Week 1 Hidden Gems: 2024 Class
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It’s a new season and that means plenty of new developments with familiar players, and also new names we should hurry up and get to know. This group is highlighted by long, versatile wing players and a couple of guards…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a new season and that means plenty of new developments with familiar players, and also new names we should hurry up and get to know. This group is highlighted by long, versatile wing players and a couple of guards that bring physical, reliable play to the hardwood. Check out some of these early-season Hidden Gems.
Mande Wanlemvo
Mande Wanlemvo
I only caught a glimpse of this sweet stroking lefty, but he exhibited some promising play and an awesome combo of length and shooting. Wanlemvo was cash from long-range, spreading the floor for the Lions throughout the White River Jamboree. It looks like he likes to start his game outside and play off of it, using the threat of the three force harder closeouts and attack the rim. He’s got the size to make things happen inside and when he got fouled, was cash from the line too. He’s got good scoring potential but should affect the game on the glass too and has the build to be a problem on defense.
Will Tellis
Will Tellis
Tellis was one of two talented and intriguing juniors on Todd Beamer. I was surprised to see him only listed as 6’3 but Tellis must have a long wingspan. He was firing away from three when I watched him take on Puyallup. He was a little off on his first two attempts but then started to find the rhythm from deep, stroking over defenders, quickly off the catch, and then started working off the dribble and did a little playmaking. On the flip side, he was decent defending but could develop into something more on that side of the ball if the feet quicken up a bit.
Tucker Dunseth
Tucker Dunseth
When I saw Dunseth, he was a bit overshadowed by a monster game from Yanni Fassilis Yanni Fassilis 6’5″ | SF Union | 2023 State WA . However, I did notice Dunseth quietly doing a lot of little things, handling the ball with care, bringing physicality to his interior finishing, and attacking the glass with intent. He seemed like a player that would get you a little bit of everything, then he exploded for 26 points and six 3’s against Lewis and Clark. He is a solid player that obviously has the ability to catch fire and lead the way every now and then and should continue to hold an important role for one of the top 4A teams.
Jahlil Loyd
Jahlil Loyd
I just talked about his teammate, and although Loyd has a similar build as Tellis, he was more effective in and around the paint. Loyd has good length too, but he showed a little bounciness as well, slamming home a big two-handed dunk at one point. He handles the ball well and does a good job creating off his drives. It’s the long first step, and long strides that help him weave through defenders to the basket. He was aggressive on the boards and had some nice plays jumping passing lanes that led to quick buckets. Loyd could end up being a solid two-way player for Beamer this season.
I really liked the fit of Steplight coming over to North Thurston this season, but even I was surprised when he handled much of the point guard duties against Foster. Steplight is a strong player that shields the ball extremely well and can shoot the lights out at times. He is a powerful player in the backcourt, and it was evident with some of his passes up court, zipping the ball half the length of the floor. Steplight was very impressive with his vision and intent to get the ball up quickly and to open guys, and he made a few defensive plays that showed great awareness and aggression. He could be a leader on this team, setting the tone with heady and aggressive plays.