2021 17u AAU Team Profiles: Caveman Academy-Ruppert

* Any college coach seeking additional information on any players, including projected collegiate level, may make an inquiry at necorridorhoops@gmail.com

*All class of 2022 prospects

Joseph Dudkowski 6’3 Wing (Pine-Richland HS): Dudkowski brings a multi-faceted scoring ability to this squad. He makes three-pointers effectively when spotting up, has a soft mid-range pull-up, and can attack closeouts from the wings to finish at the rim efficiently. Dudkowski also does a nice job making sharp cuts to the basket for high percentage finishes. When opponents collapse on him in the lane, he frequently makes the right decision, such as when he finds teammates for easy layups on drop-offs. Dudkowski is an underrated athlete who has shown an ability to finish above the rim for slam dunks on a fast break. Defensively, he has quick feet, allowing him to guard both wing spots effectively. Also does a nice job using his size and length, making it difficult for opponents to shoot over the top of him.

Nick Crum 6’3 Shooting Guard (Penn-Trafford HS): Crum is a versatile shooter from long range. He has solid mechanics on his shot with a quick release. Makes three-pointers at a good rate when spotting up, coming off screens, or when taking one or two dribbles. When opponents close out hard on Crum from beyond the arc, he has a smooth two dribble pull-up from the mid-range in his arsenal. Defensively, he is consistently in the correct spots on his rotations when one pass away or coming over from the help side. Also does a nice job challenging opponents’ shots in the mid-range and from beyond the arc, forcing them into lower percentage attempts.

Logan Bernesser 6’7 Center (Shaler Area HS): Also a talented football player, Bernesser brings a physical presence on both sides of the ball. Uses his wide frame to help him get advantageous post position and has good hands to catch the ball effectively at different angles on the block. Scores at a good rate when posting up when using a drop-step or finishing off drive and dishes from teammates in the lane. Even though Bernesser did not shoot three-pointers at a high volume, he showed intriguing stretch five potential with his form and touch from long range when spotting up. Defensively, he does a good job forcing opponents into lower percentage shots at the rim with his size and standing reach. He also uses his frame effectively when boxing out to rebound at a solid rate. Averaged eight boards per game this past high school season.

Noah Wright 5’9 Point Guard (Penn-Trafford HS): Wright is the floor general for this squad. He has very good vision, finding teammates effectively in the halfcourt on drive and kicks for open three-pointers and cuts to the basket for high percentage layups. Also rewards teammates when running the floor hard in transition with pinpoint passes for easy finishes. Wright needs to be accounted for from long range and opponents cannot go under ball screens against him. He makes treys at a solid rate both spotting up and off the dribble. Despite his size, he can finish well around the basket, using good body control and touch off the glass to score on taller opponents. Wright is a pesky defender, causing steals and deflections at a solid rate when opponents are weak with their handle or throw a lazy pass in his area. Also moves well laterally, making it difficult for opposing point guards to get dribble penetration on him.

Armend Karpuzi 6’2 Combo Guard (Deer Lakes HS): Karpuzi is a player who makes a variety of impacts on both sides of the ball. Has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc and in the mid-range, spacing the floor at a good rate when spotting up, and displaying a soft touch on his pull-up from fifteen feet and runner in the lane. Karpuzi is also a solid passer who makes others better. Finds teammates particularly well on hard cuts to the basket for high percentage layups as well as crosscourt passes for open three-pointers. Averaged four assists this past high school season. Karpuzi is a very good rebounder for his size, getting good position on opponents, and he has an intense desire for the ball when it comes off the rim. Averaged seven boards per game this past high school season.

Ben Myers 6’6 Power Forward/Center (Penn-Trafford HS): Myers makes his presence felt in the paint on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he does a nice job of coming over from the help side to block or alter opponents’ shots at the rim. Myers also avoids getting into foul trouble by routinely keeping his hands up straight when contesting a shot around the basket. He also uses his strong body to his advantage on this side of the ball, making it difficult for opponents to post him up or get around him when boxing out. Offensively, Myers has good touch around the basket, scoring layups effectively when rolling to the hoop off a ball screen or using his hook shot when posting up an opposing player.

Will Wagner 6’2 Small Forward (Charleroi Area HS): Wagner brings more shotmaking ability to this squad. Has a smooth stroke from long range, making three-pointers at a good rate when spotting up. He has a nice mid-range game with a soft pull-up and floater in his arsenal. Wagner also scores effectively around the basket when rolling off of ball screens. He is a good playmaker, finding teammates effectively on drive and dishes in the lane for high percentage layups. Averaged three assists per game this past high school season. Wagner is a very good rebounder for his size, having a knack for being around the ball when it comes off the rim. Averaged eight boards per game this past high school season.

Jason Kijowski 6’2 Shooting Guard (Freeport Area HS): Kijowski is another floor spacer from long range for this squad. Has very good mechanics on his shot with a high release, making three-pointers proficiently when spotting up or on the move. When opponents overplay him to take away his outside shot, Kijowski does a nice job creating high percentage layups for himself with sharp cuts to the hoop. While creating scoring opportunities off the dribble is not his forte, he has shown in spurts the ability to attack closeouts and finish strong at the rim.

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