Tournament MVP

20.7 pts 7.0 reb (3.0 off) 2.3 ast 4.7 stl 1.0 blk – 75% FG

The Vikings junior guard saw a big rise in his production throughout the season, and continued his ascent on the biggest stage of the year. He not only led the tournament in field goal percentage, but was also just one point off of being the top scorer. He was also in the top-10 in total rebounds, 11th in total assists, and far and away the leader in total steals and steals per game. Ili-Meneese left his mark all over each of their games in Tacoma with stat lines like 17/6/5 and six steals versus O’Dea, 30/5/2 and six steals again against Bellarmine while shooting 14-of-17 from the floor, then a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals in the title game against Lincoln. Impressive impact and efficiency that helped Beach win each game by 17+ points.

17 pts 6 rebs 5 asts 6 stls 6/7 FG

Ili-Meneese had eight first-half points when Beach trailed O’Dea, and a lot of it came just from anticipating the action and getting out ahead of the defense in transition. In the second half, he continued to be efficient at the rim while sprinkling in some playmaking off his paint touches. In addition to the proficiency on offense, his hands were everywhere on the defensive end, leading to six steals and countless other pokes and deflections.

The junior guard has had a huge impact for Beach this season, and has really elevated some of his scoring numbers and work on the ball over the last couple of weeks with JJ Crawford JJ Crawford 6'1" | CG WA out. Ili-Meneese has been efficient with his dribbles, getting to his spots, showcasing the strength to separate and the touch to cash in over defenders. He does a great job finding gaps around the paint, utilizing some excellent footwork to stay balanced while weaving around defenders, and has the power to finish strong around the basket. He also continually displays great instincts to find the ball off the rim and convert second-chance points.

Very talented guard who has done a lot of little things well this season, and it starts with his energy and readiness. Does a great job moving without the ball, runs the floor, crashes the boards, and is a strong, efficient finisher around the rim. Has also been one of their better defenders both on and off the ball, who can lock up on the perimeter and get into passing lanes. Look for him to bring some added production down the stretch, as it’s been reported that the Vikings will be without JJ Crawford JJ Crawford 6'1" | CG WA for a few weeks.

Ili-Meneese can score in a lot of ways and has been a big boost for Rainier Beach off the bench this season. He is excellent at winning 1v1’s, recognizing gaps, and then finishing with strength from various angles. But he’s also got some sneaky bounce and can get up quick, whether it’s to finish a play at the cup or fight for offensive boards, he shows a lot of athleticism that helps him contribute at a high level.

Ili-Meneese cracks the top 10 in this update because he flashes tremendous upside as an athletic scoring guard. He has the explosiveness off the bounce to win with first steps, create separation both north/south and east/west, and finish with power and elusiveness at the rim. He’s showing all the signs of developing into a potent all-around scorer down the line.