Team preview - Will Pullman be the team to beat in 2A

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Pullman cruised in their first three wins in last year’s post-season over – Tumwater (61-50), Prosser (78-48), and North Kitsap (69-53). They then ran into the defending state champion Lynden in the championship game at the state tournament. They fell (51-34) scoring the least amount of points they had all year and finished runner up in Yakima. The only other two losses came to Lewiston (Idaho) and 3A Central Valley (Spokane). They will be a favorite to get to the title game once again this season, along with the other four 2A teams I just mentioned. If I had to pick an early season favorite, Pullman would be it. The main reason is senior guard Jaedyn Brown Jaedyn Brown 6'4" | CG Pullman | 2023 State WA , who averaged 22 points a game last season. He isn’t the only piece of the puzzle back, they return three starters from a year ago. Here’s a closer look at the 2022-23 version of the Greyhounds.

2021-22 (22-3) – 2nd place state

Departures
*Grayson Hunt-PF- 13.6ppg
*Payton Rogers- PG /SG – 7.6ppg

Jaedyn Brown

25 State

5 Pos

6'4" | CG | 2023 Pullman | Hooptown

I mentioned he is the main reason I have Pullman as pre-season favorites. He is widely known as one of the best shooters in the state at any level. He does all things well, and is also my pick for player of the year in 2A. He plays both guard spots and is an excellent ball handler. He scores off the dribble and can pull it from anywhere. He pulled up from about 25 feet going to his left and drilled a three at the buzzer against Tumwater in the playoffs last year. It was a tough shot and one not many players make. I don’t necessarily think it was out of the ordinary for him. He makes tough shots on a regular basis. He can free himself with the dribble or catch and shoot. He can score on mid-range jumpers and get to the rim. He is a good athlete. He is long and quick. He will give Pullman a chance to win every single night. Something they might do. He is one of the best guards in the state at any level.

Tanner Barbour

6'2" | CG | 2023 Pullman

A solid backcourt mate of Brown’s who was steady all season last year as a starter. He can also play both guard positions and take some pressure off of Brown by handling the point guard duties when needed. He is an above average athlete and will be counted on to score more this year. He is capable with a good shooting touch and the ability to get in the lane and create. He is also a solid defensive player who creates turnovers. Pullman has somewhat of a three headed monster in the backcourt with these two and the next player I will list.

Champ Powaukee

24 State

7 Pos

6'4" | SG | 2024 Pullman

Started last season as a sophomore. He brings even more athleticism to the backcourt as a small forward type player. He has excellent quickness and length which he uses to get by the defense and score, or pull up and hit the floater or jumpers. He can also defend well. I’d put this backcourt up against any in 2A and feel confident that they would be one of the best.

Dane Sykes

70 State

21 Pos

6'7" | SF | 2023 Pullman | Built4Ball

He is the only other returning player who got meaningful minutes last season. At 6’5, he can provide more size and length while playing multiple positions. He has shown a nice skill set and improved over the summer as a player who can help out in multiple categories. He and Austin Hunt Austin Hunt 6'10″ | C Pullman | 2024 State WA (6’10) junior should take on much bigger roles this season and provides Pullman with a lot of size. I look for them to make a deep run in March.