Auburn Summer League Standouts: Part 1
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Every June the Auburn Trojans host teams from South King County and Pierce County. June is always an interesting time of year because it is right in the middle of AAU months. Some players have been competing across the country,…
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Continue ReadingEvery June the Auburn Trojans host teams from South King County and Pierce County. June is always an interesting time of year because it is right in the middle of AAU months. Some players have been competing across the country, others have been playing spring sports. Either way, once a week, players come to AHS Summer League and show the work they have been putting in since the season ended in late Winter. These players used the month of June to show they are worth keeping an eye on next season.
Luvens Valcin Luvens Valcin 6'2" | SG Auburn | 2024 State WA – 6’3 SF – Auburn (’24)
Fresh off a state championship, Valcin has been playing like he is out to send a message. Despite a few missed games due to a minor injury, he has been dominant this summer. The athletic wing has improved both his ball-handling and shooting ability. A few months back, all of his buckets came from inside the paint and were assisted on or from offensive boards. After a spring of development, it is clear Valcin is ready to embrace his new role. With the ball in his hands more, he looks comfortable shooting off the catch from three and creating for himself to get in the paint. If he continues to improve at this rate, he will turn a lot of heads in his junior campaign.
Muhanad Basmeh – 5’10 PG – Todd Beamer (’23)
Basmeh is coming off a great junior season in which he helped lead Beamer to a playoff berth while earning All-League honors. He was electric all year, often catching fire from beyond the arc and giving Beamer a spark at all the right moments. This summer he has shown he is much more than a spot-up shooter. Taking on more of the leadership role at the point guard position, Basmeh has shown he can score from all three levels off the dribble. Though he is smaller than a lot of his opponents, he has no problem making shots over defenders or attacking gaps to get paint touches. He is tough on both ends but Basmeh has spent the last month showing he is someone you will have to gameplan for come the regular season.
Tyrell Nichols Tyrell Nichols 6'2" | CG Auburn | 2023 State WA – 6’2 SG – Auburn (’23)
Nichols was unknown to most around the state before hitting perhaps, the biggest shot of the 3A State Tournament. With Auburn graduating a talented group of seniors, Nichols has taken advantage of the minutes. He has been one of the best defenders in the summer league and could make a case for the best perimeter shooter. The kid can shoot it from well behind the three-point line and he doesn’t need much time to get it off. All month he has shown to be a headache for opposing teams. On defense, he locks up the best guard and on offense, he can go long stretches without a miss.
Mande Wanlemvo – 6’5 SF – Auburn Mountainview (’24)
Wanlemvo has been a pleasant surprise for the Lions this summer. He has one of the best motors in the gym every week and his length and athleticism combine to make him a match-up problem for most teams. He has the quickness and handle to beat bigger defenders out on the perimeter and the strength and size to overpower smaller defenders. He seems most comfortable around the basket but looks to be improving as a shooter. Wanlemvo has room to improve offensively but his versatility and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect.
Jaivion McLaughlin – 6’2 PG – Sumner (’23)
It is always nice to see high school players that understand pace and McLaughlin understands it well. McLaughlin stands out amongst his peers in more ways than one. He is stronger than most of his match-ups, plays the game with a mature demeanor, and noticeably puts winning above everything else. With his size and skillset, McLaughlin could look to score every possession. Instead, he plays the position like a dual-threat quarterback. He knows when to look for his and when to get his teammates involved. Sumner has been a top team in the summer league and is largely due to the play and leadership of McLaughlin who seems to slow the game down for him and his teammates.