Top Players from the ‘Laurel Shootout’ (Part 1)
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The Laurel Shootout featured some of the best players from Whatcom County. Here’s some names that stood out to me during the first action of summer league. Tyler Sipma Tyler Sipma 6'0" | CG Lynden Christian | 2023 State…
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Continue ReadingThe Laurel Shootout featured some of the best players from Whatcom County. Here’s some names that stood out to me during the first action of summer league.
Tyler Sipma Tyler Sipma 6'0" | CG Lynden Christian | 2023 State WA -Lynden Christian HS -Class of 2023
With 2022 graduate Andrew Hommes headed off to Point Loma, Tyler has taken the leadership role for this team and is not disappointing. Tyler’s confidence on the court of what amazes me. He’s not afraid to attack the ball and finish through bigger defenders. He’s also able to distribute the ball to his teammates phenomenally. He is always finding his bigs down low, or his shooters outside. Tyler’s voice can be heard in the gym always, despite the 2 games going on at once in the same gym. Sipma has a very steady jump shot as well, hitting the outside shot and mid-range when he wants. Another thing that stood out to me is how Tyler controls the ball. He’s an amazing ball handler who can easily split a double team and find his open teammate. LC is already coming off a state championship, and they might be headed for another.
Matthew Russ -Blaine HS -Class of 2023
Watching Matthew play was very exciting. His athleticism is through the roof. He can jump out of the gym with ease, especially while he dunked on someone off a missed shot against Lummi Nation this weekend. Whenever Russ is on a fast break and he’s going full steam, he will slam it home and get his teammates fired up. Matthew’s game is also patient on the court, I watched him play through the high post this weekend as well as playing wing. He is extremely crafty with the ball, being able to dish the ball to his cutters from the high post. He’s able to attack the rim and is not afraid of contact at any times, honestly, I think he wants that contact. The senior to-be can also step outside and consistently hit the three. He’ll be a name to watch for players who could have breakout seasons.
Xander Sledge -Squalicum HS -Class of 2023
With most of the Storm’s core players graduating last year, the 2023 player class; Xander will have step up. For the first time playing together this weekend, in awhile, they looked very solid. The best way to describe Xander on the court is that he’s a gritty player, gives 110% every play, and truly loves the game of basketball. Xander is not afraid of contact or to get in the opponents face. Xander is always supporting his teammates from the bench and is always one of the first players to go pick up a teammate. Sledge is another really solid “3 and D” player. He has very quick release, so defenders need to get out on him fast or his smooth lefty shot will easily drain the shot. After he gets his shot going and defenders close out, Xander is great at ball fakes and getting by his defenders to get to the hoop to either score or find his teammates.
Griffin Dykstra -Lynden Christian HS -Class of 2023
Griffin has seen his role increase from last year as well, with Hommes graduating. Dykstra is an extremely athletic guard, throwing down dunks during pregame warmups with ease despite being just 6’0”. The 2023 graduate plays the game very fluidly, always moving around and trying getting open. Dykstra’s beautiful lefty shot was hitting from three point range all weekend, as well as his mid-range game. One thing that really stood out to me while watching Griffin was his on ball defense. He is always in defensive position with his hands out and moving his feet to keep his opponent in front of him. Dykstra might be the best “3 and D” players in the NWC, but trust me, he is a lot more than that on the court.