Tacoma Dome State Preview: Top 4A Guards Day 1

<p>The WA State 4-day Tourney is finally here at the Tacoma Dome. Several teams have already clinched a second-day spot. Let’s take a look at the guards that will set the tone for the first day at state.</p> <h5><strong>Olympia(11th seed) vs Mariner(6th seed)</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1217797" first="Parker" last="Gerrits"]</strong>, 6’1, PG/SG, 2023, Olympia</p> <p>With a convincing win against Jackson, Olympia looked solid as ever, lead by their star guard, [player_tooltip player_id="1217797" first="Parker" last="Gerrits"]. Gerrits has unlimited range, and loves to seek contact around the basket. He is a hard-nosed defender with a toughness about him that wears down opponents. He is basically automatic with his one dribble cross-over into his pull-up midrange. Olympia has a tough 1-2 punch combination of Gerrits and their 6’7, forward, [player_tooltip player_id="1270674" first="Andreas" last="Engholm"]. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931309" first="Tijan" last="Saine"]</strong>, 5’10, PG, 2022, Mariner</p> <p>The first thing that you notice about Saine is his willingness to make his opponents’ life miserable on the defensive end. Teams must respect his jumper but that makes it even more difficult because he has one of the quickest first step drives in all of 4A. Saine can score, but it is his passing ability to get his teammates involved from start to finish which makes him dangerous. Look for Saine and his teams’ up-tempo approach to punch their opponents in the mouth early at state. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>Graham-Kapowsin(15th seed) vs Davis(7th seed)</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1120390" first="Joshua" last="Wood"]</strong>, 6’3, PG, 2022, Graham-Kapowsin</p> <p>This electric point guard out of GK has put his team on notice with a state bid going against Davis. He has a variety of moves that include deceptive hesi’s, in-n-out crossovers, and can shoot the mid-range plus the deep ball as well. But the one thing that stood out, is his ability to play at his own pace, and control the flow of the game. His size and length at the guard spot also allows him to be a pesky defender on the defensive end. Wood is a natural-born leader. Davis will have its’ hands full.</p> <p><strong>Cesar Hernandez</strong>, 6’1, PG, 2025, Davis</p> <p>Hernandez was born to score, dropping 33 points vs Wenatchee and 26 against Eastmont in their league play. He has a smooth jumper with unlimited range. Even though he is only a freshman, his leadership is much respected by his peers. It’s one of the biggest reasons why they are 19-1 with a state bid. Hernandez's most underrated aspect of his game is his maturity. His game does not resemble a typical freshman. He displays his high IQ with the ability to set up his teammates and knowing when to get a bucket at crucial parts of the game. This matchup will go under the radar but will be a fun one to watch. It’s Wood vs Hernandez, poise vs poise. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>Central Valley(12th seed) vs Kamiakin(4th seed)</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929627" first="Dylan" last="Darling"], </strong>6’2, PG/SG, 2022, Central Valley</p> <p>A lefty that can put up 48 points one night tying a GSL all-time single-game scoring record. Then a week later breaking that record with 58 points. Let me introduce you to [player_tooltip player_id="929627" first="Dylan" last="Darling"]. He has a unique ability to get to anywhere on the floor and just rise up. With a deceptive step-back, his footwork is one of the best at Dome. The best part about his game is his ability to read the defense, and to just make the right play. He will look to carry Central Valley on his shoulders. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929628" first="Trey" last="Arland"]</strong>, 6’6, SG, 2022, Kamiakin</p> <p>Arland is one of those players as an opposing coach that you must put two people on to get the ball out of his hands. He is a pure sharpshooter with the ability to put the ball on the floor into his pull-up game. His catch and shoot is one of the quickest, if not the quickest trigger in the state tournament. He is a big combo guard/wing, can grab boards against anyone, and uses his size to create mismatches. Whether it’s to draw out post players on the perimeter, or take smaller guards inside, he can take over a game at any time. Look for the 2-Time First Team All-conference selection, 2-Time All-def team selection phenom to counter against Valley’s star, Darling.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>Federal Way(9th seed) vs Gonzaga Prep(8th seed)</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270688" first="Dae’Sean" last="Johnson-Holiman"]</strong>, 5’8, PG, 2023, Federal Way</p> <p>As the general that keeps the Eagles in check and in attack mode at all times, Holiman has got this team to the Dome for a date against Gonzaga Prep. As a smaller guard, he has a good mixture of craftiness and a quick first step to attack the rim and make plays for his teammates. As a tenacious defender, Holiman is able to get quick transition buckets for his team. If the Eagles are to go far, Holiman will be that engine. </p> <p><strong>Jayce Swanson</strong>, 5’8, PG, 2025, Gonzaga Prep</p> <p>Seems like the battle of the point guards is the theme for most of these matchups. Swanson is another talented freshman with a pure point guard mentality. His game is never rushed, can take it to the rim and finish strong through contact. He has quick hands and anticipation on the defensive end, making it miserable for his opponents. Look for him to make a statement game against the Eagles. </p>