Grassroots Update: Eastern Washington Elite 17U Red
Eastern Washington Elite is one of the most well-established AAU programs in the state of Washington and coach and founder Jim Psomas has overseen it all the past 20-plus years. This year’s top group, Eastern Washington Elite 17U Red, is a mix of kids from Washington and Idaho and Psomas feels they have the potential to make some noise in the month of July.
“All these kids are smart, work hard, and understand the game well,” Psomas said. “This summer, we just have to shoot it well to win.”
Here’s a breakdown of the roster and how they have performed this far:
Mitchell Brizee (2019 Twin Falls HS, ID) – Brizee has been the anchor in the middle for the team. The 6-foot-9 post good around the rim but has solid stepping out to mid-range and is developing a three-point shot. He’s a decent athlete who’s in his second year at the 17U level having played up last season. Brizee continues to improve as a player and Division I schools will be watching as programs from the Big Sky and West Coast Conferences have been in contact.
Garrett Streufert (2019 Richland HS) – Streufert, at 6-foot-7, has played both the four and three spots for Eastern Washington Elite. He’s long and athletic and has shown a real knack for rebounding. Psomas describes Streufert as a prototypical “glue guy” who as the son of a coach, is a smart player. He is currently receiving interest from numerous Division II and III schools.
Jake Groves (2019 Shadle Park HS) – Groves, also the son of a coach, is a 6-foot-6 three/four man who may be the best shooter on the team. He’s still developing physically and may still grow as his older brother Tanner – currently at Eastern Washington – is 6-foot-9. Because of the connections to EWU, Groves is also receiving attention from the Eagles as well along with other programs, mainly at the Division II level.
Gabe Quinnett (2019 Moscow HS, ID) – Quinnett is a 6-foot-5 wing whose strengths lie in his shooting – which probably may not come as a surprise as his father Brian, who played in the NBA, was known as a shooter as well. He’s solid and smart and Psomas expects him to have a big summer.
Steele Venters (2019 Ellensburg HS) – Venters is a 6-foot-6 wing who is very long – he has a seven-foot wingspan – and athletic. He’s still developing physically and is young for his class, but Psomas believes that Venters has a huge upside. He’s a good shooter and has a quick first step to get past opponents on drives. Division I schools are watching his development this summer.
Cole Northrup (2019 Richland HS) – Northrup, at 6-foot-4, is the leading scorer in school history and has already surpassed 1,000 career points. He’s a pure two guard whose shooting range extends well beyond the high school three-point line. Combined with his size he is getting looked at by schools at different levels.
Jonny Hillman (2019 Genesis Prep HS, ID) – Hillman is a good shooter who is what Psomas describes as “crafty smart”. He’s a solid player who does everything well and has given the team depth in the backcourt. His recruitment has seen schools from the Division I to Division III levels showing interest.
Erik Farias (2019 St. George’s HS) – Farias is the team’s point guard. He has shown great ball-handling and passing ability and has shot it decently enough to keep defenses honest. He’s got a great awareness of the game and has kept the ball moving to the many shooters on the team.
In July, Eastern Washington Elite will be playing in tournaments in Bellevue, Las Vegas (Bigfoot), and Anaheim (Best of Summer).