Nearing 1,000 points for his career, Vacchiano came out quiet as a scorer, picking his spots while showing his slick vision and daring ambition as a passer. The Trojans’ senior leader put on his Superman cape for the second half, pouring in 18 of his game-high 24 points in the final two quarters to keep Wissahickon in the game. He uses a decisive handle and his sturdy frame to get north-south and finishing strong through contact, while also posing a dangerous threat as a 3-point pullup shooter once he backs his defender up. While not a pure point guard, Vacchiano did well to control the tempo of the game as well, outside of a few moments where he forced the issue. Vacchiano profiles as a priority target for a wide array of small-college programs.

This past weekend, Vacchiano proved again that he is a gifted combo guard with an aggressive, physical style of play. Vacchiano (12 ppg.; 8 rpg.; 7 apg. last weekend) got to the rack on straight line drives where pushed his way past defenders. He also showed that he could attack the rim off the dribble using several change of direction moves in a row. The game winning lay-up he made in the 17u championship game was converted through significant contact. Additionally, Vacchiano’s jumper was automatic from all over the floor. He even dialed up a handful of logo distance threes.

264 to 255…This fall I watched Vacchiano tear up the Comp Edge Fall League with his three-level scoring skills. Thus, I expected he would have an impressive junior campaign. But so far in 2024-25 Vacchiano has exceeded those expectations. Operating as a score-first point guard, Vacchiano has already posted 30 points (4 threes) in a win over Harriton, 24 points (and 8 rebounds) against North Penn as well as 22 points (4 threes) versus Abington. Vacchiano can splash jumpers from the baseline to the mid-range to well behind the arc. His quick release and ability to shoot off the dribble at every level make Vacchiano extremely difficult to guard. If a defender crowds Vacchiano, he will use a straight-line drive to get to the rack for a lay-in. Vacchiano’s high IQ enables him to recognize mismatches and then exploit those advantages.     

College coaches will love Vacchiano’s speed, athleticism, physicality and three level scoring skills. During last weekend’s Comp Edge Fall League action Vacchiano poured in 28 points on the strength of 5 made threes in a win over Radnor. On Saturday Vacchiano got out on the fast break as a lane filler and ball handler. In both cases his finished through contact at the rim. On half-court possessions, Vacchiano drained spot up triples as well as threes off the dribble. He also used his tight handles to get into the paint for floaters or kick out passes. His ability to score and distribute out of pick-n-roll or DHO action is impressive. Vacchiano is a high IQ player who displayed a firm understanding of how to exploit opposing defense’s weak points.