Top Ten Players in 3A

With the <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/10/top-ten-players-in-1a/">1A</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/10/top-ten-players-in-2a/">2A</a> done, it's time to try and pin down the top ten players in the 3A. There are a lot of ways to go here but these ten players have shown an ability to take over games with a consistency that can't be ignored. They have game-changers written all over them and should be some of the most impactful players as the race for State gets underway.   1. [player_tooltip player_id='1450484' first='Jacob' last='Cofie'] Eastside Catholic   The versatile forward brings a blend of size, skill, and two-way playmaking that sets him apart from the rest. Rim defense, 3-point shooting, and creating off the bounce, Cofie has elite skills that put him atop the list in the 3A.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='1450485' first='Evan' last='Stinson'] Cheney   One of the best scorers in the 3A, the 6-foot-7 Stinson also displays high-level court awareness and playmaking. He's able to create shots out of very little, but can also make key passes and defensive plays with his anticipation and vision.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='1450985' first='Legend' last='Smiley'] Garfield   The 3A tournament MVP a year ago, Smiley is a poised shooter and athlete at the guard spot. He gets to his spots, can score from any spot on the floor, and is an underrated passer who could get the chance to do more playmaking this season.   4. [player_tooltip player_id='1450491' first='Ryan' last='Lafferty'] Mt Spokane   On any given night, Lafferty can be the best player on the floor. He was one of the most impressive players at last year's state tournament and is the kind of scoring and playmaking force that controls the flow of the game to his liking. A really polished offensive player, Lafferty should power Mt Spokane to another state tournament this winter.   5. [player_tooltip player_id='1450492' first='Ajayi' last='Simmons'] Garfield   One of the more intriguing players on this list, Simmons has the talent to be one of the most impactful players in the entire state. He can affect the game from rim to rim, expanding his shooting range last season and continuing to be a long, athletic presence around the rim.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='1450604' first='Eli' last='Williams'] North Central   A super smart player, Williams utilizes pace as well as anyone. He's aggressive attacking the open lanes but willing to be patient and move the ball around and make the extra pass. He's a big, strong guard who can get to the line and excels pulling up in the mid-range.   7. [player_tooltip player_id='1850299' first='Kaden' last='Powers'] Rainier Beach   He burst on the scene last year and continued to gain steam over the summer. A really smooth shooter who can create space with compact moves, Powers plays with a solid base that helps him make shots going any direction and finish through contact at the rim. He should be one of the top scorers in the Metro this season.   8. [player_tooltip player_id='1451033' first='Jaylen' last='Petty'] Auburn   The 5-foot-9 Auburn guard is one of the most exciting players in the 3A. His impact on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated. He's a guy you have to chase off the arc but also has the length and athleticism to finish inside. He's also a twitchy defender who can create turnovers and give opposing guards headaches.   9. [player_tooltip player_id='1451019' first='Marco' last='Varani'] Bellevue   Varani has the length, shooting, and athleticism to be a top player on both ends of the floor this season. He has easy range, has worked to get strong off the bounce, and is a player to look out for around the rim on both sides of the ball. His skill set and size are a tough matchup for guards or forwards and he should be able to take advantage of that this season.   10. [player_tooltip player_id='1112472' first='Ryan' last='Mpouli'] Rainier Beach   Mpouli gets the nod as the tenth guy here because he is one of the best defenders in the state. He has length, burst, and anticipation, and isn't afraid to take chances because he has great recovery speed. He can make plays on the perimeter forcing pickups, jumping passing lanes, and can defend the rim as a help defender and in transition. He's also a high-flyer with strong takes to the rim who can stretch the floor at times and should be a key guy for Beach this year.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Others to Watch</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1450562' first='Jacori' last='Ervin'] North Central, [player_tooltip player_id='1450500' first='Jamari' last='Harris'] Garfield, [player_tooltip player_id='1463068' first='Ray' last='Adams'] North Thurston

With the 1A and 2A done, it's time to try and pin down the top ten players in the 3A. There are a lot of ways to go here but these ten players have shown an ability to take over games with a consistency that can't be ignored. They have game-changers written all over them and should be some of the most impactful players as the race for State gets underway.