Battle on the Lakes Standouts

<p>Lakes High School Head Coach Jordan Barnes hosted a high school basketball tournament in Lakewood with some solid talent from western Washington in attendance. Schools like Federal Way, Rainier Beach, Mariner and Lakes made for a solid lineup. I spent Friday afternoon and evening bouncing between the main and auxiliary gyms and spotted college prospects for various levels. </p> <p><em>Standouts, Part 1:</em></p> <p>2020 5'10 G <strong>Bradley Graham</strong> (Federal Way HS) - Bradley showed a great high release on his shot and the ability to score the ball inside and out. He has a good floater and crafty way of getting his shots off in the paint. He is particularly good in catch and shoot situations where he can spot up off the ball. He will pick up college interest and some small colleges have told me they are already interested in the rising senior guard. </p> <p>2020 5'9 PG <strong>Jaylen Williams</strong> (Federal Way HS) - Shifty point guard that really plays low to the ground, which makes it difficult for defenders to stop him from getting to his spots. He has an attacking style of play and is a pest on defense guarding opposing teams' point guards. He will be able to help out a college at the next level, barring he goes to the right level. </p> <p>2022 6'5 SF <strong>Dakota Joseph</strong> (Mariner HS) - I have been able to see Dakota play quite a bit this month and one thing that is never lacking is his motor. He showed good skill finishing around the basket and he is a pretty tough defender. The biggest thing for Dakota will be his jump shot as he moves forward. He shoots the ball on the left side of his face, with his elbow out. He will need to work on his mechanics to help take his game to another level. </p> <p>2021 6'4 G <strong>Jordan McCray</strong> (Lakes HS) - Smooth and naturally gifted guard with good size and length to play either guard position. Jordan showed pretty good shooting form and he is athletic enough to get to the basket and score with ease. He is good in transition and can really pass the ball in that setting. Jordan needs to work on being more vocal and playing with more aggression and physicality every play. Being a smooth player that lets the game come to you is good at times, but some old school Tacoma grit would turn him into a sure shot D1 prospect. </p> <p>2020 6'3 SG<strong> James Wildish</strong> (Yelm HS) - Best shooter that I saw playing in the tournament. James is a left handed shooter that can stretch the defense to the three line, but he also showed a pull up jumper from the mid range. He is an all around skilled player with room for growth. He will need to get a little stronger for the next level, but he is a solid Division 3 prospect. His high school coach Sporty Carter mentioned to me that he has good grades and his father is a military guy, so discipline is not an issue. </p>