Birley had a statement performance on Friday with a couple monster slam dunks off drives to the rim. Being able to create dunks off the dribble in a half-court setting is difficult on any circuit and Birley had two plays where he left his defender in the dust and was able to rise up to throw one down. An explosive primary creator who has the positional size of a wing, Birley has an impressive skillset and showed why he’s currently ranked second in Washington’s 2028 class on Prep Hoops. Birley has recently been offered by Washington, Washington State, St Louis and Montana, with more likely to roll in after these next two weekends.

Birley is a player who is constantly getting into the paint and making things happen. He is so selective with his 3-point attempts, and his ability to get paint touches really opens things up for his teammates. He has the length to finish over guys inside, but it also helps him make those over-the-top passes and creates more passing lanes for him.

Standing 6-foot-6 with long arms, he brought a different dimension to the guard position. He ran the offense with confidence, consistently making the right reads while keeping his team organized with the ball in his hands. He used his length and tight handle to attack the paint, finishing through contact with impressive body control around the rim. He also attacked the baseline effectively, extending around defenders and converting difficult finishes in tight spaces. His combination of size, skill, and feel made him one of the more intriguing guards on the Main Stage.

Austin’s game on the court really continues to get better and better. He has a well rounded offensive game that is beyond his years and it showed last season when he was able to score with ease from all 3 levels. His mid-range game stands out as he can get his shot off smoothly and with little space. His tough finishing around the rim is another thing that catches eyes as he can stay under control and get the finish through contact.

16.7 pts 7.7 reb 3.7 ast 2.0 blk – 50% 3PT

The lone sophomore to make any of our 4A All-Tournament teams, Birley showed off his all-around impact and high potential as a multi-category performer. He finished the tournament 10th in PPG, T-5th in APG, 11th in RPG, and led the tournament in blocked shots (2.0 per game). He came out on a heater, averaging 20.5 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and 2.5 blocks over their first two games, and demonstrated how vital he is to that offense.

19 pts 8 rebs 3 asts 2 blks

He was frustrated in the first half but turned it on in the second half to help the Rams eat at Richlands’ lead. He does a fantastic job when he gets inside at going up into defenders. He takes away any ability to block his shot, and he has the size and strength to get a clear look up high, or draw some contact and work to the foul line.

22 pts 10 rebs 5 asts 3 blks 7/13 FG

They looked to get Parker Mills Parker Mills 6'6" | PF West Valley-Yakima | 2026 State WA going early on, but when Auburn made their late push, it was Birley who took control and guided the Rams on to the quarterfinals. He was very selective from deep but hit in key spots, and did a great job putting pressure on the interior defense and working to the line. Also showed why he was the Big 9 defensive player of the year with some big blocks at the rim.

Austin is a standout player in the 2028 class, making waves on the basketball scene in Washington. This season, he’s been leading his team with smooth scoring and significant growth in his overall game. Known for his ability to find his spots effectively, Austin also excels at creating opportunities for his open teammates. With his current trajectory, he’s a future Division 1 player in the making.

Birley was probably the top performer of the day, and the thing that really stood out with his game was his ability to elevate over defenders and use his size and length to finish in the paint. Whether it was stopping and popping for short jumpers or floaters, stretching beyond defenders’ reach at the rim, or simply rising above the defense on drives, he was all over the game. He also worked to the line a ton in a hard-fought game.

Birley stepped in to play a key role for a West Valley team that made big moves in last year’s 4A state tournament. He supplied some supplemental scoring, even going off for some big scoring outputs, all while helping run their offense as a freshman. This year, he’ll step into an even bigger role without his older brother in the picture, and should be able to lead the Rams to another competitive season.