While there are plenty of adjectives to describe the top basketball players in the area, nearly all of them have one thing in common — a championship pedigree.
Now there is one more accolade to throw on that superlative pile — a Pittsburgh Union Progress all-star.
While the PIAA basketball tournament culminates this weekend in Hershey with its championship games, the Union Progress has been busy putting together its third edition of its boys and girls all-star teams. One common theme emerged among the nominations: Eight of our 10 first-team all-stars played on teams that reached the WPIAL championship, with three going for PIAA gold this weekend.
With input from high school coaches along with first-hand evaluations, the PUP sports staff has assessed all the top players from the WPIAL and City League and has come up with its first team, second team and third team to field a complete all-star basketball lineup.
This Sunday, the boys and girls teams will be announced, followed by the PUP boys and girls players of the year and coaches of the year on April 6.
While several of our all-stars will be trying to bring home Hershey gold and plenty of others already are donning championship medals of the WPIAL type, check back Sunday to find out which players are recognized by the leading high school sports source in the area — the Pittsburgh Union Progress.
Rick, an associate sports editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is currently on strike and working as sports editor for the Union Progress. Contact him at rdavis@unionprogress.com.