The Hoop Circuit NW Live: Six Standouts

It was a full weekend of hoops with over 140 teams competing, from soon-to-be freshmen to outgoing seniors. I hung out at the Hidden Valley Boys and Girls Club and Bellevue College, just two of the seven locations hosting games. While I wasn’t able to see all players I wanted, these next guys were more than enough to hold my attention. Here are the six hoopers that stood out above the rest and left me completely enamored with their games.

Myles Daymon 6’0 PG Rainier Beach 2023 FOH Seattle

We didn’t get to see a lot of Daymon at the point spot in the high school season but on Championship Sunday he stood out setting things in motion and displaying characteristics of an agitating and skilled point guard. There is not a moment’s rest for whoever draws Daymon. Athletically, he has fantastic burst and speed with the ball that doesn’t turn down from the first quarter to the fourth. It doesn’t matter what his path to the hoop looks like, he stays on balance and strong on his way to the rim. His desire is matched by his endurance and he is a constant inciter; attacking from the moment he gets the ball. He was one of very few players who had a big impact on the games without taking a lot of jump shots. It wasn’t just his aggressive play that had defenses preoccupied, but his ability to drop dime after dime when defenses were caught ball watching. It was a pleasure to see a player so cool, confident, and fast.

Evan Stinson Evan Stinson 6'7" | SF Cheney | 2024 State #223 Nation WA 6’5 PF Cheney 2024 Spokane Flight

This kid was so much fun to watch I stayed an extra game to watch him again. Listed as a power forward, Stinson can lineup anywhere on the wings or take it inside with his back to the basket if that’s what you need. He was dominant in almost every facet, lighting it up from the floor with pull-ups, Dirk-style turnarounds and fadeaways, and knocking down shots from the three-point line. He is so mobile for his size and can get down low to pick pockets of the smallest guards, while also able to rise up and pin post shots against the backboard. A lot of his shots came off his own creation but he keeps the ball moving in the offense and is by no means a ball stopper. Whether he was drilling freebies from the line, or diming guys from the high post, Stinson was having a ball. It’s great to see a kid have so much intensity on the court, then be able to come to the bench, smile, and celebrate. He could have easily played up a division this weekend and I can’t wait to see how his game grows this summer.

Ronnie Toms Ronnie Toms 6'0" | SG Renton | 2024 State WA 6’1 SF Foster 2024 Renton Select

Toms was a relatively unknown player to me. I had heard the name, seen some of the accolades, but never watched him in person. Now, I can’t get enough. He is an undersized kid who has dedicated himself to learning the game of basketball and how he has to play it to succeed. Toms was an elite defender in the high school season, taking home KingCo’s 2A Defensive Player of the Year award, and has continued that stellar play into the AAU season. His hands are his bread and butter. They are quick and strong, and he utilizes excellent timing to get picks and blocks. He was far and away the best defender on the court while also being an impact player on offense. He takes good shots, knocking down treys with a quick release and high arcing ball, can work out of the post, and makes pocket passes in short space. Toms’ defense leads the way, but he is an all-around player with grit and an unwavering focus.

Zaveon Jones Zaveon Jones 6'2" | SF Mountlake Terrace | 2024 State WA 6’2 SF Mountlake Terrace 2024 FOH Seattle

In all the games I saw this weekend, Jones was easily the most difficult for opposing teams to guard. He’s only 6’2 but makes a killing inside the paint. Whether he’s establishing solid position in deep off the blocks or catching up at the top of the key, Jones has the quick first step and the power to get that slight edge on defenders and never give it back. Even as taller defenders swarmed him, he was able to use that broad frame of his to keep space, however tiny it was, and exhibited phenomenal touch converting on numerous and-one opportunities. He lived at the line all weekend where he was just as deadly as he was under the hoop. On defense, Jones played to his strengths again, keeping quick feet to maintain position and then bodying up, absorbing contact without giving an inch. He also showed a little playmaking ability from the defensive end, timing up some help side steals on passes to the inside, leading to breakaways. Jones looks ready to become a true number one option.

Martin Kaupanger Martin Kaupanger 6'5" | SG/SF Annie Wright | 2025 State WA 6’4 SG Annie Wright 2025 Seattle Rotary

Kaupanger was raising eyebrows all throughout his freshman season at Annie Wright. I was able to watch him quite a few times throughout the year but when I saw him running against kids his own age this weekend, it was just not fair. Listed at 6’4, he moves easily past defenders and can effortlessly raise up for a jam. It looks like he’s still growing too. He was utterly dominant from all spots on the court; swatting shots away on defense, showing a quick trigger from three, and flowing from defense to offense seamlessly. Tougher games will be ahead for the young, talented Rotary squad, but for now, Kaupanger looks to be a cut above the rest in the class of 2025.

Xzavier Randhawa Xzavier Randhawa 6'2" | SG Kentridge | 2023 State WA 6’2 SG Kentridge 2023 Seattle Select

Randhawa was my favorite player to watch this weekend. Nothing he did seemed outside of himself. He was controlled yet aggressive, making plays without turning the ball over. He took contested shots, but not bad shots, and was able to push the ball without forcing things. Randhawa tirelessly worked, making the most of every minute, playing fundamentally sound basketball, and showed an aptitude to run an offense while not necessarily being the point man. Even when he made mistakes he was not deterred or shaken by failure, but kept moving forward and aimed his focus on the next play. The most impressive thing about Randhawa’s game against Built4Ball was the fact he had an extraordinary impact on his team’s success without taking a jump shot until five minutes to go in the game. Not many players can or want to do that. He plays on balance, feet on the ground, which gives him an extra half step on other players. He can rise up pretty well on his layups and he’s good at the cup finishing on either side. It’s the culmination of all the little things he does that stand out so much. He sets screens with intent, his passes hit guys in the hands, and his eyes are always up. I can’t wait to watch this kid again.