Way too early class 2A title contenders
Legendary and my former coach Bill Bakamus will be hanging it up after next season. Do the Monarchs get him his first state title before he exits.. They might. Led by a trio of ultra talented guards, who make up…
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Continue ReadingLegendary and my former coach Bill Bakamus will be hanging it up after next season. Do the Monarchs get him his first state title before he exits.. They might. Led by a trio of ultra talented guards, who make up for an otherwise undersized team. They have experience and the toughness to make a deep post-season run.
Mark Morris
Kobe Parlin Kobe Parlin 6'1" | CG Mark Morris | 2023 State WA – The smooth shooting lefty lefty seems like he’s been getting buckets for Bakamus for 7 years. He has improved every year and this year will be no different. He is an excellent shooter with the ability to get himself to the basket and also sets up his mid range game with the best of them. He is a stronger, quicker version of his 18PPG that he got as a junior. He will be counted on to get tough buckets at critical points in games and he has all the abilities to do that. He is also a good rebounder for his size and has the ability to lock down his man on defense.
Deacon Dietz Deacon Dietz 6'3" | SG Mark Morris | 2023 State WA – He’s a great athlete who excels in the open floor and can elevate over the defense with his jump shot. He is built like an NFL free safety and creates a lot of problems with his defense and hustle. He is well rounded and brings a toughness to his game that will also be counted on for a team that is undersized but ultra talented.
Braydon Olson Braydon Olson 6'2" | CG Mark Morris | 2024 State WA – The only underclassmen of the trio, his best asset is getting buckets. He’s a great shooter – hit 9 threes in a game last season for a school record. He has one of the best and quickest pull up mid range jumpers that I have seen this off – season, and can create for himself at will, much like his aforementioned teammates. They should take turns being the top dog in the scoring column all season but don’t be surprised if he is more often than not. Much of their success will depend on how the role players accept and deliver, and they have one of the best to ever do it on the sidelines to sort that out.
Tumwater
This is an experienced team that made a nice post-season run last year. They have their leader and all everything guard back for his senior season.
Luke Brewer Luke Brewer 6'2" | PG Tumwater | 2023 State WA – He is probably the best shooter in the state and maybe the best at any level. What I have learned in watching him this off-season is that isn’t the only thing he does. He has improved his ability to score on all levels, he’s tough and hard nosed on the defensive end, and his ability to control the pace of the game and get his teammates involved has also been impressive. He will no doubt improve on his 17PPG from last year and should be among the leading scorers in the state. He’s a leader, and a winner, and the reason I have Tumwater here.
Andrew Collins Andrew Collins 6'4" | SG Tumwater | 2023 State WA – A great athlete that has also impressed me with his overall improvement from last season. He will be a great complimentary scorer to take some of that responsibility off of Brewer, he is great in the open floor, and has the ability to get in the lane and finish above the rim, or hit the open jumper with a nice soft touch. He is a high energy type player that should show up on the stat sheet in multiple categories. Tumwater has a nice core of solid players but these two will be the focal point of the offense next season in hopes of advancing even further next March.
Ellensburg
Gavin Marrs Gavin Marrs 6'11" | PF Ellensburg | 2023 State WA -Here’s a kid who is one of the more underrated players in the state. He didn’t play a full season last year, and I have to believe that is where he got overlooked and underrated. A 6’11 kid who is mobile and smooth. He is a monster around the basket catching alley oop dunks and finishing with either hand around the rim. He can even put it on the deck and get to the bucket.He shoots the long ball as well by the way. He just has a smoothness about his game that is rare for a kid his size. He’s getting plenty of attention from colleges but not nearly what he’s going to get after he starts showing up during next season in a large way. Huge potential!
Emmett Fenz Emmett Fenz 6'6" | SF Ellensburg | 2023 State WA -Great size for a shooting guar/small forward who has the ability to stretch the floor. He’s a great shooter and uses his size to get into the lane and shoot over smaller defenders. An all league selection last season, he can get his team buckets. This one two punch with Marrs is a rare one with size and the ability to play away from the hoop as well as dominante the paint. Unique skill sets in Ellensburg could carry them to a deep post season run.
Lynden
You don’t talk 2A title contenders without talking about the back to back defending champion. There’s plenty of talent to make a run at a trifecta in 2023.
Anthony Canales Anthony Canales 6'4" | SG Lynden | 2024 State WA – The state tournament MVP on last year’s title team is poised for a huge season with even more of a featured role in 2023. A stretch three who can do it all. He scores from every level and makes it look easy. He has an effortless stroke from three, and is great in the lane, using his length to score. A four tool player who can run, shoot, rebound, and defend. The Prephoops class of 2024 number three prospect should have a huge year and gives Lynden a chance to pull off the trifecta.
Coston Parcher Coston Parcher 6'0" | PG Lynden | 2023 State WA – Take your young kids to watch this kid play if you want them to learn how to play the game right. He’s very underrated in my opinion and I think he’ll prove that in 2023. One of the prettier shots you will find, one of the best mid-range pull up jumpers, and the ability to finish under control with either hand makes him a break out scoring candidate. He sees the floor extremely well, and doesn’t make many mistakes. One of those who is doing what you think he should at the right time all the time. He’s the x factor for this team and will be a dangerous compliment to Canales as a true second scoring option. He was often the best player on the floor last season. Look for big things in 2023.
Other players and teams to watch :
Pullman-
Jaedyn Brown Jaedyn Brown 6'3" | CG Pullman | 2023 State WA – A pure scorer and one of the best shooters in the state. Averaged 19PPG for the runner up Greyhounds last year. A threat to drop 30 plus any given night with his quick trigger from deep and a knack for getting the ball in the hoop period.
North Kitsap
Harry Davies Harry Davies 6'4" | SG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA -Showed flashes of being a great offensive weapon last year, he will need to step up as the second option and has all the talent to do so. He’s active, and uses his athleticism to get to the bucket and can be a dangerous weapon from long distance. The skill set is there, except that to show up in 2023.
Cade Orness Cade Orness 6'5" | PG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA -One of the best point guards in the state. He has been on some great teams as a three year starter, he will focus more on scoring in 2023. His ability to distribute isn’t in question, he has great vision and size and is used to setting up his teammates, playing with some big time scorers. Those guys are gone, expect Orness to pick up his scoring in a big way.
R. A. Long
Cavin Holden Cavin Holden 6'1" | CG Ra Long | 2023 State WA – My pick to win the class 2A scoring title. Elite shooter, playmaker and multi faceted scorer. He could easily average 30 a game, but is also a good distributor when opposing teams send help which will be often. Another one who makes the right decisions at the right time.
Sehome
Grant Kepley Grant Kepley 6'4" | CG North Creek | 2023 State WA – He’s had a great off-season and will be the go to guy for a Sehome team who returns a plethora of players that made it to the state tournament last year. Kepley has great size for a guard and the ability to get in the lane and finish, or shoot it from deep. He plays under control, sets himself up well with the dribble, and can throw it down with authority. He has a great supporting class as well and the experience makes Sehome a safe bet to make another run in Yakima.