WPIAL Championships: 5A Standouts
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Throughout the weekend, the WPIAL championships rolled on at the Petersen Events Center on Pitt’s campus. All six classifications held a title game, but one stood out above all: the 5A final. The matchup, between New Castle and Laurel Highlands,…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the weekend, the WPIAL championships rolled on at the Petersen Events Center on Pitt’s campus. All six classifications held a title game, but one stood out above all: the 5A final.
The matchup, between New Castle and Laurel Highlands, went all the way into double overtime, with Laurel Highlands coming out on top after a controversial foul was called with under one second left that led to Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA sinking the game-winning free throws.
Check out the top performers from the game below.
Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA – 6’0″ G – Laurel Highlands
Gallagher is the best athlete in Western PA and showed why on the basketball court on Friday night. He scored a game-high 26 points, blasting through the lane and elevating for creative layups and also hitting some deep shots off the dribble. Gallagher, a five-star football athlete who has stated he is only playing football in college, rose up like a wide receiver and grabbed four rebounds as well. He draw six fouls, and confidently drained nine of his ten free-throw attempts, including the two biggest attempts of his career. Just an all-around stud on the basketball court.
Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA – 6’3″ G – Laurel Highlands
Deshields scored just four in the first half, but came out in the second frame and especially the first overtime and dominated alongside Gallagher. He had super soft touch in traffic and was fearless attacking the rim when his team needed points most. Had a massive and-one layup towards the end of double-overtime. Also a beast on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds in the win. Has a slim frame but plays very physically.
Brandon Davis Brandon Davis 6'0" | CG Keystone Athletic Academy | 2023 State PA – 6’0″ G – Laurel Highlands
Davis impressed with his change of pace from the guard position. Excellent shot creator who loves shooting fadeaways, often off of one foot. Has a nice floater/running shot but also can come to a quick stop for a pull-up jumper. Davis scored 12 points on an efficient 5-of-11 shooting, while also dishing out three assists and grabbing six boards. Along with Gallagher and Deshields, combined for 56 of the Mustangs’ 60 points.
Mike Wells – 6’4″ W/F – New Castle
Youngstown State football commit combined his sheer strength and power with a very patient, finesse-filled game against Laurel Highlands. Scored a team-high 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, and took control of the game late in regulation and in both overtime periods. Handled pressure with ease and quieted the opposing crowd multiple times with silencing plays. Very high-IQ hooper who slowed the game down and picked apart the defense. Above average shooter, hit three of his six three-point attempts.
Isaiah Boice – 6’0″ G – New Castle
Boice is a sharp-shooting guard who lived for the big moments in Friday night’s game. Hit a game-tying three with seconds remaining in the first overtime period off a set inbounds play designed for him. Finished with 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting, while also hitting all three of his attempts from beyond the arch. One of the best perimeter players I saw all weekend and also had a solid handle.
Jonathan Anderson – 5’11″ G – New Castle
Anderson dropped 16 points in the loss to the Mustangs, shining from outside and proving to be one of New Castle’s best passers. Dished out a team-high six assists. He has quick feet and was able to blow by his defenders multiple times which led to kicks out to his teammates.