Players who could sneak into top 10 of 2023 rankings
Updating the class rankings will always be very difficult. There are many, many players who deserve to be listed, but only so many can be. Here are four players in the 2023 class that MIGHT rise into our top 10…
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Continue ReadingUpdating the class rankings will always be very difficult. There are many, many players who deserve to be listed, but only so many can be. Here are four players in the 2023 class that MIGHT rise into our top 10 in the class of 2023 rankings and why they might deserve to be there.
Amare Jackson Amare Jackson 6'5" | SF O'Dea | 2023 State WA – Rainier Beach HS
-Amare is one of the best scorers in the state, easily. His ability to put the ball in the basket, from anywhere, is extremely impressive and fun to watch. The 2A KingCo Player of the Year averaged 35 points a game, along with 10 rebounds a game. In February of this past season, Amare scored a Highline HS record 51 points in a game over Evergreen, right after dropping 41 against Decatur. The junior had a big grassroots season, being on Team Stuck on the Under Armor Circuit. He’s set up for another big season next year, this year with Rainier Beach. He will be a big addition to the team and it will be great to watch him against the amazing talent the Metro League offers. I wouldn’t be surprised in Jackson entered our top 10 next time we updated our rankings.
Soren Dalan Soren Dalan 6'10" | C W.F West | 2023 State WA -WF West HS
-Soren is one of the few “traditional” big men in the state. Standing at 6’10″, there is no other player in the state who can match up to Soren on the court. He has an amazing ability in the pick and roll, easily being able to roll off the screen and lay it in with ease. Dalan can out-rebound anyone, if that wasn’t obvious. The shooters on his team should have plenty of open shots when the defenders collapse on Dalen. He had many, many double-doubles, including some 20-15 games late in the year. As a junior last year, Soren broke the WF West HS record for most rebounds in a season with 289. (record was held for 37 years) Soren had a great summer, playing with Elite 24 out of Oregon. With senior Dirk Plakinger graduating, Soren is bound for a massive year with WF West once again, with his role increasing as well. He makes all players around him a lot better.
Luke Browne Luke Browne 6'6" | SG Gig Harbor | 2023 State WA -Gig Harbor HS (6’6”)
-Luke has a very smooth lefty shot. He has phenomenal ability to shoot off screens, anywhere from deep. Last season he – broke Gig Harbor school record with 98 threes made in a season and also broke the Gig Harbor school record with 11 threes in a game against North Thurston, while not even step on the court in the 4th! He uses his strength to create space in the mid-range area, add in the ability to step outside on pick and pops, he makes defenders pay for going underneath screens. Luke’s high basketball IQ is very apparent when watching him play, as he doesn’t take many bad shots, rarely makes mistakes, and is always setting his teammates up for success. He is a highly skilled player and sets himself up in the rights spots on the floor for success. Luke has one of the most complete offensive games in the class. Being able to drive by defenders, hit the mid-range shot, or even sink a floater over the defenders. Gig Harbor had a solid season, making it to state. They are looking to take another step with Browne at the helm, he could also easily sneak into our top 10.
Luke Navarre Luke Navarre 6'5" | SG Zillah | 2023 State WA -Zillah HS
-Luke has a very smooth game, as it seems like everything comes natural for the 6’4″ wing. Luke is exceptionally effective when working off the dribble, easily sinking the mid-range shot when getting by his defenders. Luke can also knock it down from long range, and finishes at the rim efficiently. He is crafty for his size, so he’s able to finish around traffic. Navarre’s mid-range shot is at it’s best when he’s working off a catch and shoot from the free throw line, as he rarely misses those shots. Zillah had multiple players who could drop 30 on any night, Luke will look to lead Zillah to another solid year during is senior year next season. He’s had a great summer with Hooptown Elite, as all their players have done fantastic. I’ve seen some growth in his game, mostly with his athleticism. He looks like he can jump out of the room and creates space with more ease!