All-League Preview: Metro Mountain

In one of the top leagues in the state, there are only three returning all-league players from a year ago. Still, there is always a depth of talent waiting to bubble up to the top and this coming season is no different. Let's take a look at some of the top returning and new talent in the Metro League Mountain division this winter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning All-League</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">First Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1450484' first='Jacob' last='Cofie'] Eastside Catholic   The state's top-ranked forward is the lone returner from last year's first-team all-league. He's a dynamic player with size and skill who has high-level two-way ability, from rim defense to floor-spacing and high-flying finishing. Cofie is committed to play with Tony Bennett and the Virginia Cavaliers after high school.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Second Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1450985' first='Legend' last='Smiley'] Garfield   Another top-ranked player in his class, Smiley showed the next step in his evolution last season at the 3A tournament, helping Garfield secure another state title. He's a soft shooting guard who's showing more playmaking and will be a leader on another talented Bulldogs team this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450934' first='Bo' last='Gionet'] West Seattle   Quarterback and point guard for the Wildcats, Gionet plays with exceptional athleticism and isn't your typical point man. He's tall, about 6-foot-4, has deep range behind the arc, and is an impact defender who can make plays inside and out. He took a big step last season and should continue that growth into his senior year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1450575' first='Ishe' last='Kanhukamwe'] Garfield   A super-quick point guard who comes over from Eastside Catholic. He should help keep the pressure and pace high against opposing backcourts and has shown some ability to space the floor and create looks off the bounce.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450500' first='Jamari' last='Harris'] Garfield   Long, athletic guard who eats up ground on both ends and is an effective player around the rim with his anticipation and bounce. An off and on shooter who could make another leap this season if he's able to find more consistency on the jumper.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450492' first='Ajayi' last='Simmons'] Garfield   The combo forward is a solid rim defender who started showing more capabilities with the long-range shot last season. He has the potential to clean up a lot of shots for Garfield next season and utilize that 3-point shot with all the ability they have to get penetration.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450620' first='Nate' last='Krohn'] Eastside Catholic   A heady kid who can play multiple positions. He's best creating for others but can also knock down open shots from the perimeter, and does a good job getting defenders on their heels in transition and then pulling up for the mid-range shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'] Eastside Catholic   The 6-foot-10 forward should pair with [player_tooltip player_id='1450484' first='Jacob' last='Cofie'] to make one of the biggest and most dynamic frontcourt in the state. He's a guy with deep range who can also block shots and shows some promising footwork to hit shots out of the post.   [player_tooltip player_id='1251215' first='Alex' last='Elston'] Eastside Catholic   With lots of shooting and size around him, Elston has a chance to create a bunch of opportunities and scoring chances this winter. He can knock down shots of his own too and does a nice job getting penetration and collapsing the defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1978873' first='Adrian' last='Peev'] Nathan Hale   The senior guard has been a big factor for the Raiders who made a tremendous jump last season. Peev can shoot the three, get penetration and use the glass effectively, but also shows good patience on his attacks and keeps his dribble alive.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587980' first='Ismail' last='Guyo'] Nathan Hale   The sophomore guard made quite the impression in his freshman year, making second-team all-metro in the Sound division. Now that Hale moves in the Mountain division Guyo gets to test his game against more than a few state title contenders. He's a long guard that brings shooting, an ability to make reads on both ends and some strong finishing at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1463067' first='Noel' last='Davis'] O'Dea   Davis has the 3-point shooting and pace with the ball to be a really effective scorer as he proved this summer with multiple 40-point games. He's a tone-setter for the Irish and brings that activity to both sides of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1440564' first='Malcolm' last='Clark'] O'Dea   He's going to be a prominent presence down low for O'Dea and has really looked improved around the rim, playing with strength and defending bigger players over the summer. He still has some touch with the jumper too and will be a vital piece for the Irish this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685492' first='Brian' last='Webster'] O'Dea   Another phenom freshman from last season, Webster has a knack for affecting the game in whatever way is necessary. He finds himself in the right spots to make plays and keeps defenders guessing with an ability to hit shots from all over the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685493' first='Doni' last='Burkett'] O'Dea   Burkett is new to the Irish and should be a player who contributes in a big way with his ability to stretch the floor, handle some point duties, and use his high court awareness to make plays on both ends. He has some polished moves in his bag and establishes a good flow on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112472' first='Ryan' last='Mpouli'] Rainier Beach   A long, athletic guard, Mpouli is one of the top defenders in the Metro and can swing momentum in a hurry with his ability to create turnovers and get on the end of breakaways with above-the-rim finishes. He's an explosive player who can really hound ballhandlers and bottle up opposing guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598394' first='Dominik' last='Robinson'] Rainier Beach   A big, strong low-post player who can finish through undersized double-teams but also shows the recognition to pass out to open shooters, or set back up and repost. He's a load inside and does a pretty good job establishing position close to the hoop so he can make one or two dribbles and go up.   [player_tooltip player_id='1612215' first='Darius' last='Wilcher'] Rainier Beach   Solid player with a smooth offensive game who opens up looks on the perimeter with quick one-two moves, can drill contested shots, and shows the strength to go through defenders at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'] Rainier Beach   Another smooth shooter at Beach, Powers has the feet, touch, and burst to get in and out of moves quickly and seems to stay half a step ahead of defenders. He shows really good body control and the potential to be one of the top scorers in the Metro this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1631540' first='Nirvaan' last='Misra'] Seattle Prep   One of the shiftier players in his class is also one of the better shooters and Misra is a part of a Seattle Prep team who could make big moves up the standings this season. He can play both guard spots and can create side-to-side and downhill.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485543' first='Beckham' last='King'] Seattle Prep   A tall, lanky guard with great shooting touch. King is still growing into his body but shows some quickness with the dribble to create space and is starting to use that length on the defensive end to block shots and tip passes. He's an interesting player to watch in the Metro who could really start to break out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1863191' first='Niko' last='Christofilis'] Seattle Prep   A confident guard, Christofilis is an extremely capable scorer off the dribble. He uses a plethora of moves out of the triple threat to create and take advantage of space to shoot. It will be interesting to see his team develop and how it will all fit together for the Panthers this winter.

In one of the top leagues in the state, there are only three returning all-league players from a year ago. Still, there is always a depth of talent waiting to bubble up to the top and this coming season is no different. Let's take a look at some of the top returning and new talent in the Metro League Mountain division this winter.