West Coast Clash: 17U 2nd Team Breakdown
The West Coast Clash in Centralia had some of the top players in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The players who make up the second-team all-tournament consistently found ways to elevate their squads and were impact players for some of the…
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Continue ReadingThe West Coast Clash in Centralia had some of the top players in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The players who make up the second-team all-tournament consistently found ways to elevate their squads and were impact players for some of the most successful teams of the weekend. Here is your second team all-tournament for the 17U division.
Grant Kepley Grant Kepley 6'4" | CG North Creek | 2023 State WA (#43PHWA 2023) CG 6’4 Sehome/WA | ECBA 3-1
It was tough not to add Kepley to the first team as he was one of the highest performing guards of the weekend. I watched two of his games on day one and he filled two vastly different roles for each. In game one, he played mostly off-ball, showing off his shooting and finishing abilities. In game two, he was often the one running the show. Early on he created looks at a high level, drawing defenders in with drives and facilitating off the pick and roll. Once he got the defense on their heels with his playmaking, he started to take advantage of increased space and made his own looks. Kepley showed his versatility and his ability to not just play both guard spots, but to play them at a high level.
Graham Eikenberry Graham Eikenberry 6'10" | PF St Andrew’s RI | 2023 State OR (#18PHOR 2023) PF 6’10 Lincoln/OR | BDH Elite 2-2
One of the few, true big men at the event, Eikenberry was tasked with challenges of varying size and strength. In one game he would be matched up with the 6’11 Brody Rowbury, who had more than a few pounds on him. In the next, he’d be matched up with a 6’6-6’8 stretch big who had the edge in quickness and could draw him outside. The one constant was Eikenberry’s work rate. No matter the challenge, he worked his tail off, fighting for rebounds, putting in second-chance points, and taking on huge defensive responsibilities. His range and versatility as a true big man were tested all weekend, and he continually answered the call.
DaeKwon Watson DaeKwon Watson 5'10" | CG Auburn | 2022 State WA (#34PHWA 2022) SG 6’1 Auburn/WA | Seattle Stars 4-0
Watson was responsible for more than a few of the top highlight plays from the weekend, but it’s the little ways he impacted the games that stood out. He made the double-pump reverse layups through contact. He had a step-back fadeaway three that was nothing but net from the corner. But in between those highlight plays, he locked down ball-handlers and made smart plays in the offense – little things that had huge impacts on the result of the games. Watson is one of the best defenders in the state and he has the ability to completely take players out of the game. He will be suiting up at Montana State University-Northern next year.
Matt Lindblom (2025) CG 6’0 Olympia/WA | Team Anderson Elite 4-0
After watching just a few minutes of Team Anderson you could see the game started and finished with Lindblom. A first-team selection for the 16U, and now on the second-team for 17U, Lindblom’s impact over the weekend was far-reaching. He played with two teams and seemed to relish every moment out there. Team Anderson was one of the better-constructed teams over the weekend with everyone filling a key role, and Lindblom stood out as the catalyst time and again. He’s a multi-dimensional scorer who finds great balance between attacking one-on-one and running through sets; setting screens and spacing the floor.
Thad Tenkley (2023) SF 6’5 North Thurston/WA | Team Anderson Elite 4-0
Tenkley was one of the more graceful forwards over the weekend in Centralia. His timing inside allowed him to send shots back, start breaks, and be a force on the glass. He’s not the thickest big out there but he moves exceptionally well and has great dexterity. Offensively, he can spread the floor with a reliable three-point shot and is a strong finisher inside. He’s a smart player who sees the flow of the game well and never doubts his role in it.
Luke Brewer Luke Brewer 6'2" | PG Tumwater | 2023 State WA (#39PHWA 2023) PG 6’2 Tumwater/WA | Roots Academy 2-2
Brewer is like a sledgehammer against a brick wall. His relentless assault of the rim, quest for loose balls, and ball pressure on defense are rarely matched. It’s his four-quarter all-out effort that wears defenders down and helped set him apart this weekend. He was one of the better scoring guards, hitting from three-point and tough shots in the paint. Being down on the scoreboard or failing to execute a play only seems to make him play harder. He’s a true grinder from the guard spot.
Kaden Hansen Kaden Hansen 6'1" | CG Auburn | 2021 State WA (#25PHWA 2022) CG 6’0 Auburn/WA | Seattle Stars 4-0
Every time I watch Hansen my respect for his game grows. Not only is he one of the most consistent shooters in the state, but he also has some of the best range too. However, this weekend his playmaking and athleticism were game-changers for me. First off, Hansen was banging out with ease in warmups, and while you don’t normally get to see him do that in games, his hangtime around the rim gives him exponentially more time to get shots off or find teammates for looks. Aside from his athleticism, it’s his awareness that drives his playmaking. He could have easily shot a few contested threes but instead, hit the defender with a pump, took a dribble in – drawing help defense – and then dished for an even better look. He was one of the more poised players, manipulating defenses all weekend.