2027 Rankings: Instant Impact Guys
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With a freshman class, you usually are looking into the future to see who shows what kind of potential, and who might be the guy on their teams down the line. With these next few players, they already look prepared…
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Continue ReadingWith a freshman class, you usually are looking into the future to see who shows what kind of potential, and who might be the guy on their teams down the line. With these next few players, they already look prepared to step in and help their teams this winter, even if it’s in a minor role off the bench.
Ili-Meneese is another talented guard stacking up on Renton’s 2023-24 roster. The difference between him and the others (aside from his brother Marques) is the physicality he brings to the guard spot. His willingness to absorb and create contact inside, stay on balance and finish the play, should help him garner some minutes on a deeper team in the 2A.
I like Heilman to contribute right away just because of the tenacity and pace he plays with. I think his work rate and motor could help out a lot of teams, and you know you’re going to get his all when he’s out there, however many minutes that may be. He’s a tough finisher at the hoop and a gritty defender.
Stevenson makes this group because of his size and ability to get downhill. He has the straight-line speed to get out in transition and on the end of a break, and also has the strength and finishing capabilities to score off of rolls and rebounds. He could be a nice addition to Olympia’s front court this winter.
Highlights
I already saw what Villanueva could do this summer during the June live period. He looked like the guy for Sunnyside and was taking it to some pretty solid 3A and 4A teams. He plays with a good flow, mixing up speeds and attacking from different spots. He can get to the rim and has some sneaky finishing ability, but also can pull up and hit with the jumper. I’ll be really interested to track him this season.
This one is kind of cheating because I know Grindy is ready to play. He played varsity at Almira-Coulee-Hartline last season as an 8th grader. Grindy is a big guard who can do pretty much anything you ask him to at the 1B level. He’s tough at the rim, handles the point spot often, and shows pretty good athleticism to make plays on defense too. While he can shoot it from deep when open, that’s a spot I’d look to see him improve with more shots off the dribble this season.