Regionals Preview: 4A Wesco Top Players

<p>It's win or go home. Some teams will go home and others will advance to state. One team has already been guaranteed a state bid(Mariner). Now let's take a look at the key players. </p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jackson High</strong></span></h5> <p><strong>Sylas Williams</strong>, 6’6, Forward, 2023</p> <p>One of the most polished post players in all of Wesco, I present to you, Sylas Williams. His game revolves around the basket, with the ability to hit from deep, and a solid mid-range package. His variety of post moves, including a mixture of fakes and spin moves, create havoc for the opposing team. Blessed with a massive wing-span, he affects shots and can grab boards at the highest rate. As a junior, his averages include 23.3 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 3 apg, 2 bpg. If Jackson is to advance to state, Sylas will be the focal point.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-djCGBrFw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp-djCGBrFw</a></p> <p><strong>Bradley Tharp</strong>, 6'3, Forward, 2022</p> <p>As an undersized forward, Tharp’s game certainly does not reflect that. He has a unique skill set that allows him to guard 1-5, and play all 5 positions offensively. With the ability to hit the three and mid-range, Tharp also averages 4-5 offensive rpg, with the rest of his points coming from put-backs. He usually guards the opposing team’s best post or wing player each game and is the perfect complement to Williams.</p> <p><strong>Drilon Veliu</strong>, 5’10, Guard, 2022</p> <p>When you look at Veliu, you may view him as just another undersized guard, but do not let his stature fool you. With a lightning-quick step, he has shown game after game, the ability to blow by defenders and take it to the rack. Veliu can knock down the three, but his go-to is his mid-range pull-up. His ability to read passing lanes and turn them into transition buckets is the reason why he is the team leader in steals. In a district playoff game vs Woodinville, he willed his team to 31 pts, dropping 14 in the 3rd quarter alone. </p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Glacier Peak High</strong></span></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931210" first="Bobby" last="Siebers"]</strong>, 6’4, Guard, 2022</p> <p>This standout guard will be pivotal for his team to advance. Siebers has an all-around game that can get it done from the inside and outside. One of the best shooters in all of Wesco, Siebers also has a relentless motor around the basket. His ability to single-handedly take over a game puts fear into opposing defenses. </p> <p><strong>Torey Watkins</strong>, 6’3, Forward, 2022</p> <p>Watkins is a powerful forward that uses his strength on the low block to punish defenders. He has a relentless pursuit in grabbing boards, and loves to gain post position every offensive possession. With his teammate Siebers attracting all the attention, Watkins can make life easier for his team with easy buckets down low. His activity is certainly worth keeping an eye on.</p> <p><strong>Aidan Davis</strong>, 5'8, Guard, 2022</p> <p>Davis is the main orchestrator for this team. He is a coach on the floor, while getting teammates in position. He breaks down the defense with an explosive first step, then kicks it out for open shots. Davis has good range and ability to hit the deep ball, and is a great finisher around the rim. </p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Mariner High</strong></span></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929620" first="Dakota" last="Joseph"]</strong>, 6’5, Forward, 2022</p> <p>Joseph is an intimidating presence. His strength and size create problems for opposing bigs that try to guard him solo. With a high IQ, and unselfish play, he protects the rim and finishes well around the basket. As a senior, Joseph came into his own this year that propelled Mariner to be one of the top teams at state. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931308" first="Naser" last="Motley"]</strong>, 6’0, Guard, 2022</p> <p>Motley has a silky smooth mid-range that is hard to stop. He gets to his spots, drives aggressively to the basket, and can stop on a dime and pull up whenever he wants. He is a great slasher and moves well without the ball. He is one of the key bucket getters for Mariner. </p> <p><strong>Makai Bloomfield</strong>, 6'2, Forward, 2023</p> <p>As the first player off the bench, Makai provides a scoring punch and skill set that is hard to replicate. He has all the qualities to be a starter, but I can see him being a key piece to how far Mariner goes in the state tournament. He has great range and can score at an electric rate in a hurry. He can also guard opposing bigs while being a mismatch against them by beating them off the dribble. He has guard skill sets playing the forward spot.  </p>