District by district – Class 2A – District 1
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You will find your defending state champion in this district. I see two teams here that have a chance to win it all this year. ,There are a couple others who will be looking for a deep run in Yakima…
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Continue ReadingYou will find your defending state champion in this district. I see two teams here that have a chance to win it all this year. ,There are a couple others who will be looking for a deep run in Yakima as well. Starting with the defending champion.
Lynden
It’s not hard to see why they should be among the early favorites to possibly win their 3rd state championship in a row. They return the state tournament MVP from last year, in Anthony Canales Anthony Canales 6'4" | SG Lynden | 2024 State WA . They also have an all state caliber guard back in Coston Parcher Coston Parcher 6'0" | PG Lynden | 2023 State WA . Lynden is title town and they will be back in the hunt for a 3rd consecutive and 12th in school history.
He was impressive as a sophomore, being named tournament MVP. He’s a great scoring stretch 3 type with a lot of range and a smooth stroke from down town. He is really effective at either getting all the way to the hole or pulling up for a mid-range jumper. The jumper is effective because he is tall enough to shoot over people, has a soft touch, and can get himself into it with a couple quick dribbles. He is good enough with the ball in his hands to make a move behind his back and get into either of those. He can get his points inside and out. His length allows him to play bigger than he is. The unlimited range is a major weapon for a player his size, and he can keep you honest using the dribble.
I think he’s the best point guard in district 1. His floor game is excellent. He always has his head up, makes the right pass at the right time, and takes what the defense gives him. He does this using a change of pace dribble, along with the ability to pull up and knock down shots off the dribble. He’s effective at finishing with either hand. His shot is pure with range. He’ll put up some good scoring numbers this season as he takes on more of that type of role. Either way, you can count on him making the right decisions.
He will play a key role with his toughness and rebounding. He’s a big kid and he goes after rebounds, both offensive and defensive. He’ll get lots of put backs but he can also knock down open looks. He plays hard and his defense and rebounding are the parts of the game he will impact the most. He’s also skilled enough to get you points off the dribble. Mainly going all the way to the hoop.
Sehome
This is a dangerous team that returns all but one player from last year’s state tournament qualifying team. They have a talented backcourt with good size and athletic ability. They have a taste of what it’s like to get there.That experience, plus returning the same group of players makes them a team that could have a chance to win a championship.
He’s got good size for a guard. He’s excellent at shooting it off the dribble, going either direction. That, along with his ability to get all the way to the basket and finish are his best assets and he does both really well. He’ll make threes but he’s got a really nice looking jumper off the bounce, which is probably his biggest weapon with his size, it’s tough to stop. Especially since he has a step back to go with it. He can get to the rim using a couple dribbles and he finishes well with either hand. The Sehome backcourt has a lot of size and versatility.
Another one who shoots it off the dribble well and much like his teammate, can get to the bucket with a couple of long strides and finish at the rim. He had quite a few dunks last season as well. He’s versatile at 6’7, and can score inside and out.
He’s probably the best three point shooter on the team. He’s got a nice lefty stroke and can fill it up in a hurry. He’s also probably the quickest with the dribble of the three. He and Kepley are interchangeable and both can bring the ball up. Making them a grab and go team, since Garrison can also get it and go. They will provide a tough match-up on the perimeter for other teams with their size and versatility.
Those look to me like the two clear cut favorites in district 1. Archbishop Murphy should be tough inside with Luke Blachly Luke Blachly 6'4" | SF Archbishop Murphy | 2023 State WA and Mateen Usui Mateen Usui 6'6" | PF Archbishop Murphy | 2025 State WA . Blachly put up good scoring and rebounding numbers last season and Usui is full of potential and only a sophomore. Burlington Edison should be in the mix as well with Blaine Granberg Blaine Granberg 6'3" | CG Burlington-Edison | 2023 State WA and Bennett Howe Bennett Howe 6'5" | C Burlington-Edison | 2023 State WA being players to watch.