Previous Rank: 43rnNajera is a player that should have a much larger role at Shorecrest next season and is a guy that has the ability to facilitate as well as score the ball at a high rate. The Scots’ top two players both graduate this summer, as well as nearly their entire bench, and that leaves Najera to lead a new look squad into 2023-24. He has the ability to score from inside and out but what really stood out this season was his composure and ability to read the court. We should see him take a more involved role in the offense next year and he will be a player to watch this AAU season.

Najera has been the ultimate compliment to Shorecrest’s lineup with his playmaking, sturdy dribbling, and ability cut up defenses inside. He really is one of the best in his class at continuing the dribble after failed drives and finding ways to reset and keep composure to get another crack at it. He sprinkles in some threes every now and then and could be a guy who really shines comes postseason time.

Najera is quietly one of the better ballhandlers in his class. He keeps it close, can change direction in an instant, and has great burst in tight spaces. He’s a more than capable scorer from inside and out but his main focus is running the show and attracting attention to set up easy looks for teammates. We should get to see him on the big stage this season with Shorecrest.

Anthony is new to this Shorecrest team but he will bring many, many valuable assets with him. The most obvious one being his shooting ability. I wish i could explain how beautiful Najera’s shot is. His release is extremely quick, he can get the shot off before the defender is able to close out. His range is deep, he can hit shots maybe 5 feet behind the 3 point line with ease. He’s a lot more than that too, he plays defense with a ton of energy and puts the ball on the floor really well.

Najera played a super-controlled game, manipulating and dictating action to defenses with his combination of quickness, handles, and ball fakes. He operates with varied speeds, rocking defenders then turning on the boosters to get around them and into the heart of the defense. He really excelled at using pass and shot fakes, along with leading defenders with his eyes to open up looks. Najera was efficient from three and in the paint and showed great ability as a pass-first guard who still poses the threat of getting a bucket from anywhere on the court.

Anthony is a phenomenal shooter from long range, one of the best in the class if you ask me. His release is fast as he only needs maybe half a second to release the ball. He was with Marysville-Pilchuk last year and during the beginning of the summer when I watched him play. He does more than just shoot, as he can attack the bucket nicely and facilitate the offense nicely setting up his teammates. His transfer to Shorecrest HS will show a lot about how Najera can adapt to new roles alongside Parker Baumann Parker Baumann 6'5" | CG Shorecrest | 2023 State WA and company, which I don’t think the junior will have any trouble doing.

Again, this kid can score in a number of ways but he’s also a sneaky shooter. Najera has a calm confidence to his game and if the defense doesn’t find a way to get him out of rhythm he will light them up all game long. He hits from three, from mid-range, and even has a nice runner in his arsenal.

#5 — As a rhythm shooter and playmaker, Najera really came on after attending a few showcases and having a productive summer run with Marysville-Pilchuck. He’s athletic, has an exciting game and his pull-up 3 is one of his main tools. He can make reads with the ball, finish with either hand, and is true spot up shooter off the ball. With a smooth j already, he’ll have a golden opportunity for a big breakout 22′-23′ year as a junior. After making the move to Shorecrest for the upcomming season, he’ll pair up with 1st-Team All-League guard Parker Baumann Parker Baumann 6'5" | CG Shorecrest | 2023 State WA (23′) which should allow him a lot of open looks.

Honorable MentionsMaddox Preder (Lake Stevens), Arion Palacol Arion Palacol 5'11" | PG Marysville Getchell | 2025 State WA (Marysville-Getchell), Blaine Granberg Blaine Granberg 6'3" | CG Burlington-Edison | 2023 State WA (Burlington-Edison).