News Summary

Josh Pratt, a senior basketball player from Lincoln Park, has committed to Columbia University, becoming the first athlete from his charter school to join an Ivy League program. This significant milestone showcases Pratt’s remarkable talent, as he is recognized as the highest-ranked point guard in Pennsylvania with a three-star recruit status. After a transfer back to Lincoln Park for his senior season, he aims to lead the team to success following a challenging previous season, while keeping his family’s basketball legacy alive.

Big News from Lincoln Park: Josh Pratt Commits to Columbia!

Exciting times are brewing in Lincoln Park, as senior basketball standout Josh Pratt has made headlines by committing to Columbia University. This commitment, announced on September 27, marks a significant milestone—not just for Pratt but also for the school itself. He is now the first athlete from Lincoln Park, a charter school, to join an Ivy League basketball program. This is a proud moment for the community and a testament to the hard work and dedication of a truly talented player.

A Rising Star

Josh Pratt isn’t just your average high school player. He is a three-star recruit according to 24/7 Sports and has earned the title of the highest-ranked point guard in Pennsylvania. Not stopping there, he is also ranked as the seventh-best overall prospect in the state. With multiple Division I offers coming in from schools across the nation, it’s clear that Pratt’s skills have caught the eye of college basketball coaches. His final four choices boiled down to Columbia, Drexel, Northeastern, and Robert Morris, which he carefully selected on August 31.

Return to Roots

Pratt’s journey to this exciting point has seen its share of twists and turns. He began his high school career at Lincoln Park before transferring to Aliquippa for his sophomore and junior years. During his time there, he made a name for himself, averaging 22 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while hitting an impressive 49 three-pointers. His undeniable talent earned him spots on the PA Sports Writers all-state team for two consecutive years, and he was even recognized as the Class 3A player of the year after leading Aliquippa to notable victories.

However, after recently transferring back to Lincoln Park for his senior season, Josh returned not just for a fresh start but to team up with his younger brother, Jeremiah Pratt. The eligibility of both brothers had to be reviewed after their transfers, which usually come with some tough rules about postseason play. Luckily for Josh, after a hearing with the WPIAL, he was granted eligibility just in time, ensuring he could take to the court this season.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Basketball runs in the Pratt family. Josh is the younger brother of L.A. Pratt, who previously shined at Lincoln Park and is currently a senior at Northeastern. With L.A. contributing to Lincoln Park’s impressive history, which includes WPIAL championships and PIAA semifinals, the Pratt brothers are keeping a winning legacy alive.

This upcoming season is crucial not only for Josh but also for Lincoln Park, who are looking to bounce back from a challenging 2-20 season. With aspirations to achieve state Player of the Year honors for the third consecutive year, Josh Pratt is focused and determined. He has already scored a remarkable total of 1,155 career points and has received six Division I scholarship offers, indicating bright futures for both him and his team.

A Bright Future Awaits

As Josh Pratt embarks on this new chapter at Columbia, he carries hopes and dreams not just for himself but also for Lincoln Park as they strive to recover and improve from last season’s struggles. The entire community is cheering him on as he represents his school on such a prestigious stage.

In the world of sports, especially basketball, stories like Josh Pratt’s are what make the game so wonderfully inspiring. It’s not just about points scored or championships won; it’s about perseverance, family, and showing that with hard work and dedication, you can rise to incredible heights!

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