All-League Preview: Mid-Columbia Conference 3A/4A
In this article:
We’ve been working our way through a bunch of potential all-league teams for the 2023-24 season. And as we continue to get to as many leagues as we can, today we’re taking a look at a Mid-Columbia Conference that lost…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’ve been working our way through a bunch of potential all-league teams for the 2023-24 season. And as we continue to get to as many leagues as we can, today we’re taking a look at a Mid-Columbia Conference that lost a good portion of its all-league players from last season, but still boasts some of the top players in the state.
Returning All-League
First Team
Josh Woodard Josh Woodard 6'0" | PG Richland | 2024 State WA Richland
Woodard was a first-teamer and player of they year last season. He’s a high-powered scoring guard who also runs the majority of point duties for the Bombers. He plays with good pace and has the ability to pour in buckets from all three levels. He should help Richland have a strong chance to make another run at State.
Peter Dress Peter Dress 6'6" | SG Kamiakin | 2024 State WA Kamiakin
The tall sharpshooter from Kamiakin is the focal point of their offense and has developed the ability to score from more spots on the floor. He still has that extended range that stretches defenses but he’s also shown more physicality near the rim.
Luke Westerfield Luke Westerfield 6'10" | PF Richland | 2024 State WA Richland
One of the top defenders in the MCC, the 6-foot-10 big man has continued to make strides with his offensive game, showing more moves down low and a growing ability to stretch the floor.
Second Team
Grant Olsen Hermiston
The lengthy combo forward led his team with nearly 24 points per game last season and is all set to have another big year this winter. He plays strong around the rim on both ends, can guard multiple positions, and has the fluidity and moves to score from the perimeter. Had a great performance at the WIBCA Showcase in May and could be a first-teamer in 2023-24.
Dane Gardea Dane Gardea 6'4" | CG Walla Walla | 2024 State WA Walla Walla
A tall, athletic point guard, Gardea is a true two-way player who can create well off the dribble in the halfcourt and uses his length, coupled with sharp reactions to make plays on the defensive end.
Honorable Mention
Jesse Tijerina Jesse Tijerina 5'9" | PG Southridge | 2024 State WA Southridge
He’s a smaller guard who lights it up from long range. Does well to put together dribble combos and free up space on the perimeter and shows some ability to drive inside as well.
Other Players To Watch
Landen Northrop Landen Northrop 6'4" | CG Richland | 2026 State WA Richland
He’s another taller guard who can also run some point duties. Northrop started as a freshman last season and really contributed well. He’s starting to show off more athleticism and is a guy who can add some scoring punch in the backcourt.
Jack Forbes Jack Forbes 6'4" | SF Richland | 2024 State WA Richland
An athletic, tough, do-it-all wing, Forbes doesn’t really hang his hat on one particular area of the game but can do a little bit of everything well. Can knock down the open shots, has the athleticism to finish tough plays inside and on the go, and has plus defensive abilities to make some plays on the other end.
Deontae Howard Deontae Howard 5'11" | CG Kamiakin | 2026 State WA Kamiakin
Howard is a freshman who didn’t get a ton of playing time last season but has emerged this summer as a name to know in the MCC. He has the burst and patience to attack defenses in the gaps and has a pretty efficient scoring package around the rim. He can swing between guard spots and should be a pretty critical player for the Braves.
DJ Duran Chiawana
Duran is a big forward who plays his role well. Strong rebounder, willing to do a lot of the little things while playing a smart overall game, and able to make some key passes in the halfcourt. There is a lot of turnover on this roster from last season and Duran should play a prominent role for the Riverhawks.
Tanner Larson Tanner Larson 6'5" | PF Kennewick | 2025 State WA Kennewick
Larson is a strong frontcourt player who’s been coming on recently. Had a pretty solid spring and summer, defends the rim well, plays strong in the paint on the offensive end, and should be one of the more impactful players returning for Kennewick.
Nathan Knapik Nathan Knapik 6'8" | PF Kennewick | 2024 State WA Kennewick
Not sure if the Idaho Football commit will play hoops for his final season, but if he does he has the size and skill to be a real factor for the Lions. He’s a big 6-foot-8 and displays capable shooting touch along with some great vision for a big man. He could be a critical player for a team that lost a few of its top creators from a year ago.
Will Sullivan Will Sullivan 6'4" | SG Walla Walla | 2024 State WA Walla Walla
Sullivan didn’t crack the all-league teams last year but the athletic 6-foot-4 guard has the potential of a first-teamer. He shoots the three-ball extremely well, provides good defensive versatility and playmaking, and shows the strength to get to the rim amongst traffic.