4A Power Rankings: Top 25

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is my first offering at a 4A Power Ranking after about a month into the season. These teams should all be in the mix for state tournament berths, and while there are certainly some teams off to convincing starts, we still have plenty more to see from some of these other squads as the season shakes out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Richland (4-0, 4-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Kamiakin (W, 74-46), Kennewick (W, 91-69)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The combo of [player_tooltip player_id='2375347' first='Lance' last='Horntvedt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1685503' first='Landen' last='Northrop'] is enough to put any team on the map. The duo is averaging over 50 points per game, including their three games down in Utah. Solid shooting and role players around the two stars make Richland, yet again, a strong 4A contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Auburn (8-0, 5-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Renton (W, 87-74), Kentwood (W, 55-53), Kennedy (W, 77-73), Kentridge (W, 81-54)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans have already played some state-tournament-caliber teams in the early season and remain undefeated. Montana State commit [player_tooltip player_id='2021598' first='Daniel' last='Johnson'] leads the way with his scoring, but the Trojans have talent at each position with wing [player_tooltip player_id='2021601' first='Miles' last='Henry'], guard [player_tooltip player_id='2547463' first='Matthew' last='Fredrickson'], and forward [player_tooltip player_id='2391500' first='Isaiah' last='Englund'], who is taking a major leap forward this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Mount Si (5-1, 2-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Woodinville (L, 66-60), Mt. Spokane (W, 52-47), Kennedy (W, 58-55), Redmond (W, 47-40)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats consistently put out one of the tallest teams in the state, and this year is no different, with forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2626178' first='Liam' last='Heide'] (6-10), [player_tooltip player_id='2384344' first='Marcus' last='Heide'] (6-7), [player_tooltip player_id='2935270' first='Taylor' last='Standfield'] (6-7), wing [player_tooltip player_id='2021624' first='Brady' last='Hennig'] (6-7), and four other players 6-foot-4 and over. Hennig is their guy, but guards [player_tooltip player_id='1863247' first='Chase' last='Mentink'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2827881' first='Hudson' last='Moscrip'] play big roles on both ends as well, and this team has the depth to make a big run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Glacier Peak (5-0, 1-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Lake Stevens (W, 52-50), Mt. Spokane (W, 64-54)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies boast one of the top backcourts in the 4A with [player_tooltip player_id='1927274' first='Reed' last='Nagel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1936885' first='Edison' last='Kan'], but also have good depth and energy guys in [player_tooltip player_id='2920844' first='Justin' last='Vinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2466490' first='Aaron' last='Thomas']. They can put pressure on opposing teams on both ends of the floor, and their two hard-working forwards ([player_tooltip player_id='2399259' first='Paulos' last='Mulugeta'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2375333' first='Zach' last='Albright']) will put in work with their hustle and work on the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Lake Washington (5-1, 3-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Issaquah (W, 66-57), Bellevue (W, 63-42), Liberty-Renton (L, 65-56)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They laid the foundation last season and have exploded into the early parts of this season. Led by junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2144895' first='Jayden' last='Hunt'], the Kangs have been a dangerous team early on with great guard depth ([player_tooltip player_id='2205055' first='Matthew' last='Adeeb'], [player_tooltip player_id='2835548' first='Omer' last='Ziklik']), size upfront (<strong>Julien Deblieck</strong>), and their rising senior sharpshooter, [player_tooltip player_id='1685495' first='Mateo' last='Cummings'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. West Valley-Yakima (5-0, 2-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Mead (W, 87-84)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a team with a bevvy of young talent, and they are anchored inside by the skilled [player_tooltip player_id='1587955' first='Parker' last='Mills']. They finished 5th at last year's tournament, and it's fair to say that even with some younger guys playing big roles, this team could very well make another deep run. [player_tooltip player_id='2473468' first='Austin' last='Birley'] has been excellent to start the year, and fellow sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2627288' first='Jett' last='Bremerman']'s 3-point shooting has proven key.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Kentwood (7-1, 4-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Auburn (L, 55-53), Tahoma (W, 75-68)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Conks' only loss has come to the undefeated Auburn Trojans, and they've rattled off six wins in a row since. Kentwood is led by star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1863193' first='Brandon' last='Tagle'], who has been a menace on both ends of the floor and will drive a lot of their success. While fellow guards [player_tooltip player_id='2835560' first='Jacob' last='Bail'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3165186' first='Bryson' last='Manaway'] have been huge secondary scorers for them early on, and junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2457269' first='Caleb' last='Ross'] has brought some needed length to the court with his finishing and rebounding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Kentridge (6-1, 4-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Kennedy (W, 75-71), Auburn (L, 81-54), Tahoma (W, 59-56)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers stormed through fall league undefeated and were on a four-game run to start the year until taking their first loss of the season against Auburn. They are an aggressive team with a handful of guards who can push the pace, knock down the outside shot, and create off the dribble, namely the Keowlas ([player_tooltip player_id='2751572' first='Jaylen' last='Keowla'], [player_tooltip player_id='2307293' first='Troy' last='Keowla']). [player_tooltip player_id='2021594' first='Giovanni' last='Moimoi'] has been putting up big numbers too, and his physicality and athleticism around the rim help them circumvent some lack of size inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Gonzaga Prep (6-2, 0-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Camas (W, 70-59), Bellarmine (W, 48-41), Central Valley (L, 62-48), Mt. Spokane (L, 61-46)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team that a lot of people probably overlooked last year, as they made their run and ended as state champs. They lost some key guards but are still getting it done with [player_tooltip player_id='2827868' first='Ryan' last='Carney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2622806' first='Carter' last='Nilson'] leading the way. They have a couple of big wins already over Camas and Bellarmine, and continue to play a grinding style of hoop that starts on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Emerald Ridge (6-2, 6-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: O'Dea (L, 80-67), Puyallup (W, 57-51), Tahoma (L, 76-51)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a tough opening loss to O'Dea, the Jags got on a roll, then another brutal loss to Tahoma set them back. Transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1685502' first='Darius' last='Alexander'] has been a big addition for them, adding another scoring option and someone who can help turn up their defensive pressure. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1863250' first='Jordan' last='Bennett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2307291' first='Mychal' last='Turner'] give them a lot of flexibility offensively, and standout wing [player_tooltip player_id='1863251' first='Jamaize' last='McGriff'] is a tough matchup on any given night. There was a lot of buzz around the Jags before the year and they have the talent to get back on track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11. Camas (5-4, 0-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Gonzaga Prep (L, 70-59), Mt. Spokane (L, 77-68), Prairie (L, 60-58), Central Valley (W, 91-70)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1863196' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] leads the Papermakers as their scorer/playmaker. He's accompanied by a new collection of guards in the backcourt who've shown promise early on, and transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2894471' first='Mason' last='Hamilton'] just returned to the floor, giving them even more size and scoring punch. Look out for them to start gaining some steam and be in the discussion when the season comes to a close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12. Bonney Lake (7-0, 6-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Olympia (W, 61-59)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers have been picking up wins left and right, starting 6-0 behind a balanced starting five. Transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2835561' first='Jace' last='Andino'], and junior [player_tooltip player_id='3103504' first='Jayden' last='Barrett'] have been key creators to help get forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2393332' first='Cole' last='Seminara'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2457302' first='Elijah' last='Davis'] going. They picked up a big win over Olympia at the buzzer and have been rolling to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13. Issaquah (6-2, 2-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Liberty-Renton (L, 78-62), Lake Washington (L, 66-57), Bothell (W, 79-60), Woodinville (W, 60-58)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With [player_tooltip player_id='2021657' first='MacCoy' last='Pond'] back in Issaquah, the Eagles have jumped out to a solid start with wins over Bothell and Woodinville. The younger Ponds ([player_tooltip player_id='2548205' first='Grady' last='Pond'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2548220' first='Walter' last='Pond']), have been key guys in the mix as well, and shown that Issaquah has some creative guards who can go. While [player_tooltip player_id='2021621' first='Jackson' last='Battistoni'] gives them length and athleticism from the wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14. Woodinville (5-3, 1-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Mount Si (W, 66-60), Issaquah (L, 60-58), Bellevue (L, 63-54), Monroe (L, 68-57)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very balanced team, Woodinville is a good shooting team that can stretch the floor, has different guys step up from night to night, and has some good size coming off the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='2140811' first='Drake' last='Penberthy'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3258633' first='Drake' last='Spooner']</strong>, and [player_tooltip player_id='1685501' first='Luke' last='Unruh'] have been key guys offensively and have kept them in every game this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15. Mead (6-3, 0-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: West Valley-Yakima (L, 87-84), Mt. Spokane (W, 57-55), Central Valley (L, 73-55)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mead is led by junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1685500' first='Karson' last='Maze'], who has been lights out to start the season (23.9 PPG). Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2205067' first='Trevelle' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2380118' first='Brady' last='Thornton'] help bring secondary ballhandling and scoring to the floor, and Mead has already notched a big win against Mt. Spokane, proving they belong in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16. Bothell (6-3, 1-3)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Issaquah (L, 79-60), Liberty-Renton (L, 94-88), Bellevue (L, 82-56), Lynden (W, 66-51)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2196830' first='Jaylen' last='McLaughlin'] has been outstanding this winter, posting multiple 40-point games and already helping Bothell to more than half of their win total from last season. 6-foot-9 junior, [player_tooltip player_id='2400280' first='Raider' last='Finau'] is a super-talented forward who can go from different spots on the floor. And 6-foot-9 senior, [player_tooltip player_id='2878336' first='Logan' last='Christy'] gives them even more size and strength up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17. Arlington (7-1, 2-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Shorewood (W, 76-69), Prairie (W, 63-56), Lynden Christian (L, 93-85)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more impressive starts to the year has to go to the 7-1 Eagles. They have been led by breakout junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2375278' first='Mac' last='Crews'], who has been putting up some ridiculous numbers lately, most recently a 38-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist game in a loss to Lynden Christian. They definitely lack size (no player taller than 6-3), but their guards move the ball extremely well, show a great understanding of their offense, and can shoot the rock. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2548258' first='Micah' last='Robison'] has been another performer stepping up, shooting the lights out from long-range this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18. Chiawana (6-0, 4-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Kamiakin (W, 61-52), Kennewick (W, 56-51)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chiawana has three guys averaging 10+ PPG, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='2827887' first='Benji' last='Larios'] at 15.3, and supported by [player_tooltip player_id='2548212' first='Messiah' last='Guy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2380298' first='Santana' last='Sifuentes'] at 10.0 a game. After a 20-5 season last year, the Riverhawks have gotten off to another strong start. They get a big test tonight against West Valley-Yakima, but we won't get to see them face off with the MCC favorites, Richland, until the new year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">19. Tahoma (4-3, 4-3)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Kentwood (L, 75-68), Kennedy (L, 72-69), Kentridge (L, 59-56), Emerald Ridge (W, 76-51)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears have a very balanced lineup with guards who can handle the rock and make smart plays ([player_tooltip player_id='2021595' first='Tre' last='Wohlhuter'], [player_tooltip player_id='2384348' first='Jake' last='Moen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021606' first='Anthony' last='Millon Jr.']), and forwards who have been tough around the rim ([player_tooltip player_id='2827891' first='Colby' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='2622835' first='Braden' last='Anderson']). [player_tooltip player_id='2827891' first='Colby' last='Brown'] has been really impressive with his grit inside, ability to clean up second-chance points, and his overall work rate around the rim. They just posted a big win over Emerald Ridge by 26 points, and have played competitive games all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20. Olympia (5-1, 4-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Bonney Lake (L, 61-59)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another very balanced team, Olympia hasn't been tested too much in the early going, with only two of their games ending within 20 points. But the Bears have returned some guys who played good minutes last season, [player_tooltip player_id='2021638' first='Brody' last='Cronk'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140805' first='Brian' last='Stevenson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2021637' first='Kingston' last='Stanciu'], and they've had a great boost entering the starting five with [player_tooltip player_id='2140813' first='Elijah' last='Buol'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2021636' first='Keegan' last='Bell']. They have length and steady guard play, and should be in the mix in 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21. Redmond (5-3, 2-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Bellevue (L, 78-56), Renton (W, 63-62), Mount Si (L, 47-40)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The KingCo has shown a lot of depth so far this winter, and Redmond is one of those sneaky teams that could get hot at the right time. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2398849' first='Drew' last='Prinos Grumbach'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3192033' first='Cooper' last='Kunz'] have been huge for them early on, while juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2835549' first='Matthew' last='Grabarski'] and <strong>Lane Asobo</strong> have also played big roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22. Puyallup (5-1, 5-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Emerald Ridge (L, 57-51)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4A runners-up last season, Puyallup lost their star guard, Drew Jones, but brought back a balanced and scrappy squad. [player_tooltip player_id='1685506' first='Will' last='Nasinec'] has been a steady force for them with his interior scoring and improved ability to knock down outside shots. And they have [player_tooltip player_id='1863244' first='Mason' last='Sonntag'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2375350' first='Lawson' last='Looker'], who played big roles for them last year, returning to bring athleticism, pace, and defense along with some secondary scoring punch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">23. Lake Stevens (4-2, 1-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Snohomish (L, 56-51), Lynden Christian (W, 79-75), Glacier Peak (L, 52-50)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Stevens is a sneaky team up north that has already shown they will compete on a nightly basis. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2141308' first='Devin' last='Freeman'] has the talent to lead them on both ends with his shifty play and stout defense. Then they have a pair of senior guards in [player_tooltip player_id='2464747' first='Daniel' last='Ngezaho'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2726758' first='Brian' last='Tilghman'], who can hit from outside and balance out their offensive approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">24. Kennedy (4-4, 3-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Kentridge (L, 75-71), Auburn (L, 77-73), Tahoma (W, 72-69), Mount Si (L, 58-55), Eastside Catholic (L, 59-55)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team's record isn't real indicitive of how tough they really are. They've had a gauntlet to go through early in the year, with each loss coming by less than five points and each loss coming to a likely state tournament-bound team. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140866' first='Zion' last='Stone'] has been off to a great start, shooting with range, attacking off the bounce, and spearheading their attack. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2375378' first='Ira' last='Smith'] is another electric guard who can really go, and the Lancers should not be underestimated this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">T-25. Kamiakin (5-2, 2-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Richland (L, 74-46), Chiawana (L, 61-52)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three guys scoring in double figures a night: [player_tooltip player_id='2021630' first='Nick' last='Malisani'] (15.1), Rogelio Pruneda (13.9), and Tanner Davis (10.9). Tanner Davis has been incredible from long-range, cashing in on 19-of-43 3PA (44.2%) on the year. [player_tooltip player_id='2021630' first='Nick' last='Malisani'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3165163' first='Titus' last='Bruinsma'] have been flirting with double-doubles at times. Malisani leads them with 9.0 rpg, while Bruinsma averages 6.3 rebounds to go along with 8.9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">T-25. Skyview (6-2, 0-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Games: Prairie (L, 64-60)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyview comes in tied for 25th, but the Storm still has a lot more to give. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1685505' first='Malakai' last='Weimer'] has been holding down the fort until senior transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2021608' first='Dez' last='Daniel'] makes his debut. Weimer is a tough finisher with his footwork and grit getting to the hoop, and has really shown a rounded out game this winter as he handles more playmaking. [player_tooltip player_id='2412798' first='Tycen' last='Haij'] is another piece as a 6-7 athletic wing who can stretch the floor, finish above the rim, and defend the paint. Look out for the Storm to hit their stride as they get their full arsenal on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->