Pre-Season WPIAL “Fantastic Five” Series – Class 1A
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In an effort to provide the most accurate and comprehensive information possible, Prep Hoops has surveyed all 134 WPIAL Head Coaches. In addition, we have received input from Assistant Coaches, Athletic Directors, and our network of scouts. The results will…
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Continue ReadingIn an effort to provide the most accurate and comprehensive information possible, Prep Hoops has surveyed all 134 WPIAL Head Coaches. In addition, we have received input from Assistant Coaches, Athletic Directors, and our network of scouts. The results will be featured over the next six weeks. We begin this week with the top WPIAL players in Class 1A. Class 1A consists of 19 Teams, divided into three sections. Out of the nearly 250 (1A) players, here are our “Fantastic Five”.
Jaden Gales Jaden Gales 6'7" | PF Bishop Canevin | 2022 State PA I 6-5 I Bishop Canevin I @j_Ballin13_11
Jaden is the leader of a Bishop Canevin squad that is heavily favored to win back-to-back WPIAL titles. He transferred following his Sophomore year and was ruled ineligible to participate in the post-season last year. This season he is poised to take the Crusaders deep into the State Playoffs. He is strong, physical, and athletic in the paint. He runs the floor exceptionally well and often finishes the break with rim-rattling dunks- which will stir the Crusaders student section into a frenzy this season.
Kevaughn Price Kevaughn Price 6'3" | SG Bishop Canevin | 2022 State PA I 6-0 I Bishop Canevin I @K3V_32
After an outstanding Junior season, Kevaughn was named Class 1A, Third Team, All-State. Kevaughn is very athletic and may have the best vertical leap in the WPIAL. He also has excellent timing, leading to frequent shot blocks, even against taller players. He is a solid scoring option and a lock-down defender. Paired with Gales, it will be very difficult for other Class 1A teams to score in the paint.
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA I 6-1 I Aquinas Academy I @CuginiVinnie
Vinnie has been a prolific scorer for two seasons at Aquinas Academy. He can score on all three levels. He has demonstrated excellent range, has a nice pull-up game, and can get to the rim. Vinnie was just offered by D2 Pitt Johnstown this week. All signs point toward another high-scoring campaign for Vinnie this season.
Damon Astorino Damon Astorino 6'2" | CG Eden Christian Academy | 2023 State PA I 6-2 I Eden Christian Academy I @Damon_2023
After leading Class 4A Ambridge in scoring last season, Damon has transferred to Eden Christian Academy. He has an extremely high basketball IQ. Damon is a proven scoring threat, averaging a very impressive 22.1 points last season. He also sees the court well, distributes the ball, and makes his teammates better. Damon often takes advantage of his good size as a guard and very successfully posts up smaller defenders. Damon will be an excellent addition to Eden Christian Academy.
Alier Maluk Alier Maluk 7'0" | PF Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #62 Nation NY I 6’9” I Imani Christian Academy I @Alier_Maluk12
Quite possibly the most heavily recruited Freshman in WPIAL history. Before playing a single High School game, Alier already has offers from several Division 1 programs including Pitt, LSU, and Seton Hall. Alier can handle the ball, has a good jump shot and a nice touch around the rim. To state the obvious, at 6’9” and growing, the sky is the limit for Alier.
WPIAL Class 1A Pre-season Player of the Year: Jaden Gales Jaden Gales 6'7" | PF Bishop Canevin | 2022 State PA
WPIAL Class 1A Players to watch: Mark Stanley Mark Stanley 6'2" | SF Union | 2023 State PA (Union), Matt Stanley Matt Stanley 6'0" | PG Union Area | 2023 State PA (Union), Kai Spears Kai Spears 6'1" | SG Bishop Canevin | 2022 State PA (Bishop Canevin), Shea Champine Shea Champine 6'0" | CG Bishop Canevin | 2023 State PA (Bishop Canevin), Bezaleel Abdul (Imani Christian Academy), Virgil Hall (Imani Christian Academy)