2023 Rankings Update: Players who could rise
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The class of 2023 in the state of Washington is a deep one. There were many players in the class who could have been ranked, or ranked higher on the list than they were. I am taking a deeper look…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 in the state of Washington is a deep one. There were many players in the class who could have been ranked, or ranked higher on the list than they were. I am taking a deeper look into the class rankings to see which players could be on the rise when the season gets underway.
Some people might be surprised to see Olujic in this article. I personally think the transfer to Mount Si will elevate his game in a very positive way. He’s going to fir right in with other top 2023 player Miles Heide Miles Heide 6’7″ | C Mount Si | 2023 State #274 Nation WA , as well as 2024 guards, Blake Forrest Blake Forrest 6’0″ | PG Mt Si | 2024 State WA and Trevor Hennig Trevor Hennig 6’4″ | SG Mt Si | 2024 State WA . Bennett’s game will fit perfectly around those players as he can play off the ball very well and create shots by always moving. Opponents may also focus on the other top players on the team, possibly leaving Bennett open for easy shots that he will knock down.
Highlights
Cooper is overlooked by a lot in my eyes. Being 6’7″, he’s a matchup nightmare for almost everyone in the class. He’s extremely athletic for his size, being able to rise up to rebounds with ease. His mid-range shot is consistent but his post game is where he excels. He has great footwork down low, having quite a few moves that work well for him. In transition, he attacks the rim with force and not many can match that force. Cooper is poised for a big senior year for Spanaway Lake HS.
Dane is another player who is under the radar in my eyes. He has great size standing at 6’6″ and is able to play multiple spots on the court. His deep shot is very good, as he can hit the shot when it’s open or with a man in his face. He runs the court well, being able to fills holes fast and finish the push with a big slam. Dane reads the ball off the rim extremely well, leading to many rebounds for the senior. I’ll be watching his season closely this year.
Highlights
As not a lot of people really pay attention to the Northwest Conference, many players aren’t seen much. This was the case for Blaine, until he had a monster summer these past couple months leading up to the season. He was dominant playing for Burlington-Edison HS during their summer lead games, often leading the offense for his team. The senior took a big step in having his game more well-rounded. His three point shot is still as good as ever, but Blaine attacks the rim just as good as anyone in the NWC. He played great for North City AAU over the summer as well, getting his name out there more in the process.
Maddox is another player who had a great summer for North City AAU. Preder is a phenomenal leader on the court. His teammates follow in his lead as he facilitates the offense. He has the ability to take over a game with his passing or his scoring. He can turn on a switch and kick it into high gear when the team needs, attacking the rim, pushing the ball in transition, or he can create his own shots. Maddox impressed me over the summer when I saw him live, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he took a jump the next update.