Futures Game: Part 1 2023 Stars and Risers
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Some of the top class of 2023 and 2024 players in the state were invited to Curtis High School on March 18 for the first ever WIBCA Futures Game. In this type of setting, after a full season of…
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Continue ReadingSome of the top class of 2023 and 2024 players in the state were invited to Curtis High School on March 18 for the first ever WIBCA Futures Game.
In this type of setting, after a full season of high school ball, it takes a high basketball IQ to excel in an entirely new situation. During the winter, many of these players handle the ball a majority of time, have the offense geared toward their skill sets, and they know exactly what their teammates are going to do.
Three of the top ranked Prephoops players showed they were more than capable of adjusting their game and did nothing to drop in rankings.
Brooklyn Hicks Brooklyn Hicks 6'3" | CG Timberline | 2023 State #168 Nation WA 2023 6’4” Guard Timberline High School
He was extremely aggressive and confident. He led all players with 29 points on 13-21 shooting. He attacked the hoop with great fearlessness, showed body control and an understanding of angles to slither around, go over, and through multiple defenders to finish at the basket. He has high-major athleticism, vision, competitiveness, and feel for the game. As dominant as he has been so far, he still has some room for improvement. If he can get his three point shooting and ability to go left to match his ability to attack the paint going right, he will be a nationally sought after recruit.
Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA 2023 6’2” Point Guard Olympia High School
As a true point guard, Gerrits showed the defensive ability to keep the quickness of Zoom Diallo in front of him and the strength to hold his ground against would-be offensive rebounders. His greatest strengths of being a team player who recognizes who to get the ball to, when to create for himself, and how to be an effective help defender were not exactly what this game was all about. Gerrits still showed off some of his strengths. His willingness to pass and superb vision allowed him to lead all players with six assists. They came from drives and kicks, early long passes and needle-threading dimes coming off screens. He delivered many more perfectly timed passes to shooters on the perimeter but his teammates only connected on 6 of 29 three point shots. He did show the ability to call his own number and connected on two long three- point jump shots himself.
Tyce Paulsen Tyce Paulsen 6'5" | SG Curtis | 2023 State WA 2023 6’4” Guard Curtis High School
Fresh off a state title, Paulsen showed the same poise, composure and even-handedness that make him the best leader in the state. He has all the size, ball handling skill, and shooting ability that one could want in a big guard. He showed off his pretty outside-shooting stroke, body control on drives and a willingness to set screens… in an all-star game.
Stock Risers
Three previously unranked players in this game had great seasons with their high school team and will find themselves in the top twenty in our soon to be released updated rankings.
Tennessee Rainwater 2023 6’5” Small Forward Davenport High School
Rainwater was his team’s second leading scorer with 18. He got to the free throw more than anybody else in this game and showed he can’t be guarded by any one player. He has a nose for the basket and gets downhill in a hurry. He can spin at full speed inside the key and elevate over help defenders. He has top level strength, speed, and aggressiveness to dominate high school players. To enjoy the same success at the next level he needs to more consistently shoot the ball from outside and as athletic as he is, he should be able to dominate on the offensive boards.
Maverick Sanders Maverick Sanders 6'5" | SF Mt Spokane | 2023 State WA 2023 6’5” Forward Mt. Spokane High School
Sanders is both rugged and smooth. He is a tough guy and a finesse player. He scored 22 points on15 shots and grabbed seven rebounds. He scored on post ups, cuts the basket, from the free throw line and 3-point line.
Christian King Christian King 6'8" | SG Seattle Prep | 2023 State WA 2023 6’7 Forward Seattle Prep High School
King has improved immensely in areas of the game in the last year and his stat line from this game shows just how versatile he is. He had several head-turning plays while posting 16 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out three assists. He hit four of eight 3-point shots and showed comfort and skill handling the ball.