Head Coach Bob Rukavina and the Pitt-Johnstown men's basketball program have followed up their 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance by adding three recruits for the 2023-24 season, including Pennsylvania Class A Player of the Year Vinnie Cugini from Aquinas Academy, 1,000-point scorer Ryan Koch from Berks Catholic High School, and Pickerington, OH standout forward Gavin Headings.

 
Vinnie Cugini     Freshman     Guard     6'2"     185 lbs.   Pittsburgh, Pa. / Aquinas Academy
                Vinnie Cugini, an elite scoring guard from Aquinas Academy, averaged 43.7 ppg during his senior year while also finishing his career with 3,179 points on his way to being named PIAA Class A Player of the Year. Cugini's points per game average led the nation in 2022-23, while his career points total ranks first all time in the WPIAL (District 7). The Western Pennsylvania star led Aquinas Academy to two District 7 Class A playoff berths, including the school's first ever playoff win vs. Jefferson Morgan High School this past season. Well known for his ability to attack the basket in transition and half court, Cugini can fill up the stat sheet in a multitude of ways. He concluded his senior season as a four-year all section honoree, four-time All-WPIAL Class A choice, and four-time member of the PIAA All-State team. After wrapping up his historical high school career, Cugini was named the WPIAL Class A Player of the Year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and KDKA-TV, respectfully, while also participating in the Roundball Classic where he was named the Most Valuable Player.
                "Vinnie is the ultimate competitor. Having seen him during the high school season and on the AAU circuit, it was evident that he possesses a unique ability to score in a variety of ways," Coach Rukavina said. "While Vinnie established himself as the top scorer in the history of WPIAL basketball, he prides himself on one thing and one thing only…WINNING!"
            Cugini is the son of Vince and Brandi Cugini.  He was coached by George Yokitis at Aquinas Academy. 
            Link to Vinnie Cugini's Highlight Tape:  Vinnie Cugini '23 Junior Season Highlights - YouTube
 

Ryan Koch    Freshman    Guard     6'4"     190 lbs.    Reading, Pa. / Berks Catholic High School
                Berks Catholic sharpshooter and team captain Ryan Koch, who scored 1,009 points in his high school career, led the Saints to two consecutive PIAA District 3 Class 4A championships en route to back-to-back appearances in the state playoffs. Koch, whose range extends to the parking lot, showed an expanded offensive game during his senior season as he torched opposing defenses with his pull up jump shot and thunderous dunks. Finishing his career as the top three-point shooter in Berks Catholic History with 166, Koch was named All-Division in 2021-22 and earned an All-Conference selection following his senior year. The Berks Catholic Most Valuable Player Award winner in 2023, Koch ended his outstanding high school career as a three-year starter with scoring averages of 14.1 ppg and back-to-back seasons with 60+ made triples.
"When we found out about Ryan, he immediately became one of our top targets," Coach Rukavina said. "From watching his highlights, to HS and AAU games, we knew right away that he is the perfect fit for how we want to play. His ability to light up the scoreboard from deep while also being able to create off the dribble will undoubtedly help us next year. While he's capable of getting his shot off at any time, what we loved about him the most was his unselfishness, as he is the ultimate teammate!"
            Koch is the son of Darren and Nicole Koch.  He was coached by Ken Esterly at Berks Catholic High School. 
            Link to Ryan Koch's Highlight Tape:  Ryan Koch Senior Year Highlights - YouTube

 
Gavin Headings    Freshman     Forward   6'8"   200 lbs.   Pickerington, OH / Pickerington Central H.S.
                Ohio native Gavin Headings was named to the District 11 and OCC Second-Teams following his junior and senior seasons. A standout on arguably the best Ohio High School State Athletic Association (OHSAA) high school basketball team the past two years, his Pickerington Central squad won the state championship in 2022, before making a return trip this season. Playing in the highest classification in Ohio and against some of the top talent around, Headings exploited defenses with his versatile skill set. Owning a smooth lefty stroke from beyond the arc, Gavin has the ability to play inside and out, and can create matchup problems for the opposition. Headings, who nearly posted a double-double in the state championship with 10 points and eight rebounds, was a consistent performer every night as he finished his career averaging 13.0 ppg. and 8.0 rpg. for the Tigers.
"Gavin is a multifaceted forward who we are very excited about," Coach Rukavina said. "His skill set is extremely high, which will allow us to utilize him in a variety of ways. Having played against top competition, Gavin will be ready to make the next step to the college game. We believe his best basketball is in front of him and cannot wait to get him onto campus!"
            Headings is the son of Lance and Alisa Headings.  He was coached by Eric Krueger at Pickerington Central High School. 
            Link to Gavin Headings' Highlight Tape:  Senior Season Highlights - Gavin Headings highlights - Hudl
           
 
          Pitt-Johnstown will tip-off the 2023-24 season at the Indiana (PA) Tip-Off Classic on November 10-11.  The Mountain Cats will make their home debut on November 14 when Penn State-New Kensington visits the Sports Center for a non-conference game.