Under the Radar Teams and Players Performing Well

<p>We are in the thick of the high school season and there are multiple teams and players that are performing at a high level, but still flying "under the radar" some. Oftentimes, it is the teams in Eastern Washington that are the most slept on and this is the case once again as we draw closer and closer to the playoffs on February. Here are four teams with a few college prospects on each team that should be on your radar now!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(4A) Central Valley Bears:</strong></span></p> <p>Record: 9-1</p> <p>RPI Standing: 10</p> <p>Next Big Game: vs. Mt. Spokane - January 7th</p> <p>2020 6'1 G<strong> Jayce Simmons</strong> - The 6'1 senior guard has been playing the best basketball of his solid high school career. He has put up a career high 25 points last game and he's really been a driving force behind CV's 9-1 record. He handles the ball well and can score off of a variety of moves around the basket, including a really nice floater. A good small college prospect for the next level! </p> <p>2020 6'2 G <strong>Noah Sanders </strong>- Another unsigned senior for the Bears. Noah is a shooter and steady scorer for CV. He is capable for erupting for 20-25 points on any given night. Between Simmons and Sanders, Central Valley has a strong back court with plenty of scoring. Another solid small college prospect. </p> <p>2021 6'10 C <strong>Gavin Gilstrap </strong>- The big man that separates Central Valley from a lot of its opponents. Gavin sets solid screens for his guards, clogs the paint on defense and does a nice job of cleaning up the boards. A real double-double threat on a nightly basis and gives CV the size that the GSL just does not really have anymore. A sure college prospect with his projected level still working itself out. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(3A) Kamiakin Braves:</strong></span></p> <p>Record: 7-1</p> <p>RPI Standing: 6</p> <p>Next Big Game: vs. Walla Walla- January 4th</p> <p>2021 6'6 F <strong>Messiah Jones</strong> - A player that has impressed me each time I have seen him. He may end up playing Division 1 football, but he is a strong force on the court too. He has a strong frame and pretty soft touch around the basket. Messiah rebounds well and can run the floor at 6'6. The commitment to developing his perimeter game will determine what level of a college prospect he can be, but he is someone for schools to have on their radar. </p> <p>2020 6'8 F <strong>Kyson Rose</strong> - The Central Washington signee has a really nice feel for the game at 6'8. He can hit the midrange shot and he competes hard. He is not the most athletic player on the floor, but he loves the game and shows a desire to win. </p> <p>2021 6'4 PG <strong>Steven Westermeyer </strong>- A taller point guard with a solid all around game. He is not the quickest point guard, but he has good length and stride to get by defenders and he can shoot the pull up jumper pretty well. He sees the floor well and has the size to see over the defense when distributing. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(4A) Chiawana Riverhawks:</strong></span></p> <p>Record: 8-0</p> <p>RPI Standing: 4</p> <p>Next Big Game: vs. Walla Walla - January 7th</p> <p>2020 6'5 G <strong>Cooper Dewitt </strong>- A tall guard that is literally doing everything for Chiawana. He can handle it, distribute and score inside and out. A completely overlooked unsigned senior that has been on our radar at Prep Hoops for the past year now. College coaches, he is versatile, skilled and unselfish. *Feature image</p> <p>2021 6'5 SG <strong>Kobe Young </strong>- A Division 1 athlete and marksmen from three makes Kobe Young a legitimate impact player for Chiawana. Kobe is one of the top 15 juniors in the state and holds an offer from Idaho State. He can defend and rebound at a really high level, helping make up for teammates' mishaps at times. </p> <p>2021 5'11 SG <strong>Taylor Perez </strong>- A smaller framed, but high energy guard that plays with a ton of confidence. I had the opportunity to evaluate him last year and he kept making big plays, despite being one of the smaller players on the court. He can shoot it and drives and dishes with aggression. Chiawana's backcourt is one of the better ones in the entire state and Perez is apart of that. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(4A) Mariner Marauders:</strong></span></p> <p>Record: 8-1</p> <p>RPI Standing: 8</p> <p>Next Big Game: vs. Jackson - January 29</p> <p>2020 6'4 SG <strong>Diego Septimo-Ruiz </strong>- Yes another unsigned senior that has solid size at the 2-guard. He is good from the midrange and three line and has enough athleticism to finish with creativity around the basket. Consistency is a big thing for Diego and staying aggressive, but I believe an NWAC school would find it worth their time to recruit him. </p> <p>2022 6'6 PF <strong>Dakota Joseph </strong>- We have highlighted Dakota multiple times in the last several months, but he is more than deserving. He plays a physical brand of ball and never stops going. He has great length and can finish around the basket. His shooting form is different, as he shoots from the left side of his face as a right hander, but he is effective as an all around player nonetheless. Dakota is currently rated as a top 15 player in the sophomore class. </p>