Pac Xpress Shon – U16 – Under the radar talent
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This is a team that features several players that I am familiar with. I have watched most more than once in the high school season. There are players from Chehalis, Napavine, Morton/WP, Elma, Montesano, Tenino, Adna, and Onalaska There are…
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Continue ReadingThis is a team that features several players that I am familiar with. I have watched most more than once in the high school season. There are players from Chehalis, Napavine, Morton/WP, Elma, Montesano, Tenino, Adna, and Onalaska
There are some up and coming players here who should make an even bigger mark next season. Two players are ranked and there are some that could be rankings risers in the future. Here’s a breakdown of the team.
Noah is a talented player who has a lot of versatility in his game. He plays on the perimeter and has great length. He can score in a variety of ways. He can handle the ball and free himself with quick drives and spin moves around the basket. His three point shooting is something that will continue to get better as he works at it. He has a soft touch and can shoot it from deep, both catch and shoot, and off the dribble. He is a good athlete who runs the floor extremely well when he needs to. He has shown the ability to finish around the basket with quickness and crafty spins. He has a high ceiling and you can see the decision making process is there.He is a more than capable rebounder, and is impressive when he turns it up and gives maximum effort. He has the potential to dominate at the 1A level and did so this season at times. He averaged 21 points per game and had a game of 37 points. With his size and skill-set on the perimeter, he will make big jumps in the next two years, making him a prospect to watch. He has skills that can translate well to the next level. He will play part time with this team as he has other commitments as well.
Karsen Denault Karsen Denault 6'4" | SF Napavine | 2025 WA
Karsen Denault Karsen Denault 6'4" | SF Napavine | 2025 WA
I watched him every game of the season this year. He is a great athlete who has the potential to be elite in that category. He was a 1st team all league selection for Napavine on a team that won the Central 2B with only one league loss. He shows flashes of greatness in the open floor with his ability to finish around the rim. He attacks the basket hard and can finish with either hand. He is left hand dominant but uses both to finish around the rim. He has great quick-twitch jumping ability and gets lots of second chance opportunities from getting up and down quickly. He likes to go right at the defense which he excels at vs most defenders at the 2B level. Working on getting better with short jumpers in the paint and a pull-up would help him around the basket. His shot looks good but could benefit from more arc from the outside. He is capable of becoming more of a three-point shooter with work. High ceiling with his relentless effort on the glass and ability to finish around the rim. Becoming a more rounded offensive player will be important to make that next step. He averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds on a state tournament team that went 22-6 with everyone back next season. Big time potential, he also has great speed and was all state as a wide receiver for the 2B state champions
Gage is another big time athlete with a lot of potential to grow his game. He is explosive and can get himself to the bucket using his athleticism. He has a nice touch from three and should become a knock down shooter from anywhere on the floor. He has that potential already, but needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end and look to score with confidence. He checks all the boxes for a guard physically. He is capable of driving the lane and throwing down dunks, which he has done. Once he gets himself into the flow of the game and starts making shots, he can become a weapon on offense. He has the ability to be a lock down defensive player with his strength and athletic ability. He was also an all-state wide receiver in football. These first three players are high ceiling, talented players who are all physically gifted.
Cayle Kelly
Cayle Kelly
A starter on that same Napavine team as Denault. He is a great shooter who could become an elite level knock-down shooter from three. He hit several big shots this season late in games. He has decent length with long arms getting stronger and more explosive will add dimensions to his game He is a solid ball handling guard who is capable of going hard to the hoop off the dribble. He is a good defender and understands help side defense, and is strong enough to be effective guarding the best guards on opposing team. Once he gets more confident in the mid-range, he will be a scoring threat from all levels. His best asset is his ability to knock down shots. He rebounds well for a guard, constantly attacking the glass on both ends. He should make a big jump in the off-season. He is also a running back and linebacker for the state champion Napavine football team.
Judah Kelly
Judah Kelly
Started at point guard for MWP who placed 4th at the state 2B tournament. He was a big factor for them and had some big games late in the season scoring. He is deceptively quick and can get by the defense and create. He is a good shooter from three and has a nice floater in the lane. He was only a sophomore but had no trouble handling the point vs pressure. He has the ability to create his own shot and will be the main offensive weapon for MWP next season.
Traden Carter
Traden Carter
Started for an Elma team that went to the Class 1A state tournament. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He is a solid ball handling guard. He is best in the mid-range with a nice pull-up jumper. He is a capable three point shooting guard and his shot looks like one of knock down capability in the coming years. He is strong with the ball and capable of creating for himself. Once the game starts to slow down for him, he will likely improve as a playmaking type point guard who can score.
Other players –
Blaze Underhill – 5’11 – SG – Onalaska – 2025
Gavin Muller – 6’1 – G/F – Adna – 2025