Strengths: Rebounding, Interior Finishing, Strong Hands

Breakdown: Aitken is a big body that anchors down low in the post but can also surprise you with a little athleticism in the open court. Right now, he spends most of his time around the basket, cleaning up misses, capping defensive possessions, and protecting the rim against drives. He can score inside but relies mainly on his strength to do so.

Outlook: For Aitken, the biggest improvement he can make is working on low post footwork. He has the athleticism and skill to incorporate more post moves, as well as from the high post and short corner, to improve his scoring ability. He has the potential to be a double-double guy with his ability to hold his position inside and his work rate. Chipping in a couple blocks, and setting some hard screens, Aitken could be a solid big man at the next level who even has some potential to play on the pick and pop with some more work on his jumper.

Offers: Pierce College

Interest: Whatcom CC, Highline CC, Tacoma CC, Luther College

Here’s another big body player down low who likes to play aggressive. Cooper has a ton of potential and is a monster on the glass. He is patient on offense and has a great feel for the game. Against Silas on 12/15/2022, Aitken dropped 21 points, collected a huge 15 rebounds, and also contributed 2 blocks and 2 steals on defense.

Also a standout football player, Aitken could be in store for a big senior season on the hardwood. He’s a big-time athlete who can finish oops and send shots flying off the backboard, and he plays with an aggressive mindset around the hoop. He is going to be counted on to play big in Spanaway Lake’s frontcourt and has the strength and length to be a real problem this season. On top of his athleticism, size, and high work rate, Aitken is continually showing better feel for the game, finding dishes inside when defenses swarm him, and hitting the open mid-range shots that will force defenders to step out away from the hoop.

Cooper is overlooked by a lot in my eyes. Being 6’7″, he’s a matchup nightmare for almost everyone in the class. He’s extremely athletic for his size, being able to rise up to rebounds with ease. His mid-range shot is consistent but his post game is where he excels. He has great footwork down low, having quite a few moves that work well for him. In transition, he attacks the rim with force and not many can match that force. Cooper is poised for a big senior year for Spanaway Lake HS.