Top Performers from Week Seven in 3A Metro

Between league playoff contests and consolation games to round out a delayed season that was the furthest thing from typical, we had some fantastic games between several stellar teams here in Seattle WA this past week. The following players left their mark on the final week of league play by providing impressive performances for their respective squads.   [player_tooltip player_id="843723" first="Jaylahn" last="Tuimoloau"] | Eastside Catholic ’21 Simply put, the nation’s #1 football prospect can hoop his ass off. At 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, J.T.’s physical frame alone renders him a daunting matchup for opposing defenses—that much is obvious. Don’t be fooled though, the senior forward is much, much more than a big body when he graces the hardwood. In Eastside’s semifinals matchup versus Prep on June 8, J.T. displayed competent offensive capabilities. He provides not only a reliable scoring threat for his team out of the post—with the ability to back down defenders and precision footwork to create effective shot attempts/draw contact around the basket—but furthermore superb shooting touch from the perimeter, knocking down a pair of 3-point shots in Tuesday’s contest. Additionally, J.T. showed a level of intensity and hustle on the defensive end that one might expect from a defensive lineman, scrapping for every loose ball he could and closing out hard on every shooter in his vicinity. The senior forward finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, a steal and a 2 blocks.   [player_tooltip player_id="674421" first="Tyler" last="Mrus"] | Seattle Prep ’22 Not to disregard Tyler’s impressive offensive capabilities, but it was his remarkable effort and playmaking on the defensive end that proved to be the focal point of his excellent performance in Prep’s semifinals matchup versus Eastside on June 8. The junior wing’s defensive intensity was exhibited in the opening minute of Tuesday’s matchup, as he recorded a steal on the initial position of the game which prompted a fast break that got his team on the scoreboard first. Tyler followed it up with a deflection out of bounds on Prep’s very next defensive possession and was vocal in letting his Eastside opponents know that he had no intensions of easing up. His tenacity on the defensive end from the get-go galvanized his Prep squad and helped keep them within striking distance amid early, hot perimeter shooting by Eastside. Tyler proceeded to showcase proficiency in running the pick and roll to open up and convert looks around the basket, as well as the ability create effective shot attempts off the dribble. At the tail end of the 4th quarter, he was able to help close out a hard-fought victory for his Prep squad by going a perfect 6-for-6 on free throws. Tyler finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and a block.   [player_tooltip player_id="674424" first="Braeden" last="Smith"] | Seattle Prep ’22 Braeden is an elite-level point guard with an excellent skillset. He is adept at orchestrating productive offensive possessions, with a masterful ability to survey defenses and recognize suitable situations to act as a scorer/act as a distributor. In Prep’s semifinals matchup versus Eastside on June 8, Braeden displayed remarkable open-court quickness and superb ball-handling skills. The junior guard also exhibited outstanding use of his 6-foot frame when attacking the basket to convert looks under the rim, as well as an impressive ability to get to his spots on the perimeter and knock down shots with great shooting touch. In Tuesday’s contest, Braeden finished with a game-high 28 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.   Daniel Wondie | Chief Sealth ’22 Daniel is an outstanding floor general for his Chief Sealth squad. Operating in an offensive scheme that runs predominantly through him, the junior combo guard excels as his team’s primary ball handler and scoring threat. In Sealth’s matchup versus Blanchet on June 9, Daniel showcased remarkable perimeter shooting touch and tremendous ball-handling skills. He also displayed an overall exceptional ability to create effective shot attempts for himself—both attacking the basket, as well as elevating for jump shots. In Wednesday’s contest, Daniel finished with a game-high 23 points, knocking down four 3-pointers.   Nikolas Fotopoulos | Bishop Blanchet ’21 Niko has an immensely well-rounded offensive game and is a phenomenal scorer. In Blanchet’s matchup versus Sealth on June 9, the senior guard exhibited proficiency in attacking the basket off the dribble, as well as operating in the post. Niko utilizes a combination of precision footwork and excellent body control to create and convert shots around the basket. He is is also a skilled perimeter shooter—sinking a pair of 3-pointers in Wednesday’s contest. Niko finished with 18 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal to help lead his Blanchet squad to a win.