3A Playoffs: Standout Bigs
The high school season came to an end with the WIAA Hardwood Classic state tournament championships on Saturday, March 7th at the Tacoma Dome. Noticeably each year the Bigs are becoming more and more deadly not only in the paint…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season came to an end with the WIAA Hardwood Classic state tournament championships on Saturday, March 7th at the Tacoma Dome. Noticeably each year the Bigs are becoming more and more deadly not only in the paint but contributing just as much shooting mid to long-range. Here are the standout Bigs from this year’s state tournament. While a few of them it was their last dance, excited to see that most of them will be returning next season!
Tari Eason Tari Eason 6'8" | PF Garfield | 2020 State #99 Nation WA , Garfield |6’8 F |Class of 2020|- This tourney MVP averaged 21ppg, 12rebs, and 3.6a in the state playoffs. There is not much Eason can’t do; with his size, strength, quickness and now a deadly 3 ball very difficult to match up to him this year. He is unstoppable in the paint and on the fast break with either creating for his teammates or finishing. He has an impressive assist count for a Big as well. Even from just last year he has had a tremendous upside and for sure will continue to excel for Cincinnati next year.
Paolo Banchero Paolo Banchero 6'10" | PF O'Dea | 2021 State #3 Nation WA , Odea | 6’10 F| Class of 2021|- ESPN Top 60 #4 ranked player in the country, Banchero per the usual came thru the playoffs dominating. Although Garfield and Rainier Beach were able to suppress him a little, he still controlled the boards averaging 13 and 20ppg. With his size, mobility and advanced college ball IQ it is hard to contain him. With one more year of High School ball career and currently 16 D1 offers, he will undoubtedly be an All-American next year and reign the top player in the state.
Jaylahn Tuimoloau Jaylahn Tuimoloau 6'5" | PF Eastside Catholic | 2021 State WA , Eastside Catholic | 6’5 F| Class of 2021|- JT is one of the top football recruits in the country ranked #4 ESPN Jr 300 with 21 current D1 offers. Even with his Defensive Tackle size, he has incredible footwork, quick mobility and can gracefully get to the rim or line making him hard to shut down. As they say, most football players make great basketball players and he is a perfect example showing the truth to that. I was most impressed by his outside shooting range, hitting from the arc fluently. He has great court presence and plays team ball well, consistently putting up good numbers and was the lifeline for Eastside Catholic in the playoffs earning a 3rd place state finish.
Jackson Dorsey, Wilson |6’6 F| Class of 2021|- Amazing length with a great wingspan that definitely gave Dorsey an advantage grabbing boards averaging 7.25 a game and a solid 10.5ppg during the playoffs helping get Wilson 4th place in State. What stood out about Dorsey is his quickness down the court with a few strides and although being a lankier forward, he is powerful either with a quick put back or a bang out dunk. With some conditioning and bulking he could be a powerhouse next year, look for him to be a top contender.
Tyler Mrus Tyler Mrus 6'6" | SF Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA , Seattle Prep |6’6 F| Class of 2022|- This sophomore forward was consistent during the state tournament and was big for Seattle Prep with a solid 10.6ppg and 4.6rebs. Great mobility and versatility can shoot from the arc fluidly. What was most impressive as a Big, is Mrus was 100% from the charity stripe for the whole tournament going 12/12. With still 2 more years of High School ball and possible growth spurt, presuming a high escalation in his upside making him a top player in his class.