Top WPIAL Guards from the Class of 2023
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The WPIAL has definitely evolved into a guard-centric league. With the emphasis now placed on scoring beyond the arc, back-court players are more valuable than ever. We have watched numerous WPIAL games and consulted coaches throughout the district. However, the…
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Continue ReadingThe WPIAL has definitely evolved into a guard-centric league. With the emphasis now placed on scoring beyond the arc, back-court players are more valuable than ever. We have watched numerous WPIAL games and consulted coaches throughout the district. However, the true test of elite talent has been watching the players compete in national events over the past six weeks. Here is our list of the top guards, Class of 2023. The list is in no particular order, except for Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA who is one of the top-rated players in the country.
Rodney Gallagher Rodney Gallagher 6'0" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State #176 Nation PA / 6-0 / Laurel Highlands / Team Durant EYBL / @RodneyGallaghe6
Rodney is our top-rated 2023 player in PA. Virtually any top senior would have been elated to have his freshman year when he led Laurel Highlands to a WPIAL title. He then completed an equally impressive sophomore year. A generational athlete, he is the most highly recruited athlete in Western PA. Rodney has numerous Power-Five offers in both basketball and football, with the list growing daily. Rodney is playing for Team Durant on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring.
Landon Butler Landon Butler 6'2" | CG Latrobe | 2023 State PA / 6-3 / Latrobe / PK Flash HGSL / @landonbutler04
Landon is a smart player who understands the game very well. He is an elite 3-point shooter with excellent range. Landon takes advantage of his 6’3” frame to consistently get into the paint and make his own shot. He knows where everyone is on the floor and keeps everyone involved. He is an excellent defender who exhibits maximum effort on every possession. Landon is playing on the Hoop Group Select League Circuit with the PK Flash this spring.
Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA / 6-1 / Peters Twp. / Team Wildcat Adidas Circuit / @connorspratt3
Connor is an elite athlete who has one of the best handles of any player in the WPIAL. Connor has been a standout performer on the circuit this spring. Formerly, he was a shifty, sharpshooting point guard. With his added size and strength, he now also has the ability to finish consistently at the rim. Connor is an outstanding defender who uses his quick feet and hands to generate turnovers throughout the game. Connor is running with Team Wildcat on the Adidas Circuit.
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA / 6’1” / Aquinas Academy /Mason Elite / @CuginiVinnie
Vinnie has put up a prolific number while playing for Class A Aquinas Academy. He eclipsed 1,000 points during his sophomore year. Vinnie puts the ball in the hoop consistently, and in a variety of ways. He is extremely accurate beyond the arc, has a nice mid-range game, and gets to the rack consistently. He was selected to the Class A All-State team this year. Vinnie is running with Mason Elite this Spring.
Jimmy Kunst Jimmy Kunst 6'2" | CG Highlands | 2023 State PA / 6-2 / Highlands / Team Wildcat Adidas Circuit
Jimmy established himself as a Freshman, as the starting point guard of Highlands, who won the WPIAL championship. He is an excellent perimeter shooter. Jimmy has an extremely high basketball IQ. He uses his excellent court vision to distribute the ball, and keep teammates involved. He scored 17 points per game for Highlands as a sophomore and was selected First Team all section. Jimmy is playing with Team Wildcat on the Adidas Circuit this spring.
Players to watch:
Isiah Boice Isiah Boice 6'0" | SG New Castle | 2023 State PA / 5-10 / New Castle
Max Rottman Max Rottman 6'0" | SG North Catholic | 2023 State PA / 6-0 / North Catholic / PK Flash / @RottmanMax
Deandre Moye Deandre Moye 6'1" | CG Lincoln Park | 2023 State PA / 6-0 / Alliquippa / @moye_deandre
Tasso Sfanos Tasso Sfanos 6'1" | PG Mars | 2023 State PA / 5’10” / Mars / PK Flash / @TassoSfanos
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA / 6’0” / Central Catholic / Mason Elite / @DanteDepante
Shea Champine Shea Champine 6'0" | CG Bishop Canevin | 2023 State PA / 5-10 / Bishop Canevin / Team Wildcat / @champine_shea