Dec 18, 2014 3 min read

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The WPIAL basketball season is only two weeks old, but we are starting to get a feel for what teams are contenders and pretenders.

The one we won’t be able to get a gauge on for another few weeks is Wash High. Ron Faust’s return has been bumpy at the start, but that was expected.

The Prexies are dealing with a rash of injuries and illness as they are without Jordan West and Matt Popeck. It’s also important to note that Faust’s coaching style and system take time to learn.

Wash High has shown flashes of brilliance during its 2-2 start – soundly defeating Fort Cherry and hanging with Seton-LaSalle. On the other hand, the offense has been stagnant at times and the free throw shooting has been horrendous.

Regardless, this is a team that can compete for the Section 3-AA title. Even without West and Popeck, I like Wash High’s lineup. Markel Pulliam and Jonathan Spina is a solid guard tandem that will be critical to the team’s defensive game plan and rhythm on the offensive end.

The front court is led by junior Nate Swart, an Observer-Reporter First Team All-District selection last year, senior DeQuay Isbell and junior Anthony Popeck. The group has size, strength and will improve defensively.

When I saw that the Prexies had to face Seton-LaSalle to open section play, I expected a blowout loss. That’s nothing against Wash High. The Rebels have a guys returning, they are very familiar with head coach Mark Walsh’s system and the team is filled with athleticism.

I was wrong. Despite a lineup that is short on depth, the Prexies hung with Seton in a 73-63 loss. The one thing I’m interested to see down the stretch is how Faust utilizes Swart.

The 6-5 forward was given a lot of freedom in former head coach Mark Gaither’s system. He was not mistaken as a true big man and was allowed to utilize his shot from the outside. Once Wash High returns a few of the injured players, I expect Swart and Wash High to flourish.

This is not a team with great size, but can rival Seton in terms of athleticism. Another team to look out for is Bishop Canevin. Despite having a new head coach, the Crusaders are 5-0 and will face Wash High Friday night.

Outside of those three teams, the section is wide open. I like Chartiers-Houston’s combination of Alec Ferrari and AJ Myers, but the Bucs are incredibly young and lack an inside presence. Brentwood is formidable, but its three wins have come against opponents with a combined record of 3-13.

Burgettstown lost its top scorer in the season opener and Carlynton has lost three in a row. That leaves Seton, Wash High and Bishop Canevin as the top three teams in the section.

I wouldn’t read into the Prexies’ game against Canevin Friday. I guarantee you will see a much improved Wash High team next month and it’s the latter part of the section schedule that will be telling whether the Prexies will make noise in the postseason.