Pitt Commit Brandin Cummings, Meleek Thomas Lead Lincoln Park to State Title

On Thursday night in Hershey, PA, future Pitt Panther guard Brandin Cummings and five-star prospect Meleek Thomas led the Lincoln Park Leopards to victory in the PIAA 4A state championship game.

Cummings led the Leopards with 25 points in the win, capping off his junior season with a stellar 30-1 record. The Leopards triumphantly took down Philadelphia powerhouse Neumann Goretti — who had won nine championships in the past 13 seasons prior to Thursday night’s defeat.

It’s not quite as memorable as his earth-shattering slam from the state semis vs. Uniontown, but this was a pretty big dunk by Brandin Cummings to break open a tie game in the fourth quarter.

Now tied up 52-52 with 3:56 to play. Cummings up to 21 points for LP. pic.twitter.com/sTIKOFzPyq

— Steve Rotstein (@SteveRotstein) March 24, 2023

Five-star prospect Meleek Thomas teamed up with Cummings this season to create a dynamic duo for the Leopards. Thomas, one of the top-ranked sophomores in the country, poured in 22 points in Thursday’s effort including the game-winning floater with less than ten seconds remaining.

Down goes Neumann-Goretti!! The two-time defending PIAA champs lose for the first time in 10 state finals appearances after this game-winning bucket by Meleek Thomas. What a game and what a player. Foul was called on N-G at the other end and Lincoln Park wins a thriller, 62-58: pic.twitter.com/J6EO1nM44D

— Steve Rotstein (@SteveRotstein) March 24, 2023

Cummings and Thomas shined against a loaded Neumann Goretti team, lead by Baylor commit Rob Wright. Kentucky head coach John Calipari was also in the building for the game along with his assistant and former Pitt Panther Orlando Antigua.

Kentucky Coach Cal in the house for the @PIAASports 4A bball final. @fox43 @FOX43Sports pic.twitter.com/G6sag1VzaX

— Andrew Kalista (@KalistaAndrew) March 23, 2023