2024 Rankings: 4A/3A Stock Risers
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Junior year is the time a lot of players make big strides, both physically and mentally. These players have shown excellent growth across their junior seasons and are starting to really tap into their potential. Let’s check out who some…
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Continue ReadingJunior year is the time a lot of players make big strides, both physically and mentally. These players have shown excellent growth across their junior seasons and are starting to really tap into their potential. Let’s check out who some of the hottest risers are among the 4A and 3A players in our 2024 rankings.
Previous Rank: 18rnThe 6-foot-10 Ervin took a big step this past offseason and really started to implement some refinement and aggression to his game this season. He still brings the shot-blocking and rebounding to the table, but his development on the offensive end has given more gravity to his potential as a two-way player. He does a great job running the floor and staying active near the rim, but he should continue to move up the rankings if he improves upon and utilizes more post moves and shots away from the rim.
Previous Rank: 37rnThe second member of the North Central Wolfpack to make this list, Eli has been one of the biggest risers of the season as he also put a little more polish on his game. He’s a special combination of size and athleticism that enhances his playmaking ability from the point. A strong paint finisher, Williams will continue to improve as his decision-making and perimeter game unlock more space for the athletic guard to operate.
Previous Rank: 35rnSpencer built on an incredible 2021-22 season where he averaged just about 27 points per game, to score 35 points per game in 2022-23. He also nearly doubled his rebounding, from 4.8/game to 8.8/game, and led Battle Ground to an eight-win improvement from last year. He’s a guy that uses craftiness, body control, and great shooting touch to score from all over the court, affecting the game in the halfcourt as well as in transition.
Highlights
Previous Rank: 42rnThe tall Kamiakin guard is a lights-out shooter with some extraordinary range. He showed that all summer and throughout the high school season. What helped him rise the rankings this go around was his work outside of shooting the ball. Dress is a big kid at 6-foot-5 and really improved on his rebounding as well as his overall fight in the paint. He averaged a double-double on the year, 21 points and 10 rebounds, as well as doing some playmaking for the Braves, chipping in four assists per game.
Highlights
Previous Rank: 43rnNajera is a player that should have a much larger role at Shorecrest next season and is a guy that has the ability to facilitate as well as score the ball at a high rate. The Scots’ top two players both graduate this summer, as well as nearly their entire bench, and that leaves Najera to lead a new look squad into 2023-24. He has the ability to score from inside and out but what really stood out this season was his composure and ability to read the court. We should see him take a more involved role in the offense next year and he will be a player to watch this AAU season.
Previous Rank: 50rnThe Walla Walla point guard is already a pretty complete player as far as impacting the game across the board, limiting mistakes, and being able to attack with a versatile skillset. He checks a lot of boxes; athletic, tall, inside/outside scoring, playmaking, defensive awareness. The second-team All-MCC player is someone who could be flying a little under the radar but is poised for a big season with the Blue Devils next season.
Previous Rank: 81rnGionet took a big step forward this season and was instrumental in helping West Seattle get to the regional round of the 3A state playoffs. He is a unique player in his class that can handle the ball from the point, shoot with deep range, and provide impact defensive play with steals and blocks from the perimeter and at the rim. His athleticism at 6-foot-4, combined with his awareness and shooting ability are what lifted him up to No. 44 in the ranks.
Previous Rank: 52rnThe MCC player of the year, Woodard is a hard-working guard that plays both sides of the ball like his life depends on it. He is a relentless player who can seemingly run for days out there, but he has the skill to match the effort. He’s a big-time threat from behind the arc, has a great handle and quickness to cut up defenses, and also made the MCC all-defensive team this past season. He’s a legit two-way threat on a Richland team that returns a lot of talent next season.
Previous Rank: 65rnHarris became the guy at Franklin, stuffing stat sheets on his way to a standout season for the Quakers. He’s a bruising guard that shows off his strength finishing in traffic and working hard on the glass, but also has a nice shooting touch from behind the arc. With his ability to duck inside and work in traffic, he’s able to draw defenders and open up lanes for other teammates which resulted in some extra playmaking to go with his scoring increase.
Previous Rank: 69rnKanhukamwe has had one of the tightest handles in his class but this season he seemed like he was able to use it more effectively to create and get to open spaces, which resulted in a higher percentage of his shots going in. This has helped his jumper improve and given him better looks from beyond the arc, while also making the key passes easier. He’s still a pesky defender that gets side to side and up in the offensive players’ grill.
Previous Rank: 97rnDavis has been a super consistent player for a Tahoma team that seemed to exceed expectations this season on their way to a 12-1 record in the NPSL and a round-of-12 appearance at the 4A state playoffs. He is a big kid that has a solidly fundamental game, rebounds exceptionally well, and can score from all over the court, though he excels from mid-range and in. He is one part of the Tahoma squad that returns next season with loads of talent and potential going forward.
Previous Rank: 92rnThe first-team All-Wesco guard took a big step forward for the Stanwood Spartans. He has expanded his offensive game, showing he can use his 6-foot-3 body to score more inside and dip around defenders to get in the paint. He is still a fantastic shooter from long-range but now he is a more complete scorer that can hit from every level.