WIBCA Notes From Issaquah (Part Two)
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Part One featured guys from the 2024 and 2025 classes, but here I’m going to highlight some of the standout 2026s and 2027s from the event. We’ve got guys who played big roles last year, guys just stepping into more…
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Continue ReadingPart One featured guys from the 2024 and 2025 classes, but here I’m going to highlight some of the standout 2026s and 2027s from the event. We’ve got guys who played big roles last year, guys just stepping into more minutes, and a couple of names we’re still getting to know.
Ismail Guyo Ismail Guyo 6'4" | PG Nathan Hale | 2026 State WA | Nathan Hale
Guyo made a big impression last season as a freshman, and he’s continued to show some promising growth over the spring and into summer. He catches passes ready to shoot, forcing defenders to close out hard which opens up blow-by’s for the long, patient guard. At the event he showed off some playmaking, throwing some incredible passes in the half-court.
Landen Northrop Landen Northrop 6'4" | CG Richland | 2026 State WA | Richland
Northrop did a little bit of everything over the course of the weekend. He showed defensive anticipation with some steals on the ball and jumping passes. He got hot from distance and was able to mix in some mid-range jumpers. And he demonstrated some playmaking, including a 3/4 court pass to beat the defense for an easy two.
Niko Christofilis Niko Christofilis 6'1" | CG Seattle Prep | 2026 State WA | Seattle Prep
Christofilis was exceptionally efficient from the field, primarily scoring with the jumper from mid-range and out to 3-point. His shot is easy and without a lot of moving parts. He was able to shoot off the catch, take a dribble to set up his defender or create space against the closeout, and showed great focus hitting through close contests.
Brian Webster Brian Webster 6'3" | SG O'Dea | 2026 State WA | O’Dea
Webster really makes it look simple at times. He utilizes fakes, change of speed, and has fantastic footwork to make getting around on the court look natural. He shifts the ball around extremely well when dribbling through traffic, shielding the dribble and showing great body control in tight spaces.
Nick Malisani Nick Malisani 6'4" | PF Kamiakin | 2026 State WA | Kamiakin
I was really impressed with Malisani’s poise in the post. He’s a broad kid who knows how to establish position and leverage inside. He showed great hands, catching passes, grabbing boards, and punching in contested shots in the paint. If he keeps growing he could be a sneaky kid to watch in the 2026 class.
Dylynn Groves Dylynn Groves 6'5" | SF Gonzaga Prep | 2026 State WA | Gonzaga Prep
Groves has gotten a little taller since last season but he has also gotten thicker. He’s looking stronger and ready to be more of a force around the key, but he also showed more of his shooting ability over the weekend, making the long-range shots look easy. He has a pure stroke from three and the strength to hit with big range. He doesn’t need much space at all and rose up right over the top of defenders for numerous threes.
Isaac Elegan | Renton
He’s a smaller guard who isn’t the quickest guy on the floor but has good feet and wiggle, to go along with nice decision-making that helps him get penetration. He was able to score with good efficiency at the rim and from outside the arc. He’s able to create some space with the dribble and was really solid with the ball.
Calvin Washington Jr. | Renton
The big man looks even bigger than 6-foot-4, with his long arms and strong frame. He’s a strong rebounder that showed a good motor, gets up and down the court, and even moved his feet pretty well defending on the perimeter. He’s another forward that could be a sneaky player in the 2026 class if he continues to grow.
Levi Orbino Levi Orbino 5'7" | PG O'Dea | 2026 State WA | O’Dea
He’s a smaller guard but boy does he fight out there. He challenges players on both ends of the floor and really hounded ballhandlers when he was on the floor.
Marques Ili-Meneese Marques Ili-Meneese 6'4" | SG Rainier Beach | 2026 State WA | Renton
This was my first taste of Ili-Meneese and his hustle and activity stood out right away. He was in the mix all weekend, playing strong at the rim, attacking gaps, and bringing his physical play to the defense. He had nice touch and good strength at the rim and has a decent-looking stroke to pair with his slashing ability.
Achilles Reyna | Eastside Catholic | 2027
It’s kind of freaky how easy he makes some really tough shots look at times. His comfort with working through contact, his dexterity and instincts when meeting the ball, all make him an easy guy to plug in any situation. He doesn’t look to be trying to do too much at this point, but he could carve out a nice role for a team with state title hopes this winter.