2A Preview: Top 5 Non-League Games to Watch

These are some of the top teams in the 2A division competing against each other in non-league games, giving us a chance to see some of the top-ranked players in 2A play against new competition. Unless they meet again in the playoffs, it is likely the only opportunity to see these teams and players go head-to-head. Here are my top 5 non-league games to watch in the 2A this season.

Dec 10 Franklin Pierce @ Sammamish 5:15 PM

Players to Watch: Mason Thomas Mason Thomas 6'1" | SG Federal Way | 2024 State WA (Franklin Pierce), Javon Barbee Javon Barbee 6'4" | SG Franklin Pierce | 2025 State WA (Franklin Pierce), Zakarie Abdulkadir Zakarie Abdulkadir 6'1" | SG Samammish | 2023 State WA (Sammamish), Barry Morrisette Barry Morrisette 6'7" | PF Sammamish | 2025 State WA (Sammamish)

Notes: Both teams barely got a taste of the 2A State Tournament last season. Sammamish was knocked out in Regionals, while Franklin Pierce lost in round one at State. They boast some of the best scoring guards in the 2A in Thomas and Abdulkadir, and Javon Barbee Javon Barbee 6'4" | SG Franklin Pierce | 2025 State WA looks to add to a long lineage of Barbee’s at Franklin Pierce.

Dec 19 Clarkston @ Ellensburg 5:00 PM

Players to Watch: Xavier Santana Xavier Santana 6'3" | PG Clarkston | 2024 State WA (Clarkston), Gavin Marrs Gavin Marrs 6'11" | PF Ellensburg | 2023 State WA (Ellensburg), Emmett Fenz Emmett Fenz 6'6" | SF Ellensburg | 2023 State WA (Ellensburg)

Notes: Santana is one of the most electric players in the 2A but his Clarkston team was upset in districts last year and missed out on the State Playoffs. Meanwhile, Gavin Marrs Gavin Marrs 6'11" | PF Ellensburg | 2023 State WA is back and the Oregon State commit is ready to lead Ellensburg on a deep run in the 2A with the help of Fenz.

Dec 20 Renton @ Port Angeles 7:00 PM

Players to Watch: Dennis Johnson III Dennis Johnson III 6'0" | PG Renton | 2025 State WA (Renton), Jordan Agosto Jordan Agosto 5'10" | PG Renton | 2025 WA (Renton), Ajayi Simmons Ajayi Simmons 6'7" | SF Garfield | 2024 State WA (Renton), De’Rai Taylor De’Rai Taylor 6'2" | CG Nathan Hale | 2023 State WA (Renton), Parker Nickerson Parker Nickerson 6'2" | CG Port Angeles | 2024 State WA (Port Angeles)

Notes: Renton was one of the top 2A teams last season until they lost their footing in districts and missed the State Tournament. It’s a new-look team but the guard play is there and they have a supremely talented big man in Simmons. Port Angeles is going through some changes as well, losing their top two players from last season, but Nickerson is an underrated player who could lead the Roughriders to some surprising wins.

Jan 16 Lynden vs North Kitsap (@ Showare Center) 2:00 PM

Players to Watch: Anthony Canales Anthony Canales 6'4" | SG Lynden | 2024 State #197 Nation WA (Lynden), Coston Parcher Coston Parcher 6'0" | PG Lynden | 2023 State WA (Lynden), Kobe Barr (Lynden), Brant Heppner (Lynden), Cade Orness Cade Orness 6'5" | PG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA (North Kitsap), Harry Davies Harry Davies 6'4" | SG North Kitsap | 2024 State WA (North Kitsap)

Notes: Lynden won the 2A Tournament last season but North Kitsap was one of the top teams all year, and both should be in contention for the 2A State Title again this season. Led by some of the best prospects at the 2A level in Canales and Orness, these teams should meet in an exciting battle this January.

Jan 16 Sammamish @ Port Angeles (Possibly @ Renton HS) 3:00 PM

Players to Watch: Zakarie Abdulkadir Zakarie Abdulkadir 6'1" | SG Samammish | 2023 State WA (Sammamish), Barry Morrisette Barry Morrisette 6'7" | PF Sammamish | 2025 State WA (Sammamish), Parker Nickerson Parker Nickerson 6'2" | CG Port Angeles | 2024 State WA (Port Angeles)

Notes: This will be a matchup of teams looking to prove they have what it takes to make a move toward the 2A State Playoffs in 2022-23. At this juncture in the year, it should be a crucial game that could swing these teams’ seasons one way or the other.