Top Performers from the 1A DI State Tournament

Another fun 1A DI season is in the books in Idaho. Congrats go out to Ambrose who took 1st, Grace who took 2nd, and Lapwai who finished 3rd. With that, let’s take a look at the top performers from the 1A DI state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id="917670" first="Paul" last="Yenor"]- 6’6 C, Ambrose 2020 The 6’6, 220 lb senior leader for Ambrose is the epitome of a true center. He commands the paint. When he gets into position down-low, he cannot be moved off of his spot. A defensive attempt to get physical with him could lead the defender to get out of position that would allow Yenor to use his post finesse game. He has quick spin moves and an extra soft touch off of the backboard. He is tenacious going after ever loose rebound. He has an elite level outlet pass as well. He uses a two-handed, over-the-head, extremely accurate and powerful outlet pass to initiate fast breaks. In the biggest game of his career, Yenor put up a commanding 17 point and 17 rebound performance. Yenor is definitely the best player at the 1A DI level. It is hard to believe that a lower classification collegiate program could not find a place for a true center on their squad. Yenor is an intriguing post player to take a chance on.   [player_tooltip player_id="919679" first="Gage" last="Stoddard"]- 5’11 G, Grace 2021 The junior guard for Grace is a pure scorer. He can put up points in bunches. You can tell that his teammates know that their offense begins and ends with what Stoddard is able to do. He can shoot from deep, though, his strength is a good mid-range jump shot that he has the touch to be able to score over height. Stoddard put up a staggering 19.5 PPG this year for Grace. He will look to build on his impressive season in his senior year. As a player and prospect, he plays like Vinnie "The Microwave" Johnson. Stoddard is pure offense who can get hot instantly.   Ben Blythe- 6’0 G, Ambrose 2021 Blythe is a long, athletic guard for Ambrose. He has excellent length that allows him to disrupt passing lanes and defend opposing wing players. Offensively, he doesn’t have the prettiest form, but it gets the job done. He can make shots from deep. He can score in a variety of ways; however, the best is when he is aggressively attacking the rim and collapsing the defense. He is deceptively quick with or without the ball. Definitely projects as a good defensive prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id="921079" first="Titus" last="Yearout"]- 6’2 G, Lapwai 2022 The sophomore guard is one of the best guards in the state. He is my favorite to win 1A D1 player of the year next season and lead Lapwai to a state championship. He can score the ball in just about every way imaginable. He does it in such a smooth way with his calm demeanor. Yearout can shoot from anywhere, he can penetrate the defense seemingly at will. He has excellent length and foot speed that allow him to defend his position. Being entrusted as the primary ball handler, Yearout is able to create plays for his teammates. He is a shooter, he is a shot creator, he is an excellent player. Yearout is a young talent who should be getting a look from lower classification college programs.   Tyler Wilcoxson- 6’1 F, Potlatch 2020 Wilcoxson is a wing player with an impressive wingspan. He uses that length to disrupt passing lanes defensively as well as to eliminate defensive pressure on offense. Wilcoxson can stretch a defense by making shots from deep; however, he is at his best using his length in the lane and around the hoop. Potlatch looked their best when Wilcoxson played with an aggressive mindset. He is a guy who can defend wings and add some scoring.   Kross Taylor- 6’3 G, Lapwai 2022 Another talented sophomore for Lapwai that has me excited for what this squad can do next year. Taylor is a wing player with a good 3-point shot who has range to the NBA line. He can guard multiple positions using his length. Taylor attacks the offensive and defensive boards. If Lapwai is going to win their classification’s championship next year, it’ll take Taylor taking another step in his game to continue to compliment Yearout.   [player_tooltip player_id="917690" first="Brayden" last="Hadaller"]- 6’3 G, Potlatch 2020 The senior leader, best player, and top prospect for Potlatch comes with a skill set that could land him with a lower classification college program. At 6’3, with good strength and length, Hadaller can defend wing players and post players who are a few inches taller than him. The smooth shooting southpaw has an all-around offensive game. He can score, he can shoot, and he plays as the primary ball handler for his team. In that role, Hadaller has great court vision and works hard to get his teammates involved. Hadaller has had an excellent career for Potlatch and has upside as a prospect.   Jace Robinson- 6’1 F, Oakley 2021 The junior wing player for Oakley is hustler. He works hard every second that he is out there on the court. While he won’t surprise you by his height, he makes up for it with that work ethic. Without being a true big and rarely would there be a game where he is the tallest guy on the court, Robinson is a threat to get a double-double (points and rebounds) every time he plays. Robinson is a high energy player who is fun to watch the way he plays the game.   Luke Krogh- 6’0 G, Kamiah 2022 Still only a sophomore, Krogh is an intriguing guard for Kamiah. He can defend a ball handler all 92 feet. He is an absolute pest on the ball. Also, he has a long wingspan that makes it even more difficult to try and bring the ball up against. If you make one mistake, if you as a ball handler lose focus for a moment, Krogh will make you pay. With that length and decent height for a point guard, good luck to opposing points trying to get a shot off over the top of him. Offensively, he can play as a conventional point guard. However, it is what he can accomplish on defense that stands out.   Honorable Mention   Jordan Mansfield- 5’10 G, Grace 2020   Lydell Mitchell- 6’3 G, Lapwai 2022   Charlie DeBoar- 6’5 C, Riverstone 2021   Connor Atkins- 6’4 F, Potlatch 2020   Corbin Bedke- 6’1 F, Oakley 2021   [player_tooltip player_id="919680" first="Nick" last="Liebich"]- 6’0 G, Riverstone 2022   Jace Sams- 6’1 F, Kamiah 2021   Alex Bistriceanu- 6’2 F, Liberty Charter 2020   Jacoby Smith- 6’1 F, Riverstone 2021

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