WPIAL Class 5A Preview
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Class 5A looks a little bit different this year with the additions of Fox Chapel and North Hills, who come off fantastic seasons but need to replace almost all of their key players, as well as the departure of Laurel…
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Continue ReadingClass 5A looks a little bit different this year with the additions of Fox Chapel and North Hills, who come off fantastic seasons but need to replace almost all of their key players, as well as the departure of Laurel Highlands. Today we look at the WPIAL contenders.
Contenders
Penn Hills(20-6)
Led by explosive Quinnipiac commit Daemar Kelly Daemar Kelly 6'3" | SF Penn Hills | 2023 State PA , a 6’4” senior guard who averaged 17ppg, Penn Hills is the top team in 5A. Beyond Kelly, rugged forward Julian Dugger Julian Dugger 6'2" | PF Penn Hills | 2024 State PA and backcourt leader Noah Barren Noah Barren 6'1" | PG Penn Hills | 2023 State PA return for a team poised to make a run at the district title.
Mars(21-3)
Tasso Sfanos Tasso Sfanos 6'1" | PG Mars | 2023 State PA will be tasked with driving the bus after the graduation of a quality pair of leaders in Zach Schlegel and big man Christopher Dvorak. They’ll have a good mix of experience and youth, guards and size to continue to compete at the top.
In The Mix
Gateway(18-7)
The always tough Gators will need to replace two post players in Will Kromka and Ryan Greggerson but there are backcourt pieces returning that saw time and should keep them in the hunt.
North Hills(26-2)
Elite recruit Royce Parham Royce Parham 6'8" | PF Western Reserve Academy | 2024 State #53 Nation OH , a 6’8” forward with a diverse skillset, returns to shoulder a big burden after North Hills graduated four senior starters who were all college level players, but if they can find a few guards to handle the ball and get Parham looks on the low block, they could be right at the top of 5A.
Other players to watch
Landon Butler Landon Butler 6'2" | CG Latrobe | 2023 State PA | 6’3” | G | Latrobe
Jayden Davis Jayden Davis 5'10" | CG Chartiers Valley | 2025 State PA | 5’10” | G | Char Val 2025