Statewide Sleepers Part One: Guards and Posts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are plenty of underrated players across the state, but here I've highlighted just a handful of guys that don't seem to get the recognition they deserve. Part one focuses on the big men and the backcourt players who have flown under the radar for too long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><em>Big Men</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathan Knapik</strong> | Kennewick - The 6-foot-8 junior big man looks like a bruiser, but he plays with great finesse and touch around the rim. Not to say he can't use that frame and grind in the paint, but he's able to stand out with his shooting touch to match his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1416314' first='Patrick' last='Murphy']</strong> | Ferris - Murphy's always been a big, intriguing body, but he's really looked confident attacking the rim this season and has improved his finishing and mobility. He looks a lot more fluid, more reactive and trusting of his instincts, and a guy who can attack mismatches with force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450608' first='Ryan' last='McFerran'] | Jackson - While Jackson suffered an earlier end to the season than they hoped for, McFerran was one of their key guys throughout the regular season. At 6'7, he provides great rim defense and has the touch to stretch the floor on the other end. He still has another season left to play and should see his role expand in 2023-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><em>Guards</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1539862' first='Vernon' last='Onick'] | Heritage - Onick is a sneaky player who seems to glide through defenses at times. He's a guy that plays with superior instincts and can be a reliable playmaker on both ends of the court. While he has the ability to be a one-man show at times, he's also a great playmaker creating looks for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taveonte Webster</strong> | Silas - Webster is a 6-foot-3 guard who can shift between the perimeter and interior, matching up with almost every position while being counted on to provide hard defense and relentless effort. He's an energy guy that can earn easy buckets and extra possessions through his hustle, while also playing bigger than his frame suggests and providing an extra ballhandler at times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kayden Lamebull-Ingram</strong> | Eastside Catholic - The Metro League champs have a deep backcourt but Lamebull-Ingram is one of the most consistent players handling the ball for the Crusaders. The 5-foot-10 senior gives them good balance on offense, spacing the floor and hitting timely shots while bringing the intensity on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Forbes</strong> | Richland - One of the most overlooked players in the state might also play for one of the most overlooked teams in the state. Forbes is an athletic, multi-faceted 6-foot-4 junior that makes smart plays, brings energy, and is a capable scorer. If Richland can win Saturday night against Kamiakin, they have a chance to make some noise at State with Forbes playing a key role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->