D1 Showcase: Prospects of the Future (Lake Washington)

Last weekend, I got to head over to the June D1 Recruiting Event and watch teams from around the west compete. Teams from Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Alaska came together to compete against the best of the best. My weekend started out at Lake Washington High School, where 24 of the 56 teams were playing. Here are some of the younger standouts I saw while over at Lake Washington.    Harris really showed out at the showcase and let people know why he is such a tantalizing prospect. At 6-foot-9, he finished above the rim, showed good strength to battle through swipes and grabs inside, and demonstrated good footwork around multiple defenders. He had a few moments where he was able to grab a defensive board and push, and had enough handle on the perimeter to protect the ball and evade some pressure. Also showed off defensive ability away from the rim, staying with guards on the perimeter and even picking their pockets a few times. Just a very skilled forward already showing his high potential and growth heading into his sophomore year.     Lin is a pretty well-built kid who showed the ability to work into those short-to-midrange areas pretty consistently and knock down some shots. Didn't shy away from physicality on either end, and later on was able to capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities from three.     Continued his efficiency as an outside shooter but also worked in some matchups where he had a size advantage into deeper spots, either getting to the rim or stopping and popping for midrange buckets. He scored 19 against Tualatin and 22 versus Annie Wright.     A smaller guard at 5-foot-10 and with a thin frame, but had immense confidence and quickness to get where he wanted to go. Shot the ball well from deep, had the handle to separate and work his way into the paint. Played a key role bringing the ball down and creating off the bounce in the half court. Really attacks quickly off the catch and makes defenders stay ready to go.     Thomas is a high IQ guard who continued to show off his shooting touch from different levels, and his intent on seeking out contact when attacking the paint which resulted in numerous trips to the foul line. He does a great job owning his space while working off the bounce, cutting off defenders on drives, navigating options and playing with patience on ball screens, and rarely giving back position once he has an advantage.     He's going to be a key ball-handler for them this coming season and showed he can get penetration and play at his pace around bodies. Good job changing speeds, using hesitations and some crafty footwork to get to space around the paint. Added some urgency to their transition game as well.     Connor is a strong guard with quick feet who will defend hard on the perimeter, turn ballhandlers, and play harassing defense. He's a real threat in transition too with his ability to play with pace, take some contact, and utilize fakes and pivots when he gets around the paint.     Sidaris Jr is a quick, twitchy guard with a creative handle. He demonstrated how he can create separation on the perimeter and attack gaps at times, and also showed off a pretty reliable shot from 3-point range. His quickness and speed really stood out over the weekend with his on ball defense and consistent ability to get out ahead of defenders in transition.     Bondarchuk is a kid popping up on our radar with an excellent outside stroke and the ability to make plays from different spots on the floor with his controlled attacks and vision. Can really light it up from distance but is also a key playmaker for them. He led the Wildcats in three games over the weekend, scoring 22 against Kentridge, 19 against Seattle Christian, and 24 against Auburn Mountainview.

Last weekend, I got to head over to the June D1 Recruiting Event and watch teams from around the west compete. Teams from Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Alaska came together to compete against the best of the best. My weekend started out at Lake Washington High School, where 24 of the 56 teams were playing. Here are some of the younger standouts I saw while over at Lake Washington.