Next Year's Breakout Player Watch List

You never quite know who will be the next players to break out but as we approach the state tournaments and the end of this season, let's try and take a look at the 2023-24 season and guess who will break out based on what we've seen thus far this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485587' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] | Bellevue   Smith has been a huge addition to Bellevue's varsity team this season, bringing energy on both ends of the floor, especially making plays in transition and on defense. He's a guy that looks to have loads of confidence and trust in his instincts out there. If he can get a little more consistent shooting the ball he will be a player to watch next season who could step up and be one of the leaders for the Wolverines.   Brayden Fischer | Shorecrest   On a heavily senior-laden team, Fischer has been able to carve out a decent role that is sure to expand next season. He's been a reliable ballhandler for the Scots who can also stretch the floor and has continued to show growing confidence as the season has progressed. He's also a solid defender and I think with more opportunity he will become a name people get more familiar with in the Wesco.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450995' first='Jalani' last='Clemmons'] | Seattle Academy   Clemmons has already taken huge strides forward this season as one of the Cardinals' lead scoring threats. He's made great improvements shooting the ball which has really opened up the floor for his athleticism at the hoop. Next season, I'd look for the sophomore guard to put it all together and find some more flow to his offensive game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685492' first='Brian' last='Webster'] | O'Dea   The freshman has already been a contributor for the Irish, which is impressive in its own right, but the young guard will have a big opportunity to move into the starting lineup next year as O'Dea graduates two guards who currently eat a lot of minutes. He's shown he can hit the long-range shot with relative ease and consistency, but he's also able to be a playmaker who doesn't need a lot of touches. His instincts have been key in his transition to high school ball and should be a factor in helping him break out next year.   Romeo Webber | Silas   Webber is still a fairly raw player but he's made good progress throughout the season and looks much more comfortable on the court compared to earlier in the year. He's making better reads defensively, rebounding at a higher rate, and being more instinctive with the ball in his hands. The defense and rebounding look to come quicker than the offensive side of things, but Webber is talented enough to be an impact player strictly on the defensive side until his offense comes around. When he does put it all together, Webber could end up being one of the more highly-rated prospects in his class.   Niko Christofilis | Seattle Prep   Christofilis displays a natural feel for the game; scoring, playmaking, and just competing at a high level across the board. Even in his freshman year, he was able to prove he belongs and play in a way that made you double-take his grade on the roster sheet. Prep has a lot of younger players ready to make an impact next season but Christofilis could have the highest ceiling of them all and seems to have the posture of a leader.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450982' first='Gelonni' last='“JuJu” Ervin'] | North Central   The entire North Central team made huge advances this season and looks like a completely different team than the start of the year. Ervin has settled into certain roles and looks to have found comfort in focusing on doing certain things well, rather than trying to conquer is all right away. He has major potential and after his progress this year, could be in store for a true breakout season next year along with the rest of his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685493' first='Doni' last='Burkett'] | Federal Way   It's been tough to gauge Burkett's growth this season as Federal Way already has great depth with their upperclassmen and is making a legitimate run at a 4A title. That being said, Burkett's talent is undeniable and he should have plenty of minutes to fill next season as one of just four players who will return from the varsity squad. Another teammate to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1485652' first='Angelo' last='Williams']. A dropoff should be expected after going 21-2 in the regular season, but Burkett, Williams, and [player_tooltip player_id='1450499' first='Kofi' last='Peyton'] will keep the Eagles' backcourt as talented as any.

You never quite know who will be the next players to break out but as we approach the state tournaments and the end of this season, let's try and take a look at the 2023-24 season and guess who will break out based on what we've seen thus far this year.