Seven Rising Hoopers: The Underclassmen

<p>A lot of these underclassmen are either emerging as go-to-guys or are key cogs in talented sides. While eyes may be towards their futures, it shouldn’t be overlooked what they’re able to do on the court this season. They represent part of the next wave of talented Washington hoopers that span across the state. Getting playing time at a young age will be instrumental in their growth and development. Put these names down, because they’re here to stay.</p> <p><strong>Shelton Henton</strong> (2025) 6’4 G Interlake</p> <p>Just a freshman, Henton wasn’t even starting to begin the season. He’s obviously made some strides since then, although it’s hard to imagine someone with his length wasn’t already on the up. Sometimes it takes taller players time to adjust to their newfound height, but Henton seems well adjusted. He has good hands and anticipation on defense, interrupting passing lanes and getting lots of tips. He even guarded Hazen’s [player_tooltip player_id="1120391" first="Jaxon" last="Nap"] for a while in a game on January 5th. That says a lot about his coach’s expectations for him. Henton has a natural feel offensively for ball-handling and initiating the offense. He could even blossom into a knockdown shooter as his high school career continues.</p> <p><strong>Blake Forrest</strong> (2024) 5’11 G Mt. Si</p> <p>Forrest is already a sharpshooter from long range. He has a repeatable stroke that starts with a solid base, allowing him to step way out at times. Not only is his base solid, but his feet are quick to reset off the dribble or catch which helps the sophomore guard go from gather to shot in an instant. He was unconscious to start Mt. Si’s game against Issaquah last week and proved he can take a game over in a matter of minutes. Already a starter, Forrest is going to get ample run with a talented Wildcats team and should see great growth this season.</p> <p><strong>Evan Stinson</strong> (2024) 6’4 G/F Cheney</p> <p>Stinson is a big player who can go inside or out. He’s not going to wow you with his speed or leaping ability, but he knows how to get slight edges to beat defenders and operate in tight space. He’s got a good handle and uses a quick first move to pull away from defenses. Under the hoop, Stinson is strong and finds his shots using a great step through as well as manipulating defenses with solid pumps. He seeks the ball on offense and gets going downhill quickly from the arc. If Stinson can hit consistently from outside, he’ll give defenses a lot to think about.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Lafferty</strong> (2024) 6’4 G Mt. Spokane</p> <p>This long, athletic guard has great speed with the ball and is a threat to take it coast to coast at any time. He loves to push the tempo but won’t force a look. He’s just as capable a passer as he is a finisher; using his length to create passing lanes and wrap layups around outstretched arms. Lafferty showed he has a little bounce too, finishing a fast break against Cheney with a nice throwdown. He will be an integral part of Mt. Spokane’s push to the postseason and will be one to watch next season as the Wildcats return plenty of talent.</p> <p><strong>Sam Davidson</strong> (2024) 5’10 G Mt. Spokane</p> <p>Davidson is another young buck on a strong Mt. Spokane team. He doesn’t have the size that seems abundant around him, but he is one of the hardest workers on the squad. He is a determined off-ball defender, never taking a step off, and busts his butt to be the first one back in transition. He’s a good finisher under the hoop, regardless of size, and incorporates both hands at the cup. Davidson can swing momentum with all the little things and shows a selfless attitude on the court.</p> <p><strong>Tony Harste</strong> (2024) 5’11 G Emerald Ridge</p> <p>Harste is what a lot of coaches want in a stereotypical point guard. He’s quick, pounds the rock on the dribble, and relentlessly attacks zero. He doesn’t settle for long shots and will make the extra pass to get a good look. He’s patient, taking what the defense gives him, but ready to attack with quick, compact movements. He hits the short to mid-range jumper with ease but doesn’t hesitate to mix it up inside and get to the line.</p> <p><strong>Trevor Hennig</strong> (2024) 6’4 G Mt. Si</p> <p>I’m not sure Hennig has a true position. He’s an athletic 6’4, can knock down the three-ball when left alone but might also try and throw one down if the defense isn’t careful. He makes strong moves whatever he does, whether it’s a firm pass across the top or making a baseline blow-by. Hennig has a lot of room to grow but has great instincts to get him to that next level. He’s shifty when maneuvering at the rim and can also play through tough contact on his drives.</p>