AJ Tarpley AJ Tarpley 6'1" | PG Kiski School | 2027 State PA has the physical tools and the basketball smarts. He is one of the more intriguing 2027 guards in Western Pennsylvania and a player college coaches should be watching closely entering his senior season. Tarpley is one of the most composed players I’ve scouted. There is a maturity to his game that is especially noticeable when the game is on the line. He is the type of player with the skill and confidence to make things happen when the clock is running down. Offensively, Tarpley is an explosive downhill attacker with an excellent first step. He has the length and athleticism to finish through traffic and is comfortable absorbing contact. His perimeter jumper is another weapon. The one thing that stands out is what a great rebounder he is for a guard. In fact, he might be the best rebounder at his position in Western PA. His combination of size and athleticism is something that separates him from many guards in his class. He understands how to run a team and make the players around him better.

Tarpley came up clutch, knocking down the deciding free throw with five seconds remaining to put his team on top for good. He did a nice job securing rebounds and creating opportunities for his teammates with his unselfish approach. Tarpley moves the ball well within the flow of the offense and consistently looks to connect with teammates for scoring chances. He also shows the ability to push the pace and go coast to coast, adding another dimension to his overall game.

Tarpley is at his best in transition, where his speed and creativity allow him to zig and zag his way to the basket while going coast to coast. He excels at turning defense into offense, frequently coming up with steals and creating easy scoring opportunities for his team. Tarpley also showed impressive playmaking instincts, throwing accurate lobs to his athletic teammates who thrive above the rim. One area that could take his game to another level is playing off two feet more consistently around the basket. Incorporating more jump stops and shot fakes would help him keep defenders off balance and capitalize on opponents who are eager to leave their feet. With those refinements, Tarpley has the tools to become an even more efficient and dynamic playmaker.

AJ Tarpley AJ Tarpley 6'1" | PG Kiski School | 2027 State PA has the tools to affect the game in almost every way, including scoring, creating, rebounding, and defending.He handles pressure well and does not get sped up by defenders trying to pressure. Tarpley can get his own shot, and he also has a quick first step. He finishes well through contact and has the athleticism to score in traffic. Tarpley averaged 13 points per game last season and was named the team’s Most Outstanding Player. Defensively, Tarpley has the size, length, and athleticism to guard almost every position. He is definitely in consideration as one of the best players in Western PA.

Really liked the energy Tarpley brought to the game. He is an elite rebounder who collected close to 20 rebounds. Tarpley scored the ball with either hand around the basket and took efficient shots. He has good instincts and can find others at all the right times. He processes the game well. Even though he wasn’t able to convert a three he is getting more confidence to get shots up from behind the arc which I was happy to see. I want to see him work on turning the ball over less and try to develop his off hand more.

Tarpley was productive at the Mercersburg Turkey Tip-Off tournament as a secondary scorer finding the bucket in a plethora of ways. It was one of his better three point shooting outings I saw him put together. He did a nice job finding others for scoring chances. He found ways to get to the foul line a place he can score from but could be more efficient from in the long run.

Tarpley impressed with his ability to be the conductor for his cougars. He tallied a half a dozen of assists and was sharing the sugar with ease. He makes a lot of nice hustle plays which keep possessions alive. He finished with double digit points. Tarpley does a great job collecting rebounds. Tarpley is tracking as a scholarship player just depends on how well he can shoot it will be the deciding factor how high he can go.

Aj Tarpley welcomes pressure, keeps his eyes up, and knows when to score on his own or create for others. His sophomore line at Greensburg Central Catholic speaks to two-way impact, and his play this summer matches the numbers. Tarpley finds seams as a downhill attacker, finishes with both power or finesse, and doesn’t make mistakes with the ball in his hands. Add a confident perimeter shooting stroke, plus length and athletic pop, and you have a guard who can tilt a game when it’s on the line. Tarpley looks set for a breakout season as Kiski’s lead guard.

Tarpley does a great job navigating to the rim going downhill. He has great body control when on the attack and converts easy scoring chances. He doesn’t get sped and plays at a sound pace. He got to the charity stripe. He also connected with teammates for scoring chances of their own.

Tarpley is a natural point guard who does a great job getting paint touches. He was contacted by Buffalo, American, Lafayette, & Cornell. He has a precise vision of the floor and read and reacts to the game on the fly. Tarpley also has great instincts finding ways to gather steals.