Next Year’s Breakout Player Watch List
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingYou 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.
Bryce Smith Bryce Smith 6'1" | PG Bellevue | 2025 State WA | 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.
Jalani Clemmons Jalani Clemmons 6'2" | SG Seattle Academy | 2025 State WA | 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.
Brian Webster Brian Webster 6'3" | SG O'Dea | 2026 State WA | 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.
Gelonni “JuJu” Ervin Gelonni “JuJu” Ervin 6'8" | SF North Central | 2025 State #274 Nation WA | 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.
Doni Burkett Doni Burkett 6'2" | PG O'Dea | 2026 State WA | 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 Angelo Williams Angelo Williams 6'2" | SG Auburn | 2025 WA . A dropoff should be expected after going 21-2 in the regular season, but Burkett, Williams, and Kofi Peyton Kofi Peyton 6'4" | SG Federal Way | 2024 State WA will keep the Eagles’ backcourt as talented as any.