Las Vegas Live Standout 2024s
There is often a big jump made from a player’s sophomore to junior season and based on what I saw at Las Vegas Live, these six 2024s are primed to make such a leap. Some we’ve been talking about all…
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Continue ReadingThere is often a big jump made from a player’s sophomore to junior season and based on what I saw at Las Vegas Live, these six 2024s are primed to make such a leap. Some we’ve been talking about all spring and summer, while a few have been quietly working and finally are getting their deserved due. Check out a few standouts from the 2024 class that were balling at Las Vegas Live.
Julian Ibarra Julian Ibarra 6'4" | SG Quincy | 2024 State WA (2024) | 6’4 | CG | Omak | Central WA Select
Ibarra has great size and a good wingspan for being able to play both the guard spots. He handled the ball a lot for Central WA Select, and attacked the hoop with purpose, finishing over the top of defenders much of the time. For being their primary ball-handler, he was also their primary scorer, inciting much of the action and freeing up space for teammates. Ibarra has a sweet-looking stroke too and drilled his fair share of three-balls.
Dominic Navarre (2024) | 6’7 | PF | Zillah | Hooptown Elite
I watched Navarre go for a career-high 31 points Friday morning and one thing was abundantly evident, Navarre is raw. That speaks to his potential as a hooper. He is a big and strong 6’7 which was showcased by his ability to shoot right over tight defense time and again. His jump shot was fairly consistent, and when he received the ball around the paint he was able to convert at a high percentage. Though the jump shot looked a little stiff at times, he was much more fluid at the foul line and that shows there is room for growth on a jumper he already has no qualms about taking. Navarre is just getting started on his basketball journey and he could be a player that advances quickly as he gets more hoops under his belt.
Henry Sandberg Henry Sandberg 6'3" | CG Gonzaga Prep | 2024 State WA (2024) | 6’3 | CG | Gonzaga Prep | Spokane Flight
Spokane Flight performed well all throughout the Las Vegas Live event and Sandberg didn’t waste any time helping his team get going. In their second game of the weekend, Sandberg splashed home 6 threes while I watched and I doubt he stopped once I left. He set the pace with his attacking early, not just striking from outside, but slicing into the middle for pull-ups, and getting to the rim as well. He did not waste opportunities and got to his spots on the floor with little trouble. Keep an eye on him as an emerging player for Gonzaga Prep next season.
Evan Stinson Evan Stinson 6'7" | SF Cheney | 2024 State #223 Nation WA (2024) | 6’6 | SF | Cheney | Spokane Flight
Every time I see Stinson I swear it’s like I’m watching the same game over and over. His game is not typically affected by opposing teams as he’s able to get his shot just about however he wants it. He’s got a little lean back to his jumper that makes it super difficult to contest as a defender, but it’s the way Stinson probes the defense, moving north and south, laterally, and forcing defenders to cover so much space that allows him to consistently get his shot off. The forward’s court vision is next level and he is a master manipulator out there.
Drew Rayment Drew Rayment 6'5" | SF Mt Spokane | 2024 State WA (2024) | 6’5 | SF | Mt Spokane | Spokane Flight
The last couple of times I saw Rayment he was playing mostly off of others’ action, hitting the boards hard, and spotting up for kick-out threes, but in Vegas, I saw a player with lots of confidence in his offensive game and the ability to create his own looks. Rayment was walking into threes when his team had numbers, taking leaning, fadeaways from the free throw line, and continuing to be that force on the glass with his athletic ability and drive. When Rayment can create for himself the way he did in Vegas, he brings yet another scorer the defense has to worry about, not to mention someone who is active on both ends of the court.
Carter Williford Carter Williford 6'3" | CG Mt Tahoma | 2024 State WA (2024) | 6’3 | SG | Mt Tahoma | Tacoma Swish
If you want someone who is going to get to the hoop, it’s got to be Williford. The crafty lefty plays with a great change of pace attack that works especially well coming off of the pick and roll. He’s able to make the threat of the drive and the threat of the pass realities for the defense who can’t possibly cover both. He seems to know all of his options on the floor as he drives in and shows great court vision hitting passes to just about any place his teammates are. Williford looks capable of playing both guard spots depending on what a coach is looking for.