2026 Rankings Update: Top ’26 players in the NWC

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the new 2026 class rankings have been released, I will be taking a deeper look every conference to see which top players are playing in that conference. Here is the NWC, the number inside the parentheses is where they are ranked inside the entire class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685499' first='Nolan' last='Wright']</strong> (37) - Sehome HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolan was one of the first players off the bench last season as a freshman for a team that was one of the best in the 2A class. Nolan plays with great confidence, being able to control the pace of the game very well. He hits mid-range shots extremely efficently and can step out to hit the three too. He is dangerous in transition, being able to use his speed to our run opposing players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021622' first='Mantaj' last='Singh'] </strong>(65) - Ferndale HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mantaj is a lefty who has great size for a 2026 graduate. He uses his frame well, being aggressive when attacking the bucket. He has a solid first step, putting the ball on the first efficently. He hits the three off the catch really well and is one of the top shooters in the 2026 class in the NWC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021650' first='Malachi' last='Bowman']</strong> (WL) - Lynden HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malachi has great size and length on the court. He is able to stretch the floor nicely and has a high motor, running the court well. His long wingspan helps him deflect passes and block shots on the defensive side of the ball. He finishes around the rim effectively, being able to riser above defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021655' first='Boyce' last='Robertson']</strong> (WL) - Lynden Christian HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyce is a shifty guard who can play all over the court. He hits the deep shot very well, being able to step 2/3 feet beyond the line as well. He is very good in transition with the ball in his hands, he gets down-hill well and can finish through traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021640' first='Zack' last='Watt']</strong> (WL) - Squalicum HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zack has been the primary ball handler for the Storm when I watch them play. He has the ability to add a lot of size at that position and create solid match-ups for himself. He runs the floor well and has great vision so he is able to find his teammates smoothly. He's a player who could grow a lot over this next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021649' first='Madden' last='Whitlock']</strong> (WL) - Burlington-Edison HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madden plays well above his own age, showing a lot of maturity on the court. He is calm and patient with the ball in his hands, even if he is being pressured. He facilitates better than most guards in the 2026 class within the NWC and has great vision. He gives his all on the defensive side and is able to pressure opposing guards to the point where they are frustrated. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to watch</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='2021634' first='Noah' last='Soulier'] (Squalicum), [player_tooltip player_id='2021631' first='Landon' last='Melton'] (Blaine), [player_tooltip player_id='2021632' first='Kai' last='Kerwin'] (Blaine), [player_tooltip player_id='2021633' first='Kaveer' last='Dhillon'] (Ferndale), [player_tooltip player_id='2021627' first='Brennan' last='Morgenthaler'] (Anacortes)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->