Most Outstanding Player
Cam Rowell, a Senior Guard from Franklin Regional, is the Player of the Year
During the state championship game, it seemed like Franklin Regional was losing control. But then, Cam Rowell displayed exceptional skills.
In a crucial moment, the senior guard received a pass from Colin Masten, executed a steal, and made an impressive one-handed slam dunk that had the Giant Center buzzing with excitement.
Even though Franklin Regional did not win the PIAA Class 5A championship, Rowell left a strong impression.
One of the top performers in the game also made a significant impact in the WPIAL, gaining attention with his athleticism and composed leadership for the WPIAL and state runner-up Panthers.
In recognition of his hard work, Rowell is named the TribLive Westmoreland Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Tyree Turner came in a close second. Terek Crosby of Yough was also considered.
“The exceptional season that Cam had, both individually and for Franklin Regional’s history, was truly remarkable,” Panthers coach Jesse Reed said. “Our performance was closely tied to Cam's throughout the year.”
Rowell surpassed 1,000 career points during the Panthers’ memorable season, which took fans on an unexpected journey. He averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals for the Panthers (27-4), who made it to the PIAA final for the first time in 27 years.
“We were considered underdogs,” Rowell commented. “We were aware of our ability to compete with (Imhotep in the state final). We just needed to play consistently throughout the entire game. It takes a collective effort to win it all.”
Rowell’s dunks set him apart from others.
What began as a challenge from his teammates to dunk in a game early in the year soon became a regular occurrence.
“If I have the opportunity, I will attempt to make a slam dunk,” Rowell stated. “It energizes everyone.”
It’s difficult to mention Rowell without acknowledging his close partner, senior Cooper Rankin.
Reed described them as a truly dynamic pair — “R&R” as they became known together.
Rankin valued the chance to lead the team for one of the program’s most memorable teams in perhaps its best season.
“The most painful part is that I won’t get to play with my teammates anymore,” Rankin remarked. “That’s going to be tough, but it’s part of life.”
First team
Franco Alvarez
Sr., F, Greensburg Central Catholic
An adept forward who displayed excellent performance, averaging 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds, while achieving a shooting percentage of 61.8%. … Assisted GCC to WPIAL 2A runner-up position.
Terek Crosby
Sr., G, Yough
One of Yough’s most effective scorers, with an average of 25 points and 4 assists, and scoring 44 3-pointers for a 3A quarterfinalist. … Concluded his career with 2,036 points.
Tyler Freas
Sr., G, Penn-Trafford
Guided Warriors to 5A playoffs, averaging 16.1 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. … Made 52 3-pointers and accumulated over 800 career points.
Lorenzo Gardner
Sr., G, Monessen
Climbed the program’s scoring list, concluding his career with 1,689 points, placing second among Greyhounds scorers. … Achieved an average of 23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals for Class A playoff team and achieved a 62-point game.
Ty Keffer
Sr., G, Southmoreland
One of the program’s top scorers, averaging 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.2 steals. … Concluded his career with 1,575 points and 223 3-pointers.
Zion Moore
Jr., Guard, Belle Vernon
He was one of the best scorers in the WPIAL, averaging 26.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game for a 4A playoff team. He has scored a total of 1,585 points in his career.
Nate Papuga
Senior, Guard, Derry
He helped Derry achieve its first-ever first-round playoff win in WPIAL playoffs and secured the first PIAA berth, while also reaching 1,000 career points. He averaged 23.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and made 68 3-pointers.
Cooper Rankin
Senior, Guard, Franklin Regional
As a point guard, he led a high-powered team that ended as the WPIAL and PIAA runner-up in 5A. He had averages of 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 steals.
Tyree Turner
Senior, Guard, Greensburg Central Catholic
He led GCC to a runner-up finish in WPIAL 2A with a 24-4 record. He averaged 21.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
Second team
Kymone Brown
Sophomore, Guard, Jeannette
Ryan Burkhart
Senior, Guard, Greensburg Salem
Max Butler
Jr., Guard, Latrobe
Noah Felentzer
Sophomore, Guard, Southmoreland
Drew Gordon
Jr., Guard, Hempfield
Colin Masten
Senior, Guard, Franklin Regional
Austin Matthews
Senior, Forward, Yough
Ian Temple
Senior, Guard, Penn-Trafford
Alonzo Wade
Jr., Guard/Forward, Belle Vernon
John Wetzel
Jr., Guard, Latrobe
Third team
Tommy Davis
Jr., Forward, Belle Vernon
Dante Giallonardo
Senior, Guard/Forward, Mt. Pleasant
Parker Hollick
Jr., Guard, Ligonier Valley
Fin Hutchison
Senior, Guard, Franklin Regional
Trevor Kovatch
Jr., Guard, Belle Vernon
Isaiah Mallich
Senior, Guard, Jeannette
Dylan McCullough
Senior, Guard, Norwin
Kyle McNeil
Jr., Forward, Latrobe
Stanley Rajkovich
Freshman, Forward, Derry
Maximus Williams
Jr., Forward, Hempfield
