Laurel-Shootout Preview (Pt 2)

With the high school summer league starting up, I will be coming back to Meridian HS in Laurel, WA to attend the Laurel Shootout for the 3rd straight year. Here will be part 2 which will feature what players to keep an eye on the teams.   Sehome HS:   Xavier Kelley (6'3" / 2026) - Xavier is an athletic wing who has a mid-range game that is very fluid. He knows how to find his spots and get his shots off over opposing defenders. He runs the court well in transition, getting easy buckets when leaking out and utilizing his speed and athleticism to score.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403056' first='Channer' last='Rusk'] (5'11" / 2027) - Rusk is an energy bringer on the court. He does an exceptional job at communicating to his teammates and being vocal on the court. He leads well with his voice too, always being heard on both ends. He has an excellent jumper from deep and his release has been getting faster over the past couple months.   [player_tooltip player_id='2182848' first='Quincy' last='Tanovan'] (5'9" / 2027) - Quincy is a sharp-shooter who could have a breakout year this season. He has shown that he can let it fly from deep, not being afraid to let it go from 3/4 feet beyond the three point line. He has a good first step off the dribble, being able to get by defenders and pull up for a mid-range shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='1685499' first='Nolan' last='Wright'] (5'11" / 2026) - Nolan has been a key pice of this team since his freshman year when he was the 6th man off the bench. The last 2 seasons it has been his team and he does a great job being a big time leader for his team on and off the court. His athleticism helps him raise above defenders to get his shot off or drive by them with ease. He is a big time player on the court.   Blaine HS:   Landon Brown (6'4" / 2027) - Landon is a post/wing player who is going to be involved more for this new look Blaine team. Brown runs the lanes quickly, having an athletic build and is able to out-run players in the transition game. He reads the ball coming off the rim well, being able to grab a lot of offensive rebounds and have easy put backs under the basket.   Gus Dickson (6'4" / 2027) - Gus has been improving at an incredible rate over the AAU season so far this summer. He doesn't have many varsity minutes but he is a player who has the build to be a impactful big on a squad. He is strong and can out-muscle opposing players using his strength and solid build.   Mount Vernon HS:   [player_tooltip player_id='2887289' first='Kingston' last='Collins'] (6'5" / 2028) - Kingston is an up and coming big man here in the NWC. He has been playing 17u on the Puma NXT circuit for Team 360 Hoops and has showed the ability to match strength and skills with older players. His offensive game has been getting more well rounded as his footwork in the paint has improved in a big way. He knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage, rebounding well and sealing defenders.   Kaden Sokol (6'1" / 2026) - Kaden is a dynamic guard who plays his role excellent last year. He does the little things well, always boxing out and staying in front of opposing players as he plays defense. His deep shot is consistent as he lets it fly off the dribble or off the catch and shoot. The ball will be in his hands more next year and I think he will take advantage of the opportunity.   Bellingham HS:   Calvin Van Hofwegen (6'2" / 2027) - Calvin is a bulky guard/wing who is extremely strong. He plays under control and has patience on both ends. His defensive presence changes instantly when he is on the court, providing a shift in energy for everyone. Van Hofwegen can also really let it fly from deep, not needing much time in order to get his shot off or drive to the bucket. He is a solid 3 and D player who will have a big season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2827903' first='Joe' last='Harward'] (6'3" / 2026) - Joe is a gritty guard on the court and provides a grittiness to his team. He dives for loose balls, attacks the boards, runs the court in transition, and is vocal on the court. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, always working hard to prove he can play with the best of them. He excels on the football field and baseball diamond too as he's overall just a fantastic athlete.

With the high school summer league starting up, I will be coming back to Meridian HS in Laurel, WA to attend the Laurel Shootout for the 3rd straight year. Here will be part 2 which will feature what players to keep an eye on the teams.