Trib HSSN boys basketball player of the week for March 9, 2025

By: Don Rebel
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 8:34 PM

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Trib HSSN boys basketball player of the week: Jacob Guillen

School: Aquinas Academy

Class: Senior

Height: 6-foot-3

Position: Guard

#Earned: Early on in his scholastic career, Jacob Guillen played Robin to the WPIAL’s all-time leading scorer Vinny Cugini. Over the last two years, he has become the Black Knight for Aquinas Academy. Guillen had another strong season in helping the Crusaders finish in second place in Section 1-A. In the district playoffs, Guillen scored 24 points in a 29-point victory over Geibel Catholic in the quarterfinals before the Crusaders fell to eventual WPIAL champion Neighborhood Academy in the semifinals. Guillen and Aquinas Academy regrouped heading into the state playoffs as they headed north to Erie. Trailing Erie First Christian by eight points after three quarters, the Crusaders had a big fourth quarter to erase aa double-digit deficit and win 83-80. Guillen led all scorers with 36 points.

Background: Guillen will wait until after the season to choose the school where he will continue his academic and basketball career. A year after he averaged 20.6 points per game as a junior, Guillen finished fifth in the WPIAL in scoring this winter with an average of 24 points per game. He shines on the basketball court and the classroom as well, with a 3.75 grade point average. He eclipsed 1,000 points for his career. Guillen has played basketball and soccer for most of his life. He was a first-team all-section goalkeeper for Aquinas Academy this past fall, helping the Crusaders finish in second place in Section 3-A. Jake enjoys building puzzles, but he has an intricate system when working on one, so always check with him before jumping in to help.

What coach says: “The game in Erie was a classic Jake game,” Aquinas Academy coach George Yokitis said. “I had no idea he had that many points. He scored almost every way conceivable with some low post entries, put backs and 3-pointers. Looking back, Jake made the most important assist in the game on a great pass for the 3-point winner by Jonah Birchill.

“He truly has improved many aspects of his game, including his low post play when we really need it. He’s an excellent 3-point shooter and has a diverse number of moves to the rim. He truly is an unselfish player with a commitment to winning.

“He’s like having a coach on the floor. He leads both by example, and he verbally communicates well with his teammates. He and David Zaharko are our true senior leaders in every respect.

“Jake’s legacy will be one of a passionate basketball player who was and is committed to his craft. He, like many of our players, seems to squeeze every bit of talent out of themselves for the good of the team.”

2025 Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Players of the Week

Week 9: Courtney Wallace Jr., Neighborhood Academy

Week 8: Bobby Fadden, Mohawk

Week 7: Isaiah Jeter, Central Valley

Week 6: Calvin Winfrey III, Uniontown

Week 5: Connor Crossey, Franklin Regional

Week 4: Colton Straight, Montour

Week 3: Zach Pollaro, North Hills

Week 2: Cameron Epps, South Allegheny

Week 1: Brady Mayo, Beaver

Tags: Aquinas Academy