4A/3A State Playoffs: Impact Role Players

There are so many jobs that need to get done on a basketball court. Often the term "role-player" gets looked down upon, but everyone on a team has a role. These players who come off the bench or specialize in one or two areas, are vital to winning teams. The players on this list may be defined as role-players, but on Day 1 of the state playoffs, they stepped up big time and proved how vital they really are.

Semaj Brown Semaj Brown 6'5" | SG Auburn | 2023 State WA 6’5 W Auburn 2023

Brown is a super talented big who happens to play on one of the most talented teams in the state. Because of this, he can sometimes be overlooked. On Wednesday he was a force inside, tipping rebounds out, going up strong around the cup, and acting as a steady presence on defense. He’ll need to replicate this game and some in their rematch with number one Garfield.

Carter Collins 6’4 G Gonzaga Prep 2022

Collins is a versatile, big guard who possesses underrated athleticism and shooting ability. He relieved a lot of pressure with his three-point shooting, late Wednesday night, and provided a nice boost in a game where every bucket was hard-earned.

Miles Goodman 6’9 F O’Dea 2024

Goodman is certainly one of the most anticipated underclassmen in the state. He has the tangibles you look for but now he looks to be getting the intangibles in order too. The young buck looked anything but in the early game Wednesday morning. He came out on a mission and played stout defense against another talented youngster, Jacob Cofie. Goodman looked confident and moved well defensively. He went up for a dunk attempt I’m not sure he would have tried earlier in the season, that netted him two shots from the line.

Mason Juergens 6’2 G Olympia 2023

Juergens had big shoes to fill as Olympia tried to seal the deal against Mariner without Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA for the last four minutes of the game. He not only handled the Marauder pressure but provided key free throws down the stretch to ice the game.

Daniel Crowley 6’5 G Central Valley 2023

Crowley had a monster game, knocking down the three ball and working inside against the bigs of Kamiakin. He stepped up to provide huge support to the scoring machine, Dylan Darling Dylan Darling 6'1" | CG Central Valley | 2022 WA , and helped Central Valley cut the lead to four at one point in the third.

Adison Mattix 6’4 F Mountlake Terrace 2022

Mattix is a big kid who was filling all the gaps for Mountlake Terrace. He blocked shots, took charges, and was making hustle plays left and right. His key play came with about 30 seconds left in the game. As Timberline’s Miles Gurske Miles Gurske 6'0" | PG Rainier Beach | 2023 State WA drove into the lane, Mattix stepped in and drew the charge, protecting the Hawks’ three-point lead.

Avery Isler 6’5 F Graham Kapowsin 2022

It cannot be understated how well of a job the Eagles did in containing Davis’ best player, Dhantaye Bennett-Joe. Isler didn’t start the contest, but his chemistry with the team both on defense and in providing crucial rebounds, was plenty to keep him on the court most of the game. His confidence seemed to grow as the game went on and he should be one to watch against top seeded Mt Si.