Preseason 4A All-State Teams
In this article:
As we steadily approach the 2022-23 high school basketball season it’s time to look at some of the best from around the state starting in the 4A division. After sifting through the top names in the state’s highest division, these…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs we steadily approach the 2022-23 high school basketball season it’s time to look at some of the best from around the state starting in the 4A division. After sifting through the top names in the state’s highest division, these are some of the favorites and my preseason picks for Player of the Year and the All-State Teams.
POY
Zoom led Curtis to the 4A State Title last season and gears up to defend the title this winter. He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball and holds his pick of the litter when it comes to schools. Only a junior, Diallo is already established as one of the best in the state.
First Team
After a third-place finish at State in 2021-22, Gerrits is in position to lead his Olympia Bears even higher this coming season. The sweet stroking guard is the unquestioned leader in the South Sound, pacing his team in scoring and bringing the energy. The senior is headed to Pullman next year to join a promising Cougars squad at WSU.
Highlights
The most dominant big man in the state, Heide is a strong, athletic forward with just the right mix of finesse to gorge defenses in a number of ways. His Mount Si team lost in overtime of the championship game last season and now it’s his turn to lead the talented Wildcats. Heide averaged 14.5 points 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per contest last season. Look for the San Diego State commit to score a bunch more this season.
The sharpshooter out of Curtis is a poised, do-it-all player for the defending 4A champions. He’s going to score at a high rate and stuff the stats in all other departments. He was a high-level player last season that has only gotten better. Paulsen’s recruitment is still open.
Highlights
Robinson shifts up a division this year after leading Rainier Beach to the 3A State Title game last season. The quick guard plays with a high IQ and attacks soft spots in the defense with ease. He could help Skyline be a real contender this season bringing a defensive edge to the Spartans.
Fassilis was irreplaceable for Union last season. He was one of their top scorers, he blocked shots, rebounded, and dimed out assists. With Bryson Metz gone, Fassilis will be leaned on even more to make plays and lead the charge for the Titans. He could be in for a monster season when all is said and done.
Second Team
Weems is a high effort, high efficiency, super athlete that leads the way for an incredibly balanced Federal Way team this year. He is going to dominate less-physical players and outwork those who can match his ability. It was evident last season how much Weems can swing a game, and this looks like a year Federal Way can make a deep playoff run.
The Jackson forward has been putting up monster numbers this summer, showing he can explode for big scoring games and dominate the glass. That should continue into the high school season as he’ll be counted on to manufacture a lot of opportunities for the Timberwolves. He’s a guy capable of dropping 30 points or grabbing 20 rebounds but will also be a playmaker from the middle this year.
Quite possibly the top athlete in the state, Miller is a guy who could really shine this season at Gonzaga Prep. He’s been on a roll since late summer and into the fall, showing off his potential as a two-way threat with serious upside. If he gets out to a strong start, lookout. Miller has the physical tools and the mindset that is hard to stop when he’s rolling.
Forrest steps up into a new role this season as the new point man for the Wildcats. He only averaged about 9 points and 3 assists last season but Mount Si loses one of the state’s top point guards from a year ago and now it’s Forrest’s turn to run a potent Wildcat offense. He will shine with his quickness, decision-making, and defensive awareness. Look for Forrest to have a breakout junior campaign.
Engholm is the peanut butter to Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6’1″ | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA ‘ jelly. He is a key part of what is a serious title contender at Olympia. The big man grinds inside with great touch at the rim and has an underrated feel for the game and its flow. He could be a double-double guy this season while chipping in blocks and assists too.
Highlights
All-State Watchlist
Josiah Pierre Josiah Pierre 6'5" | SF Kamiak | 2023 State WA , Dylan Reilly Dylan Reilly 6'6" | SG Skyline | 2023 State WA , Luke Westerfield Luke Westerfield 6'10" | PF Richland | 2024 State WA , Josiah Johnson Josiah Johnson 6'5" | CG Curtis | 2023 State WA , Bennett Olujic Bennett Olujic 6'7" | SF Mount Si | 2023 State WA , Isaiah Afework Isaiah Afework 6'5" | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA , Cinque Maxwell Cinque Maxwell 6'1" | CG Curtis | 2023 State WA , Dace Pleasant Dace Pleasant 6'6" | SG Elite Prep | 2024 State WA , Trevor Hennig Trevor Hennig 6'4" | SG Mt Si | 2024 State WA