Week 1: 3A/4A Area Standouts

Week 1 of the High School basketball season is finally under everyone’s belts as we head into what Week 2 has in store for us. Week 1 was filled with great competitiveness at the 3A and 4A level, here are a few players who turned some heads on the court:

Z’Maurion Homes: 6’4, 190 lb, Wing, Rainer Beach, C/O 2022

Z’Maurion was a treat to watch against one of the top teams in the state in Seattle Prep. When Rainer Beach got off to a slow start in the first quarter of a 51-49 victory, it was Holmes who helped right the ship for the Vikings with his off-the-dribble scoring abilities and rhythm shooting. Holmes popped off in the second and third quarters, dropping 15 of his 18 total points in those frames as well as performing. His jumper is very smooth when he got to his spots, and he was able to create off the bounce fairly easily.

Braeden Smith Braeden Smith 5'11" | PG Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA : 6’0, PG, Seattle Prep, C/O 2022

Smith is an excellent ballhandler and floor leader for Seattle Prep, and it was on full display during a tightly contested contest against Rainer Beach. When the ball was in his hands, plays seemed to happen effortlessly. Not only was Smith dropping great passes to his teammates as he probed the lane, he got out a lot in transition in the second half, where he scored 21 of of his 25 points on the night. Most of his buckets came from strong drives to the basket. Smith can finish amongst taller players with his strength and uses his quickness to blow by defenders.

Isaiah Watts Isaiah Watts 6'4" | SG West Seattle | 2022 State WA : 6’5, SG/PG, West Seattle, C/O 2022

Isaiah brings a different energy to the basketball court. With a wirey and athletic frame, Watts can get to a lot of places on the floor very fluidly. In a game against 4A Skyline High School, he was swarmed by great defenders all game long. It didn’t matter in the end, as Watts simply was too much to handle. He threw down a nasty put-back dunk in the third quarter, showing his bounciness. Watts had 24 points despite being held cold in the first few quarters. Watts stayed aggressive even when the shot wasn’t falling, going 8-for-8 from the free throw stripe and drilled 4 3-pointers.

Tyler Mrus Tyler Mrus 6'6" | SF Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA , 6’6, Forward, Seattle Prep, C/O 2022

Tyler struck me as a very complete ball player in Week 1. His 20-point, 10-rebound performance against Rainer Beach seemed like just another night at the office for him. Mrus has a strong body and amazing footwork in the post that he can use to trick multiple defenders at once, while also being able to step outside and nail jumpers from the mid-post and 3-point line.

Trey (TJ) Crandall, 6’1, 185 lb, Guard, Skyline, C/O 2023

Crandall stood out as an elite perimeter defender in Week 1. He played with a lot of heart while being tasked with the assignment of containing West Seattle’s star combo guard Isaiah Watts Isaiah Watts 6'4" | SG West Seattle | 2022 State WA on Saturday night. He was seemingly in multiple spots at the same time defensively. He has very active hands and puts pressure on opposing ballhandlers just about every trip down the floor, compiling 6 steals. Tipping passes, contesting shots, and playing the passing lanes are his calling cards. 

Victor Raymond, 6’7, 200 lb, PF/C, Rainer Beach, C/O 2023

Victor is an athletic and long big man with tools to keep getting better on both ends of the court. Raymond dealt with some foul trouble against some premier post players against Seattle Prep, but when he got going, he was hitting set mid-range jumpers, setting good screens, and using his length to fight for rebounds and loose balls. Definitely a prospect to keep your eyes on as the season progresses.