The Best of Summer 2023 Scoring Machines
Sometimes you just know it when you see it, and with this bunch of players, you just know. A couple of them have been doing it for a while and have only gotten better, while others have been floating a…
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Continue ReadingSometimes you just know it when you see it, and with this bunch of players, you just know. A couple of them have been doing it for a while and have only gotten better, while others have been floating a little under the radar and made big strides this summer to earn their way on this list. They are guys you can hand the ball to and say, “Go get me a bucket.” They are crafty, skilled, and determined scorers. Here are the best of summer’s scoring machines from the class of 2023.
Ryan Gallagher Ryan Gallagher 6'4" | SG Liberty | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’5 | SG | Liberty | Local Hoops
Gallagher was a little under the radar last season but at 6’5 and with his skill set, he was bound to put it all together to become an elite scorer at the 3A level. He looks to have done just that and over the summer showed an ability to be a complete three-level scorer with finesse, strength, and smarts. The kid is starting to make it look a little too easy at times and you begin to wonder how much damage he’s actually going to cause next season. He can stroke it from deep with ease, has great finishing ability from both sides of the hoop and the athleticism to go right up over defenders. Gallagher is a hidden gem among guards in the state for now, but he’ll no doubt create some buzz come next season.
Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’2 | PG | Olympia | Team Stuck
One of the top guards in the state, Gerrits was already well-known for his ability to hit from all spots on the court and create something out of nothing when the offense broke down. However, he has taken a huge step this summer improving his ability to finish at the rim. It all starts with his effort going to the hoop and making that part of his game more of a priority. Then you see added strength as he can consistently absorb contact and still take the ball up strong to finish the play. While his finishing strength has been his most impressive addition, I’ve also noticed more focused finishing when it requires a more acrobatic or evasive finish. Overall, he’s become a more dynamic scorer who we should see get inside more often where he will put pressure on defenses, and hopefully, free up more looks for that sweet jumper of his.
Jaylin Stewart Jaylin Stewart 6'7" | SG Garfield | 2023 State #71 Nation WA (2023) | 6’7 | SG | Garfield | Seattle Rotary
There’s a reason certain guys get that #1 next to their name. Stewart made it on my Summer All-Defense Team and now here he is holding it down as one of the premier scorers in his class. There’s really no comparison to Stewart’s size and skill across the state. He’s quick, strong, athletic, and can work from just about any spot to attack in a multitude of fashions. He brings electricity to the fast break, lifting off to finish oops or trailing for tip-ins. He can work from the blocks or the mid-range with his back to the basket or facing up, winning on the drive or finding room for the jumper. Stewart is a relentless finisher at the rim, using his big frame to fend off defenders and soft hands to roll the ball up and in. Lastly, the kid can bury the long-range shot. He’s gotten some big recognition this summer on the national level and his ability to go to work from all areas is a huge reason why.
Parker Baumann Parker Baumann 6'5" | CG Shorecrest | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’5 | CG | Shorecrest | Big Drip Hoops
Baumann was another under-the-radar player coming into the spring and summer but he quickly caught eyes and became a major talking point at local events. He makes the summer scoring machine list because of his ability to hit from all levels, but what is special about Baumann is his preference to attack in the in-between areas. He has an advantage over most guards with his height and tends to take them closer in where they have to play against his size and strength. He has a great stroke from the mid-range and is absolutely deadly pulling up short of the rim for floaters that kiss the glass or go straight bottom. Baumann’s a methodical scorer who takes his time sizing up the defense and shows excellent body control when he is going full bore. The 6’5 guard is going to be a big factor in 3A next season.
Sylas Williams Sylas Williams 6'6" | SF Jackson | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’6 | SF | Jackson | North City
It’s hard to imagine anyone having a better summer than Williams has had. The big man out of the North has made leaps and bounds in the AAU seasons to become one of the biggest risers in the 2023 class. He showed flashes of his skill and IQ last season but he has absolutely exploded this summer. He’s affecting games across the board while showing the potential to score big numbers on a nightly basis. He can do it in a myriad of ways. Whether it’s throwing the ball to him on the blocks and letting him go to work with his great footwork, swinging him the ball on the wings where he’s improved his outside shot and can still weave his way through defenses, or using his great rebounding skill to get put backs, Williams is a threat wherever he gets the ball. He will be the face of Jackson basketball next season and lead a new band through a competitive 4A Wesco.