WPIAL Class 6A Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 6A will be the smallest in the WPIAL once again—A controversial topic related to the 4 classes vs 6 classes conversation—but there is a host of talent, especially at the top. &nbsp;Today we preview some of the top 6A teams and players to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Favorites:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Pittsburgh Central Catholic(18-7)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brian Urso has the core of his guard heavy roster back for this season and the Vikings are led by one of the most under-recruited guards in the Northeast, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991365' first='Dante' last='DePante']</strong>. A long guard who is also the motor to the offense, he'll be the bus driver. He'll be supported by senior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186402' first='Randy' last='Wilkerson']</strong>, a solid shooter and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1483892' first='Tommy' last='Kristian']</strong>, an underrated guard who is a scrappy on ball defender and has drawn the eye of D3s in the region. <strong>Payton Wehner</strong>, QB1 for the football team, is equally, if not more-so, talented on the hardwood and will also be in the backcourt. Up front they'll rely on 6'7” senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1284792' first='Debaba' last='Tshiebwe']</strong> to be the muscle. He's worked to refine his game coming into his senior year. There are other pieces to the puzzle, like <strong>Pat Newell</strong>, who will also contribute—and if any football players ever decide to play, that could be a game changer later in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>New Castle(27-3)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hurricanes have won titles of late in 4A and 5A. The new PIAA Competitive rule sent them to 6A. What they make lack in size they make up for in tenacious on ball defending, a Ralph Blundo staple. <strong>Isaiah Boice</strong> and <strong>Jonathan Anderson</strong> will lead the guard heavy lineup and even with graduation losses and a “bump up” New Castle will be a top contender.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>In The Mix</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Butler(13-10)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devin Carney has graduated but plenty of talent remains, including senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991371' first='Madden' last='Clement']</strong>, who will have the keys to the car for Butler this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Upper Saint Clair(16-8)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Danny Holzer brings an old school approach to defense with his team—Having played for the late Ted Haluch at the former Alliance College up in Cambridge Springs, it's deep in his veins. USC won the section last year and brings back three starters in <strong>Nick Sukernek</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187947' first='Devin' last='Hall']</strong> and <strong>Matt Gaither</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Other Players To Watch</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186052' first='Adam' last='Bilinsky']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong> 6'3”-G-Norwin(Mercyhurst Commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186051' first='James' last='Wesling']</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6'1”-G-Baldwin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->