2019 Ranking Breakdown: Highest Risers
The high school season is fast approaching and the class rankings are up! With 90 ranked prospects in the 2019 class alone, it can be a daunting task to keep track of everyone. This is a short list of the fastest growing prospects in the class. Here are your high risers for the 2019 class in the state of Washington.
Steele Venters, Ellensburg High School, 6’7 SG : Steele Venters is a name you should get accustom to hearing, as he is ready to take off for his senior campaign. As a junior, Venters managed to almost double his average from the previous year. Going from averaging 13ppg as a sophomore to over 24ppg and 7 boards as a senior. The 6’7 SG can score from anywhere; he can attack you from inside and out. He has a tremendous stroke from beyond the arc that can really stretch a defense. Venters is a more than capable post up player on the block or high post. He has a great feel for the game and looks to up his recruiting in his final year at Ellensburg high school.
Micah Monroe, Rainier Beach High School, 6’1 PG: Monroe is probably the best athlete at his position, if not the best athlete in the state. This offseason he spent his summer with the NW Panthers, playing in the Adidas Gauntlet series. His performance on the circuit and his invited to Jamal Crawford’s Elite 30 Camp really boosted him to the top tier of players. Over the years, his game has become much more well rounded by adding a consistent 12-15-foot jumper and becoming a better passer. The combination of speed and strength allows Monroe to get anywhere he wants on the court. The additions of Beauchamp, Kemp and others to the Rainier Beach roster should only make his job easier as he continues to develop.
Ken West, Bellevue Christian High School, 6’7 F: Ken West is a highly skilled forward out of Bellevue Christian with a very diverse skill set. West is at his best at the high post and picking and popping. During the summer, West had some impressive performances where he shot the ball at an extremely high clip. His three-point shooting is what really sets him apart from other front court players in this class. He also has the ability to crash the boards and push the ball up the court himself. With the season quickly approaching, Ken West has everything he needs for a breakout season.
Jaivion Garrett, Rainier Beach High School, 6’6 F : The two sports star has D1 interest from both on the football field and on the hardwood. Garrett spent last season with the Franklin Quakers where he averaged just over 15ppg. Going into his senior year, he has transferred to Metro league rival Rainier Beach. Jaivion adds an inside presence that the Vikings will need this season if they want to reach their goal of winning state. Garrett is the perfect complimenting big man. He is good in the open floor as a finisher, and he can work on the block efficiently with his strong frame and soft touch around the rim.