Most Improved Players in the NWC

Devin Record February 23, 2024 @ 11:51 AM

With the state tournaments starting and some teams seasons already coming to an end, lets take a look into conferences within the state to see who are some of the most improved players in each one. Here we will start with the NWC.   Kincade VanHouten - Bellingham HS - 2025   Kincade is a player that not many people know, but they should. He stands at 6'6" and uses his length very smoothly on the court. His mid-range is solid and he creates space effectively using dribble moves. Defensively he moves his feet well and is agile/athletic enough to guard positions 1-4. VanHouten is just a junior but averaged over 12 points a game and will have an even bigger jump next year.   Brady Elsner - Lynden HS - 2024   This Lions point guard made Lynden basketball history when he moved into first all-time for assists in the history of the school. Lynden is one of the most winningest programs in the entire state, so this is an amazing accomplishment. Elsner averaged 6.7 assists per game this season and has arguably the best vision within the conference. He seems to have eyes in the back of his head too as he always knows where his teammates are.   [player_tooltip player_id='1984464' first='Talon' last='Jenkins'] - Meridian HS - 2025   Talon might haver taken the biggest jump for any player in the conference. He spent extra hours in the gym during the off-season and it paid off for him during the season. He averaged 18.1 points a game, tied for 2nd in the conference. His length and size help him create enough space to get his jumper off. His handles have improved quite a bit and his energy on the court has raised a ton. Jenkins is going to have a massive senior year next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2182748' first='Hunter' last='Calloway'] - Squalicum HS - 2027   It's hard to compare how much a freshman has improved but with Calloway being a starter and key role player throughout the season, you can see growth within his game just since the season began. Hunter has solid side, standing at 6'2" and having some decent length. The freshman works well from the wing, being able to efficently get to the rim when attacking with his right hand. His jumper has gotten better off the catch, especially from deep. He averaged 12 points a game this season and I expect that to keep rising as the years go on.

With the state tournaments starting and some teams seasons already coming to an end, lets take a look into conferences within the state to see who are some of the most improved players in each one. Here we will start with the NWC.