Preseason Predictions: Second Team – 1A/2A/3A NWC

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To continue this series of articles, I will be showcasing each conference and predicting who could possibly win the MVP for the conference and see who could make each of the all conference teams in each one. This article will be about the 1A/2A/3A Northwest Conference second team selections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Second Team Predictions:</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1984464' first='Talon' last='Jenkins'] (2025) - Meridian HS</em> - Talon is a player who I almost put on the first team. He has been improving at such a high rate over the last year or so. He is a lengthy guard who gets to the rim with ease and uses his size to his advantage. Jenkins hits shots nicely off the dribble or off the catch, moving well without the ball in his hands as well. If "Most Improved" was an award given out, Talon would be my pick to win it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850307' first='Caden' last='Heutink'] (2025) - Nooksack Valley</em> HS - Caden showed a lot of promise over the summer when I watched him during the high school summer league. He's stepping into a bigger role for the Pioneers and will likely have the ball in his hands often. He did well over the summer, controlling the pace to his liking and finding his teammates when they were open. He has a solid jumper as he can rise high above defenders to get his shot off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1485588' first='Brady' last='Ackerman'] (2025) - Nooksack Valley HS </em>- Brady is a force on the court, being one of the strongest players within the conference. He is going to have a lot of looks down in the paint this year and will excel off the pick and roll with [player_tooltip player_id='1850307' first='Caden' last='Heutink']. Ackerman has amazing footwork, as it translates over from the football field. Brady is relentless on the boards and can read the ball coming off the rim well. He is a player who is going to have a big jump from last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1685499' first='Nolan' last='Wright'] (2026) - Sehome HS</em> - Nolan is a player who was first off the bench last season as a freshman on a very good team, with 2 of their players playing basketball at Western Washington and another at Oregon State. Nolan controls the pace of the game really well and is able to push the ball in transition at a high level. He attacks the rim smoothly with either hand, being able to drive both ways and finish around bigs down in the paint. He is likely going to be the main player on this Mariner team, I think he is going to be a great leader just like he is on the football field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1691973' first='Bishop' last='Ootsey'] (2024) - Ferndale HS </em>- Bishop has great handles as the primary ball handler for the Golden Eagles. He drives to the hoop efficiently with either hand with his vision being elite, as he finds his open teammates often. His jumper has a high release point, which helps him rise above defenders. His athleticism is insane for his height and he can grab boards over guards in the NWC smoothly. Bishop is a player who could play at the next level, if he chooses to. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->