2026 Valley News Dispatch boys basketball all-stars

Deer Lakes' Evan Moore named Player of the Year

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:04pm

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Deer Lakes junior guard/forward Evan Moore is named the Valley News Dispatch Boys Basketball Player of the Year after leading his team on a deep playoff run. Moore averaged a team-best 21.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, helping the Lancers reach the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA quarterfinals as a No. 13 seed.

Why it matters

Moore's standout season showcases the talent and potential of young players in the local high school basketball scene, with the Deer Lakes team proving they could compete with top-seeded programs in the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs.

The details

Moore stepped up as a junior, improving his finishing at the rim, jump shooting, and post moves to become a dominant force for Deer Lakes. He had several big games, including 30 points and 12 rebounds in a PIAA first-round win over Huntingdon. The Lancers' deep playoff run came after losses to section rival North Catholic and top-seeded Quaker Valley, showing their ability to bounce back.

  • Moore scored 25 points in a late-season loss to North Catholic.
  • Moore had 28 points and 9 rebounds against Penn Hills before the WPIAL tournament.
  • Deer Lakes defeated District 6 champion Huntingdon 67-47 in the PIAA first round, with Moore scoring 30 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
  • Deer Lakes topped District 10's Hickory in the PIAA second round, with Moore scoring 17 points.

The players

Evan Moore

A 6-3 junior guard/forward for Deer Lakes who was named the Valley News Dispatch Boys Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 21.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Teegan Finucan

A 6-1 senior guard for Knoch who finished the season averaging 16.5 points per game and helped lead the Knights to the WPIAL Class 4A championship.

Collin Rodgers

A 5-10 senior guard for Deer Lakes who averaged 14.3 points and 5 assists per game, helping the Lancers reach the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA quarterfinals.

Robbie Simmen

A 6-1 junior point guard for Springdale who was one of the area's top scorers at 22.1 points per game while also contributing 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest.

Troy Bielak

A 6-6 senior guard/forward for Highlands who led the Golden Rams in scoring at 17.5 points per game as they earned a spot in the WPIAL playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I had to step up from last year and play as hard as I could to help this year's team keep winning. I felt I improved my finishing at the rim and with my jump shots, and I also really worked on my post moves. I have a lot of motivation to know that I still have room to improve on things like ball handling and being more physical going into next season.”

— Evan Moore, Junior Guard/Forward, Deer Lakes

“It was really refreshing to come out in the state playoffs and play well and get those wins after those couple tough losses. We knew that we could make a run at the playoffs and make it deep in the playoffs. It was a thing where it was going to take everyone doing their part, and we all came together for that. We really believed in each other all season.”

— Evan Moore, Junior Guard/Forward, Deer Lakes

What’s next

Moore is excited for his senior season, knowing the Lancers will have to replace several key players but believing the younger guys will step up to continue the team's success.

The takeaway

Evan Moore's breakout junior season for Deer Lakes showcases the depth of talent in the local high school basketball scene, with the Lancers proving they could compete with top programs despite being a lower seed. Moore's development and leadership were crucial in guiding his team on an unexpected playoff run.