Underrated Seniors in the North Puget Sound League

<p>The North Puget Sound League (NPSL) is one of the most competitive leagues in Washington. It was the league that hosted NBA guys such as Rodney Stuckey (Eastern Washington), Joshua Smith (UCLA), Jaden McDaniels (Washington), and Jalen McDaniels (San Diego State). The NPSL often has Division 1 talent and this year’s class is no different with guys like [player_tooltip player_id="674438" first="Maleek" last="Arington"], [player_tooltip player_id="674428" first="Tre" last="Blassingame"], and [player_tooltip player_id="674436" first="Cooper" last="Church"]. But what about those guys in the league who have college-level talent and are still flying under the radar? </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="674445" first="Logan" last="Stempniak"] - 6’7 SF - Kentwood</strong></p> <p>Stempniak is what every coach looks for in a wing at the next level. He can shoot the ball from anywhere, defend smalls and bigs, and rebounds on both ends. He averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds this season while shooting 39% from three-point range. While his numbers are impressive, his biggest strength is his IQ. Stempniak had multiple games this season where he carried his teams to wins because he knows how to get to his spots with limited dribbles and space. Stempniak is what I like to call a "Walking Problem" because if you are on the opposing side then you know you are in trouble. There just isn’t much that this kid can’t do on the floor. He has already improved his handle and athleticism, but if he can continue to add some strength, he can be a very successful player at the next level.</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="1139505" first="Sal" last="Savusa"] - 6’1 PG - Auburn Mountainview</span></strong></p> <p>Savusa has flown under the radar for the majority of his high school career despite being a 2x 1st Team All-League guard before his senior season. The biggest knock on his resume is probably that he is from a school that hasn’t seen much success in his career. However, this year Savusa led his team to their first winning season in 6 years and secured a playoff spot. He has improved in all areas and averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists through the regular season. He can score in bunches and go on runs that electrify a gym but he proved this season that he also has the ability to make those around him better. The lone senior in the starting lineup had multiple double-doubles and a triple-double in the middle of his team’s playoff run. While he is talented, his best basketball is ahead of him. If he can get his jumper more consistent and improve his athleticism, he will be very scary to match up with in college. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="674435" first="DaeKwon" last="Watson"] - 6’0 SG - Auburn </strong></p> <p>Watson is without a doubt, one of the best guards in the state. He is often overlooked because he is on a loaded roster at Auburn but those who have watched the 3A contenders play know he is one of the most important pieces on the team. He is an undersized guard but very much the definition of "heart over height". I have seen Watson defend all five positions throughout the season and his toughness is something you can’t measure. When you take how good he is defensively and then add his quick handle, smooth jumper, and motor, there aren’t too many guards that Watson can’t hang with. He is legit and one of my favorite players in this class; some college coach is going to love what he adds to their roster. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1262698" first="Carson" last="Talbert"] - 6’7 PF - Tahoma</strong></p> <p>Talbert is pretty known, but underrated nonetheless. He came into his senior year with a much improved mid-range jumper and even more athletic than he already was. In the regular season, he averaged almost 20 points and 8 rebounds while leading the league in blocked shots. Talbert is arguably the best player on a very talented roster but his calm demeanor and unselfishness make it so you don’t realize how big of a night he had until you look at the box score. If he doesn’t have a big dunk, he usually has what some would call a "quiet 20 ball" because his buckets are spread throughout the game and super-efficient. His game is best near the basket but he has some game on the perimeter that a lot of people haven’t gotten the chance to see yet. Look for Talbert to help lead his team to a deep 4A playoff run and impact a lucky program at whichever college he decides. </p> <p><strong>Jamare Childs - 6’2 PG - Kennedy Catholic</strong></p> <p>Childs may be one of the best all-around players at the guard spot. He is strong, athletic, and has a great feel for the game. While his team didn’t see the success they expected this season, it was not to the fault of Childs as he averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. His biggest "weakness" could be that he is a true point guard. In an era that loves the score-first guard, he is naturally unselfish and makes the right play every time down the floor. Can he score? For sure! He had a season-high of 29 points and multiple games of 20+ scoring but his team needed a point guard this year so he did what was needed of him. The college landscape with extra years of eligibility and transfer will hurt a lot of players like Childs but he should end up on a college roster and that team's coach will learn very early on how mature his skillset is. </p> <p><strong>Sarbatt Singh - 6’0 PG - Mount Rainier</strong></p> <p>Singh is one of the toughest shot makers in the league. He didn't have to score as much this year as he did in years past but he still averaged 14 points and made over 40 three-pointers on the season. If he is left open, it might as well be a layup and if you let him get it off, you just have to hope it doesn't fall. He is a kid that seems to always hit the big shot when it is needed and isn't afraid of the moment. While Singh is known throughout the league for making shots, he is also a solid on-ball defender. He averages over 2 steals a game and will often pick up the full length of the court the majority of the game to create havoc for a team that prides itself on defense. Singh will probably end up at the JUCO level but look for his jumper and energy to translate nicely.</p> <p><strong>Chris Hogan - 6’2 SG - Todd Beamer</strong></p> <p>Hogan is a guard that most people don't know about. He isn't connected to any AAU teams, doesn't come from a big-name school, and isn't some highlight-type player. However, Hogan does do all the little things that a coach loves. He defends the best player, plays off two feet, and works for every possible loose ball. He is a huge reason that Beamer was able to secure the #2 playoff seed and have their first winning season since 2016. The Beamer team doesn't have any big names but they have a ton of "blue-collar" type players who are led by Hogan and his "do whatever it takes" attitude. Coaches love having a guy that leads and does things like diving on the floor so I wouldn't be surprised if a coach takes a chance on Hogan and helps him tap into his athleticism and natural ability to positively impact the game. </p>