City Rankings Faceoff: Vancouver VS Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula
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This is the second of three hypothetical games, pinning three different regions against each other. We’ve taken the best players from each region and started breaking down why one region would beat another. This is the second matchup in the…
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Continue ReadingThis is the second of three hypothetical games, pinning three different regions against each other. We’ve taken the best players from each region and started breaking down why one region would beat another. This is the second matchup in the City Rankings Faceoff.
Last time we took an in-depth look at how Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula would stack up against Southwest Washington, with the Peninsula’s coming out on top. Now we see if Vancouver fairs any better in this City Rankings Faceoff.
Starting Lineup
G | Giovanny Evanson Giovanny Evanson 6'5" | PG King's Way Christian | 2023 State WA vs Cade Orness Cade Orness 6'5" | PG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA
Advantage Vancouver
While I think this would be a back-and-forth battle, I am giving the slightest edge to Evanson with his length. He is so good at shooting over defenders, nullifying shot contests, and burying shots under duress. And defensively, he’d have more of an impact on Orness’s game being able to cover lots of ground and take away drives while still being able to contest jumpers. It could easily go either way but the edge lies with Evanson and Vancouver.
G | Beckett Currie Beckett Currie 6'0" | PG Camas | 2025 State WA vs Christian Parrish Christian Parrish 5'10" | CG Gig Harbor | 2023 WA
Advantage Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula
This is no knock on Currie but I am going with the guy who’s been there and has the knowledge that only comes with experience. Although Currie has clearly been putting in work in the gym, I like Parrish’s strength and fight to win this battle. Parrish has the lateral quickness and fortitude to force Currie into long shots, and while he’ll make his fair share, it’s going to be an uphill battle. Offensively, Parrish has the savvy to get Currie in foul trouble and get to the line. I like Currie to do some things; pick Parrish’s pocket, and nail long threes, but Parrish gets the edge in the end.
G | Tait Spencer Tait Spencer 6'3" | SG Great Futures Prep | 2025 State WA vs KeVaughn Harvey KeVaughn Harvey 6'2" | CG Gig Harbor | 2023 State WA
Advantage Vancouver
What swayed this matchup for me is Spencer’s craftiness. Harvey will have the physical edge but Spencer is great at using defenders’ aggression against them and setting them up with his moves. He’s a guy who can sink back and play within the offense when other guys are cooking but can get his when the moment requires it. Spencer’s awareness and control will give him the nod over Harvey.
F | Yanni Fassilis Yanni Fassilis 6'5" | SF Union | 2023 State WA vs Will Landram Will Landram 6'6" | SF Gig Harbor | 2023 State WA
No Advantage
I hate giving out a tie but I just couldn’t pick between the two. This is a matchup I would absolutely love to see. They are completely opposite physical profiles but are both highly skilled in their own right. Landram is long and athletic, he can shoot and drive. Fassilis is a little shorter, strong as heck, and has a great handle on the rock. Both are stout defenders in their own ways and I see these two going at it with neither guy getting an edge over the other.
F | Jaxson Filler Jaxson Filler 6'7" | PF Skyview | 2024 State WA vs Luke Browne Luke Browne 6'6" | SG Gig Harbor | 2023 State WA
Advantage Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula
This is a tough matchup for Filler who is a physical forward but doesn’t have the same quickness that Browne possesses. Browne is also one of the top shooters from the area and when you factor that in, it’s going to take a lot of work for Filler to keep Browne contained. If Filler can use his strength on the offensive end and get Browne in foul trouble, then he has a shot. But I’m counting on Browne wearing down Filler on offense, running through screens and forcing Filler to guard all over the half-court, gaining the advantage for Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula.
Bench
G Beau Swett Beau Swett 6'2" | CG Woodland | 2023 State WA vs G Harry Davies Harry Davies 6'4" | SG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA
Advantage Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula
Under normal circumstances, I would go with Swett but this game has the feel of one that will be won by the tougher team, and that just sounds like a perfect role for Davies. Davies has the length and motor that can cause turnovers, win extra possessions, and he can space the floor with his shooting. His energy off the bench could be the difference, spurring quick runs and keeping his team going steady.
G Theo McMillan Theo McMillan 6'2" | PG Camas | 2023 State WA vs G Beckett Turner Beckett Turner 6'4" | SG Ilwaco | 2024 State WA
Advantage Vancouver
These guys are pretty similar from a physical standpoint. Turner is probably the better shooter but I just like the way McMillan fits into the mold of his squad better. They’ll need someone to match up with some of the other squad’s physical players. With McMillan setting the tone from the point guard spot, it feels more impactful. I like him to be a guy who can run down the stretch too, absorbing contact and getting to the line.
Wildcard
G Boston Walker Boston Walker 6'6" | SG Rosemary Anderson Prep | 2025 WA vs F Cole Muilenburg
Advantage Vancouver
Muilenburg is perfect for his role but Walker has a special combination of size, skill, and athleticism that is hard to match up with. He brings versatility to their lineup, being able to play forward or guard, and can eat off of scraps on offense or go out and get his own shot. He’s a big piece coming off the bench and gets the advantage here.
Outcome
I think this game goes down to the wire as Vancouver has the talent and size to match up well with Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula. However, it’s going to be the boys from the Peninsula’s taking this one home. This Vancouver side is just a little green for me and I think the wealth of experience in big games is what tips the scale in favor of the Peninsula’s. They have five players who played at state last season versus two for Vancouver and they are just an older, more experienced squad in general.
I like Browne’s ability to dominate inside and out which will be a tough guard for Vancouver. That, along with the scrappiness from Parrish and Davies, will help the Peninsula’s win a tight one. Turnovers and longe range shooting propel Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula to another victory in this City Rankings Faceoff.
Final Score: KOP 52 VAN 45
Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula moves to the top at 2-0. Vancouver falls to 0-1.
Next up, Vancouver dukes it out with Southwest Washington to see who is second best in the City Rankings Faceoff.