Five 2023 Players to know in the NWC (Pt 1)

<p>The Northwest Conference is FILLED with hidden talent, in all grades. For this article, we will look at five 2023 names to keep an eye on for next season! Some of these guys have already made some noice, some are destined for a breakout year next season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_1415810" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1346-crop-1639x1076-1648524816.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1415810" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1346-crop-1639x1076-1648524816-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Connor J Benintendi <a href="https://www.lyndentribune.com/users/profile/cjbenintendi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynden Tribune</a>[/caption] <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1417277" first="Bennett" last="DeLange"]</em>--Nooksack Valley HS</p> <p>Bennett was very effective and consistent for the Pioneers all season. His ability to find his open teammates in the fast break stands out to me. The guard is an extremely good leader for his team, always encouraging his teammates. Something else that stood out to me was his active hands on defense, he’s always anticipating his opponents next move very well. Offensively, Bennett is a knockdown shooter and was consistent from deep all season long. He is poised for another big year, leading the Pioneers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1417280" first="Grey" last="Garrison"]</em>--Sehome HS</p> <p>Grey’s 6’6" frame is very favorable for the Mariners 2/3 zone defense, as his long arms are able to make it very difficult for passes to get by him. Garrison is also a solid three point shooter, as he is able to hit the deep shot from anywhere beyond the line. His high basketball IQ leads to many logical plays, on both sides of the ball. The senior to-be reads screens very effectively, on both sides of the ball. While the Mariners already went deep into the state tournament this year, they are bound for another great season as they have a core of returning players.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1416315" first="Carson" last="Lehnert"]</em>--Blaine HS</p> <p>Carson’s ability to finish around the rim is impressive, but something else stands out more when you watch his film. His three point shot stands out, he is able to hit from deep range! If his opponents aren’t able to get hand out, he will knock it down. If they do get a hand in his face, he does a great job sneaking right by and hitting the mid-range shot. The Borderites solid 2/3 zone defense is tough to play against, Carson’s long arms doesn’t make it easier.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1440573" first="Blaine" last="Granberg"]--Burlington-Edison HS</p> <p>Blaine is set to have a big, breakout year for Burlington-Edison. He can get to the rim very effectively, getting past his opponents by using his speed to get to the bucket. His long range shot is also incredibly consistent. From watching his film, you can tell his is hard working on both sides on the court. While averaging around 1.2 steals a game, he was also very effective in the fast break. His sneaky good vertical is shown when he rises up to finish at the rim over a taller defender.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1270689" first="Tyler" last="Sipma"]--Lynden Christian HS</p> <p>Tyler is a fantastic ball handler, one of the best in the entire NWC conference. Tyler has a very high game IQ on the court. His amazing passing vision makes it so he can easily find his open teammates when pushing the ball up the court. His consistent deep shot makes him a problem nightly for opposing teams. After helping lead Lynden Christian to a state title this season, he is poised for a bigger role and another great season next year.</p> [caption id="attachment_1415811" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1347.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1415811" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1347-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photo: Connor J Benintendi, <a href="https://www.lyndentribune.com/users/profile/cjbenintendi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynden Tribune</a>[/caption]