Expectations from Auburn in 2021-2022

Auburn High School has been on the rise for the past couple of years, but are now officially on the map. Coached by Head Coach Ryan Hansen, the Trojans are Back-to-Back NPSL 3A League Champs. Coming off of a really strong Fall League, they proceeded to go 13-0 and ended with a huge W over Garfield, score being 80-52. One huge thing Coach Hansen preaches is to stay level headed and humble. He knows it is a long season and you just have to keep your head down and grind in order to complete the mission they want to accomplish, which is to bring a state championship to the city of Auburn. HC: Ryan Hansen 20th Season. Division: 3A 2020-21 Record: 15-0 Key Returners: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-4.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343951 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-4-208x300.jpeg" alt="" width="208" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="674438" first="Maleek" last="Arington"] 6’3 Senior Guard (Ranked #2 in WA Class of ’22). Arington was named the NPSL Defensive Player of the Year along with being apart of the NPSL 1st Team. If I were to describe Maleek’s game in one word, it would definitely be Poised. He does not get sped up or slowed down, he dictates the flow of the game and that’s something definitely needed in a PG to run a good program. He is a mismatch nightmare in the NPSL and his stock is going to continue to grow by the day. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-2.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343949 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-2-214x300.jpeg" alt="" width="214" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="674428" first="Tre" last="Blassingame"] 6’5 Senior Guard (Ranked #3 in WA Class of ’22). Blassingame was recently named NPSL 1st Team and will more than likely repeat. Tre is the definition of a 3 level scorer, and an elite one at that. He finds his angles when going downhill to finish at the rim very well, and when he’s not at the rim he has a really solid pull up he loves going to that’s so hard to contest due to his length and ability to shoot over defenders. Should have a really great Senior season who’s stock is also rising! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-5.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343952 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-5-216x300.jpeg" alt="" width="216" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="931155" first="Kaden" last="Hansen"] 6’0 Senior Guard (Ranked #25 in WA Class of ’22). Hansen was most recently rewarded as the NPSL MVP and had also just announced his Commitment to Saint Martins University, a proven Division 2 program in Lacey, Washington. Kaden, who is also Head Coach Ryan Hansen’s son, is easily one of the best shooters in the state of Washington. His ability to move off the ball is A1, and often times that’s a really overlooked skill. As easy as he can hit from deep, he has a quick enough first step and smooth enough handle to get to the rim as well. Should have a great run for his last year in HS before moving onto Saint Martins. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343937 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-214x300.jpeg" alt="" width="214" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="674435" first="DaeKwon" last="Watson"] 6’0 Senior Guard (Ranked #34 in WA Class of ’22). The best way to describe Watson’s game is a two-way sharpshooter. He has the ability to shoot the 3 with range, but will also hold whoever he is guarding scoreless at the same time. His energy is really contagious on the court, and he’s one of those people you love to have on your team but hate to play against! DaeKwon is a huge piece of this team and play-makes for others with the best of them. Looking forward to see him help this Trojan team make a run for State. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-3.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343950 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-3-216x300.jpeg" alt="" width="216" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1086779" first="Semaj" last="Brown"]. 6'5 Junior Semaj is a 2-sport Standout, being named NPSL 1st Team All League Defensive Back in Football. When he is not on the court, you can see catch him on the field. Brown is a major threat when going downhill, he loves to play above the rim and is a consistent finisher. He shoots it well and can take you off the dribble, another guy on this Trojan team who easily scores on all 3 levels. His presence on the defensive end is just as noticeable as well, you will know when Semaj is on the court! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-1.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1343946 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-1-208x300.jpeg" alt="" width="208" height="300" /></a>Luvens Valcin. 6'2 Sophomore Luvens, AKA Baby Zion, is another two-sport standout being named NPSL 1st Team All League Wide Receiver in Football. He gets his nickname "Baby Zion" for his freak athleticism and similar build to Zion Williamson! Valcin’s stock is rapidly rising and it is not going to stop. He gets to where he wants on the court, usually whenever he wants to. He loves contact and will not shy away from it, especially in the paint. A huge lob threat and beast to deal with in the paint, so I do NOT recommend jumping with him. Luvens is another player who can hit shots as well, so you still have to play him honest. Instant energy off the bench is what every team needs, and Luvens does exactly that night in and night out! The Trojans are very well balanced, experienced and compliment each other greatly. Be sure to be on the lookout for Auburn High School this 2021-2022 Season!