High School Freshmen Fall Update: First Team All-Western PA
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As many high school teams in Western Pennsylvania begin Fall Basketball League competition, our staff at Prep Hoops has gathered information about a group of players from each class (2022-2025). We have designated specific teams in a creative and fun…
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Continue ReadingAs many high school teams in Western Pennsylvania begin Fall Basketball League competition, our staff at Prep Hoops has gathered information about a group of players from each class (2022-2025). We have designated specific teams in a creative and fun platform to simulate participation in “real” game situations. All four classes will touch on the starters, and the sixth man, while some groups will include bench players. So with two months before the official start date of the high school season, we take an in-depth look at some of the top performers on the hardwood this Fall. Let’s check out the Freshmen Class First Team Selections…
Starters:
Alier Maluk Alier Maluk 7'0" | PF Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #62 Nation NY / 6’8 power forward / Imani Christian Academy
- He has the height, length, and vertical ability to be a difference-maker every time he steps out on the hardwood.
- An above-average shot-blocker who protects the rim on the defensive end of the floor.
- Alier has received a good amount of Division 1 offers already, with much more to come in the future.
Meleek Thomas Meleek Thomas 6'4" | CG Lincoln Park | 2025 State #5 Nation PA / 6’1 shooting guard / First Love Christian Academy
- An athletic and skilled guard that can take over games when given the opportunity.
- This young man has the confidence to put up “big numbers” on the scoreboard during his freshman year.
- Meleek will be a solid recruit for college recruiters on a variety of levels within the next few seasons.
Jayden Davis Jayden Davis 5'10" | CG Chartiers Valley | 2025 State PA / 5’10 shooting guard / Chartiers Valley High School
- His ability to push the ball in transition and utilize precision passing skills helps him find the open man for easy buckets.
- As a high-scoring player in his younger days, look for him to work hard at performing at the same level in high school.
- Jayden has gotten his name out on the circuit this past summer and college coaches will start to take notice soon.
Shamar Simpson Shamar Simpson 6'1" | SF The Neighborhood Academy | 2025 State PA / 6’0 wing forward / Pittsburgh Area
- He is a strong, skilled guard/forward with the leadership ability to help his team despite being only a freshman.
- A solid defender who creates opportunities on offense from his defensive pressure during games.
- Shamar’s hard work will pay off once his recruitment “kicks up” in the coming years.
Dame Givner Dame Givner 6'1" | PG Imani Christian Academy | 2025 State PA / 5’10 combo guard / Obama Academy
- An extremely quick, shifty guard that causes havoc on defense with steals and deflections.
- His ability to distribute the ball to his teammates makes him a young leader on the court.
- Dame will develop his game and look for him to play basketball at the next level in the future.
6th Man: Ralphie Blundo Ralphie Blundo 6'0" | SG New Castle | 2025 State PA / 5’10 shooting guard / New Castle High School
- He has a high basketball IQ for a young man that separates him from many of his same-aged opponents.
- A quality scorer from the perimeter and an above-average free-throw shooter.
- Ralphie is the son of a coach and has the opportunity to lead his team in a few years on the hardwood.
These young men were the main players on their school teams during their middle school days. Now they make the jump to the high school level and will look to contribute immediately on the court. These names will definitely be embedded in our minds for the next four years in the Pittsburgh area.