Battle in Seattle: Notable Sophomores

Let's check in on some sophomore standouts at the Battle in Seattle earlier this month. This is a good mix of Washington players and Idaho players who showcased potential across various positions at the event.    I have gotten to see Lunzer at a couple of summer events and he's performed to a pretty solid and consistent measure. He's a guy you count on to play with effort and toughness, has demonstrated some touch on floaters and runners, as well as some good footwork operating on the edges of the paint. Could be a solid role guy for Mt. Spokane this winter.     Kesler has a pure stroke from outside and his smooth stroke stood out immediately upon watching one of his first games of the weekend with [program_tooltip program_id='2897923' first='Select' last='Basketball']. Did a great job relocating after passes, catches on balance and ready to shoot. After showcasing himself as knockdown threat, he started attacking closeouts and getting to his midrange shot under control.     McCarthy stole the show for me early on in the weekend. Every thing he did, it seemed he did with intent and purpose. Played on balance, aggressive with the ball, moved quick side to side and got going quickly out of stops. Was able to create off the bounce with some good footwork around the key and then showcase the stroke to stretch the floor and score from outside. Was really impressed with the totality of his game and just how he approached each area with the same urgency and purpose.     McGowan was another player on that Select Pro 16 15u team who stood out early on in the weekend. He had several strong takes to the hoop, displayed some strength to power through defenders and the patience and footwork to work around them. Had some nice plays starting away from the ball too, crashing in for a rebound and tip in, and then coming from help on defense to block a shot.     Lewis is a guy whose name should start to gain some traction this winter. He stood out with ITZ by showcasing his skill across several facets of the game. Has a pure outside shot and seems to be getting even more confident with that shot than during the winter. Got up and sent a couple shots back inside, and then made some great touch passes from the high post through tight windows. A kid with size and skill who is quickly trending upwards in the 2029 class.     Dotson is a smaller guard who plays with good pace and energy, and he does it in a lot of areas where others kids start to dog it. Making cuts after passes, getting to his spots setting up in the half court or filling lanes in transition, even getting back on defense and matching up, he always seemed to be moving with pace and intention. Shot it pretty well from outside too and made some good moves to the hoop to get into defenders bodies and protect his shot.     Yalyal is an interesting player with some real length who played with Idaho Premier over the weekend. Drained a few shots behind the arc to showcase some potential there, and overall just played strong and solid across the board. Rebounded well, was a physical defender who held his ground, moved his feet, and played hard throughout the weekend.

Let's check in on some sophomore standouts at the Battle in Seattle earlier this month. This is a good mix of Washington players and Idaho players who showcased potential across various positions at the event.