2023-24 Breakout Prospects

When we talk about breakout players it includes a vast range of players. It could include names you've never heard that burst onto the scene. It could mean young and talented players who haven't quite put it all together or gotten the opportunity for that impact role on their team. It could also point to players who are ready to take that next step forward, even if they're already a familiar name. This list has a healthy blend of all of those examples while also boasting some of the highest-ceiling players in the state. Check out some names to watch for the upcoming season you won't want to miss.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'] Rainier Beach   Deeming Powers a breakout player might seem a little late, but he comes into this season after a strong summer as the Viking's best scoring option and one of their leaders. Beach still had some other guys leading the way last season but this season we should see a healthy dose of Powers. He's shown some really impressive growth over the spring and summer to take that next step forward in his journey.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'] Eastside Catholic   The ultra-talented big man showed a lot of potential and promise last season but looks more like a guy who will have a larger impact on the outcome of games this season. As a floor stretcher, a guy who can score out of the post, and a plus rim defender, he'll have plenty to say about how far the Crusaders can go this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2181285' first='Traymaine' last='Belanger'] BFL Prep   Belanger is new to BFL Prep and is already making a huge impact. The 6-foot-6 wing is a pure scorer with a deft touch off the dribble and from the mid-ranges. He shows an ability to patiently work his man with a plethora of moves and drain tightly contested shots. He's only a sophomore and his name should start to gain a lot of traction this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1601813' first='Michael' last='Masini'] Gig Harbor   The sophomore forward is a highly skilled player who can dip his hands in a little bit of everything out on the court. He shows a high IQ with his passing both from the perimeter and out of the low-post, can shoot well enough to be a threat from 3-point, and can create his own shots from a lot of areas in the half-court. He should be a big part of what Gig Harbor is looking to do this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1863196' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] Camas   Harris worked his way into the starting lineup as a freshman and played some big minutes for Camas down the stretch. He's another kid with size who can stretch the floor a bit, defend the rim, and has looked better taking it to the hoop from the outside. He could have a similar trajectory as last season and really start to come on later on in the year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1451019' first='Marco' last='Varani'] Bellevue   The lengthy wing has shown for a while now he has unique potential as a deep threat and rim defender, but he's looking stronger and quicker now, and should start to pose big mismatches for defenders this season. He probably won't put up gaudy numbers every night with all the weapons Bellevue has, but Varani has the ability to take over certain games and moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850309' first='Sebastian' last='Arius'] Auburn Mountainview   Arius had a huge summer working on his game and becoming a smarter attacking player. He's got unique size and range for a point guard and has vastly improved and expanded his moves off the dribble. He should step up to be a force offensively for the Lions, but also has some sneaky defensive potential with his long wingspan.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850298' first='Romeo' last='Webber'] Spanaway Lake   Webber started to get more and more minutes last season at Silas and showed that length can be a real disruptor around the rim, blocking shots and snatching up boards. He's added to his game from the perimeter with some improved shooting and the ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. The Sway boys have a pretty deep team heading into this season but Webber should have an instant impact there.   [player_tooltip player_id='1696643' first='Kody' last='Holcomb'] Union   Holcomb stepped into the starting five last season and flourished with his size and shooting touch. Now that their star player, Yanni Fassilis, has moved on, it seems like Holcomb is in position to be their top offensive threat. He's shown the ability to shoot and score from just about any spot on the floor, both spotting up and off the bounce. He'll be a guy to watch who could take off this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485677' first='Garrett' last='Marrs'] Ellensburg   Marrs is yet another player who is stepping into a larger role this season and has shown every sign he's ready for it. He's a big, physical kid who has soft shooting touch out to the 3-point line, but also has some moves in the post and can get that deep position to go right up over the top of guys. He should be an impact two-way guy who can rack up the blocks too.

When we talk about breakout players it includes a vast range of players. It could include names you've never heard that burst onto the scene. It could mean young and talented players who haven't quite put it all together or gotten the opportunity for that impact role on their team. It could also point to players who are ready to take that next step forward, even if they're already a familiar name. This list has a healthy blend of all of those examples while also boasting some of the highest-ceiling players in the state. Check out some names to watch for the upcoming season you won't want to miss.