Top Ten Players in 3A
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With the 1A and 2A done, it’s time to try and pin down the top ten players in the 3A. There are a lot of ways to go here but these ten players have shown an ability to take over…
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Continue ReadingWith the 1A and 2A done, it’s time to try and pin down the top ten players in the 3A. There are a lot of ways to go here but these ten players have shown an ability to take over games with a consistency that can’t be ignored. They have game-changers written all over them and should be some of the most impactful players as the race for State gets underway.
1. Jacob Cofie Jacob Cofie 6'10" | PF Eastside Catholic | 2024 State #97 Nation WA Eastside Catholic
The versatile forward brings a blend of size, skill, and two-way playmaking that sets him apart from the rest. Rim defense, 3-point shooting, and creating off the bounce, Cofie has elite skills that put him atop the list in the 3A.
2. Evan Stinson Evan Stinson 6'7" | SF Cheney | 2024 State #223 Nation WA Cheney
One of the best scorers in the 3A, the 6-foot-7 Stinson also displays high-level court awareness and playmaking. He’s able to create shots out of very little, but can also make key passes and defensive plays with his anticipation and vision.
3. Legend Smiley Legend Smiley 6'5" | SG Garfield | 2025 State #98 Nation WA Garfield
The 3A tournament MVP a year ago, Smiley is a poised shooter and athlete at the guard spot. He gets to his spots, can score from any spot on the floor, and is an underrated passer who could get the chance to do more playmaking this season.
4. Ryan Lafferty Ryan Lafferty 6'5" | CG Mt Spokane | 2024 State #320 Nation WA Mt Spokane
On any given night, Lafferty can be the best player on the floor. He was one of the most impressive players at last year’s state tournament and is the kind of scoring and playmaking force that controls the flow of the game to his liking. A really polished offensive player, Lafferty should power Mt Spokane to another state tournament this winter.
5. Ajayi Simmons Ajayi Simmons 6'7" | SF Garfield | 2024 State WA Garfield
One of the more intriguing players on this list, Simmons has the talent to be one of the most impactful players in the entire state. He can affect the game from rim to rim, expanding his shooting range last season and continuing to be a long, athletic presence around the rim.
6. Eli Williams Eli Williams 6'4" | PG North Central | 2024 State WA North Central
A super smart player, Williams utilizes pace as well as anyone. He’s aggressive attacking the open lanes but willing to be patient and move the ball around and make the extra pass. He’s a big, strong guard who can get to the line and excels pulling up in the mid-range.
7. Kaden Powers Kaden Powers 6'5" | SG Rainier Beach | 2025 State #380 Nation WA Rainier Beach
He burst on the scene last year and continued to gain steam over the summer. A really smooth shooter who can create space with compact moves, Powers plays with a solid base that helps him make shots going any direction and finish through contact at the rim. He should be one of the top scorers in the Metro this season.
8. Jaylen Petty Jaylen Petty 5'11" | PG Auburn | 2025 State WA Auburn
The 5-foot-9 Auburn guard is one of the most exciting players in the 3A. His impact on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated. He’s a guy you have to chase off the arc but also has the length and athleticism to finish inside. He’s also a twitchy defender who can create turnovers and give opposing guards headaches.
9. Marco Varani Marco Varani 6'7" | SG Bellevue | 2026 State #328 Nation WA Bellevue
Varani has the length, shooting, and athleticism to be a top player on both ends of the floor this season. He has easy range, has worked to get strong off the bounce, and is a player to look out for around the rim on both sides of the ball. His skill set and size are a tough matchup for guards or forwards and he should be able to take advantage of that this season.
10. Ryan Mpouli Ryan Mpouli 6'4" | SG Rainier Beach | 2024 CO Rainier Beach
Mpouli gets the nod as the tenth guy here because he is one of the best defenders in the state. He has length, burst, and anticipation, and isn’t afraid to take chances because he has great recovery speed. He can make plays on the perimeter forcing pickups, jumping passing lanes, and can defend the rim as a help defender and in transition. He’s also a high-flyer with strong takes to the rim who can stretch the floor at times and should be a key guy for Beach this year.
Others to Watch
Jacori Ervin Jacori Ervin 6'11" | PF North Central | 2025 AZ North Central, Jamari Harris Jamari Harris 6'5" | SG Garfield | 2024 State WA Garfield, Ray Adams Ray Adams 6'7" | SF North Thurston | 2024 State WA North Thurston