3A Most Improved Players

As I look back on the 2022-23 season, I can't help but get excited about some of the players who stepped into bigger roles and showed vast improvements from a year ago. Many of the players below have become leaders for their teams, and most of them have an opportunity to come back next year even stronger. Let's take a look at just a few of the most improved players in the 3A this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450604' first='Eli' last='Williams'] | North Central   Williams always had the size and talent to become an impact player at the point guard spot, but this season he really honed in on the details of his game; adding finishing moves, improving the jumper, and leading his team by shifting defenses with his drives and passes. He's emerged as a rising talent in the 2024 class and should be back next year to take North Central up yet another level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1463068' first='Ray' last='Adams'] | North Thurston   The lengthy forward exhibited good ball skills to pair with his 6-foot-7 frame and long reach, but this season was about building confidence in his attack and finding the next level of aggression to become a more impactful player. Adams turned out to be one of the leaders on a resurgent North Thurston team, leading the team in rebounds (9.1), stocks (3.6), and tying for the scoring lead at 12.7 points per game. He still has a long way to go to reach his ceiling but this season was a huge step in his development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1463069' first='Darrell' last='Gipson'] | Timberline   The standout football player took a big leap on the hardwood this season, improving on his jumper, extending his range, and becoming a bigger threat with his dribble attacking from the perimeter. At 6-foot-4, Gipson was already an athletic forward who could attack inside and rebound the basketball. But he took a vital step forward as a secondary scorer and playmaker this season, and his contributions helped Timberline secure the SSC 3A regular season title and the seventh seed at the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='1493125' first='Maximus' last='Holliman'] | West Seattle   There was a lot of talent that left West Seattle's backcourt from last season, but Holliman has been able to help the team to an even better finish than last year and a trip to the state tournament round of 16. An outstanding defender, Holliman has also picked up primary ballhandling duties and elevated his game as a scorer, leading the Wildcats with a toughness that seems to permeate through the team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1444804' first='Arion' last='Palacol'] | Marysville Getchell   "Bubba" Palacol took a big step forward in his sophomore season for the Chargers, helping them improve to a 16-9 record overall after only winning seven games a season ago. He's a tough guard who primarily plays the point but also has the ability to knock down buckets, and has been the head of the Chargers' attack this season. He's a bit undersized, but the guard is scrappy, can shoot the three well, and has continued to sharpen his IQ on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1560531' first='Trevontay' last='Smith'] | Yelm   Another scrappy guard, Smith emerged as a strong two-way presence this season after showing tons of growth on the offensive end. An improved outside shot and some serious determination getting to the rim have helped Smith put up some big scoring games while continuing to bring it defensively.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450495' first='Miles' last='Goodman'] | O'Dea   One of the highest touted prospects in the state, Goodman lived up to the bill this season and was dominant at times attacking and defending the rim. He brought more aggression to the floor and looked to finish with force at every opportunity. An improved jumper has opened up his offensive profile as well, and Goodman is starting to show how his game could possibly fill out as he continues to improve.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450484' first='Jacob' last='Cofie'] | Eastside Catholic   Cofie was already an uberly talented combo forward, but he's made huge steps this season to become an absolute killer on the court. What was a question mark with the jump shot has turned into a strength, hitting turnarounds and from behind the arc with regularity. He's improved finishing through contact, defending the rim, and even brings the ball down for the Crusaders every once in a while. Cofie is making the case to be the top prospect in the state and has his Crusaders in the discussion as 3A title contenders.

As I look back on the 2022-23 season, I can't help but get excited about some of the players who stepped into bigger roles and showed vast improvements from a year ago. Many of the players below have become leaders for their teams, and most of them have an opportunity to come back next year even stronger. Let's take a look at just a few of the most improved players in the 3A this season.