Seattle Hoop Summit – Wolverines Report

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Content Provided by Lorenzo Leaks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolverines (OR): Willamette High School basketball team participated in the National “Attitude of Gratitude” Hoop Summit in Auburn, WA (Oct.16th-18th) versus elite regional circuit competition, an event which featured college coaches (Division I, II, III, NAIA, JuCo) and media coverage. The Wolverines opened the day with a victory over Ballard Beavers 72-50 to set the tone for the next game and entire event. The second-game, great effort in a losing battle to Kennedy Catholic keeping the score within reach 6-10 points the entire first half, before the size, strength, height, athleticism, and offensive rebounding took control of the game for them, despite losing Willamette still battled to put 50 points against a stellar front line and the best team they played over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next day, the team experienced a heartbreaking 53-50 loss to Puyallup Vikings, who during their regular season were the 4A-District Champions (24-9,10-2), for the first time since 1991, earning a Top 8 seed at the WIAA 4A Tacoma Dome State Championships. To conclude the very successful experience and weekend, Willamette won the last game 59-51 over local talent Seattle Select to finish the trip 2-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2638616"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828023,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca2f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Superior talents and gifts. He was one of the most athletic players in the entire event; not sure if you'll find 5-10 better athletic college prospects than him in the entire event. He was also one of the top scorers for the Wolverines in the event, using his athleticism, speed, and strength to complement his aggressive style on the basketball court. A good defensive shot-blocking guard with good lateral footwork and base. As his range and outside shot continue to rise, so will his Global success in playing basketball anywhere continue to grow. His elite performances caught the attention of regional scouting coordinators, who selected him for an “INVITE ONLY” invitation to “Light the Game” combine held Oct.24th in Portland, OR. He earned the nickname “NBA Jams” for a reason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2771013"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828026,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca380"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A talented point guard who has probably played close to or over one thousand legit organized basketball games (Elementary, Middle, High school, camps, clinics, travel AAU 2-seasons, etc.) in his life. It's time to start applying all that on-court experience to show what you have learned, studied, and gained from each outing to really stand out amongst the best. A solid ball handler with good 3-pt. shooting range; now perfecting efficiency is the next tool to sharpen. If Willamette is to go deep into this season's playoff run, becoming a better “Student of the Game” leadership will be vital. Win, lose, or draw, a leader is a leader in all 3 and especially at the lead position if Division I, II, college basketball is the goal at the end of his high school career. Keep him on the radar to level up this 2026-27 season; his high-point games in the event were 21 vs. Ballard Beavers, 18 vs. Seattle Select, and 16 vs. Puyallup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3758096"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca3da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He played his best game versus the BEST competition of the weekend (Kennedy Catholic), making an array of turnaround fadeaways versus much taller competition to finish the game with 16 points; he also received major compliments and praise from their head coach (Brent Merritt, who was a dual elite D1 athlete for the University of Washington Huskies basketball program &amp; All-American in track and field; he was also a high school teammate of Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton). Kaizen is a very savvy competitive guard who can really “hawk” the ball defensively 94 feet by himself. By the end of his high school career, he should be an addition to a college program as he continues to learn, define, and orchestrate the point guard role when he is playing that position, instead of off guard. He was also one of the team's top 3 scorers and leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2949432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828030,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca440"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A very talented stretch 4 at the high school level; will be required to play some 3 at the college level as well. He will be as good, great, and/or star as he wants!!! Constant work in progress. What will take him over the top is the development mentally to think offensively inside/outside first instead of it being vice versa; outside/inside will raise his stock and make him a much more dominant player on both ends of the floor. He has GREAT shooting touch for his size, as good as a lot of guards, forwards, and centers in the state. In a near upset over Puyallup, he made some good plays on both ends of the floor, including free throws. Willamette will be very tough to beat if he's at the top of his game, as he is the x-factor/wildcard this season for them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3556719"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828038,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca49a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Great addition: a transfer who comes to the table as a fierce competitor; he's improving weekly, and could easily be a potential pre-season most improved player candidate for this team. A developing slasher with a decent mid-range shot, and learning how to bring the basketball up the court as a general. He does a little bit of everything, plus he brings physical toughness to a team. A great team player; rebounds on both ends of the court. He was promoted to the starting lineup the last 2 games. Competes with good energy, hustles, not afraid to challenge anyone, definitely a player you want on your team for war on the basketball court. He's just learning how to play the guard position, and will be an outstanding one his senior year. (JuCo, Naia, D3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3726830"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828040,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca4ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A very talented and gifted player who is so close to turning the page, corner, and leveling up in his first true varsity season of play. He could potentially play 3-4 positions in 2 or 3 years! He showed flashes all spring, summer, and fall of becoming a good player. Once he realizes all of his tools and knows how to use his height and apply his athleticism, while adding strength, he could evolve into a college scholarship athlete. He he did some good things at the event, some of them do not show up in the stat sheet, like setting screens for teammates, boxing out, help side defense, etc., to go along with the traditional stats (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, etc.).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3826224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828211,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca53d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An athletic addition to the Willamette roster, he will look to battle for minutes, as getting physically stronger will be required and vital to his success these last 2 seasons of high school play, and for his aspiration to play college basketball. He has to learn how to play the guard/wing positions with effectiveness &amp; efficiency while displaying fundamentals. He's a nice leaper, can run the floor, and has the tools to evolve into a good defender; he had some decent defensive and offensive rebounds in the contest, along with a few points. Improving his fundamentals, along with Great effort, positive attitude, and a good team player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2682908"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828034,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca595"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A true sharpshooter when he is on; he hit a few 3s in the event. He sprouted up a few inches during the summer, which will give him a better vision/angle on the floor when it comes time to dribble, pass, or shoot. Moves decent without the basketball when he is in really good condition to locate his scoring opportunities; Getting physically stronger will really help him these last 2 seasons of high school play. Strength will help him when it comes time to really apply pressure defensively and/or offensively to get around defenders for assists and/or scores. He will need strength to play college basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3827479"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3828212,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9f02ca5eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is the only senior in the group who played in this event; he helps to provide chemistry balance for the team. If he keeps working hard, continues to get stronger, and battles daily, he should be able to finish playing varsity, making contributions during battles as he competes and fights for minutes. He has good height, can run the lane, and occasionally gets you a few baskets, rebounds, and blocks. He grew at this event, learning what true competition looks like and sounds like every minute. Good effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->