For the last two seasons Varella has tortured opponents with his three-level scoring and physical brand of guard play. As a senior he averaged 18 ppg., 7.8 rpg. and 3 apg. while leading HGP to a runner up finish in the District 1-5A tournament. Last week Varella announced that he had committed to Misericordia University (D3). The Cougars have landed one of the most underrated prospects in SEPA’s 2025 class.  

How this versatile guard with all the tools college coaches love remains available is a mystery. Varella (1,000 point+ scorer) is a high IQ prospect who can work as a point guard, shooting guard or undersized forward. In the half-court, Varella can score at all three levels. If defenders sag off him, Varella will pop triples. When he is guarded tightly, Varella can use his crafty handles to create space for mid-range shots or to get all the way to the rim for lay-ins. He has even flashed the polished footwork needed to post up smaller guards. Varella’s ability to pull in defensive rebounds, get downhill quickly and then pilot the fast break for scores or assists is unique. Back in January, Varella hung 31 points on Pennsbury. Recently Varella recorded a double double of 21 points (2 3PM) and 10 boards versus CR South.

How Varella remains uncommitted is a mystery. Last night this athletic and solidly built guard with a quick burst battled through foul trouble to record 21 points (3 threes). Varella scored 9 of those points (1 three) in the 4^th quarter as he rallied HGP for a come from behind win over Radnor. When he was not splashing threes, Varella scored off the dribble. His ability to attack the cup going left or right is impressive. Varella’s continuous off-ball movement also led to a couple of back door lay-ins.      

On Friday night Varella hung a 30 piece on Pennsbury (31 points to be exact) as HGP notched another win. During that victory Varella also cracked the 1,00-point mark for his career. What jumped out about Varella’s stellar effort against Pennsbury was his ability to grab rebounds / steals, get downhill quickly and then pilot the fast break for scores or assists. His speed, change of direction dribbles and flawless decision-making produced numerous easy buckets for HGP. In the half-court, Varella scored by getting into the paint off the dribble for lay-ins. He also used the jump stop effectively and produced points off two feet.  

In 2023-24 Varella posted a stat line of 20.8 points to go along with 8.5 rebounds per game. He opened the 2024-25 season by posting 18 ppg. at the Jack Schott Tip-Off event and being named to the All-Tournament team. Varella is a quick guard with a solid frame who can score at all three levels in the half court. Varella also owns the handles and speed to push the rock in transition for scores and assists. When he looks to score on the fast break, Varella can finish through contact. Varella is a high IQ prospect and a vocal leader. In short college coaches, should be blowing up Varella’s phone.  

After a monster summer in which he pushed his recruiting stock upward, Varella has become one of the top small school prospects in the region. Varella (20.8 ppg. & 8.5 rpg. in 2023-24) owns the speed, handles and high IQ of a guard but he plays with the physicality of a small forward. He can score at all three levels, rebound, and distribute. Varella can run on the fast break as the primary ball handler or a lane filling wing. In both scenarios he can score through contact. Varella can also produce points on baseline drives or slashes to the cup from the wing. College coaches will love Varella’s vocal on-court leadership.