5 Players to watch from the Yakima Valley
For years the Yakima Valley has produced high level basketball players. Here is a short list of players that have caught my attention so far this season.
Brock Ravet– Kittitas 6’1’’ Junior Guard. Ravet is averaging 28 ppg for Kittitas high school. He is the whole package as a guard. He is a knock down jump shooter from 3 point land. Ravetcan create a shot for himself and finish at the rim with contact. He also has the ability to pull up with floaters and mid range jump shots. Ravet handles the ball very well and is a great change of pace player, he uses a mix of hesitations, crossovers, and step backs to create space. Ravet also does a great job running the offense and creating for others by driving and dishing. Ravet lead his team to an undefeated season and a state championship last year and looks to repeat this year. He has already committed to play basketball at Gonzaga University when he graduates.
Elijah Pepper– Selah 6’3’’ Junior Gaurd/Forward. Pepper is another guy who can do it all. Averaging about 25 ppg he is a knock down jump shooter who will pull from 25 feet away from the basket. Pepper has a strong build and can out muscle kids down low but has great handle and can break down a defender up top as well. Pepper loves the pull back game, if a defender cuts him off driving to the basket he does a great job of snatching the ball back and pulling up or changing his attacking angle to the basket. He passes and sees the floor very well. It will be hard to find another kid in the state that will outwork Pepper on a basketball court. He has already received offers from San Francisco, Montana, and Hawaii.
Collin Kelley– Davis 6’6’’ Senior Forward. Kelley is a high flying slashing wing man. He is a highlight reel dunk waiting to happen. Standing at 6’6’’ Kelley Kelley has D1 athleticism and can jump out of the gym. Averaging 18 points this season for the Pirates Kelley is a mismatch for most teams. He is too big for guards to guard, and he is to athletic for big men to keep up with. Kelley has an improved jump shot from previous years and expanded his range to 3 point land. Kelley is coming up on his 1000th career point total for Davis high school and looks to make another run with the 5th(RPI) ranked Davis Pirates.
Steele Venters– Ellensburg 6’6’’ Junior Guard. Venters is averaging about 26 ppg. He is a smooth shooter standing at 6’6’’ he is able to block shots and rebound very well but also stretch the defense with his shooting ability. He is more of a slasher than a shooter and likes to attack the basket using his length. Venters career high is 34 points and he is capable of lighting up the score board every night. Venters is getting multiple looks from division one schools.
Gunner Chronis– Grandview 6’5’’ Senior Wing. Chronis is a long slasher averaging about27 ppg for the Grandview Greyhounds. Chronis can get by anybody off the dribble and does a good job finishing at the basket with contact. Although driving to the basket is the strongest part of his gamehe is able to knock down the three pointer and mid range shot. He missed the first part of the season due to an ankle injury but since has gotten his legs back and is in game shape. Chronis has been in talks with schools of all sizes from D2 to mid major D1 schools.
Other notable player to watch.
Trey Sanchez– Sunnyside 5’11’’ Senior Guard. Sanchez is an elite scorer. He can shoot and score from anywhere on the floor. He can also attack off the dribble and finish with contact. He is a handful for any team to guard.
Art Palacios– Sunnyside 5’9’’ Senior Gaurd. Palacios is a true point guard. He has great handles and vision on the floor and can shoot the three ball. He was one steal away from recording a quadruple double.
Alex Delgado– Davis 5’10’’ Senior Guard. Delgado runs the offense for the pirates, scoring in a multitude of ways and getting others involved. He has a very long reach and gets after it on defense. Hard to find a kid with a better motor than Delgado.
Antonio Salinas– Zillah 5’11’’ Junior Guard. Salinas is a shifty all around good guard. He can attack off the dribble, pull up, and shoot 3’s. Salinas has a great feel for the game and will be one to watch as he leads a Zillah team thats looking to repeat as state champions at the 1A level.