Grassroots Update: Northwest Coastal Elite 17U
Coach Marques Chinn and his Northwest Coastal Elite 17U squad are on a roll. This past weekend, they captured the title at the Premier Summer Showcase in Bellevue and the sky is the limit the rest of the month of July. Northwest Coastal Elite comes into the Premier Summer Championships in Salem ready to battle the big boys and Chinn caught us up on his players and how they are doing.
Here’s a look at the current roster:
Jett Briceno (2019 Kentridge) – Briceno is a relative newcomer to the team this year but has not only fit in seamlessly but has emerged as one of the team’s top guns. A smooth shooter, the 6-foot-5 wing can hit the open shot and nailed two of them for game winners in last weekend’s tournament run. A number of schools have gotten in contact since the title game and interest should continue to grow as he performs well the rest of this month.
Kyle Luttinen (2019 Roosevelt) – Luttinen is a 6-foot-6 wing who has been able to simply shoot over the top of smaller opponents this spring and summer. He has deep range and has excelled as a catch and shoot guy, although he can get to the basket and draw fouls. His defense has improved and as he gets stronger, he has attracted the attention of Division I and II schools.
Maar Rambang (2019 Bishop Blanchet) – Rambang is what Chinn calls a “throwback”, a traditional back to the basket post player. He’s a little undersized at 6-foot-6, but his 6-foot-10 wingspan helps make up for the difference. He draws double teams and has been able to kick it out to open shooters. Defensively he’s been the team’s rim protector. As he’s lost weight this off-season he’s started to draw interest from D-II and D-III schools.
Calvin Herting (2019 Selah) – Herting, at 5-foot-10, is the team’s point guard. He’s always been known as a shooter but has used this AAU season to improve his ability to make plays off the dribble. Previously a role guy, Herting has been able to showcase his game more with the ball in his hands.
William Johnson (2019 Lakeside School) – Johnson, at 6-foot-6, has been a warrior inside for the team with his defense and rebounding. He’s the quintessenial glue guy providing a lot of intangibles that have helped the team win. Division II schools have been interested in the football tight end who’s already received an offer from Air Force.
Kobe Elsner (2019 Lynden) – Elsner, at 6-foot, is the team’s gritty defensive player who wants to the toughest backcourt assignment on the other team. The son of a coach, he has great instincts and plays tough – much as you would expect from someone who also plays football.
Nuh’Kosi Roberson (2019 West Seattle) – Roberson is an undersized 3/4 at 6-foot-3, but he plays big in the post. He can step out and hit the three but also has a quick first step to get to the basket. He has really helped to contribute with his rebouding.
Khalil Goodwin (2019 Franklin) – Goodwin is a versatile 5-foot-11 combo guard who while mild mannered, has gotten the job done on the court coming off of the bench. He has shown an improved jumper and can also get to the basket.
Bille Sheikh (2019 Ballard) – Sheikh is a 6-foot guard who has added depth to the backcourt. He has a quick first step and is a gritty defensive player.
Northwest Coastal Elite opens play at the Premier Summer Showcase at 2:20 pm on Friday against Team Arsenal 17U Select.