WPIAL Class 1A Section 3 Preview
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Now let’s take an in-depth look at the WPIAL’s Class 1A-Section 3 basketball preview evaluated by Prep Hoops Pennsylvania. These articles will include the high school teams in each section and the top players for this upcoming season. Also, a…
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Continue ReadingNow let’s take an in-depth look at the WPIAL’s Class 1A-Section 3 basketball preview evaluated by Prep Hoops Pennsylvania. These articles will include the high school teams in each section and the top players for this upcoming season. Also, a variety of other information will be made available such as Varsity newcomers, transfers, high-level college recruits, game-changers, impact performers, role players, quality incoming freshmen, other notables, etc. Below we will check out the talented players from this section.
Class 1A – Section 3
Aquinas Academy Crusaders
Imani Christian Academy Saints
Leechburg Blue Devils
Neighborhood Academy Bulldogs
St. Joseph Spartans
Propel Andrew Street Panthers
Top Players:
Alier Maluk Alier Maluk 7'0" | PF Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #62 Nation NY / 6’9 / freshman / wing forward / Imani Christian Academy
- This freshman’s size makes him a matchup problem all over the court with his perimeter and post skills
- He will be one of the most heavily recruited players in a long time by the end of his high school career
Senique Jenkins Senique Jenkins 6'6" | PF Imani Christian | 2022 State PA / 6’5 / senior / power forward / Imani Christian Academy
- A tall, lanky forward with the ability to score on the fast break with “big time” dunks at the rim
- This young man’s shot-blocking and rebounding skills are a tremendous asset of his game
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA / 6’1 / junior / shooting guard / Aquinas Academy
- His ability to score all over the court “lights up” the scoreboard every night he steps on the hardwood
- An always improving performer has continued to develop a complete offensive arsenal
Bez Abdul Bez Abdul 6'0" | CG Imani Christian Academy | 2024 State PA / 6’0 / sophomore / combo guard / Imani Christian Academy
- A quick, speedy guard combo guard with the natural ability to take over games on penetration and precision passing
- He can score in a variety of ways throughout the four quarters of a contest every Tuesday and Friday evening
Braylan Lovelace / 6’3 / junior / shooting guard / Leechburg High School
- An athletic and skilled player that slashes from the wing and can knock down the mid-range jumper
- With his length, he is able to apply the defensive pressure for steals and deflections for his team
Nate Hargrove / 6’0 / junior / combo guard / Neighborhood Academy
- He can create opportunities for his teammates as well as himself during a contest
- A strong guard who is a leader on the floor and motivates his team with his high energy level
Virgil Hall Virgil Hall 6'9" | C Imani Christian Academy | 2024 State PA / 6’9 / sophomore / center / Imani Christian Academy
- An extremely big and tall center with the “old school” moves in the paint on both ends of the floor
- This summer he has developed his footwork in the post and added a baby hook shot to his arsenal
Jimmy Giannetta Jimmy Giannetta 6'0" | SG St. Joseph's | 2023 State PA / 6’0 / junior / point guard / St. Joseph High School
- This young man has a high basketball IQ and runs the point with above-average skill
- He looks to come off screens on the perimeter for quality jump shots
Other Notables:
Amari Wesley / 5’8 / senior / combo guard / Imani Christian Academy
Dane Davies / 5’11 / senior / point guard / Leechburg High School
Avery Wesley / 5’9 / sophomore / point guard / Imani Christian Academy
Micah Payne / 6’2 / senior / wing forward / Propel Andrew Street
High-Level College Recruits:
Alier Maluk Alier Maluk 7'0" | PF Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #62 Nation NY , freshman, Imani Christian Academy – Holds a variety of D1 offers
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA , junior, Aquinas Academy – D2 Pitt-Johnstown offer, with other D1, D2 interest
Quality Incoming Freshmen:
Alier Maluk Alier Maluk 7'0" | PF Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #62 Nation NY , freshman, Imani Christian Academy
Shamar Simpson Shamar Simpson 6'1" | SF The Neighborhood Academy | 2025 State PA , freshman, Neighborhood Academy
Transfers:
Bez Abdul Bez Abdul 6'0" | CG Imani Christian Academy | 2024 State PA , sophomore, Imani Christian Academy
Virgil Hall Virgil Hall 6'9" | C Imani Christian Academy | 2024 State PA , sophomore, Imani Christian Academy
Jimmy Giannetta Jimmy Giannetta 6'0" | SG St. Joseph's | 2023 State PA , junior, St. Joseph High School
Obadiah Adbul, senior, Imani Christian Academy