There’s not much more that needs to be said about Branham. Whether operating with the ball in his hands or moving off it, he showed he can do just about anything offensively over the weekend. Even while seeing a variety of defensive looks and facing aggressive one-on-one defenders, he consistently made adjustments within the flow of the game to find openings and make plays as contests wore on. His off-ball movement stood out, as he frequently used screens and dribble handoffs to create space and get his quick release off. He also drew contact at a high rate and consistently capitalized at the free throw line. Chase’s slashing and finishing may have been the most impressive part of his game, as he elevated and finished strong at the rim, often off two feet — just another layer that will continue to pay dividends moving forward.

After a huge performance in the state semifinals against Vashon — where he poured in 31 points and led his team to a double-digit win — Chase showed another side of his game on Saturday. While he took some time to get going as a scorer, he did what great players always do — he trusted his teammates. Early on, he made the right reads and consistently got others in positions to score efficiently. He still finished with 15 points, showing he can score with anyone in the state, but it was his feel for the game and his ability to influence it beyond just the scoring column that spoke volumes in the win.