Way Too Early 3A Top 10

The 3A is once again full of talented teams, so I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises and teams I missed in this initial ranking. This ended up being a very Metro-heavy top end of the rankings, with several transfers throughout the list making an immediate impact. There were a ton of teams vying for the last few spots, making it tough as always to nail down just 10 teams in the 3A. Go ahead and share your thoughts with the poll at the bottom.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Rainier Beach, 2023-24 Record (17-11)</h3>   Return 5/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1451029' first='Nyale' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2375353' first='Maceo' last='Rivers']   Transfers: [player_tooltip player_id='1451033' first='Jaylen' last='Petty'], [player_tooltip player_id='2173099' first='Marques' last='Ili-Meneese'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140846' first='Micah' last='Ili-Meneese']   The 2023-24 3A runners-up, Beach reloads this year with three high-level transfers from the 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes. Pairing two of the top seniors in the state automatically makes them a team to be reckoned with but the surrounding squad is also one of the most talented in the state. They have big-time athletes with the Ili-Meneese brothers, [player_tooltip player_id='2375353' first='Maceo' last='Rivers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1451033' first='Jaylen' last='Petty'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'], but also boast some great outside shooting in the backcourt with Petty, Robinson and Powers. Not to mention, incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2627284' first='Knowledge' last='Wright'] who is one of the top 2028's in the state. There will be high expectations for this group and they top this Way Too Early Top 10.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Garfield, 2023-24 Record (17-8)</h3>   Return 5/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='2173114' first='Ohmono' last='Bomet'], [player_tooltip player_id='2375377' first='BJ' last='Roy'], [player_tooltip player_id='2173107' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1485654' first='Marcel' last='Jones']   Transfers: [player_tooltip player_id='2140825' first='Jimmie' last='Haywood III'], [player_tooltip player_id='1450982' first='Gelonni' last='“JuJu” Ervin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1685493' first='Doni' last='Burkett']   The Bulldogs lost some big names from last season (Ishe Kanhukamwe, Legend Smiley, Jamari Harris) but gained back some serious talent with Haywood, Ervin, and Burkett. Ervin and Haywood should lead the attack but they also have some solid players who should play big roles with Bomet and Davis, as well as guys who came through in some big spots in [player_tooltip player_id='2375377' first='BJ' last='Roy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1485654' first='Marcel' last='Jones']. They have some good balance across the board to go along with some high-level defenders that should once again make them a team to watch in the 3A.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Eastside Catholic, 2023-24 Record (23-6)</h3>   Return 6/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'], [player_tooltip player_id='2569402' first='Achilles' last='Reyna'], [player_tooltip player_id='1251215' first='Alex' last='Elston'], [player_tooltip player_id='1863249' first='Dash' last='Lamebull-Ingram'], [player_tooltip player_id='1485657' first='Tate' last='Dawson']   The defending 3A champions lost two key senior leaders in Jacob Cofie and Nate Krohn, but 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'] will take over inside and be one of the top bigs in the state this winter. And point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1251215' first='Alex' last='Elston'] has the talent to lead this squad with his tough style of play on both ends. They have some exciting players who should play bigger roles this year in [player_tooltip player_id='1863249' first='Dash' last='Lamebull-Ingram'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2569402' first='Achilles' last='Reyna']. Lamebull-Ingram is a speedy playmaker and Reyna is a kid who should eventually be one of the top players in the state. The Crusaders also have a few freshmen/sophomores who could come in and provide some solid depth.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Roosevelt, 2023-24 Record (21-4)</h3>   Return 6/11 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1451020' first='Caden' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='1984466' first='Anthony' last='Washington Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021603' first='Jake' last='Sprangers']   Transfers: [player_tooltip player_id='1587980' first='Ismail' last='Guyo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1285990' first='EJ' last='Sommers'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021600' first='Jaden' last='Marlow']   Roosevelt had a solid season in the Metro Sound, winning the division while going 2-1 against Metro Mountain teams (Wins - Nathan Hale, Seattle Prep; Loss - West Seattle). They made some big additions heading into this season with Nathan Hale transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1587980' first='Ismail' last='Guyo'], PHH transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1285990' first='EJ' last='Sommers'], and Shorewood transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2021600' first='Jaden' last='Marlow']. Guyo and [player_tooltip player_id='1451020' first='Caden' last='Young'] will make up a solid backcourt with both being able to run the point. [player_tooltip player_id='1285990' first='EJ' last='Sommers'] gives them some size up front and the versatility to step outside and hit some shots, while Marlow is a kid who can do a lot of things well and plays hard. They'll be a team to watch with some size and different guys who bring a lot of different skill sets to the floor.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. O'Dea, 2023-24 Record (19-11)</h3>   Return 7/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1685492' first='Brian' last='Webster'], [player_tooltip player_id='1631541' first='Breylon' last='Webb'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021597' first='Levi' last='Orbino'], Quincey Brown, [player_tooltip player_id='2021610' first='Peyton' last='Brooks'], [player_tooltip player_id='2384357' first='Gene' last='Woodard III']   The Irish have four returners who were impact guys a year ago with Webster, Webb, Orbino, and Brown that they'll rely on heavily this season. They do lose big man Malcolm Clark who is at Air Force now, leaving a big hole inside. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2384357' first='Gene' last='Woodard III'] should be a guy to watch at 6'8 who could help fill some of that inside presence. [player_tooltip player_id='1631541' first='Breylon' last='Webb'] should also play a bit of a hybrid role playing inside and out and can be a key rim defender. It will be interesting to see how their depth fills out. They had one of the best junior varsity squads last year which should produce some solid varsity guys this winter. One name to watch from that JV squad is [player_tooltip player_id='2140849' first='Nino' last='Moksivong']. A smaller point guard who can distribute the rock and plays hard on both ends.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Edmonds Woodway, 2023-24 Record (10-11)</h3>   Return 10/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='2548248' first='Grant' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='2205069' first='William' last='Alseth'], [player_tooltip player_id='2173102' first='Julian' last='Gray'], [player_tooltip player_id='2622808' first='DJ' last='Karl'], [player_tooltip player_id='2827920' first='Harris' last='Dobson']   Transfers: [player_tooltip player_id='2478559' first='Cam' last='Hiatt']   The Warriors were stuck in the middle of the Wesco last season but made one big addition that could put them over the top and up with the top teams in the 3A, [player_tooltip player_id='2478559' first='Cam' last='Hiatt']. Hiatt was a do-it-all stud at King's before leaving for Ohio for a year. Now he's back and looks even better than when he left. He'll be a hard player to contain on a nightly basis and this team also returns a bunch of varsity guys who should thrive playing off of Hiatt. 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2548248' first='Grant' last='Williams'] is a shooter who can attack off the dribble too, [player_tooltip player_id='2205069' first='William' last='Alseth'] is a creative scorer who should find more lanes, and [player_tooltip player_id='2622808' first='DJ' last='Karl'] is a kid who can shoot the rock who played a lot of last season at the one. A key guy to watch is going to be big man [player_tooltip player_id='2827920' first='Harris' last='Dobson']. At 6'8 and with a strong frame, he'll be a guy who could be a big rebounder and clean up shots inside.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Liberty (Renton), 2023-24 Record (14-10)</h3>   Return 8/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1863195' first='Jackson' last='Whitaker'], [player_tooltip player_id='2173020' first='Max' last='Vermeulen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2307309' first='Oden' last='Hatcher'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140863' first='Tyson' last='Burley'], Eli Nordland, [player_tooltip player_id='2300091' first='Isaac' last='Roberts'], [player_tooltip player_id='1631564' first='Hansen' last='Fan']   Liberty returns a vast majority of key guys which is important for a team that thrives on ball movement, team defense, and outside shooting. [player_tooltip player_id='1863195' first='Jackson' last='Whitaker'] will lead the charge as a highly efficient player who can score and distribute the ball. The rest of their guards, Vermeulen, Hatcher, Burley, Norldand, Fan, can all handle the ball, limit turnovers, and shoot the rock. 6'5 [player_tooltip player_id='2300091' first='Isaac' last='Roberts'] had a solid season last year as well, and while he'll be a key guy on a smaller team, he can also step away from the hoop and drill some shots.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Seattle Prep, 2023-24 Record (11-15)</h3>   Return 14/15 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1631540' first='Nirvaan' last='Misra'], [player_tooltip player_id='1485543' first='Beckham' last='King'], [player_tooltip player_id='1863191' first='Niko' last='Christofilis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1984491' first='Dakota' last='Jeffcoat'], [player_tooltip player_id='1696695' first='Nick' last='Schanno'], [player_tooltip player_id='2375391' first='Balin' last='Meza'], [player_tooltip player_id='2466561' first='Tucker' last='Gilbert'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140837' first='Kellen' last='Matt']   Could this be the year the Panthers' record matches the talent on the floor? After going 7-18 in 2022-23, and 11-15 last year, this could be the year they break through the tough Metro League and punch their ticket to State. [player_tooltip player_id='1631540' first='Nirvaan' last='Misra'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1485543' first='Beckham' last='King'] should lead the way with 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1863191' first='Niko' last='Christofilis'] also helping make them go, but guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1984491' first='Dakota' last='Jeffcoat'], [player_tooltip player_id='1696695' first='Nick' last='Schanno'], [player_tooltip player_id='2375391' first='Balin' last='Meza'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140837' first='Kellen' last='Matt'] have all shown good growth that could help them take the next step as a team. They lose just one player from last year's varsity roster and have the talent to make a real push this season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Mt Spokane, 2023-24 Record (22-5)</h3>   Return 3/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1450998' first='Lucas' last='Dickau'], [player_tooltip player_id='1450997' first='Nalu' last='Vargas'], Colt Kenison   Transfers: [player_tooltip player_id='2380116' first='Jaden' last='Ghoreishi']   These last two spots were very difficult decisions, especially with Mt. Spokane losing all but three of their varsity players from a year ago, including star player Ryan Lafferty. 6'7 Mead transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2380116' first='Jaden' last='Ghoreishi'] should help alleviate some of those losses as a kid who can defend the rim and stretch the floor. The Wildcats have been a tough out at the last two state tournaments and always seem to have guys step up in big spots. They have point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1450998' first='Lucas' last='Dickau'] who can navigate defenses and get the ball to the right spots. They also have shooter [player_tooltip player_id='1450997' first='Nalu' last='Vargas'] who's shown the potential to be the reliable scorer they'll need this winter. It will be a much different looking squad but they still have the talent to make a push to emerge out of the Greater Spokane League.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Bellevue, 2022-23 Record (19-5)</h3>   Return 7/12 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1485587' first='Bryce' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1863256' first='Nick' last='Norrah'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021612' first='Jackson' last='Skaggs'], [player_tooltip player_id='2375368' first='Brody' last='Treves'], [player_tooltip player_id='1485678' first='Bryce' last='Kageyama']   There are going to be quite a few teams who probably feel they should be up here, but the Wolverines get the initial edge in this Way Too Early estimation of the year to come. [player_tooltip player_id='1485587' first='Bryce' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1863256' first='Nick' last='Norrah'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2021612' first='Jackson' last='Skaggs'] will be very important to this team's success. Smith and Norrah are two super-talented guards who can score the rock in different ways. Smith is an electric athlete who can get up and down the court, exploit gaps, and plays tough defense. Norrah is a quick shot creator who can score from each level. Then there's Skaggs. He has shown a lot of potential in the past and had a very strong spring/summer with EBC showing his elite 3-point shooting skills as well as the development in his playmaking, decision-making, and scoring off the dribble. One key guy not listed is [player_tooltip player_id='2205045' first='Gavin' last='Wettlaufer']. He's a 6'8 forward in the 2026 class who had a great spring/summer and should step in to be a big factor with his strength inside and ability to step out and stretch the floor at times.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bonus Team: Gig Harbor, 2023-24 Record (20-7)</h3>   Return 8/13 Varsity Players   Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1601813' first='Michael' last='Masini'], [player_tooltip player_id='1984467' first='Cole' last='Browne']   I initially had the Tides as the tenth team but reconsidered in favor of Bellevue. One big reason why they should be in the mix is 2026 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1601813' first='Michael' last='Masini']. The 6'8 junior has continued to elevate his play and is a guy who can exploit matchups on a nightly basis with his ability to score inside and out. He's proven to be a tough interior player, an athlete on the break, and a guy who can make a quick move from the outside and get to the rim, as well as boasting an ever-improving outside shot. Another key guy will be senior [player_tooltip player_id='1984467' first='Cole' last='Browne']. He's a kid who can score and distribute the ball who they rely on to create a lot of action.   It's going to be a fun season with new guys in new places, young guys stepping up, all while we get used to the realignment of classifications and leagues. Here are just a few more teams to keep an eye on this winter.   Next Up: Shorecrest, Marysville-Getchell, Mercer Island, Monroe, Sammamish, Prairie   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-crowdsignal wp-block-embed-crowdsignal"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://poll.fm/14383946 </div></figure>

The 3A is once again full of talented teams, so I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises and teams I missed in this initial ranking. This ended up being a very Metro-heavy top end of the rankings, with several transfers throughout the list making an immediate impact. There were a ton of teams vying for the last few spots, making it tough as always to nail down just 10 teams in the 3A. Go ahead and share your thoughts with the poll at the bottom.