Standouts in Whatcom County This Summer—Guards
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Whatcom County has seen some great HS summer action over the past couple weeks. Here are some guards from the past couple weeks that have been standing out. There will be some GREAT basketball up here this year, and years…
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Continue ReadingWhatcom County has seen some great HS summer action over the past couple weeks. Here are some guards from the past couple weeks that have been standing out. There will be some GREAT basketball up here this year, and years to come.
Bennett DeLange Bennett DeLange 6'2" | SG Nooksack Valley | 2023 WA -Nooksack Valley -2023–G
Bennett was one of my favorite players to watch to watch at the Laurel Shootout. He can take control of the game very quickly for his team. He’s always finding his open teammates and facilitating the game smoothly. DeLange also is pure scorer. He can get to the bucket, hit the midrange shot, or step back and drain the three. He plays the game with a very high IQ and it seems like he’s always thinking one play ahead. He’s been on top of his game so far this summer, showing he can lead a team with ease. He’ll be another 2023 in the NWC to watch out for this year.
Ashton Engelhart Ashton Engelhart 6'1" | SG Squalicum | 2023 WA -Squalicum HS -2023–G
Ashton is one of the best shooters in the 2023 class that you don’t know yet, but should know. Engelhart’s game has grown a tremendous amount compared to last season. Being able to pull from 5/6 feet beyond the 3 point line, defenders need to stay close on him. He’s great as using his speed to get open and find his spots. The senior to-be can get to the bucket and finish through traffic as well, though he will stand out this year because of his deep shot. He uses his speed very well on the court too, running in transition or driving by defenders.
Quinn Swanson Quinn Swanson 6'2" | SG Mount Vernon | 2024 State WA -Mount Vernon HS -2024–G
Quinn is an absolute shooter. There’s no other way to describe him, well there is because there’s much more to his game. Quinn was knocking down multiple 3’s every game, all weekend long. Swanson can get to the rim as well, using his speed, but can stop on a dime and rise up and hit the mid-range. He’s active when he doesn’t have the ball, which is important for this Mount Vernon team that’s filled with shooters. Swanson was 2nd team all NWC last season, and is set up to make the first team this upcoming year. Mount Vernon has impressed early, winning the Green & Gold Summer Invite in Lynden HS the other week.
Anthony Najera Anthony Najera 6'0" | PG Everett | 2024 WA -Marysville Pilchuck HS -2024–G
Anthony is a true playmaker on the court during the Green & Gold summer invite in Lynden. He has almost everything in his offensive game. He’s able to take a defender 1 on 1 and get to the rim with his speed and finish through traffic. Anthony can also finish with a floater or pull up and drain the mid-range shot. Najera also puts in work on the defensive side, always having active hands in the passing lanes and moving his feet very well to stay in front of his opponents. But the one thing that stands out beyond everything is the junior to-be’s three point shot. He can hit from DEEP, 4/5 feet beyond the three point line. His lighting fast release makes it difficult to get a hand in his face. The fact he isn’t afraid to pull up from anywhere from deep makes him extremely dangerous. He will be a name to watch this season.