2022 Rankings: Western PA Representatives in the Top 50
Exciting times to be a hoops fan in Pennsylvania as Prep Hoops PA has finally launched their website, supplying a bevy of content during this hiatus, including the initial Pennsylvania rankings for the 2021-2024 classes. In this segment, we will…
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Continue ReadingExciting times to be a hoops fan in Pennsylvania as Prep Hoops PA has finally launched their website, supplying a bevy of content during this hiatus, including the initial Pennsylvania rankings for the 2021-2024 classes. In this segment, we will dive in and take a look at the Western PA prospects involved in the top 50. We start with the class of 2022:
#6) Mason Manning Mason Manning 6'3" | SG First Love Christian Academy | 2022 State #188 Nation PA | 6’1 G First Love Christian Academy
Topping the list of Western PA representatives in the initial 2022 state rankings is Manning, a highly-recruited combo guard out of Mississippi. Watching him, I see some shades of Ashton Gibbs with his ability to work off screens, set his feet, and make perimeter jump-shots at a high level; but he also finds ways to involve others working as a secondary facilitator, displaying solid ball-skills and feel for the game. Picked up recent offers from Maryland and Bryant.
#7) Chris Moncrief | 6’5 SF The Kiski School
The high-upside wing has gotten better and better over the last 8-10 months. Possessing a solid understanding of the game, Moncrief does much of his damage attacking from the wing spot, mixing in straight-line drives with pull-up jumpers. He is always locked in defensively, guarding the 1-3 with ease, and sometimes guarding 4’s. His capability to knock shots down from the perimeter will determine what D1-level he ultimately projects in college.
#8) Devin Carney Devin Carney 6'1" | CG Butler | 2022 State PA | 6’0 CG Butler
A shifty, composed guard that scores points in his sleep. Wired to put the ball in the hole, Carney gets it done legitimately from all three levels. He can shoot the deep-ball off the catch or the bounce with a very consistent form and effortless motion. More of a 2 than a 1 at this point, Carney will have the ball in his hands a lot this year after the graduation of Purdue-bound Ethan Morton Ethan Morton 6'6" | PG Pittsburgh Butler | 2020 #69 Nation PA . Considering all the attention he will receive from opposing defenses, look for Carney to improve his decision-making and shot selection this season.
#15) Priest Ryan | 6’5 SF Vincentian Academy
Ryan is a player that doesn’t get nearly enough attention or respect in this area. While his game is still developing, he has made drastic improvements over the course of the last year. Transitioning from a traditional 4-man to the wing, Ryan has seen mixed results. He isn’t super quick or explosive, but he knows how to use his body and position himself on both ends of the floor. With his improved ball-skills, shot-making, and the ability to put the ball on the floor, Ryan looks to be one of the faster rising prospects in the state.
#17) Adou Thiero Adou Thiero 6'4" | CG Quaker Valley | 2022 State PA | 5’11 PG Quaker Valley
The son of former Memphis and Duquesne player Almamy Thiero, this rising junior guard has an advanced skill-set and understanding of how to operate out of the point guard position. He plays with great pace, understands how to mix scoring and facilitating, and can knock shots down from the perimeter at a high clip. Blessed with long arms and a frame destined to grow and expand, I could see Thiero adding a few inches in the very near-future; if he does, we may be looking at a high-major point guard prospect.
#18) Michael Wells Michael Wells 6'4" | CG New Castle | 2022 State PA | 6’2 CG New Castle
The 2-sport standout wields an impressive physique, a plethora of athletic tools, and the necessary toughness and grit to be successful on the gridiron or the court. Learning under legendary coach Ralph Blundo, Wells has developed his all-around game and become more multifaceted. Relying on his athleticism as a freshman, Wells improved his consistency as an outside scoring threat and overall play-maker. We aren’t sure what sport he is destined to play in college, but there’s no doubt he will be recruited for both.
#27) Eli Yofan Eli Yofan 6'3" | CG Fox Chapel | 2022 State PA | 6’2 G Fox Chapel
Yofan burst onto the scene this year averaging nearly 16 points per game and helping lead Fox Chapel to a 21-2 overall record. A physical and heady guard who is effective on the ball or off, Yofan is able to create space off the bounce, slicing his way through the defense and finishing at the rim through contact. He sports a smooth lefty jump-shot, yielding consistent results when his feet are set. Yofan also is very active on the defensive end and disrupts ball-handlers. He could see his recruitment take off in the next few months.
#31) Jake DiMichele Jake DiMichele 6'3" | CG OLSH | 2022 State PA | 6’3 CG OLSH
Yes, another Dimichele is coming through the ranks. Jake, the latest in his families’ long lineage of stud athletes, had a breakout year for OLSH averaging nearly 30 points per game. He and Dante Spadafora Dante Spadafora 5'11" | CG OLSH | 2021 State PA have proven to be quite the deadly combo, racking up points in bunches and dominating the 2A classification. Dimichele shoots the ball with confidence and range, mixing in sweeping drives and floaters. If he gets stronger, he has a chance to be a scholarship-level commodity in the region.
#36) Devin Whitlock Devin Whitlock 6'1" | CG Belle Vernon | 2022 State PA | 6’1 G Belle Vernon
A 2-sport standout that gets it done on the gridiron as well as the court. Transferring to Belle Vernon from Monessen this past season, Whitlock hit the ground running averaging 19.4 points per game and leading Belle Vernon to a WPIAL Silver medal, earning him Observer-Reporter Player of the Year honors. While football is most likely his sport of choice at the next level, look for Whitlock to add to his already impressive resume of accolades on the basketball court this winter.
#38) Trevor Smulik Trevor Smulik 6'3" | SF West Shamokin | 2022 State PA | 6’3 SF West Shamokin
The 6’3 sharp-shooting guard had a big sophomore season. Equipped to shoot off the catch, or attack on straight-line drives, Smulik’s full offensive arsenal was on display last season. West Shamokin doesn’t play in a big classification or a section that garners much interest and notoriety, but with Smulik back, they have a real chance to make some noise and fight for a PIAA state playoff spot.
#40) Langston Moses Langston Moses 6'3" | SF Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2022 State PA | 6’3 PF Winchester Thurston
An intriguing player that can do damage inside and out, Moses helped lead Winchester-Thurston to their first WPIAL playoff win in school history. His game reminds me a little bit of Draymond Green; able to put the ball on the floor and attack using his strong frame, but doesn’t take wild shots and plays within the flow of the game. If he can continue to expand his perimeter skill-set, Moses stock will undoubtedly rise.
#42) Ryan Lang Ryan Lang 6'2" | CG Knoch | 2022 State PA | 6’2 CG Knoch
Every team needs a guy or two that can shoot the ball, and that’s precisely what Lang brings to the table. A deadly outside threat, the rising junior guard can get his feet set coming off any type of screen (fade, curl, pin-down etc). While his shot is a little flat at times, it’s almost always on target as he displays great balance, shot-preparation, and a consistent release. I expect D3 and NAIA schools will be flocking to Butler County this year to catch a glimpse of the sharp-shooting guard.
#45)
Steve Antuono
Steve
Antuono
6'2" | CG
Ellwood City | 2022
State
PA
| 5’11 PG Ellwood City
An undersized, but strong and crafty guard, Antuono uses his tight handle to find cracks in the defense and penetrate, making plays for himself and others. He never seems to be out of control, playing off of two feet and making sound decisions when he gets to the paint. He is patient, keeps defenders off balance, and reads the floor extremely well. I’m expecting a big junior season from Antuono.
#47) Marcus Frank | 6’5 PF Quaker Valley
Frank, a do-it-all forward that can play inside and out, averaged nearly 17 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Quakers this past season. Pairing with his running-mate Adou Thiero Adou Thiero 6'4" | CG Quaker Valley | 2022 State PA , the tandem has chemistry and cohesion, having played together for years. Frank is a mismatch nightmare, abusing smaller defenders on the block or stepping outside to knock down perimeter shots. The next step in his game is improving his handle, which will allow him to get to his spots and convert at a higher percentage.
Just Outside the Top 50:
#52) Chris Dvorak Chris Dvorak 6'6" | PF Mars | 2022 State PA | 6’6 PF Mars
#60) Brandon Patterson Brandon Patterson 6'3" | CG Washington | 2022 State PA | 6’3 G Washington
#64) Corey Simmons Corey Simmons 6'1" | CG Sto-Rox | 2022 State PA | 6’1 CG Sto-Rox
#66) Will Wagner Will Wagner 6'1" | CG Charleroi | 2022 State PA | 6’0 CG Charleroi
#69) Cam Irvine Cam Irvine 5'10" | PG Lincoln Park | 2022 State PA | 5’10 G Lincoln Park
#70) Alexander Roth Alexander Roth 6'2" | SF Ellwood City | 2022 State PA | 6’2 SF Ellwood City
#73) Devin Burgess Devin Burgess 6'5" | PF North Hills | 2022 State PA | 6’5 PF North Hills