Washington's Nationally Ranked Teams So Far...

Washington high school basketball has been able to string together an impressive run of high quality basketball teams over the years. Schools such as Rainier Beach, Nathan Hale, Garfield, Franklin, and Federal Way are some of the teams that have been in the national rankings over the course of the last 10 years. This year there are three schools in Washington that are national contending teams. Prep Hoops will take a look at how each of these three teams are doing early in the season. Federal Way High School- <ul> <li>Maxpreps National Ranking: 20 </li> <li>Current Record: 4-0 (3-0 in League)</li> <li>Key Players: <ul> <li>2019 Jaden McDaniels, 6'10, W/F, Top 5 national recruit, Projected top 3 pick in 2020 NBA Draft</li> <li>2020 Tari Eason, 6'8, PF, Top 100 national recruit, Pac-12 recruit and excellent defender</li> <li>2019 Jishai Miller, 6'4, F, Seattle Rotary EYBL member, Lefty, Strong athlete </li> <li>2019 Jalen Womack, 6'0, PG, Solid athlete and ball handler</li> <li>2020 Bradley Graham, 5'10, G, NW Panthers 16u, Big time shooter and slick passer </li> <li>2019 Pierre Crockrell, 5'11 PG, multiple Division 1 offers *Awaiting eligibility after transferring from Garfield HS*</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Federal Way recently played in the inaugural Battle in the Apple High School Basketball Event at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets. Federal Way was matched up with New York's Lawrence Woodmere Academy. The feature matchup was supposed to be Jaden McDaniels versus 6'10 Louisville commit Aidan Igiehon. Coincidentally Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari was court side to see McDaniels win the one on one matchup and more importantly the game 91-49. Federal Way's team is much more than the Jaden show! Bradley Graham poured in 20 points and an off the glass pass for a dunk to MVP Tari Eason, who finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds himself. Jalen Womack and Jishai Miller (21 points) were difference makers as well. Seattle-based trainer Cartiea French-Toney made the flight to New York to watch his trainee, Jaden McDaniels, and spoke highly of the event, "The atmosphere was high energy in the arena and Federal Way played great as a team. Everyone contributed [and] when 4 guys score over 20 points, that's a great team win." After a strong showing in New York and an undefeated record, Federal Way's National Ranking will continue to trend upwards. They will also participate in the Tarkanian Classic in Nevada 12/19-12/22. If point guard Pierre Crockrell can get eligible to play, they will be the runaway favorites to win the 4A State Title on paper, although defending State Champs Gonzaga Prep would have something to say about that.   Rainier Beach High School- <ul> <li>Maxpreps National Ranking: 22</li> <li>Current Record: 3-0 overall (All wins vs Metro League Teams)</li> <li>Key Players: <ul> <li>2020 Marjon Beauchamp, 6'6, SG, Top 30 National Recruit with multiple Power 5 conference offers </li> <li>2019 Jamon Kemp, 6'5, SG/SF, Pac-12 recruit, one of the best defenders and athletes in Washington </li> <li>2019 Jaivion Garrett, 6'6, PF, Division 1 recruit, Left-handed, Powerful athlete, good mid range shooter</li> <li>2019 Micah Monroe, 6'2, SG, Possibly the best all around athlete in Washington, high energy player</li> <li>2019 Stevie Smith, 6'5, SG/SF, Seattle Rotary EYBL member, smooth skill set</li> <li>2020 John Hart, 6'2, G, Super athlete with high ceiling </li> <li>2019 Kenny Curtis, 5'8, PG, Capable of getting extremely hot from the 3-line</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Rainier Beach has not hit the road to play national level teams yet, but that will change in January. They will play Sheldon HS (CA) and participate in the Bass Tournament of Champions in Springfield, MO for three games. Rainier Beach's team consists of 6 transfers, so the chemistry is a work in progress. They can use the time leading up to the most difficult out of state matchups this season. They are undersized, but extremely athletic across the board. If they can buy into the Coach Bethea style of defense, then they will be able to compete with almost anyone. Jaivion Garret, Micah Monroe and Stevie Smith will all be huge X-Factors for this team. They all bring something a little different to the team, but if they mesh together then they will be the favorite to win another 3A State Title. Rainier Beach's national sanding should remain around number 15-20 until they play other nationally ranked teams, although O'Dea will try to change that on 12/18.   Gonzaga Preparatory School- <ul> <li>Maxpreps National Ranking: 18 </li> <li>Current Record: 2-1 (2-0 in League)</li> <li>Key Players: <ul> <li>2019 Anton Watson, 6'8, PF, Gonzaga Commit, Versatile and strong forward, exceptional rebounder </li> <li>2020 Liam Lloyd, 6'5, SG, Solid athlete, good shooter, uses length on defense, EWU offer </li> <li>2019 Jacob Parola, 5'10, PG, Hard working facilitator </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Gonzaga Prep lost two key seniors from last year's 4A State Championship winning team, as well as senior guard Jamaari Jones to a knee injury from summer ball. This year's team may not have the same depth, but Anton Watson is a year older and that much better from a year ago. Prep Hoops was in attendance for his 36 point, 14 rebound, 6 dunk performance. He made multiple three pointers to top off a great showing in a win at Mt. Spokane. Gonzaga Prep traveled down to the Hoophall West Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona to play two games. They came out victorious in game one versus unranked Modesto Christian (CA). Liam Lloyd led the way with 23 points, as the defense locked in on Anton Watson (14 points). In the next matchup against fellow top 20 nationally ranked team, Gonzaga Prep lost 54-52 to Bishop Gorman (NV). Watson led the team with 22, while Lloyd chipped in 17. Gonzaga Prep's national ranking will likely go down due to the loss to Bishop Gorman, but they showed that they can compete with some of the best in the country. Gonzaga Prep's eyes will be set on winning another 4A State Title.