Hidden Gems Within Idaho’s Class of 2020
With an update to the 2020 Class Rankings, we began discussing the top prospects already. Today, it is time to look at some sleepers and underrated prospects within the class itself who could make waves playing for a D-II, D-III,…
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Continue ReadingWith an update to the 2020 Class Rankings, we began discussing the top prospects already. Today, it is time to look at some sleepers and underrated prospects within the class itself who could make waves playing for a D-II, D-III, or NAIA program:
Jaden Carter Jaden Carter 6'8" | PF Eagle | 2020 State ID – 6’8 PF, Eagle
We have not written enough about the do-it-all forward from Eagle. The commit to Northwest Nazarene is poised to be a contributing force for the D-II program. Carter put up an impressive 16 points, 6 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots per game during his senior season. With excellent height and length, Carter is able to get his shot off over nearly any defender that comes his way. One of his greatest attributes is his ability to stretch the court. He has a smooth looking shot and is ready to shoot in drive-and-kick situations. Carter can play a complimentary role on any team. He already was able to be an excellent supporting player to Eagle standout Tanner Hayhurst Tanner Hayhurst 6'6" | SG Eagle | 2020 State ID . With his shot, he can keep the defense honest for guards looking to penetrate. Projecting as a stretch-four with excellent upside, Carter is about to make his mark for the Nighthawks.
Graden Nearing Graden Nearing 6'0" | PG Kellogg | 2020 State ID – 6’2 PG, Kellogg
This article is about “hidden gems” which means that we are required to have a player from the Silver Valley. Nearing is more than just a courtesy pick to make a strained pun; Nearing has game. He can shoot from just about anywhere on the court. He is absolutely fearless when it comes to getting his shot off. Kellogg did not have many scoring options this year which meant that teams were keying in on Nearing. However, that rarely mattered. Even a broken bone in his shooting hand during the season could not slow down his scoring production. He plays with the high basketball IQ that comes with being a coach’s son. Nearing is a hard nosed player who plays the game with confidence and heart.
Paul Yenor Paul Yenor 6'6" | PF Ambrose | 2020 State ID – 6’6 C, Ambrose
The 6’6, 220 pound center from Ambrose plays like a true post player. He commands the low block. Offensively, he has a smorgasbord of low post moves. He can play the finesse post game. He can get you with spins and footwork that get him open in order to finish with touch around the basket. However, he is also able to play with power around the hoop if needed. He can back down a player who is smaller than he is. Defensively, Yenor can block shots, works hard in the passing lanes, and grabs any rebound that is available. Yenor is an interesting post prospect for a program looking for a player who plays as an old school center.
Ben Postell Ben Postell 6'7" | C Moscow | 2020 State ID – 6’7 C, Moscow
Postell is a commanding south-paw center from Moscow. He has a great spin move going to his dominant hand. He is athletic and moves well for a tall post player. This is no surprise as he is also a talented football player who plays WR/DB. He can set a wall of a screen that stops a guard in their tracks. He is a good defensive player. As a prospect, his calling card is going to be on that side of the ball. He can block shots, grab rebounds, and then fill a lane running the court to give his team the option of a big, athletic center who can finish through contact. Postell is an intriguing post player with the opportunity to make an impact on a college basketball team.
Ben Zubaly Ben Zubaly 5'10" | PG Lakeland | 2020 State ID – 5’10 PG, Lakeland
Zubaly was the player of the year for the 4A Inland Empire League. Yet, it seems like Zubaly is continuously overlooked in conversations about the top players and prospects in the state. He is the Patrick Beverly of Idaho basketball. Defensively, he guards an opposing ball-handler all 94-feet. He is aggressive, he is a blur of quickness and athleticism on the court. He is relentless defensively. On both sides of the ball, he is giving maximum effort the entire game. He can make an open shot; however, he is a playmaker when he is attacking the hoop. Defense is the name of his game. Zubaly wreaks absolute havoc on a game. He is a track-and-field star as well. If I were to start a team of Idaho players, I would make room for a player who plays the game like Zubaly.
Jacob James Jacob James 6'3" | SF Timberlake | 2020 State ID – 6’3 SG, Timberlake
A shooter through and through. James has excellent length that allows him to get his shot off over height. He has an excellent feel for the game and really is a high IQ basketball player. He can use the threat of being an incredibly consistent outside shooter to use shot fakes that allows him to get to the mid-range and use that length and skill to convert. James is a great passer as a 2-guard as well. He can locate players all over the court. You can tell that he has a good understanding of offensive basketball and is certainly a weapon on that side of the court. James is a good student in the classroom and a talent on the court.
Jakob Peterson Jakob Peterson 6'0" | PG North Idaho Christian | 2020 State ID – 6’0 PG, North Idaho Christian
You watch enough basketball from every classification from around the state, and you see quite a few guys who are 5’9-6’1 who play the point guard position who are able to shoot or score in a variety of ways. You have to be able to differentiate yourself from that group. For Peterson, one of his greatest intangibles that stands out is his leadership. Peterson is a leader within the community and on the court. As a player, Peterson is one of the better shooters in his region. He has a lightning quick release, great court vision, passing creativity, and defensively has quick hands to force turnovers. Peterson has the intangible qualities that you look for in a point guard as well the skills on the court.
Honorable Mention
Casper Block Casper Block 6'4" | SF Lighthouse Christian | 2020 State ID , 6’5 SF – Tyler Munsee Tyler Munsee 6'4" | SG Lighthouse Christian | 2020 State ID , 6’5 SG – Logan Stevens 6’5 SF: (In a unique story, all three players from Lighthouse Christian signed to play basketball at Tacoma Community College.)
Hayden Harmon Hayden Harmon 6'4" | SF Cole Valley Christian | 2020 State ID – 6’4 SF, Cole Valley Christian
Caleb Fong Caleb Fong 5'9" | PG Melba | 2020 State ID – 5’9 PG, Melba
Talon Twoteeth Talon Twoteeth 6'0" | PG Lakeside | 2020 State ID – 6’0 PG, Lakeside
Phillip Boettcher Phillip Boettcher 6'5" | PF Minico | 2020 State ID – 6’5 PF, Minico
Kobe Banks Kobe Banks 5'11" | PG Sandpoint | 2020 State ID – 5’11 PG, Sandpoint
Carey Sovereign Carey Sovereign 6'2" | PG Christian Center | 2020 State ID – 6’2 PG, Christian Center