2020: Making a Case for Number 1
As previously reported, the state’s number one prospect Marjon Beauchamp will be transferring to Bella Vista in Arizona. Marjon has been viewed as the number one player in his class, dating back to his freshman season at Nathan Hale High…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs previously reported, the state’s number one prospect Marjon Beauchamp will be transferring to Bella Vista in Arizona. Marjon has been viewed as the number one player in his class, dating back to his freshman season at Nathan Hale High School, where he played with Michael Porter Jr and company. With this breaking news came the discussion of who should be the number one player when the updated 2020 rankings come out. The 2020 rankings will not be updated until after the final viewing period in July, but there are a few players jockeying for position as the state’s top prospect.
As it stands right now:
#2 6’8 PF Tari Eason (Federal Way HS)
#3 6’10 PF Mitchell Saxen (Ingraham HS)
#4 6’7 SG Tyler Patterson (Mt. Si HS)
#5 6’6 CG Jabe Mullins (Mt. Si HS)
#6 6’8 PF Kendall Munson (Rainier Beach HS)
Each prospect mentioned above will be in contention for the updated number one ranking in a couple months. Each of these players are obviously legitimate Division 1 prospects, but let’s go ahead and make a case for each player’s potential for number one, as of right now.
Tari Eason– The springy forward only gets better with time. He was invited to the NBA Top 100 Camp and had a very strong showing. He was also recently selected for the Pangos All-American top 30 All Star Game, where he scored 17 points. He has consistently shown the ability to get it done playing against other high level players and he seems to rise to the occasion, which is not the case for everyone.
Mitchell Saxen– The defensive minded big man has grown some from a year ago and he really stands out on the floor due to his shot blocking and ability to alter shots in the paint. He is not a traditional post up on the block type of player, but he will only get better as he continues to add strength. Mitchell does a good job of facilitating from the high post as well. He does not rely on natural athleticism to impact the game, which could suit him well as his body continues to fill out and mature. He has multiple mid to high major offers.
Tyler Patterson– Tyler has shown real potential as a 3 and D type of player and he is continuing to add to his game and frame. He is still on the slender side, but his maturation process seems similar to those guys that slowly, but surely get better and end up finding their way to the pro level. Bottom line, he is a lights out shooter at 6’7. If he gets stronger and more aggressive off the bounce, he has a shot at being viewed as the top prospect in the state.
Jabe Mullins– The 6’6 combo guard has upped his recruitment as much as anyone in the state when you talk about the amount of offers he has gained recently. Jabe has a handful of mid majors and he also picked up an offer from Oregon State at a recent camp. He can defend multiple positions and he has the ability to break the defense down off the bounce to make plays for himself and others. Do not be surprised to see Jabe rise in the next rankings, whether it is number one or not.
Kendall Munson– Kendall is a well-traveled ball player between high schools and club teams, but one thing that cannot be denied is his recruitment activity is there. UW made it clear they want him after he moved back to Washington and he has picked up a few other offers along the way. He has proven to be one of the best rebounders in the EYBL with Seattle Rotary. A strong finish this June and July could have him moved up higher than number six when it’s all said and done.
In the meantime, we will be closely monitoring these player’s performances and development over the course of the next couple months.