Trib HSSN boys basketball player of the week for March 17, 2024

By: Don Rebel
Sunday, March 17, 2024 | 7:16 PM

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Trib HSSN boys basketball player of the week: Nate Brazil

School: Imani Christian

Class: Senior

Height: 6-0

Position: Guard

What coach says: “He was just in the flow against Clarion,” Imani Christian coach Khayree Wilson said about Brazil’s 19-point performance. “I think his defense is what really got him going in that game.

“We needed him to step up against Farrell. With R.J. Sledge being in foul trouble, we needed a big performance from him, and that’s what he did. He stayed aggressive all game from start to finish.

“He came into the offseason really focused to change his life on the basketball court. He’s working to be a scholarship player. His work increased and so did his mindset. He’s more focused on the goals he’s set for himself. This is his last ride, so he’s unloading in this playoff race leaving no regrets. He’s been a pleasure to coach for sure.”

#Earned: The senior guard led Imani Christian in the WPIAL Class A title game with 17 points in the victory over Neighborhood Academy, and he hasn’t eased up in the PIAA playoffs. Brazil scored a team-high 19 points as the Saints cruised past Clarion in the state second round, 79-45. Then on Friday in the PIAA quarterfinals, Brazil was aggressive against District 10 champion Farrell, taking the ball to the hoop and finishing as he dropped 27 points in the win over the Steelers, 70-60. Imani Christian is now two wins away from repeating as PIAA Class A champion and sweeping district and state gold for a second consecutive season. His 46 points this past week give him 995 for his career, needing only five points against Bishop Carroll on Monday to hit 1,000 for his career.

Background: Brazil played his first two years of high school basketball at Nazareth Prep before transferring to Imani Christian. Because of PIAA transfer rules, Brazil was just a spectator during the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs last season as the Saints swept gold in the district and state postseasons. On a loaded Saints team this season, Brazil was the leading scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game. As he nears the end of his scholastic career, Brazil is undecided where he will continue his education and basketball career.

2024 Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Players of the Week

Week 10 – Derek Errett, Fort Cherry

Week 9 – Josh Pratt, Aliquippa

Week 8 – Bobby Fadden, Mohawk

Week 7 – Jacob Guillen, Aquinas Academy

Week 6 – Michael Plasko, South Fayette

Week 5 – Lorenzo Gardner, Monessen

Week 4 – Joe Roth, Ellwood City

Week 3 – Jay Wrona, Mohawk

Week 2 – Peters Kramer, Hampton

Week 1 – Joey Dopirak, North Allegheny

Tags: Imani Christian