Far West Classic Breakout Players
We’ve spent the first 3 weekends of the high school summer season out and about watching tournaments around the northwest. Our first stop was at the 12th annual Far West Classic in Kelso, Washington. The event run by Pure Focus Sports routinely draws some of the best small schools from throughout Oregon & Washington. This year was no different as 53 teams participated over the course of the weekend. We take a look at some of the players that stood out.
Emorej Lynk (2019/Kennedy HS)
The athletic Lynk, showed off his talent over 3 games, including a match up against Matt Poquette from Morton (WA). Lynk’s length on the defensive end and explosive first step off the dribble make him hard to guard at the small school level. In order to reach his potential, Lynk must continue to improve as a shooter and work to develop his ball handling.
Chase Januik (2019/Seaside HS)
Januik, the younger brother of 2x state player of the year & George Fox commit Jackson Januik was on display in the FWC. Bigger than his brother at 6’1 180 lbs, Januik showed an extended shooting range and the ability to finish in transition. His strength and athleticism make him an impact player on both ends and is someone that small colleges around the NW should reach out to now.
Ryan Hague (2020/Seaside HS)
Hague who played spot minutes off the bench for the state champion Seagulls as a freshman, showed off the work that he’s been putting in throughout the spring. In a match up against Ridgefield, Hague hit seven 3’s in route to a 30+ point game and also showed off the ability to finish plays at the rim. He will be playing this summer with Team FAST 15U, one of the best teams on the west coast for that age group.
Connor Marchant (2020/Toledo HS (OR))
The sharp shooting lefty guard was showing off his range on Saturday. Playing against solid Washington competition, he averaged 20+ per game. As he continues to grow and add strength to his frame, he should become a sought after small college level player. His high basketball IQ and shooting ability, make him a talented offensive player.
Matt Poquette (2018/Morton-White Pass)
The explosive 6’6 lefty forward showed off his athleticism with several high level dunks throughout the weekend. Good rebounder, passer, and ball handler for his size. Must improve shooting range to reach his ceiling, but has the ability to play above the rim at any level.
Hunter Ecklund (2020/Lacenter)
Another one of the talented 2020 class to play in the Far West Classic. Ecklund showed why he started all year at point guard on a state trophy winning team. Coming off injury and shaking off rust, he displayed a great feel for the game and demonstrated the ability to change tempos, a skill all great lead guards possess.
Reece Wallace (2018/Toledo (WA))
Wallace an undersized combo guard, had it going all weekend. In a back & forth loss to Clatskanie, he drilled eight 3’s on his way to a 30+ point performance. Has a good feel for using screens to create separation to get his shot off. Wallace must continue to improve his foot speed and ball handling to be able to create his own shot when needed.
Although the tournament was lacking in 2018 college prospects, the “young guns” more than made up for it. It will be interesting to watch some of these guys battle against each other for the next couple of years.