WIBCA Showcase Breakdown (Part One)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once again, the WIBCA Showcase brought together an eclectic group of players with an opportunity to ball out in front of college coaches. Seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen all got to step on the floor and compete in the two-day event. In this breakdown, I've highlighted over 60 players from the event including; <em>Top Performers, Noteworthy Performers, <em>Under the Radar Performers,</em></em> <em>High-Potential Players, </em>and some of the <em>Standout Shooters</em> from the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have broken these 60-plus players into two parts, so check out Part Two of my WIBCA Showcase Breakdown <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/05/wibca-showcase-breakdown-part-two/">here</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's start with some of the Top Performers at the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top Performers</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These players were some of the best performers I witnessed from the weekend and really lifted themselves above the competition.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derek Nordale</strong> | Mercer Island | 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pegged him as a shooter in the high school season but he showed a well-rounded game at the showcase. Created a lot of looks off the dribble and getting downhill. Didn't force much but was able to find a lot of looks within the flow of the offense. Looked super confident and never hurried with the dribble. Rock-solid performance from the senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560528' first='Keaine' last='Silimon'] | Shorecrest | 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most impressive kids since about halfway through the high school season, Silimon has improved almost every time I've seen him. He oozes confidence and plays with great pace. Very in control of the offense and does everything with a purpose; setting screens, running the break, and sinking free throws. He had the ball on a string this weekend and continues to impress me with his play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1436196' first='Myles' last='Daymon'] | Garfield | 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Played tough, disciplined defense but more importantly communicated at a high level and was the most vocal player I saw this weekend. Excellent handle of the ball, facilitated with confidence and got teammates ball in good spots. High-level athlete that really showed off some superior IQ and mental resolve this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450610' first='Caden' last='Culver'] | Skyline | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Controlled the pace and ran the offense with superb awareness. Maestro with his passes, hitting short pocket passes and long touch throws up the court. Can really pound the ball and made life tough for opposing guards on the other end. Started to get the jumper going later on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450490' first='Anthony' last='Canales'] | Lynden | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was flowing on offense, drilling a three from the top, then making a shifty move to the rim capped off by the left-hand finish. Showed off versatility by continually finding cutters in the heart of the defense, and coming up big on the other end with some monster blocks. Strong and intentional with every move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1440884' first='Jaiden' last='Blackmon'] | Woodinville | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highly active player this weekend who made a lot of plays getting downhill and using his size to finish inside. Mixed it up well between the shot and the pass but was continually looking to penetrate and shift the defense. He's a big kid who can handle the rock and shoot it at a high rate. He even had a nice chase-down block at one point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1612242' first='Jayden' last='Stephens'] | Tahoma | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Made plays on both ends. Stands out as a defender with burst, length, and power, but showed some more offensive potential this weekend with some tough finishes in the paint, some nice mid-range jumpers, and the ability to penetrate defenses with his passing too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1837769' first='Kyler' last='Mitchell'] | Liberty Bell | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid was solid from start to finish. Highly efficient around the rim, came up with tons of rebounds on both ends, and showed good movement to find space around the rim and make himself ready and available for passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1696692' first='Brant' last='Heppner'] | Lynden | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Started his weekend off with one of the strongest moves I saw all showcase; baseline rip thru, then created space with a power dribble into the defender and finished the play high at the rim. He makes a big impression on interior defenders, knows how to move in confined spaces and was a real threat from deep throughout the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1696804' first='Tanner' last='Larson'] | Kennewick | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's only 6-foot-5 but he was a big factor inside and on the glass this weekend. He didn't rush put backs or opportunities from the blocks. He was patient, got the look he wanted and never let his work rate go down. He was big in transition too, either filling the lanes or cleaning up as the trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Noteworthy Perform</em>ers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Here are some performers who didn't quite make the top list, but nonetheless put together good stretches of play and exhibited high-level hooping.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Nelson</strong> | University | 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Displayed a nice stroke from deep but also worked the pick and roll to perfection multiple times, getting big-man JuJu Ervin plenty of looks at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450563' first='Jaxon' last='Dubiel'] | Mountlake Terrace | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another classic Dubiel performance. The kid just affects the game in so many ways and so well. Rebounding, passing, defense, high motor, and a little bit of finesse scoring mixed in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atticus Boba</strong> | Skyline | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great activity and hustle. Contributed in tons of ways, can hit from behind the arc and had strong, purposeful takes to the hoop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450576' first='Jamison' last='Atwood'] | Woodinville | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always been a strong kid but showed better ability to finish tough plays at the rim and force his physicality on the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grant Olsen</strong> | Hermiston | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reliable finisher inside, either cleaning up misses, diving to the hoop, or running in transition. Also provided good rim defense and just overall steady play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450618' first='Max' last='Mayo'] | Stanwood | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great job mixing up the attack between penetrating the paint and pulling up in the mid-range. Decision-making and body control were on point. Quick in and out of the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1451023' first='Quincy' last='Scott'] | Columbia | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Did a little bit of everything out there. Looks stronger than in the high school season. Showed some shotmaking but his best attribute on display was long outlets and vision up the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1315357' first='Isaiah' last='Cunningham'] | Lincoln | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knowing when to attack and when to pull back was a little shaky, but was knocking down the jumpers which is a huge part to unlocking his game as a two-way playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'] | Eastside Catholic | 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Uncanny skill set for his size. Feet still a little heavy but to be expected to some degree, and didn't matter much because of his ability to outmuscle and work defenders with his back to the hoop or from the face-up, and finish with outstanding touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Under the Radar Performers</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Here are some lesser-known names that stood out for strong play at the showcase.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mykolas Kovarskas </strong>| Mercer Island | 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nice rebounder. Gave his team the presence of a "big" inside. Not a lot of go-to moves inside but active presence and passes out of post well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malakai Gray</strong> | Mark Morris | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great counterpart to [player_tooltip player_id='1450610' first='Caden' last='Culver'] in his game against Seattle 1. Clever paint finishes and solid passer. Also brought effort to defense, challenging ballhandlers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450606' first='Gabe' last='Heimbigner'] | University | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jumpshot takes a little time to get out but he can knock down the 3-ball. Plays with good feel for the court and is an underrated athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315356' first='Jordan' last='Boggan-Cryer'] </strong>| Eastside Catholic | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Active player with great length from the wings. Mixed it up in every facet of the game. Showed he can do a bit of everything. Pushed the ball and hit some nice pullups after getting going downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dez Daniel</strong> | Evergreen | 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Younger kid found his confidence and started to assert his play. Good feel for game flow. Can make plays with the pass and knocked down a couple of outside shots as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>High-Potential Players</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These players showed flashes of potentially dominant skills down the road.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1612215' first='Darius' last='Wilcher'] | Rainier Beach | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has natural shot-making ability and the strength to hit tough looks. Consistency is the main thing holding him back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1612262' first='Luke' last='Allison'] | Gig Harbor | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The body and athleticism are apparent. Needs to improve paint finishing and awareness in the post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1598394' first='Dominik' last='Robinson'] | Graham Kapowsin | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another monster body with high potential. Robinson showed a good-looking stroke from mid-range but lacks some poise and finesse at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1485662' first='Jacob' last='Hurskin'] | Thomas Jefferson | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultra-athlete that overpowers most guards. Diversifying offensive approach would help a lot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Standout Shooters</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Just a few guys who found their rhythm from behind the arc.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Earl Williams </strong>| Franklin | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1463084' first='Isaiah' last='Sonntag'] | Puyallup | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah "Jo" Lee</strong> | Glacier Peak | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1631543' first='Hudson' last='Floyd'] | Gonzaga Prep | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->