WIAA 4A State Preview: Teams ranked 1-4
State tournament time is almost upon us in Washington state. With regional games going on this weekend I will be previewing the top 8 ranked 4a teams that have already punched their ticket to the Tacoma Dome.
#1 Gonzaga Prep 23-0 GSL
Team Summary– At 23-0 Gonzaga prep is the only undefeated team in the state at the 3a and 4a level. They are the overall #1 seed in 4A state tournament. Gonzaga Prep has a roster of impressive athletes, a hand full of them receiving scholarships to play football when they graduate. Gonzaga prep finished 3rd in state last year. Lead by Gonzaga commit Anton Watson the bulldogs are bound for another state title run. G-prep has impressive wins over Richland, Post Falls (ID), Ferris, West Seattle, and Wilson. Gonzaga Prep will play #8 Sunnyside in the regional game on Friday, February 23rd at University High School at 6pm.
Players to Watch
#32 Anton Watson– 6’7 Junior F. Athletic forward who uses his size and athleticism to finish at the rim. He plays great defense and is just now starting to grow into his 6’7 frame. Watson committed as a Sophomore to play at Gonzaga University.
#24 Jamarri Jones– 6’3 Junior F. Jones is a very tough defender and does a good job of attacking the basket. He is a big contributor to G-Preps Success this year. Jones is getting looks play football at D1 schools.
#21 Liam Lloyd– 6’4 Sophomore G. Liam is 3rd leading scorer on the team with a season high 17 against Rodgers.
#20 Devin Culp– Culp has committed to play football next year at the University of Washington and handles the post duties for Gonzaga prep this year.
#2 Skyview 23-3 Greater St. Helens
Team Summary– Skyview is 23-3 and has big wins over Mark Morris, Curtis, Union, and Kentwood. Skyview is a very balanced team with Schumacher and Grossman leading the way with scoring, and Hector cleaning up the glass grabbing 12 rebounds and 2 blocks a game. These three surrounded by a cast of very solid role players makes Skyview a team that can make a deep run in March. Skyview is returning 3 starters from last year and 2 guys who played starting minutes. This experience has helped Skyview win a lot of close games. Skyview will play #7 Enumclaw on Saturday, February 24th at Battle Ground High School at 6pm.
Players to Watch
#0 Alex Schumacher– 6’2 Junior G. Co player of the year for the Greater St. Helens League averaging 18 points 4 asst. He is capable of lighting up the scoreboard he has had 30 point games this season. Schumacher can shoot off the dribble, attack the rim, and find team mates when the defense collapses.
#3 Samaad Hector-6’5 Senior F. First team all Greater St. Hellens League. Averaging 12 rebounds and 2 blocks a game.
#1 Cole Grossman– 6’5 Senior F. Second team all Greater St. Helens league. Runs the floor well, has a solid frame. Plays big man but is able to push the ball in transition and kick out to shooters. Finishes at the basket.
#2 Jovon Sewell– 6’1 Senior G. Second team all Greater St. Helens League. Handles the ball well and plays a big role in Skyviews success.
#3 Union 20-5 Greater St Helens
Team Summary– Union is 20-5 with notable wins over Camas, Davis, Curtis, and Skyview. They are a good overall team lead by co-player of the year Tyler Combs and first team Greater St. Helens player Jason Franklin. Union was ranked top 3 all year last year and finished 3rd three years ago, 4th two years, and 2nd last year. Union has experience playing in the Tacoma Dome and is a tough match up for anyone in the state. Union will play in a showdown with #6 Federal Way on Saturday, February 24th at Battle Ground High School at 8pm.
Players to Watch
#12 Tyler Combs– 6’0 Senior G. Co player of the Year for the Greater St Helens League. Combs is a Shooter that can hit from anywhere on the floor. He is a great shooter off the catch and the dribble. He handles the ball very well. Combs is a very tough guard.
#34 Jason Franklin– Junior F 6’4 Senior. First Team All St Helens League. Plays big man for Union has a good solid frame. He rebounds well for Union and bangs in the post.
#10 Zach Reznick– 6’0 Senior G. Second team all Greater St. Helens League. Handles the ball well and a creative finisher around the basket.
#23 Ethan Smith– 6’0 Junior. Smith is a knock down shooter. This season he broke the single season record for made 3 pointers with 73.
#4 Richland 22-1 Mid Columbia Conference
Team Summary– Richland has five players averaging near, or at double-digit points per game. All starters have been shooting at about 50%. Richland also has the Mid Columbia Conference scoring champion Cole Northrop. Riley Sorn is the Mid Columbia Conference Player of the year. Richland won 23 straight before loosing to #1 ranked Gonzaga prep in the District Championship. They have impressive wins over Orem (Utah), Lewis and Clark, Kamiakin, and Ferris. Richland will play #5 Davis on Friday, February 23rd at Chiawana High School at 6pm.
Players to Watch
#24 Cole Northrop– 6’4 Junior W. Northrop averages 19.4 ppg and earlier this year surpassed the 1000 career points mark. He’s made 50 3pointers so far this season. He has improved his driving and finishing at the rim as well as defending the ball.
#52 Riley Sorn– 7’3 Senior C. Sorn is Mid Columbia player of the year and he is the tallest player in the state of Washington. He does a great job of protecting the rim and having a great defensive presence. Sorn is getting looks from Eastern Washington, Boise state, Pepperdine, University of Montana and more.
#14 Garrett Streufert– 6’6 Junior W/F. First team Mid Columbia Conference. Averaging 6 assists/game, 11.5 ppg.
#10 Cody Sanderson– 6’2 Junior G. Second Team Mid Columbia Conference. Sanderson is capable of putting up big numbers. Against Walla Walla Sanderson put up 23 points.
#5 Ryan Wagar– 6’3 Senior G. Second Team Mid Columbia Conference.