Class of 2023 Player Rankings Update: The Top 5
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(No. 1) Jaylin Stewart Jaylin Stewart 6'7" | SG Garfield | 2023 State #71 Nation WA , 6’6, Forward, Garfield A super-skilled forward with physicality and top-notch athleticism, Stewart checks all the boxes as a Division-I prospect and as our…
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Continue Reading(No. 1) Jaylin Stewart Jaylin Stewart 6'7" | SG Garfield | 2023 State #71 Nation WA , 6’6, Forward, Garfield
A super-skilled forward with physicality and top-notch athleticism, Stewart checks all the boxes as a Division-I prospect and as our No. 1 pick for the class of 2023. Jaylin emerged throughout the year as a go-to contributor during Garfield’s regular and postseason runs, showing his versatility on both sides of the ball and becoming one of the state’s most well-rounded players. The First-Team all Metro League selection bloomed offensively, showing elite ball skills for his size along with his ability to power through multiple defenders at once to finish shots underneath, step back and be a threat from the mid-post and behind the 3-point line. He was extremely intimidating to go up against on the defensive end with his discipline as a post defender and incredible timing on blocks, being able to swat away and bother shots with his verticality. Arizona, Montana, and Portland State have already sent offers Stewart’s way, and there should be plenty more takers as he dives into an even bigger role as a senior.
(No. 2) Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA , 6’2, Guard, Olympia
Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA came out for Olympia this past season as one of the craftiest points guards of the season. Leading Olympia to a third-place state tournament finish at the Tacoma Dome. The SPSL South MVP averaged 18 points a game, adding 5 assists and 3 steals, showcasing himself as an elite playmaker on a nightly basis. Gerrits is an excellent floor leader and does a great job controlling the pace of a game. He operates well as a primary playmaker when setting up the offense and has underrated burst in transition with a keen ability to find teammates on the fly or finish with nifty scoop shots and layins. When it comes to his jumper, his 3-point shot is smooth and compact. His shot selection might be the most impressive thing about him on the offensive end of the floor. He’s starting to become a household name and holds several D-I offers.
(No. 3) Brooklyn Hicks Brooklyn Hicks 6'3" | CG Timberline | 2023 State #168 Nation WA , 6’4, Guard/Forward, Timberline
An electric multi-positional guard, Brooklyn Hicks Brooklyn Hicks 6'3" | CG Timberline | 2023 State #168 Nation WA was fun to watch as he helped Timberline to a 2022 state tournament appearance. What may stand out most about Hicks is his slashing trait. His ability to sift through defenders in the lane and off the dribble helped him average 23 ppg on the year, adding 10 boards a night. Brooklyn can finish above the rim, throwing down thunderous jams with his hops and is an effective cutter off the ball and can finish through contact when he’s challenged at the basket. He’s at his best while playing downhill and plays with great energy and aggressiveness. There aren’t many prospects of his stature when it comes to a combo guard who can play and defend 1-through-3.
(No. 4) Tyce Paulsen Tyce Paulsen 6'5" | SG Curtis | 2023 State WA , 6’4, Guard, Curtis
Fresh off a a 4A state title, Tyce Paulsen Tyce Paulsen 6'5" | SG Curtis | 2023 State WA should be on everyone’s radar now as a talented shot maker who can score from all three levels. As a jump shooter, he has a quick-triggered release from deep that a lot of defenders had trouble reacting to while guarding him this past season. He had deadly accuracy, shooting the 3-ball at 45% on the year, averaging 13.5 points per outing. He was not just a shooter either, showcasing his shot creating skills, being able to maneuver to his spots and convert with ease. He proved to be the perfect pairing with backcourt mate Zoom Diallo (2024) and starred is more of a supporting role than he’s had in past years with the program.
(No. 5) Miles Heide Miles Heide 6'7" | C Mount Si | 2023 State #274 Nation WA , 6’10, Post, Mount Si
One of the highest risers of the season was junior big man Miles Heide Miles Heide 6'7" | C Mount Si | 2023 State #274 Nation WA . At 6-foot-10 and about 225 pounds, he was a matchup problem all year long against any team. He was simply a beast on the low block and was a huge reason why Mount Si went 25-1 this past season. He has a classic post game, using his size and footwork to work inside the paint. Playing with a lot of shot makers on the perimeter for the Wildcats, Heide played his role well as an elite offensive rebounder and screen-and-roller on offense, while being a rim protector on the defensive end (2.3 blog, 1.1 spg). He was able to catch and finish around the paint very effectively and has good hands when handling lobs and bounce passes. He was a nightly double-double threat this season (14.5 ppg, 10.1 rpg). So far, Heide has garnered Division-I offers from Eastern Washington, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State.