WPIAL Standouts – A1 Exposure
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Top talent from throughout the Mid-West traveled to Geneva, OH this past weekend for the final event of the highly competitive A1 Exposure Series. It was a high-energy atmosphere with the feel of a National Circuit event. Several TOP 50…
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Continue ReadingTop talent from throughout the Mid-West traveled to Geneva, OH this past weekend for the final event of the highly competitive A1 Exposure Series. It was a high-energy atmosphere with the feel of a National Circuit event. Several TOP 50 national players, shoe sponsored teams; along with dozens of coaches and recruiters were in attendance. Many of the top returning players in the WPIAL were showcasing their talents. This post will discuss the players that impressed our staff the most.
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA I 6-1 I Mason Elite I @CuginiVinnie
Vinnie is one of the most prolific WPIAL Class A scorers in history. His talents have translated well to the AAU season. Vinnie consistently scores from well beyond the arc. He is also able to get to the rim and finishes well with both hands. Factor in a nice mid-range game and you have exactly what Vinnie is: an outstanding offensive weapon.
Alex Smith Alex Smith 6'3" | CG North Hills | 2022 State PA I 6-3 I Pittsburgh Crunch I @Alexsmith_5
Alex is a strong, physical player and uses that ability to his benefit, at both ends of the court. He has nice handles and finishes strong at the rim. He also has an excellent jump shot, with good range. He has good instincts on defense, which led to numerous steals. Alex sees the court very well and effectively distributed the rock.
Jaden Gales Jaden Gales 6'7" | PF Bishop Canevin | 2022 State PA I 6-5 I Team Wildcat Adidas I @j_Ballin13_11
Jaden is a force on the hardwood. He absolutely explodes to the rim. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism- Jaden may be the most difficult player in the entire WPIAL to guard next season. He flies in from the wing for thunderous dunks and has nice footwork in the paint. He is a skilled rebounder at both ends, which leads to many “put back” points. He is a quick jumper and very athletic, which gives him the versatility to effectively guard a wide range of players.
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA I Mason Elite I @DanteDepante
The Mason Elite offense is wisely designed to get Dante open looks, which he converts at a high rate. Throughout the game, he is continuously freed up, as he comes off of ball screens to knock down shots. The effective offense also brings Dante off of screens away from the ball, for more open looks. He also has an uncanny knack for hitting off-balance floaters in the lane, which consistently catch defenders off-guard.
Connor Spratt Connor Spratt 6'3" | PG Seton LaSalle | 2023 State PA I 6-1 I Team Wildcat Adidas I @connorspratt3
Connor continued his stellar play this spring/summer with three consecutive 20+ point performances. He was even more impressive setting his teammates up for easy buckets all weekend. Connor is a true floor general who controls the pace of the game. He is a fierce competitor and lock-down defender. Connor has established himself as one of the elite guards in the WPIAL and the entire state.