T-Town Throwdown: 3 Freshmen and Sophomore Performers

<p>Among the great performers at this year's T-Town Throwdown were some new faces looking to make an impression. Three such athletes were in action on the final day of the tournament for the top four teams in the tournament: the Puyallup Vikings, West Seattle Wildcats, Wilson Rams, and Federal Way Eagles. If you haven't already heard these names, then they are ones to get on your radar as they continue to develop in the early part of their high school careers.</p> <p><span style="color: #f75617;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Isaiah Watts | 6'0" W | WSHS 2022</span></strong></span></p> <p>After watching Watts for one game, I can't heap enough praise on the skill and maturity that this kid brings to the court. Watts had 17 points with five 3 pointers in his team's 3rd place win over Puyallup. He's a three-point specialist with a bit of Reggie Miller in his silky jumper, but as impressive as he was with his gameplay, he was even more so with his on-court leadership. Early in the game, Watts was calling out teammates, reminding them to tuck in their jerseys, and that may not seem like a big deal, but he's only a sophomore on a team with strong senior leadership, so it says something about him that he has the confidence to speak up. Later in the game, Watts helped to calm down Sage Nelson when the point guard was in danger of getting a technical foul. Watts told Nelson, "you know that we need you," and helped to keep the senior on the court. This is a kid you want on your team.     </p> <p><span style="color: #f75617;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Caden McDaniel | 6'2" G | WHS 2023</span></strong></span></p> <p>McDaniel was already turning heads through the first couple days of the T-Town Throwdown, and he finished the tournament with a solid performance against eventual-champions, the Federal Way Eagles. McDaniel is a solid body with coiled springs for legs, and he used his physical gifts to grab rebounds over taller defenders. McDaniel showed that he can score from behind the arc and get to the rim off the dribble. He has a confident, methodical approach with the ball in his hands a la James Harden, and he contributed 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in limited time for the Rams.</p> <p><span style="color: #f75617;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dace Pleasant | 6'5" W | FWHS 2023</span></strong></span></p> <p>Dace Pleasant didn't get a lot of playing time, but he showed that the Eagles of Federal Way have offensive firepower that goes deep into their bench. The freshman already has great size and strength at 6'5" and is following in the footsteps of senior leader Peter Erickson with his ability to stretch the floor. Pleasant gave the Eagles 7 points in limited time off two mid-range jumpers and a three. He already has the size and skill set to be an impact player, and he has three more years to grow and develop.   </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>