2023 Stock Risers in the NPSL
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The North Puget Sound League (NPSL) is made up of teams from Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Maple Valley, and Burien. While the league is senior heavy, the junior class has more than enough talent to keep the league competitive after this senior class moves on. These juniors have used the 2021-2022 season to send the message that they deserve to be watched over the spring and summer.
Vaughn Weems Vaughn Weems 6'5" | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA – 6’4 SF – Federal Way
Vaughn was the 4A NPSL MVP as a sophomore and is currently ranked #16 in the Class of 2023 Prep Hoops WA rankings, but after averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds while leading the Federal Way Eagles to a top seed in the playoffs, he has made a case for a higher ranking. He is one of the most athletic players in the state and has the bounce to snatch rebounders from larger opponents, block shots with ease, or put on his own dunk contest on the fast break. With this size, strength, and athleticism he is a nightmare for both guards and bigs. Too big and strong for the little guys and too fast and quick for the big guys. Keep an eye on Vaughn as he continues to build on what is already a very impressive career.
Jalon Blackwell Jalon Blackwell 5'7" | PG Kentridge | 2023 State WA – 5’10 PG – Kentridge
Jalon is the type of player that you love to have on your team but hate to play against. On defense, he picks up full court the entire length of the game and never seems to get tired. On offense, he keeps you on players on their heels and is always looking for the right time to attack. While Jalon or “JB” is usually the fastest player on the court, he is often one of the smartest as well. He plays defense in a way that makes opposing guards play at his pace. He doesn’t always look to create a turnover right away but will use possessions to wear a guy down so they are working much harder than they are used to then exploits weaknesses at just the right time. Offensively, he knows when to score and when to find his teammates. Jalon averaged 13 points and 4 assists on his way to a 1st Team All League selection this year. With the right AAU team, the undersized guard could have an eye opening spring and summer.
Semaj Brown Semaj Brown 6'5" | SG Auburn | 2023 State WA – 6’4 SF – Auburn
Semaj is the highest ranked junior in the NPSL so his “stock” probably didn’t rise from a ranking standpoint, but it should have in the eyes of college coaches and recruiters. On the #2 ranked team in the state, Semaj sacrifices a lot of his game for the success of his team. He has the natural talent, skill, and IQ to be “the guy” on most rosters across the state but plays the role that is needed of him to be a state contending team. He guards 1-5 at the high school level, rebounds on both ends, and scores efficiently on limited shots. Semaj was 2nd Team All League this year but with his talent, he will have another great AAU season and a huge senior year as he will be in line to take on a bigger role.
Dane Lewis Dane Lewis 6'2" | CG Federal Way | 2023 State WA – 6’3 CG – Kent Meridian
Dane is unknown to most outside of the Kent/Auburn area but that is not because he lacks any talent. He is currently ranked #47 in the Class of 2023 Prep Hoops WA rankings but after growing a couple inches and leading his team to the playoffs, he has opened some more eyes. As a sophomore, he was the only underclassmen who got significant minutes on a team full of seniors but as a junior, Dane was the scoring leader for the NPSL this year at over 22 points per game. He has the quickness and handle to get to the bucket at will and the jumper to make you pay if you give him any space. Dane is a bucket getter by nature and can go on runs all on his own, but don’t be mistaken, he has the vision to get his teammates involved if you get caught watching off the ball.
Dae’Sean Johnson-Holiman Dae’Sean Johnson-Holiman 5'10" | PG Federal Way | 2023 State WA – 5’9 PG – Federal Way
Dae’Sean could be one of the most underrated players in the state for the Class of 2023. As a sophomore, he was 1st Team All League at Auburn Riverside and led the league in scoring at over 20 points per game. In his first season at Federal Way, he received his second 1st Team All League selection as he joined a stacked junior class and showed he can run the show without being the first or even second option on the roster. Playing with guys like Vaughn Weems Vaughn Weems 6'5" | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA , Dace Pleasant Dace Pleasant 6'6" | SG Elite Prep | 2024 State WA , and Isaiah Afework Isaiah Afework 6'5" | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA who are also two-time All League players, Dae’Sean averaged 12 points and 5 assists in his new role. He has shown he can score even when opposing teams game plan against him. He can facilitate on a roster full of talented players. But what sets him a part from other point guards in the state? Dae’Sean shoots the three ball at 51.5%, so it is probably in your best interest to hope that he misses the bus.