Battle in Seattle: Backcourt Standouts

With all the games going on over the weekend in Auburn it was tough to catch every slice of the action, but here is a group of backcourt players that nicely embody the range of players at the event, from highly-ranked players to up-and-comers, and a few new names sprinkled in. Here are some of the guards that caught my eye at the Battle in Seattle.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450497' first='Braydon' last='Olson'] Mark Morris (Oly Basketball Varsity)   This guy has made one of the biggest impressions over the spring and summer and is a kid ready to take over when the winter season comes. He's been putting up big stat lines and doing it game after game. He continued his strong play over the weekend and was easily one of the best players I saw. He's super shifty with the ball, rarely do you see him lose the rock or dribble into trouble spots. He scores from all levels and plays with an incredible motor, covering action all over the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450938' first='Sam' last='Nylund'] Bainbridge (Seattle Select 11th HA)   Nylund didn't do anything flashy but just seemed to get the job done scoring the ball for Seattle Select's High Academic team. He used his body well, stayed on balance, and was able to patiently attack and score through contests. He had good touch from three and at the rim, as well as knocking down his chances at the foul line.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485662' first='Jacob' last='Hurskin'] Thomas Jefferson (Big Drip Hoops 16u)   He's been rolling the last couple of tournaments spanning back to spring, starting to more consistently show his athleticism and burst that's been helping him beat guys to the ball and make plays. He's a big-time rebounder from the backcourt but has also gotten more efficient with the jumper which has really opened up his game and accentuated his ability to be strong inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485586' first='Kenyon' last='Simmons'] Timberline (Big Drip Hoops 16u)   He took on the tough task of guarding one of the top guards in Washington's 2025 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1485542' first='Davis' last='Fogle'], and really did a great job forcing Fogle to take shots away from the paint. Simmons is a big, strong guard who defends at a high level and makes plays in tight spaces. He's a unique playmaker who doesn't need to be too ball dominant for his impact to be felt.   [player_tooltip player_id='2172999' first='Kadyn' last='Ward'] Timberline (World Class Renegades 16u Black)   I've seen this kid a few times throughout the summer and I am constantly blown away by his effort. He is non-stop action on the floor and was able to create turnovers with his intense defensive play, then hustle down to the other end and convert at the rim with strength. He's a good athlete that could get a lot better if he gets more consistency from his streaky jump shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='2173021' first='Mykah' last='Golden'] Renton (Renton Select 16u)   A tough wing who can mix it up inside. Golden defends, rebounds, and attacks the rim pretty well from the outside. He had a solid game against Uptown Select and made a lot of plays off of energy and toughness alone.   [player_tooltip player_id='1863195' first='Jackson' last='Whitaker'] Liberty (EBC Elite 16u)   A smart player who understands how to attack space in the half-court with strength and patience. Whitaker plays up a year with EBC and still comes out looking like one of their headier, more mature players. He can score when needed and has good strength and poise with the ball under pressure.   [player_tooltip player_id='1315357' first='Isaiah' last='Cunningham'] O'Dea (WA Supreme 16u Dean)   He got off to a quick start in the game I watched and really showed his ability to spur big runs in a hurry. He has long strides and a good reach that helps him beat kids off the dribble, get in passing lanes, and work to get in between the defense for offensive boards. His activity helped him get into good spots to attack and when he started drawing more defenders on his drives, he started finding dump-offs and passes in the pick-and-roll to dime up teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485660' first='Brayden' last='McVey'] Thomas Jefferson (WA Supreme 16u Dean)   McVey looked strong this weekend, finishing through contact at the rim, hitting corner threes, and overall giving off a more confident vibe. He's always had some creating ability but looked like he's grown as a finisher this weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='1451031' first='Treyshawn' last='Weatherspoon'] Rogers (Local Hoops 16u Adidas)   He's one of the quickest players in his class and is someone you always have to keep tabs on when on the floor. He makes so many plays duping offensive players into making bad passes, or tricking them into a false sense of comfort before he jumps up and creates a turnover. He plays at an incredible pace and continued to show elevated instincts in Auburn.   [player_tooltip player_id='1451025' first='Leyton' last='Martin'] Arlington (Seattle Select 10th UA)   He was the key guy in their game against Big Drip Hoops. It turned out to be a lower-scoring game but Martin was the one guy who didn't have trouble creating opportunities to score. He doesn't jump out at you physically but it doesn't take long to realize this kid gets it. He's a master of manipulation and sees the floor like a hawk, pinpointing passes and cutting up defenses.   [player_tooltip player_id='2021623' first='Maximus' last='Christiansen'] Kamiak (Hoop Land 15u - Team Chinn)   Christiansen is a crafty little lefty guard who came up with some big shots from behind the arc this weekend. He's not too strong going to his right but was able to throw out some nice moves to get back to his left and hit shots even with defenders shading him to his weaker side. He has good quickness and helped Team Chinn take home the title in the 15u top group.

With all the games going on over the weekend in Auburn it was tough to catch every slice of the action, but here is a group of backcourt players that nicely embody the range of players at the event, from highly-ranked players to up-and-comers, and a few new names sprinkled in. Here are some of the guards that caught my eye at the Battle in Seattle.