Four 2021 Prospects Deserving MORE College Attention!

The junior class in Washington is very strong top to bottom and there is plenty of talent to go around. It is one of those classes where double digit players should be moving on to the Division 1 level and around the same for the Division 2 level. This class has similar talent levels to the 2019 class from a few years ago that saw two dozen players end up at D1 and D2 schools. Despite the level and depth of talent, a handful of prospects at the very top of the class seem to be getting a majority of the attention, but there is much more talent that this state has to offer in the junior class. Four of the players that deserve more college attention include Noah Pepper, Haden Hicks, Isaac Ticeson and Garrett Long. 

2021 6'4 SG Noah Pepper (Selah HS)

Noah has strength rarely seen at the high school level, especially for only being a junior. He moves smaller and taller players out of his way and knows how to position his body to get his shots off. He appears to be built more like a forward, but he handles the ball and passes it very well on the break and in the half court. He can shoot the midrange jumper and operate out of pick and roll situations as a ball handler. He is a 25 point per game level scorer, but there is much more to his game. Many coaches say they love players that will do the little things and that is one of Noah's biggest strengths. He will rebound (15 per game), dive on the floor and take charges. He took over 40 charges in a single season and has 26 and counting this season, which is honestly a mind-blowing statistic. Noah has heard from some Division 2 schools, but he us being severely under-recruited for all that he brings to the table. *Feature image

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqUS_U9eZck&feature=youtu.be 

2021 6'2 PG Haden Hicks (Prosser HS)

Haden is one of the biggest stock risers in the last year and I really like his all around game. He is able to play either guard position at 6'2. Haden is an explosive leaper and his athleticism allows him to finish with dunks in traffic, but also pull down big rebounds. His handle has really come along and he passes the ball well, because he keeps his head up and is an unselfish player. He is averaging 20 points per game, while balancing out facilitating and getting teammates involved. Recruitment wise, Haden has heard from Division 2 schools and and Pepperdine has called, but he is still awaiting his first offer. More college coaches should be making it a point to head to Prosser, Washington and find themselves a gem in a small town. 

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sragwGO1iPc

2021 6'5 SF Isaac Ticeson (Eastside Catholic HS)

Isaac has steadily gotten better and better each year. He has always played on loaded high school and club teams between Eastside Catholic and Seattle Rotary, but he is a player that cannot be overlooked any longer. Issac has solid size at the wing position, he is a good leaper, he rebounds strong and he is more than willing to do the little things to help his team win. He can finish with either hand around the basket and his outside shot has shown some improvement as well, as he is now knocking down the three ball. One thing about Isaac is he rarely forces shots. When he is being aggressive looking for his own shot, I believe he is at his best, because is naturally a team player and very unselfish. As he continues to improve, he should only see his college recruitment continue to expand. Teammates Nolan Hickman and Shane Nowell are outstanding players, but only one college can get either one of those players. Seattle U, UC Santa Barbara and Portland State have shown some interest, but he is another quality junior in Washington that is being overlooked some. 

2021 6'1 PG Garrett Long (Wenatchee HS)

Garrett Long had a really solid summer with Washington Supreme's 16u group and has some college attention, but he is still a player that could easily be receiving more recruitment. He can really shoot the ball from deep and is effective from the midrange too. His handle is really tight and he is comfortable with the ball versus pressure. He makes good reads in pick and roll situations and he can find the open man rolling to the basket. Garrett is our third player highlighted from the Central Washington area. This comes as no surprise, because this region of Washington is the most overlooked by far. A coach could really find some legitimate college level talent in this area and make an early impression. 

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10653326/5e1243fada50cc0910c42bfd

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