NW June D1 Event Primer: Mount Si, Mountlake Terrace

Not sure we have two teams that could be at more opposite ends of the spectrum heading into the NW June D1 Recruiting Event. On one hand you have Mount Si, winners of two state titles over the past six state tournaments, and runners-up one other time, but also a team that loses seven of their top ten players from a year ago. Then you have Mountlake Terrace, who managed just three wins last season, but have 11 of 12 varsity players returning, and just one of those 11 will be a senior next season. They are a team that could be building on some younger talented players, while Mount Si is a team that just continually seems to reload. Let's see how things could shake out for them with some key players heading into this coming weekend's event.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mount Si (WA)</h3>   Classification: 4A   2025-26 Record: 23-2   Key Players   [player_tooltip player_id='2626178' first='Liam' last='Heide'] 6-10 PF 2027   Heide is going to be one of their most important players this winter. After a bunch of key guys graduated from last year's team, he's one of the few left who's played real varsity minutes. He's already shown his ability to be a legit lob threat, work on the glass on both ends, and defend the paint. What we haven't seen a ton of, is his ability to consistently play on the blocks. It will be interesting to see how his role develops, but he is a kid with some pretty interesting upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='2935294' first='Kayden' last='Adams'] 6-5 SF 2027   Adams should be another player who finds a larger role this winter. They should have a couple of guys back that fit into a similar role and play style that Adams does, but he's shown a little more touch to score from the midrange and in, and could be a guy that helps out by giving them a solid scoring option to play off of some quick guards and outside shooting.   [player_tooltip player_id='2954773' first='Hudson' last='Michals'] 5-11 PG 2028   Michals was a JV guy last year but he could end up getting some real minutes this winter. He's shown he can play with some tempo, and as a kid with a pretty dangerous outside shot, does a good job reading closeouts to mix up his attacks. He's demonstrated some deep range behind the arc and that shooting could come into play for the Wildcats next season.   Max Crawford 6-0 PG 2029   Crawford is another JV performer from last season that caught my eye. He could end up being a pretty solid point guard for them with his quick handle, ability to attack gaps, and the fact that he already has a reliable runner/floater to go to inside. Seems to play with good composure to attack, pull it out, attack, and keep some life in the ball. Not sure if this is the year he starts to get minutes but he's a kid to watch down the line at the least.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mountlake Terrace (WA)</h3>   Classification: 3A   2025-26 Record: 3-18   Key Players   [player_tooltip player_id='3636174' first='Tyree' last='Connor'] 5-11 PG 2029   Connor is a quick, strong, tenacious player at the point for Mountlake Terrace. He adds pace to every stage of the game, has quick hands to harass ball-handlers, and can really push the ball up the floor to capitalize in transition. Look for him to attack the rim, play tough defense, and be aggressive when others get a bit casual.   [player_tooltip player_id='2963908' first='Anthony' last='Fuentes'] 6-2 CG 2028   Fuentes is another younger guard for Mountlake Terrace who was already put in a key role last winter. He can play both guard spots but is more of a scorer on this squad. His biggest asset is his shooting, and while he can really stretch the floor and heat up from outside, he also has the ability to work off the bounce create some separation, and shows touch from each level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2543842' first='Adam' last='Desta'] 6-4 SF 2028   Desta is an interesting wing who has shown potential to be a solid two way player. You really notice his length out there when he is getting in passing lanes, getting deflections on the ball, and with his ability to pull up and shoot over defenders. Last year was his first at Mountlake Terrace after transferring from Meadowdale, and he could be ready to carve out a more regular role this winter.

Not sure we have two teams that could be at more opposite ends of the spectrum heading into the NW June D1 Recruiting Event. On one hand you have Mount Si, winners of two state titles over the past six state tournaments, and runners-up one other time, but also a team that loses seven of their top ten players from a year ago. Then you have Mountlake Terrace, who managed just three wins last season, but have 11 of 12 varsity players returning, and just one of those 11 will be a senior next season. They are a team that could be building on some younger talented players, while Mount Si is a team that just continually seems to reload. Let's see how things could shake out for them with some key players heading into this coming weekend's event.