2023 Rankings: Top 20 Duos (11-15)

<p>The top ten duos were released yesterday and now it’s time to make our way to the second half of the list. The first half was filled with powerhouse teams but here we’ll dive into some newer duos and players who will step up into bigger roles this season. Here is part three of the <em>Top 20 Duos</em>.</p> <p><strong>11.</strong> <em>(20)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1086705" first="Jamil" last="Miller"] SG 6’6<strong> / </strong><em style="font-size: 1rem;">(61)</em><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> [player_tooltip player_id="1416287" first="Carter" last="Verret"] PF 6’6 </span><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">|</strong> <em style="font-size: 1rem;">Gonzaga Prep</em></p> <p>These two guys have so much untapped potential. Miller is an athletic freak who throws down alley-oops and windmills with ease. Carter is a lengthy big man who can operate with great versatility out of the post. This duo could make big leaps this coming season and make Gonzaga Prep a surprise team after losing standout big man, [player_tooltip player_id="674423" first="Jayden" last="Stevens"]. These two have the skillset to play off each other with a deadly inside-out game. Miller has limitless range and great explosiveness towards the hoop, while Verret has flashed playmaking ability from the post, tough rebounding, and an emerging jumper from mid-range. If they turn up the heat, they could be beasts on the second-chance points and provide a dynamic presence inside for the Bullpups.</p> <p><strong>12.</strong> <em>(23)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="923115" first="Seth" last="Horn"] C 6’8 <strong>/</strong><strong> </strong><em>(63)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1416696" first="Miles" last="Nelson"] SF 6’6 <strong>| </strong><em>Northwest</em></p> <p>This duo has a lot to prove. Their potential as a duo is sky high but a last-place finish in the Chinook division of the Emerald Sound League last season raises questions. Horn is an elite inside scorer whose combo of length, athleticism, and touch make him viable to finish from difficult angles. Nelson is a prodding scorer who can hit with ease from mid-range, step out to three, and use his big frame inside. Their work playing together will have a huge impact on their season. They have the skills to dominate on the pick and roll, and could be dominant attacking the hoop with Nelson driving and dumping to Horn, or Horn hitting Nelson on hard cuts to the hoop. The versatility, size, and skill are there, but the rest is up to them. </p> <p><strong>13.</strong> <em>(52</em><em>) </em>[player_tooltip player_id="1270688" first="Dae’Sean" last="Johnson-Holiman"] PG 5’10 <strong>/ </strong><em>(53)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="923123" first="Dace" last="Pleasant"] SF 6’6 <strong>| </strong><em>Federal Way</em></p> <p>The second pair from Federal Way highlights the strength of their starting lineup. Johnson-Holiman and Pleasant provide a varied attack of quickness and strength. Holiman-Johnson is a threat from outside but really thrives dishing the ball with all types of passes. He uses ball fakes to shift defenders and create lanes. Pleasant is a big kid with some shake to the hoop, and when he’s on he can hit from outside while also being a load to stop at the rim. These two excel on the break with Holiman-Johnson able to push the pace and hit runners in stride, and Pleasant has the speed and strength to freeze defenders looking for charges while he steps around them. Federal Way was eliminated early in the state playoffs last season but with these two returning, plus Afework, Weems, and new addition in 2024 <strong>Kofi Peyton</strong>, they will be one to watch.</p> <p><strong>14.</strong> <em>(39)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1270732" first="Luke" last="Brewer"] PG 6’2 <strong>/</strong><strong> </strong><em>(62)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1416732" first="Andrew" last="Collins"] SG 6’4 <strong>| </strong><em>Tumwater</em></p> <p>This duo combined for just over 30 points per game last season, and based on what I’ve seen this spring, should see that number rise next season. Both Brewer and Collins can dial it in from long range, and both have great attacking prowess at the rim with bursty, sky-high finishes. Brewer is more of a sharp-shooter with the ability to lock in from long-range, and Collins provides a bigger frame for a guard who excels at heading to the rim and can also contribute on the boards. Losing big man, <strong>Ryan Otton</strong>, will be difficult for Tumwater inside putting even more focus on this duo in the backcourt next season.</p> <p><strong>15.</strong> <em>(43)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1270843" first="Grant" last="Kepley"] SG 6’4 <strong>/</strong><strong> </strong><em>(64)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1416282" first="Mathew" last="Storms"] SG 6’3 <strong>/</strong><em> (74)</em> [player_tooltip player_id="1417280" first="Grey" last="Garrison"] PF 6’6 <strong>| </strong><em>Sehome</em></p> <p>Okay, I cheated here. Sehome has three players in the <em>Top 75</em>, and all will be big contributors for the Mariners. Kepley lead the way last season with a polished shot that’s paired with his superior ability to create space and keep his foundation balanced while making these moves. Storms and Garrison are long, athletic players who attack the hoop looking to score, looking to rebound, and bring that attitude to defending the hoop too. With these three, Sehome will be attacking the hoop from all angles. Kepley can own the mid-range while Garrison and Storms can clean up misses, but they also keep help-side defenders honest with their ability to drive and contribute inside. Sehome was the second team out of district one last season and should build on that performance with these three returning. </p>