Top 3 Players in the Class of 2023
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This year’s sophomore class is full of great players, and especially full of young bigs that are looking to finally fill out their jerseys and learn how to operate their large feet. The state of Idaho is a great place…
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Continue ReadingThis year’s sophomore class is full of great players, and especially full of young bigs that are looking to finally fill out their jerseys and learn how to operate their large feet. The state of Idaho is a great place to go for great post players who can also take a step to the outside and knock down the long range jumper, and the class of 2023 is ripe with high level bigs that have already mastered the lost art of being tall. Though many of the players from the class of 2023 have been stuck on sophomore or junior varsity squads last season, the 2020-21 season will provide a great opportunity to show their skills and abilities. Continue reading for my personal top 3 players in the state of Idaho from the class of 2023 in no particular order.
Arie VanDenBerg Arie VanDenBerg 6'2" | SG Sandpoint | 2023 State ID , Sandpoint: After talking about bigs in the introduction, it is only right that my first player featured is a shooting guard. Arie proved himself as a lethal threat from downtown during last season, and the 2020-21 season will allow him to command more of the offense as he attempts to even out his game and implement more drives, consistency, and trips to the free throw line. He already has the mind of a coach’s son and his body is starting to mold into what it needs to be to carry him to the next level. Watch for Arie to be a surprise from the class of 2023.
Blake Buchanan Blake Buchanan 6'10" | PF Lake City | 2023 State #172 Nation ID , Lake City: Buchanan is one of the best bigs in the state already, and his final three seasons of varsity basketball will only serve to further cement his position as one of the top players in the state. Buchanan has a great mix of paint and perimeter presence as he has excellent footwork in the post and a silky jumper from the three point line. On defense, Blake is a tremendous rebounder and he is a constant threat in the paint for opposing players. He is a monster shot blocker and he plays the game at a very high level.
AJ LaBeau AJ LaBeau 7'0" | C Timberline | 2023 State ID , Timberline: The Timberwolves will be looking to LaBeau to step up his game this year with more offensive production and defensive presence in the paint. He already has a great looking jump shot and he is not afraid to be physical in the paint which will be a great asset for him once he gets in the weight room. AJ will be a dominant force in the 5A SIC by the time he is a senior and it will be important to start watching him this year to watch the progression take place.