West Coast Clash 17U Sunday Studs

Saturday had my head spinning with all the action and all the players to see, but like the next few players listed - the game slowed down for me Sunday. I was able to revisit some players that caught my eye on day one and dig deeper into their games. Here’s a solid bunch that stood out Sunday at the West Coast Clash in the 17U division.

Matt Lindblom 6’0 CG | Team Anderson Elite | Olympia HS 2025

Easily one of the most exciting finds of the weekend, Lindblom was a cut above the competition. His game is mature for his age, attacking with patience, precision, and confidence. He scored from every level and has a jumper for every scenario; the high arcing jumper over big defenders, the leaning pull up, the form-fitted spot-up shot. He was prepared to go into each situation. Lindblom is taking advantage of his opportunities on the circuit also playing with Roots Academy 2024. He’ll have to bide his time at Olympia behind Mason Juergens and Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA , but look for Lindblom to be a key guy on that second unit next season.

Max Holliman 6’5 SF | ECBA | West Seattle HS 2023

Here is a sturdy, fundamentally sound, glue guy who filled a vital role for ECBA over the weekend, filling the gaps and making heady plays. With excellent movement off-ball, Holliman is able to find open spaces near the rim or for catches en route. He’s a physical kid who plays sticky defense on opposing guards and wings. He plays within himself, taking care of the ball but working his tail off to do all the little things that help his team win. He’s a possession winner that has the "next play" attitude.

Cavin Holden Cavin Holden 6'1" | CG Ra Long | 2023 State WA 6’1 CG | ECBA | RA Long HS 2023

Holden showed his three and "D" capabilities Sunday, as well as an ability to create on the drive and generate momentum for his squad. They played against a loaded Seattle Stars team but he brought the energy and was a big reason the game was as close as it was. He can stroke from the corner, has good burst to the rim, and also showed some gusto to get things going when the offense stagnated. He’s a tough player who works hard to pick up the scraps, and sold out for a few charges I know he felt after the game.

Braeden Smith Braeden Smith 5'11" | PG Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA 6’0 PG | Seattle Stars | Seattle Prep HS 2022

Braeden really found his footing in the second half of their first game Sunday. It all started with some good ol’ high-pressure defense as he picked up his man full court. He’s the kind of player that feeds off of hard work and the harder he pushed it, the better he played. He brought the energy up for the whole squad and in their second game of the day he was a bullet to the rim on each touch, lighting it up in transition. In the half-court, everything looked easy for him. He sliced through the defense inside, scoring or dishing at will.

Jackson Lusk 6’0 SG | Team Anderson Elite | North Thurston HS 2023

Everybody found their role on Team Anderson Elite and Lusk’s role was to be a smart player, take care of the ball, and shoot the lights out. Lusk’s eyes are lasered in on the rim and his supreme focus has his shot looking the same almost every time he rises up. He’s a knockdown shooter from the outside but also a heady player that makes timely passes and can offer some playmaking ability too. All of this stems from his ability to draw defenders out and force them to close out hard. This combo of shooting and playmaking keeps the defense guessing, and with quick decision-making, Lusk is usually a step ahead.

Parker Baumann Parker Baumann 6'5" | CG Shorecrest | 2023 State WA 6’5 CG | BDH Elite | Shorecrest HS 2023

This guy was a crowd favorite over the weekend. He was hitting from outside on day one but on Sunday he proved he can be a force in the paint too. He was slashing, pulling up short of the rim for banked in floaters, jump hooks, and taking it all the way in to finish strong through traffic. Baumann was a huge reason his BDH squad took the Seattle Stars to the wire; cleaning glass and cutting up the defense inside. He even had to ditch the undershirt mid-game because it was drenched in sweat. The guy is a worker but also a highly-skilled player. That spells winning time.

Denis Anishchenko 6’7 SF | Global Basketball Club | Cedar Park Christian HS 2023

My man Denis first caught my eye because of his long frame and strong base, and while he did put it work inside, his game proved to be so much more than that. He’s a big that has great dribbling skills in the post that allows him to process the defense, keep his eyes up, and make quick moves when the moment’s right. He can step out and hit the long ball with ease, is money from the stripe, and is a bull in transition. He’s strong, fluid, has good ball skills, and rarely forces a play. It’s a shame we missed him on the latest rankings update but count on seeing him make the list after a strong summer season.