D1 Showcase: 2028 Guards (Lake Washington)

A lot of attention from the recent D1 Showcase goes to the class of 2027 as they prepare for their senior seasons. However, one of the more fun classes to watch is always the incoming juniors. We get to see their physical maturity, their growth mentally, changes in confidence and role, and get to know who might be in store for breakout seasons. So, let's talk about some guards in the 2028 class who displayed advancements in their game and breakout potential, at Lake Washington during the D1 Showcase.    He's a high-energy guard who was highly successful breaking his man down off the dribble and getting to the hoop last season, and that was without incorporating a 3-point shot into his game. That jumper has made major progress over the past year, starting with a reliable turnaround jumper off his paint touches, and now showing a willingness and ability to take and make shots behind the arc. That should start to open the floor up even more for him, and he's a guy who will give you production across the board with his energy.     Harris looks ready to step into a larger role at Kentridge this winter. He's a 3-point threat who can squirt into gaps and create a bit. Has quick hands that help him disrupt ballhandlers along the perimeter and create some turnovers. He had 21 points against Archbishop Murphy and 20 points versus Mountlake Terrace.     Birley is a player who is constantly getting into the paint and making things happen. He is so selective with his 3-point attempts, and his ability to get paint touches really opens things up for his teammates. He has the length to finish over guys inside, but it also helps him make those over-the-top passes and creates more passing lanes for him.     Keowla is a really heady guard who can make plays with the ball in his hands, scoring and facilitating. But what sets him apart is his ability to read and react. He's always timely to the ball and space, making great cuts and flashes, trailing plays, giving teammates secure outlets, and being in the right spots for big rebounds and timely defensive plays.     Moore has grown a good couple of inches since I last saw him, and he's also grown in his role at Mt. Spokane. He was one of the primary creators and scorers throughout the weekend, and at 6-foot-6, he demonstrated an ability to create downhill and knock down shots away from the hoop when they needed a bucket. He led them with 13 points against Rainier Beach and 16 points against A.C. Nelson. He has some good shot creation around the perimeter but also displayed creative footwork when navigating screens and multiple defenders. He looks ready for that big jump this winter as a key player in the Wildcats' stacked 2028 class.     Barrus is a high-efficiency 3-point shooter who showed that shooting stroke translates at different levels and both off the catch and off the bounce. Had several nice moves with pump fakes or quick attacks off the catch to get into space closer in and knock down shots.     Fox came out ready to go at the event and played a key role for his Kangs around the rim. Did a great job slashing inside, found space to make timely cuts, attacked the offensive glass, and showed the ability to finish through, around, and over defenders at the rim. His activity was infectious, and he played with the aggression and urgency that will give Lake Washington a big boost this coming season.

A lot of attention from the recent D1 Showcase goes to the class of 2027 as they prepare for their senior seasons. However, one of the more fun classes to watch is always the incoming juniors. We get to see their physical maturity, their growth mentally, changes in confidence and role, and get to know who might be in store for breakout seasons. So, let's talk about some guards in the 2028 class who displayed advancements in their game and breakout potential, at Lake Washington during the D1 Showcase.