ICYMI: WIBCA Bellevue Notes (Part One)

Wrapping up this series on the WIBCA NW June D1 Recruiting Event, here are some standouts from the games at Bellevue College. I'll have another article coming with Names to Know going forward. Check out the other action I covered from both the Issaquah (<a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/06/wibca-notes-from-issaquah-part-one/">Part One</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/06/wibca-notes-from-issaquah-part-two/?itm_source=parsely-api">Part Two</a>) and Mt Si (<a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/06/wibca-d1-showcase-standouts-at-mt-si/?itm_source=parsely-api">Part One</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/06/wibca-d1-showcase-new-names-stock-risers-at-mt-si/?itm_source=parsely-api">Part Two</a>) locations.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450488' first='Cade' last='Orness'] PG North Kitsap '24   Orness is one of the tougher matchups in the state not only because he can get at you from all levels, but he's strong and balanced and can power through you or hit you with one of his debilitating hesi's or pumps. He's so good at operating out of the triple threat, maneuvering with his pivot, and anticipating defenders' actions. He's already mapped out his options before he drives to the hoop, so when the defense collapses (or doesn't) he can react accordingly. I think he hit two 4-point plays in one game at the event, showcasing his "spurtability" and strength from all over the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1612215' first='Darius' last='Wilcher'] SG Rainier Beach '24   This guy always had fantastic shot-creating ability but now he's a much more efficient finisher and has one of the better combos of strength and finesse in his class. He's a big riser that's shown timely scoring ability, poise under pressure, and the capability to score from all levels, spotting up or working off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112472' first='Ryan' last='Mpouli'] SG Rainier Beach '24   Mpouli is a frustrating defender with D1 length and athleticism who can spur big runs with his reads on the defensive end. He sits on ballhandlers and times openings in the dribble to get steals and head the other way. Off the ball, he covers so much ground when jumping passing lanes and is always lurking to make a play. An improved 3-point shot has helped his offensive profile as he's a guy that has unquestioned ability above the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450491' first='Ryan' last='Lafferty'] CG Mt Spokane '24   Lafferty shoulders a big load in the Wildcat's offense, and is a high-usage player that has the stamina and smarts to make plays from tip to the last horn. With his size, he had to be a big presence on the boards at the event, and he stepped up to show a nose for the 50/50 balls. An excellent decision-maker, Lafferty has a good feel for when to get teammates involved and when to get his own shots. He's a guy that gets to his spots and really got going against Central Catholic to take over down the stretch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'] SG Rainier Beach '25   Powers has a very quiet, smooth shooting motion that has the type of consistency that shows the immense work he's put in. It paid off at the showcase as the guard picked up a number of D1 offers in the weeks since. He's a mid-range killer who rises up with balance and control on the pullup, isn't easily bothered by tight contests, and shows strength with the ball to create space. His potential really shows with his high-difficulty shot-making. Countless times it seemed he and his offense were out of options, but Powers pivoted, found space, and rose up over his defender to bury the jumper.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450562' first='Jacori' last='Ervin'] PF North Central '24   The biggest plus from the weekend for Ervin was his mindset. He played like a big man; wanting the ball in the post, wanting to defend the rim, wanting to punish guys in the paint and at the rim. He attacked guys when he got an angle, was able to put together multiple post moves to score, and scored with multiple shot types and from varying distances. At one point, the defense was giving him space from the free-throw line. He air-balled the first shot but came down the next possession, took a dribble in, and sunk the short-range shot, then came down a few possessions later and hit the same shot. He's a constant improver that fights to make plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450604' first='Eli' last='Williams'] PG North Central '24   The best thing I can say about Williams from the event was his ability to play off of his teammates. As a point guard, he does a great job sharing the ball and can score on his own when they need a bucket, but he doesn't stop playing once he feeds it to the wing or the post. He did a great job of diving to the hoop when his bigs were doubled and floating to open spaces on the perimeter after entering the ball to the post. Really a high IQ kid who has elite size and a complete game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1354101' first='Cam' last='Hiatt'] CG King's '25   Hiatt was forced to work through a lot of contact at the event, with and without the ball. He was able to finish through defenders at the rim and fought through tight defense off the ball to free himself up and get to his spots. He didn't score quite as consistently as I'm used to seeing, but he did a lot of other things to keep his team chugging in the right direction. Defensively, he brings good strength to chest up offensive players and was quick with the hands to get tips and pokes. He made key passes to the interior and was able to show his impact potential even when he isn't the top scorer on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1710013' first='Nick' last='Linhardt'] SF King's '24   He was depended on to be a big scoring presence in the paint over the weekend and did not disappoint. He sought out contact to create space for short-range jumpers and finish against shot-blockers at the rim. He drew defenders outside by knocking down threes in bunches and then attacked with a few dribbles into the mid-range as well. A very efficient weekend scoring the ball and once defenses recognized his impact, he was able to start dishing to teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485661' first='Jordan' last='Williams'] PG Curtis '25   A compact guard, Williams is a quietly solid point man who stays low and on balance on both ends and runs the offensive extremely well. He's patient with the ball, takes openings to get to the hoop where he's an efficient finisher, and showed a high aptitude for playing off the ball, sticking to his responsibilities as a primary ballhandler while also showing some ability to spot up from three. He was one of my favorite performers from the weekend and definitely a name to watch this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2173760' first='Keaundre' last='Morris'] SG Curtis '27   Morris is the epitome of a downhill scorer who plays with control and finesse, exhibiting an elite package of scoring moves around the rim. His combination of length and handle spells trouble for most defenders as he can set you up with a little rock, beat you with that long first step, and change direction on a dime to leave defenders spinning. He's a high-level prospect in the 2027 class.

Wrapping up this series on the WIBCA NW June D1 Recruiting Event, here are some standouts from the games at Bellevue College. I'll have another article coming with Names to Know going forward. Check out the other action I covered from both the Issaquah (Part One, Part Two) and Mt Si (Part One, Part Two) locations.