Top Ten Players from the North End
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From Shoreline all the way to Stanwood, some of the biggest risers of the summer come from up north. These players were high-level performers for their squads last season and have only gotten better since. There is a lot of…
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Continue ReadingFrom Shoreline all the way to Stanwood, some of the biggest risers of the summer come from up north. These players were high-level performers for their squads last season and have only gotten better since. There is a lot of tight competition where they play, and these guys could be the difference-makers in their leagues. These are the top ten players from the north end, regardless of class.
No. 1 | Baumann built off of a strong season last year with an excellent summer, showcasing his ability to put the ball in the hoop and fill a big leadership role. He’s an effective scorer from outside, hitting threes with regularity, but is exceptional in working in the mid-range with the face-up or his back to the hoop. Baumann is patient with the ball in his hands and does a great job hitting pull-ups or leaning shots around the paint. He has committed to playing at Western Oregon University when his high school career wraps up.
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No. 2 | Williams is a top-level rebounder and scorer inside who will put up big numbers in the Wesco 4A next season. His game is defined by his great hands. He has a phenomenal ability to tip rebounds up, away from defenders, and into his own hands even in the midst of swarms of opposing players. When around the hoop, Williams is a high-proficiency scorer with a multitude of moves and the ability to hit from all kinds of angles and distances. He had a huge summer and will look to carry that momentum into the high school season.
No. 3 | The young guard burst onto the scene his freshman year, contributing in a huge way for a Kings squad with title hopes. He scored in the neighborhood of 20 points per game last season, and that was playing next to Jordan Hansen who broke the school scoring record. Hiatt’s a gifted scorer from all spots on the floor but he’s just as impactful on the boards, on defense, and creating looks for teammates. He’ll be one of the top players in 1A next season, still with a lot of basketball ahead of him.
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No. 4 | Pierre is a long wing player who excels at scoring at the rim. He is such a good decision-maker on drives to the hoop, making controlled finishes or slick passes to open teammates when the defense slides over to pick up Pierre. His length is a factor on the boards and defensively. As he gets stronger and continues to develop that mid-range shot, Pierre will continue to emerge as a top player from the north end.
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No. 5 | If you’ve seen Jones play you’ve probably left the game shaking your head because some of the shots he makes are that unbelievable. It’s incredible how easy Jones makes it look, pushing around and scoring on players who are much taller. He plays the definition of bully ball, spinning back and forth, weaving through defenses, and creating just enough space with his broad frame to muster up shots around the rim. Jones has great footwork, a strong handle, and is a threat with his back to the hoop or facing up from out to the top of the key. He’s quick and strong, and is going to be a tough matchup for anyone in the 3A Wesco.
No. 6 | This guy is an athletic forward whose activity around the rim sets him apart and landed him on the Wesco 3A first-team all-league last season. He’s a strong and explosive player who is always looking to get involved, whether that’s running the floor, crashing hard on the boards, or staying active making cuts in the half court. Gilbert thrives on aggression. Most of his work is done in and around the paint with quick spins and resourceful finishing with either hand. He has looked to expand his game over the spring and summer by developing the jumper. If he gets that to fall consistently, he’ll be a top player again in the Wesco 3A.
No. 7 | Not many point guards have the size and athleticism that White possesses, and though he won’t always be running the show for the Eagles, his scoring and playmaking at the top of the offense are paramount to their success. He’s a creator through and through. No matter where White lines up, he’s going to attack the defense and make plays. He’s got great length which can often be bothersome on defense, impacting passing lanes and looking to go quick in transition. White is one of the many young, talented players up north that look to make a big leap this winter.
No. 8 | Johnson is a sneaky little player that was right alongside Tijan Saine last season, creating havoc in opposing teams’ backcourts, and leading the charge for Mariner’s high-pressure defense. He might not have gotten the recognition some of his teammates received, but Johnson was key to Mariner’s push through the district playoffs and into a state tournament appearance. He is an aggressive, pesky guard whose game mirrors a lot of what Saine was able to do. He gets those tough shots to fall and even at his smaller size, plays with a bruising style. Johnson is going to lead the charge for Mariner next season, and I expect another high-pressured attack for the Marauders.
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No. 9 | Williams possesses a strong and long body that allows him to outmuscle opponents on his way to the rim, and finish strong inside. He looks bigger than just 6’5 and moves really well for how big and strong he is. The big guard can knock down the long-range shot with efficiency, and he plays on both ends of the court with a good motor. He’s active around the rim and on the break, using that athleticism to get involved however he can. He’s got the right mix of skills and physical tools to make a big splash next season.
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No. 10 | It might be a little early to put Usui this high, but his potential is this and more. The long forward was dominant at times over the summer, rejecting shots, swallowing defenders with long strides and strong offensive play in the paint, and showing off an emerging jump shot that signals the next phase in his game. Usui has made huge leaps over the summer but the next step is showing he can produce against the guys who have been there and done that. He’ll have his work cut out for him this winter, but could surprise some of the older players he goes against.
Honorable Mention
Luke Blachly Luke Blachly 6'4" | SF Archbishop Murphy | 2023 State WA Archbishop Murphy, David Zachman David Zachman 6'5" | SF Arlington | 2023 State WA Arlington, Daniel Savovic Daniel Savovic 6'0" | CG Everett | 2023 State WA Everett, Maddox Preder Maddox Preder 6'0" | CG Lake Stevens | 2023 State WA Lake Stevens, Andrew Jensen Andrew Jensen 6'2" | SG North Creek | 2023 State WA North Creek