5 Sleepers: Class of 2021

The term "sleeper" can cover multiple definitions and ultimately depends on perception. By "sleeper", the intention here is to highlight players that are not currently household names, are under the radar and ready to wake some people up! Each player has different strengths and weaknesses, but they are all worth tracking as their high school careers progress. I suspect each one of these players will be on college rosters when it's all said and done. Don't sleep too much longer! These are five names you will know very soon. 

Ja'Von Ervin, 6'4, G, Lakes HS- The rising sophomore is flying under the radar, for now. His coach Jordan Barnes of Lakes High School believes that this will change sooner rather than later! At only 15 years old, he is still growing and has "A very strong work ethic and approaches the game very seriously" according to Coach Barnes. The weight room is a favorite destination of Ja'Von's and he feels more prepared heading into his sophomore season. He played up with the Northwest Panthers 16U team this summer and it opened his eyes to a new level of competition. Ja'Von could very well bloom into a division 1 prospect as he continues to grow and develop. 

Tyson Degenhart, 6'7, SF/PF, Mt. Spokane HS- The 6'7 combo forward is slowly but surely starting to make a name for himself in the state of Washington and beyond. Degenhart can shoot the three ball very well and can also drive to the paint and finish. His versatility is what stands out at this point, although he did mention that he is working on his in-between game. Sitting out much of the summer recovering from an injury might be the only reason he found his way onto the sleeper list, but the D1 prospect has yet to receive any offers. That could change in time as EWU and a couple of other D1's are already making contact. 

Layton Duff, 6'7, SF, Woodinville HS- On the east-side of Seattle lays a gem in the making. Layton is a wiry 6'7, 180 pound wing that is growing like a weed. His perimeter skills, along with his height, are what separates him from many other players his age. When everything evens out, Layton could easily reach 6'8, 6'9 or possibly taller and his body is just barely starting to fill out. Layton spent his freshman season on the JV team and is expected to not only start on varsity, but make an instant impact in the 4A KingCo. Layton did not play with any shoe circuit program last season, so he is mostly under the radar with college coaches, but it is only a matter of time before he is a well known name in the northwest. Lastly, it is worth noting that Layton is a 4.0 student in the classroom! 

Champ Spencer, 6'5, SG/SF, Bonney Lake HS- The Bonney Lake "star-to-be" had a very good summer with his Friends of Hoop squad. Champ has been known as a shooter since his middle school days, but he is starting to expand his skill set to be able to take defenders off the bounce. Champ is probably going to grow some more and projects well as a college prospect. He has a strong frame and a smooth shooting stroke to the three-line. Bonney Lake is not known for being a regular state contending team, but Champ specifically mentioned that he wants to help lead his school to the Tacoma Dome. 

Leo DeBruhl, PG, Seattle Academy- The 6'1 floor general is one of the best passing point guards in the state. Attending Seattle Academy, he is not a household name during the winter, but playing with Seattle Rotary in the spring and summer has helped his name reach a larger audience. Leo is projecting as a Division 1 point guard down the road, as he continues to work on his ability to take contact and finish in the paint.