First year varsity players making big contributions
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There are always some new faces that are getting their first varsity action when a new season begins. Some of those players inevitably stand out because of the work they have put into their game in the off-season. I have…
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Continue ReadingThere are always some new faces that are getting their first varsity action when a new season begins. Some of those players inevitably stand out because of the work they have put into their game in the off-season. I have watched some of those types early in the season. Players who are going to have a big impact on their team’s success.
Cayle Kelly
Cayle Kelly
He didn’t see a minute of varsity action last season. He is starting for Napavine this season and he has played well in their 4-0 start. He is a player that you can count on to make the right pass at the right time. He has a high basketball IQ. He can make open looks and is a good three point shooter. He was one of only two players who scored double figures in a win over Toledo. He had a team high 8 rebounds in a win over Lacenter. He is the type of player that has a natural feel for the game and he doesn’t allow for the ball to become stagnant on the offensive end. He makes basketball plays and he does it without thinking. That is an important to the cohesiveness of the game and it shows. He is a tough player who isn’t afraid to get after it on defense.
Sébastian Cooper
Sébastian Cooper
He has been playing well for Kings to start the season. He came off the bench in the game I watched vs Lynden Christian and provided some good minutes. He has had games of 11 and 9 points-these are the ones that I could find. He can provide an offensive spark as a sophomore getting his first real taste of varsity action on a good team. He came right in and got a couple buckets in the game I watched. Including a three. He has a good feel for the game and is a talented player who will be a big part of Kings success moving forward. He handles the ball and isn’t afraid to attack the defense with his quickness.
Carson Bognor
Carson Bognor
He has stepped up and played some big minutes for the Monarchs to begin the season. Without Deacon Dietz Deacon Dietz 6’3″ | SG Mark Morris | 2023 State WA for the first three games, Mark Morris looked to the Sophomore guard and he played well. He is a good defensive player who gives you hustle on both ends of the floor. He scored 9 in a win over Ridgefield and has gotten valuable experience that will help Mark Morris now that they are back to full strength.
A freshman stepping into a 3A varsity lineup to start the season on a good team is tough to do. He has done a great job. He has come up with some big baskets, including a couple of threes against Mount Tahoma in a win. He hit one at the half time buzzer that was from way out. He caught it and put it up quickly at the horn and found nothing but net. He handles the ball well vs pressure and doesn’t look phased by any of it. He knows where to be on the floor and who to get the ball to. He reads and reacts well to make plays, with some solid drives to the hoop and dishing to teammates for open looks. He is proving that he belongs on a young team that is off to a great start.
Dekker Van De Graaf
Dekker Van De Graaf
He scored a career high 26 points in an 86-37 win over College Place. Zillah has been without star Luke Navarre Luke Navarre 6’5″ | SG Zillah | 2023 State WA the last couple games and Van De Graaf stepped up in a big way to account for some of the offense missing without Navarre. Nic Navarre also stepped up in his brothers absence and scored 26 of his own. Zillah has still managed to get wins over Naches and College Place without their top scoring option and all state player out of the lineup.