Top Ten Players in 1A

In this article, I'm going to look at the top ten players in the 1A regardless of class. A lot of these guys have a shot to lead their teams deep into the state tournament, with a handful even eyeing state titles. So, as the fall rounds out and the winter season gets closer, let's take a look at who the top players in 1A will be in 2023-24.   1. [player_tooltip player_id='1450980' first='Martin' last='Kaupanger'] Annie Wright   Easily one of the top players in the 1A and his 2025 class, Kaupanger is the type of athlete who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, while also having the size to be a real mismatch for opposing guards. His improvements from 3-point range should open up the floor even more for his drives to the hoop. The junior guard has a legitimate shot at leading his Gators to a state title and possibly a Player of the Year award in the 1A.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='1612206' first='Aidan' last='Bews'] Quincy   His size and athleticism are hard to match in the 1A, making him one of the top low-post threats in the class. Bews came on strong last season as he developed a better outside game to match some development with his post moves inside. As long as he keeps that consistent motor throughout the season he has a chance to blossom even more. He leads a sneaky good Quincy squad whose title hopes hinge a lot on his play.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='1450943' first='Julian' last='Ibarra'] Quincy   Another Quincy Jackrabbit among the top players in the 1A, Ibarra displays a patient offensive game that's reliant on soft shooting and quick reads. As efficient as he is scoring the ball, Ibarra really stands out for his ability to manipulate defenders with multiple ball fakes and his skill in pivoting back and forth to shoot off of varied footing.   4. [player_tooltip player_id='1450983' first='Jeremiah' last='Harshman'] Annie Wright   The Gators point guard has become an outstanding 3-point shooter who has really upped his scoring prowess over the last year. He still controls the pace and spurs runs with his defensive acumen, but now can provide even more quit-hitting plays with his spot-up shooting in transition. He'll be a key figure in keeping the ball flowing around a talented squad.   5. [player_tooltip player_id='1457515' first='Jeremiah' last='Wright'] Lynden Christian   One of the more skilled bigs in the entire 1A, Wright leads the Lyncs on their quest for a third consecutive 1A championship. After beating King's in two straight state title games, Wright steps up to be the big name on this year's team. He's been expanding his range to be more consistent from behind the arc and still is that bruising force around the rim. He can be a game-wrecker and is a huge reason Lynden Christian is in the hunt for another title run.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='1863242' first='Dekker' last='Van De Graaf'] Zillah   He was more of a complimentary player last season but this year is his opportunity to step up in just his sophomore campaign to lead the Leopards. Van De Graaf is going to have much more size and strength than the majority of guards and should have no problem continuing the efficiency we saw from him this summer. He could exhibit some major growth this season and keep Zillah in contention for a deep run at State.   7. [player_tooltip player_id='1587998' first='Noah' last='Schow'] Tenino   The combo forward is a high IQ player with an ability to score inside and out, and has a really natural feel for making plays in tight spaces. He's an excellent offensive rebounder who's ready to get a quick look after the board with a shot or a pass and makes those fast reads all over the court. He's a big part of the offense at Tenino and should be in for another near 20 & 10 season this winter.   8. [player_tooltip player_id='1710013' first='Nick' last='Linhardt'] King's   It's his time to shine now at King's and the 6-foot-5 wing looks as ready as ever to lead the offense. He's continued to show success from behind the arc but is a more complete scorer off the dribble, hitting shots in the mid-range and showing some grit to muscle up shots inside. I wouldn't be surprised to see more of him on the ball on the perimeter looking to create for others too.   9. [player_tooltip player_id='1612212' first='Dominic' last='Navarre'] Zillah   Navarre is a powerful forward with exceptional finishing potential around the rim. His jumper is inconsistent but he hits enough to make it a viable option. He's most effective operating around the rim and out in transition where he can pound the rim and the glass. Look for him to be a big factor on defense too, as he's a guy that plays all out, end to end.   10. [player_tooltip player_id='1984464' first='Talon' last='Jenkins'] Meridian   This last spot was hard to choose but I went with Jenkins because of the growth he showed over the summer. He's a bigger kid at 6-foot-4 who has a buttery touch from behind the arc. He can also take advantage of guys running him off the line with an adept handle to get shots to fall in the mid-range and is fluid enough to attack lanes to the basket. He'll be one to keep an eye on that could continue his ascent into the winter season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Others To Watch</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1485588' first='Brady' last='Ackerman'] Nooksack Valley, [player_tooltip player_id='1485584' first='Colton' last='Wells'] Freeman

In this article, I'm going to look at the top ten players in the 1A regardless of class. A lot of these guys have a shot to lead their teams deep into the state tournament, with a handful even eyeing state titles. So, as the fall rounds out and the winter season gets closer, let's take a look at who the top players in 1A will be in 2023-24.