2022-23 Woodinville Falcons Team Preview
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Woodinville was a bit under the radar last season, finishing second in their district only behind Mt. Si and making a trip to regionals where they narrowly lost to Dylan Darling and the Central Valley Bears. They lose a lot…
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Continue ReadingWoodinville was a bit under the radar last season, finishing second in their district only behind Mt. Si and making a trip to regionals where they narrowly lost to Dylan Darling and the Central Valley Bears. They lose a lot of experienced guys from last season with both starting guards graduating and a ton of size up front moving on. However, they get a talented and surging point guard from Juanita and have a few guys that played good minutes last season that could be primed to break out in 2022-23. Here’s a look at exactly what the Falcons are working with this season.
Graduated: Trevor Koch, Will Ruff, Sayerr Senghore (Bellevue College), Ryan Roth, Akhil Damidi
Incoming: Jaiden Blackmon Jaiden Blackmon 6'3" | PG Woodinville | 2024 State WA (Juanita), Luke Unruh (2026)
Key Returners: Jamison Atwood Jamison Atwood 6'5" | SF Woodinville | 2024 State WA , Hudson Duff Hudson Duff 6'5" | SG Woodinville | 2024 State WA , Ethan Unruh
There is a lot of length and size heading out the door with Senghore (6’5) and Roth (6’5), and they have to replace both starting guards from last season. But the Falcons have some budding talent that’s ready to make their mark on the KingCo 4A. They were close last year and even with a new-look group, this team looks like they could do some damage again in 2022-23. They have hard workers and great size in their backcourt that should lead the way this coming season.
Atwood was a nice complimentary piece for Woodinville in 2021-22 but as one of just a few players returning who saw big minutes last year, he’ll see a much larger role this season. Atwood is a physically tough player who bangs on the boards, can muscle his way to the hoop on drives, and has even grown a little since last season. The Falcons lost a lot of size from last year’s team and Atwood will be a key player working in the paint and on the wings. He really worked to improve the jumper over the summer and he should be one of the top scorers for Woodinville this winter.
Blackmon is a transfer from Juanita where he ran point and did a lot of scoring last year. He’s had a strong spring and summer, shooting the ball, playmaking, and giving good effort on both ends of the court. Blackmon is good at controlling the pace of play and inciting action offensively. He’ll be huge for the Falcons as they lose their starting backcourt from a year ago.
Highlights
Duff was a rotational player last season but he has shown he has the qualities to be an impact player. First off, he has great size at the guard spot. Like Atwood, he can contribute on the glass and has good athleticism and strength. He’s a pretty solid player across all categories but needs to show more aggression to contribute the way this team needs. Duff is going to be a key guy this season that could make a big jump from last year. He has good touch on his shot, takes his time with the ball, and doesn’t make a ton of errors. This could be a breakout formula for the talented guard.
Ethan Unruh
Ethan Unruh
There is a big hole in the frontcourt with both Sayerr Senghore and Ryan Roth moving on. Unruh was the next big up last year and this season he’ll be counted on to eat a big chunk of the frontcourt minutes. He has a similar game to Roth, attacking the rim, fighting on the boards, and also has the ability to put the ball on the floor a bit. His activity is off the charts and he’ll need to match that with good efficiency at the rim to make the most of this season.
Luke Unruh
Luke Unruh
New to the Falcons, Unruh had a good summer with Friends of Hoop, showing he can score off the dribble and get to the hoop well. It will be interesting to see just how his game fits in at the high school level but Unruh is one to watch who could add depth to the backcourt and provide some added scoring in his first year at Woodinville.
There is a great chance Mt. Si repeats as top dog in the KingCo 4A. Skyline has brought back some key pieces and added some high-level players, but after that Woodinville could be that third team to challenge for a shot at the state tournament. There is a lot of talent and plenty of opportunity here for the Falcons that surely want to prove they are ready to take that step forward.