Prep Hoops PA Rankings Update: WPIAL Newcomers Class of 2023

<p>The Newcomers for the 2023 Rankings Update in the state of PA are a strong group of rising seniors. At Prep Hoops we continue to promote the student-athletes deserving of recognition for all their hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. These young men will look to climb the rankings when the next update goes live at the beginning of the summer. So let’s take an in-depth look at the hardwood performers new to the list of 400 players...</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>2023 Newcomers:</strong></span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1186055" first="Austin" last="Milliner"] / 5’11 / point guard / Carlynton High School / This high IQ performer is a proven leader and floor general for his Carlynton hoop team. He is an above-average free-throw shooter and can knock down jumpers consistently. Austin continues to improve his game to become an all-around player on the hardwood.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1202037" first="Dajuan" last="Young"] / 6’2 / shooting guard / New Castle High School / His athleticism makes him a match-up problem in transition and slashing from the wing to the basket. A quality defender with quick hands that lead to "run-outs" for his team. DaJuan transferred to New Castle this summer and gelled with his new squad from the start of the season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1186434" first="Isaiah" last="Sharp"] / 5’10 / point guard / Beaver Falls High School / An extremely fast basketball player that can get up the floor with or without the ball in his hands in about three seconds. This skilled guard flies around on the defensive end of the court and causes disruptions for his opponents during each contest. Isaiah can make the perimeter jump shot with confidence but prefers to penetrate the lane for quality finished at the basket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991386" first="DJ" last="Walker"] / 6’1 / shooting guard / Aliquippa High School / A division 1 football recruit who likes to bring the mentality and intensity from football to the hoop court. He can lead on the hardwood with his strong decision-making skills and in the locker room with his leadership skills. DJ is a high-level scorer and will look for any opportunity to get his teammates involved in every game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284390" first="Ryan" last="Merrick"] / 6’5 / power forward / Eden Christian Academy / This tall, lanky performer has the vertical ability to block shots and rebound at an extremely high-level. His offensive skill set improved tremendously throughout the high school season which made him stand out often during games. Ryan is an intelligent player with calmness and a knack for being around the ball while helping his team succeed.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1186070" first="Max" last="Rottman"] / 6’0 / shooting guard / North Catholic High School / An above-average shooter from three-point range that looks to get his teammates involved with precision passes in half-court offensive sets. He moved without the ball to find open spots in the zone while having an extremely quick shot release. Max is the son of a legendary high school coach, his mother has instilled the knowledge and work ethic to make him a better player.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1186418" first="Shanier" last="Pinkney"] / 6’0 / shooting guard / Woodland Hills High School / This athletic guard brings the high-energy and motivation to the hardwood each and every night for his team. Many fans enjoy watching and observing this young man play great defense and get his Woodland Hills guys ready to give their best effort on the floor. Shanier can "fill up" the stat sheet in a variety of ways.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>