WIAA JAMS: 2021 Dynamic Duos
In 1993, the world of arcade gaming was forever changed when Midway games released NBA Jam. The game was so popular that it made more than a billion dollars in quarters in its first year. In the game, players chose…
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Continue ReadingIn 1993, the world of arcade gaming was forever changed when Midway games released NBA Jam. The game was so popular that it made more than a billion dollars in quarters in its first year. In the game, players chose from a variety of NBA duos to compete in 2-on-2 games rife with swinging elbows, high-flying dunks, and flaming basketballs. Part of the game’s appeal was the over-the-top action, but what people loved about the game was choosing their duo. Karl Malone and John Stockton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kenny Smith, Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley, Scottie Pippin and…Horace Grant.
Reflecting on this classic game got me thinking: If Washington high school basketball had its own version of NBA Jams, who would be the top duos in the class of 2021?
Paolo Banchero Paolo Banchero 6'10" | PF O'Dea | 2021 State #3 Nation WA and John Christofilis John Christofilis 6'4" | SG O'Dea | 2021 State #185 Nation WA – O’Dea
Perhaps the most well-known 2021 duo in the state, Paolo Banchero Paolo Banchero 6'10" | PF O'Dea | 2021 State #3 Nation WA and John Christofilis John Christofilis 6'4" | SG O'Dea | 2021 State #185 Nation WA will return with their hearts set on another shot at the state championship. John Christofilis John Christofilis 6'4" | SG O'Dea | 2021 State #185 Nation WA (6’4″ SG) has had two disappointing state title games in a row after a toe injury forced him to watch from the sidelines as O’Dea took home the 2019 championship. The sharpshooter had a great season for O’Dea as the Irish’s most reliable deep threat, and he will undoubtedly come back as an even deadlier option. Paolo Banchero Paolo Banchero 6'10" | PF O'Dea | 2021 State #3 Nation WA (6’10” PF) is the top recruit in the state even as a junior and may prove to be one of the best players to come out of Seattle. His game is nearly flawless. Banchero has outstanding court vision and passing that makes him much more than an average big man, but he also has the power for jaw-dropping dunks and rejections on a seemingly routine basis. O’Dea is set to return four junior starters with point guard Dezjay Perkins Dezjay Perkins 6'0" | PG O'Dea | 2021 State WA and forward Jermaine Davis Jermaine Davis 6'3" | SF O'Dea | 2021 State WA who are also ranked in the top 40 for the 2021 class.
Shane Nowell Shane Nowell 6'6" | SG Eastside Catholic | 2021 State #85 Nation WA and Nolan Hickman Nolan Hickman 6'2" | PG Eastside Catholic | 2021 #29 Nation UT – Eastside Catholic
LSI – Sniper KwamThe guards for Eastside Catholic are a couple of the most well-rounded hoopers you’ll find in the state. Nolan Hickman Nolan Hickman 6'2" | PG Eastside Catholic | 2021 #29 Nation UT (6’2″ PG) has seen his stock steadily rise, and his physical skills are only outdone by his IQ. Hickman is surrounded by a wealth of athleticism, and few athletes are more dangerous in the open court with the ball in their hands. Shane Nowell Shane Nowell 6'6" | SG Eastside Catholic | 2021 State #85 Nation WA (6’5″ SF), our 5th ranked junior, has explosive athleticism and a solid jumper. In one of my most memorable moments of the season, I watched Nowell attempt a windmill dunk, and although he missed, it gave me a glimpse into his otherworldly athleticism. Nowell and Hickman will be joined by fellow 2021 studs TJ Tuimoloau, Isaac Ticeson Isaac Ticeson 6'5" | SF Eastside Catholic | 2021 State WA , and Patton Lanier Patton Lanier 6'2" | CG Eastside Catholic | 2021 State WA .
Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA and Nate Millspaugh Nate Millspaugh 5'10" | SG Battle Ground | 2021 State WA – Battle Ground
Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA (6’9″ C) is practically a one-man duo. As a junior this year, he averaged a double-double with about 24 points and 11 rebounds per game, and he added about 3 blocks per game to boot. Battle Ground will lose senior and second-leading scorer Brendan Beall, but they retain Nate Millspaugh Nate Millspaugh 5'10" | SG Battle Ground | 2021 State WA (5’10” SG) who may prove to be a much-needed threat from deep to support 6’9″ Perry’s dominance on the interior. Millspaugh is a solid shooter with the athleticism and speed to get his own shot, and one more year should go a long way in refining his skills and improving his shooting percentage. Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA has the energy and athleticism to get the most out of his imposing frame, and he had a strong showing at state this year with a 16 point 16 rebound game and a 26 point game against Federal Way and their bigs. We get one more season of Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA before he moves on to play for the Bulldogs of Gonzaga.
Tyson Degenhart Tyson Degenhart 6'7" | SF Mt. Spokane | 2021 State #144 Nation WA and Jo jo Anderson – Mt. Spokane
Tyson Degenhart Tyson Degenhart 6'7" | SF Mt. Spokane | 2021 State #144 Nation WA (6’7″ SF) was the focus of opponents’ defenses, drawing double-teams throughout the season. Degenhart is a versatile big man who can step out and hit threes, put the ball on the floor with solid handles, bang in the post like a traditional big, and finish through contact. Degenhart had several games this season with more than 30 points including 35 in a regional loss against Eastside Catholic. His point guard Jo jo Anderson (6’0″ PG) is a reliable shooter with deep range, and he has the athleticism and handles to get to the rim. Anderson’s court vision is top-notch, and he is set up for a big senior year as teams will continue to focus on Degenhart.
Jordan McCray Jordan McCray 6'4" | CG Lakes | 2021 State WA and Brandon McCray Brandon McCray 6'4" | SG Lakes | 2021 State WA – Lakes
Twins Jordan McCray Jordan McCray 6'4" | CG Lakes | 2021 State WA (6’4″ G) and Brandon McCray Brandon McCray 6'4" | SG Lakes | 2021 State WA (6’4″ G) are set to have big senior years after solid performances as juniors. Jordan averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds this season while Brandon averaged 8 and 5. Both have great length and athleticism that allows them to get to the basket, but they also have solid court vision and the ability to pass in traffic. Brandon has a slight edge in assists over his brother, but Jordan has the edge in pure scoring ability. Defensively both brothers can use their athleticism to get steals and move the ball in transition. The McCray brothers will be joined by another 2021 difference-maker in Kenzel Massey Kenzel Massey 6'7" | SF Lakes | 2021 State WA (6’7″ SF) who actually led the Lancers in scoring with 17.3 points per game. Massey’s size allows him to find success on the interior, but he also likes to step out beyond the 3-point line.
Leo DeBruhl Leo DeBruhl 6'3" | PG Seattle Academy | 2021 State WA and Joe Cookson Joe Cookson 6'6" | SF Seattle Academy | 2021 State WA – Seattle Academy
After narrowly missing the opportunity to play for a state championship after a 2-point semifinal loss to King’s, Seattle Academy would go on to win their 3rd place consolation game against La Salle. After making fairly easy work of the Emerald City League, DeBruhl (right) and Cookson are likely feeling disappointment rather than pride following Seattle Academy’s state performance. Leo Debruhl (6’2″ PG) is an outstanding ball-handler and distributor, and he has the type of basketball IQ that makes everything look easy for him on the court. DeBruhl led his team with 17.5 points per game. Not to be outdone, Joe Cookson Joe Cookson 6'6" | SF Seattle Academy | 2021 State WA (6’6″ SF) averaged 17.4 points per game along with 10.5 rebounds. Cookson has great length and the ability to score from deep as well as on the interior. DeBruhl and Cookson should continue to carve up opponents at the 1A level although there have been rumors about a possible move to 2A.