from the wing and can knock down the mid-range jumper</li> <li>With his length, he is able to apply the defensive pressure for steals and deflections for his team</li> </ul> <p>Nate Hargrove / 6’0 / junior / combo guard / Neighborhood Academy</p> <ul> <li>He can create opportunities for his teammates as well as himself during a contest</li> <li>A strong guard who is a leader on the floor and motivates his team with his high energy level</li> </ul> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1285363" first="Virgil" last="Hill"] / 6’9 / sophomore / center / Imani Christian Academy</p> <ul> <li>An extremely big and tall center with the "old school" moves in the paint on both ends of the floor</li> <li>This summer he has developed his footwork in the post and added a baby hook shot to his arsenal</li> </ul> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284793" first="Jimmy" last="Giannetta"] / 6’0 / junior / point guard / St. Joseph High School</p> <ul> <li>This young man has a high basketball IQ and runs the point with above-average skill</li> <li>He looks to come off screens on the perimeter for quality jump shots</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Other Notables:</strong></p> <p>Amari Wesley / 5’8 / senior / combo guard / Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>Dane Davies / 5’11 / senior / point guard / Leechburg High School</p> <p>Avery Wesley / 5’9 / sophomore / point guard / Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>Micah Payne / 6’2 / senior / wing forward / Propel Andrew Street</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>High-Level College Recruits:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1188606" first="Alier" last="Maluk"], freshman, Imani Christian Academy - Holds a variety of D1 offers</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991346" first="Vinnie" last="Cugini"], junior, Aquinas Academy - D2 Pitt-Johnstown offer, with other D1, D2 interest</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Quality Incoming Freshmen:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1188606" first="Alier" last="Maluk"], freshman, Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1188605" first="Shamar" last="Simpson"], freshman, Neighborhood Academy</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Transfers:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1147707" first="Bez" last="Abdul"], sophomore, Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1285363" first="Virgil" last="Hill"], sophomore, Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284793" first="Jimmy" last="Giannetta"], junior, St. Joseph High School</p> <p>Obadiah Adbul, senior, Imani Christian Academy</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>