Super 6 Player of the Year: Whitlock provided spark during Leopards’ historic season

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Before he even stepped foot on the basketball court for the start of his high school career, there was hype surrounding Devin Whitlock. 

He soon showed why by having a breakout freshman campaign at Monessen, averaging 17 points per game during the regular season and leading the Greyhounds to the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals. 

After transferring before the end of his freshman year, Whitlock endured some change in 2019-20.

He donned a new jersey, played for a new coach and had a new crop of teammates this season. 

But a sophomore slump wasn’t in the cards. 

The Belle Vernon Area guard sparked the Leopards during a memorable campaign, helping to lead the team to its first WPIAL championship game appearance since 1978. Whitlock also played a key role in BVA’s first state playoff win since 1981, scoring a team-high 15 points in a 65-60 victory over Clearfield on March 6. 

“Devin is a take charge kind of person who wants to be in a leadership role,” BVA head coach Joe Salvino said. “He’s such an in charge kind of a kid. No matter who he is playing against, he says to himself, ‘I can win.’”

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