All-Underclass Team: WIAA State Tournament
There was endless talent in this year’s 3A/4A WIAA state tournament, and normally all upperclassmen are focused on the most. The attention shifted as underclassmen put everyone in attendance from college coaches, opponents and fans a preview what to expect…
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Continue ReadingThere was endless talent in this year’s 3A/4A WIAA state tournament, and normally all upperclassmen are focused on the most. The attention shifted as underclassmen put everyone in attendance from college coaches, opponents and fans a preview what to expect for the next 2 to 3 years.
Meet this year’s All-Underclass Team, who had impactful performances.
Most Valuable Player: King’s PF Tyler Linhardt Tyler Linhardt 6'7" | PF King's | 2022 State #192 Nation WA 6’7 C/o 2022
- Can score inside and out
- Rebounds at a high level
- Efficient and doesn’t force the issue
- Skilled all-around which makes him difficult to defend
- 1A State Champion
- State Averages (3 Games): 21.7 points per game, 12.2 rebounds per game, 3.5 assists per game and 1 block
PG: Seattle Prep’s Braeden Smith Braeden Smith 5'11" | PG Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA 5’11 C/o 2022
- Shoots 3-point shot at high level
- Pushes tempo and plays with great pace
- Finds teammates and puts them in great position to score or get fouled
- Second-Team All-Metro
- State Averages (3 Games): 14.6 points per game, 5.3 assists per game and 3.6 rebounds per game
CG: Garfield’s Koren Johnson Koren Johnson 6'3" | SG Wasatch Academy | 2022 #83 Nation WA 6’2 C/o 2022
- Can create shot for himself off the dribble
- Shoots the 3-point shot at a high level. (Spot-up, step-back, off separation or in transition)
- Puts teammates in position to score
- Anticipates on defense and plays passing lane really well which leads to steals
- Third-Team All-Metro
- First-Team All-State
- 3A State Champion
- State Averages (3 Games): 14.6 points per game, 2 assists per game, 1.6 steals per game and 1 block
Wing/SF: Garfield’s Jaylin Stewart Jaylin Stewart 6'7" | SG Garfield | 2023 State #71 Nation WA 6’5 C/o 2023
- Can score off the dribble
- Deadly from 3-point range
- Great finisher in transition
- Does not force the issue
- 3A State Champion
- State Averages (3 Games): 12.3 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 1 assist and 1 steal
SG: Auburn’s Tre Blassingame Tre Blassingame 6'5" | SG Auburn | 2022 State WA 6’5 C/o 2022
- Great size and length he covers a lot of ground
- Great at getting to his spots and scoring especially from the midrange area
- Shot well from outside (38% from 3) and 100% from free throw
- NPSL (4A) First-Team All-League
Despite Auburn losing in the opening round 48-43 to Olympia, Blassingame’s state tournament debut was extremely impressive. He put up a double-double 15 points and 10 rebounds while going 3/8 from 3-point, followed by 2 assists and 1 steal.
Wing/SF: Seattle Prep’s Tyler Mrus Tyler Mrus 6'6" | SF Seattle Prep | 2022 State WA 6’5 C/o 2022
- Great size and length
- Finishes great in the paint, and fills the lane
- Knocks down midrange shots if needed
- Rebounds at a high-level
- Third-Team All-Metro
- State Averages (3 Games): 10.6 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 1 assist and 1 steal
Honorable Mention
Guard: Wilson’s Cayden McDaniel Cayden McDaniel 6'3" | CG BFL Prep | 2023 State WA 6’2 C/o 2023
- Started on a team full of upperclassmen
- Ability to shoot from 3-point range
- Great in transition
- Will have a much bigger role the Rams in 2020-21 season
- State Averages (3 Games): 7.3 points per game, 2.6 assists per game, 1.6 steals per game and 1 rebound.