2023 Players to Watch For

There's so much talent throughout the whole state of Washington. Over the next couple months before the season begins, I'll be looking over the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes and finding the players that you might have to watch for. Here are four players within the 2023 class to watch out for.     Angie Helf -Lake Washington HS   The soon to be senior has been having a terrific summer with NW Blazers “Lightning” team along with many other fantastic players. Angie contributed greatly to the Lake Washington team last year that finished third in the state. She has an outstanding three point shot, as she can shoot off the catch extremely efficiently. Another thing in her offensive game that stands out to me is her quick first step. She can get by her defenders very easily with a ball fake and going right by. She can either finish through traffic, find her open teammate, or even sink a nice floater over the defense down low. Defensively she has very quick hands, able to get her arms in the passing lanes often. She has quick feet allowing her to keep her opponent in front of her at all times. Helf is poised for another fantastic season, as the senior will again be a big part to the Lake Washington team.   Kylani Rookstool -Glacier Peak HS   Kylani had a really big junior year as she was named 1st team all WESCO. Her game is very versatile in my eyes. She's very good off the dribble, effectively using her moves to get to the basket. She's not afraid to attack the rim, no matter who's down low by the basket. She can even stop on a dime and hit the mid-range shot. Her deep shot off the catch is un-guardable, as she can easily sink the deep shot even if there's a hand in her face. What makes her game versatile is her ability to play in the post, effectively as well. She has great presence while down low. She uses her body to her advantage well, even against bigger defenders. Defensively she has long arms, which helps to her advantage frequently. She's also been having a fantastic summer this year with NW Blazers “Lightning” team, just like Angie. Kylani is poised for another great season with Glacier Peak.   Maddy Barter -Mount Baker HS   Maddy is one of the top players in the entire NWC conference. Her play on the court is very complete. She uses her body to her advantage in every situation. She's able to post up effectively down low and at the high post. Her footwork is extremely good and she will attack the rim regardless who's down there. Her deep shot is efficient, as her release is very quick. Another thing that stands out is her ability to absorb contact and draw many, many fouls. She's a steady free throw shooter as well. She's been playing with a local AAU team, McClendon Athletics, and has improved her game in a very positive way over the summer headed into her final high school season.   [player_tooltip player_id='115409' first='Adria' last='Lincoln'] -Monroe HS   Adria has amazing anticipation on the glass. She has a great presence down low, and her post moves are impressive as well. She has a great first step from the 3 point line too, easily blowing by her defenders with a nice little cross over move. Her transition game is smooth, as she can run the court with the ball or without. She fills the lanes nicely when running without the ball and can keep her dribble running down the court with the ball too. Lincoln also has a nice shot from deep, her offensive game is extremely complete as she has almost everything in her back pocket. Her high basketball IQ is well known when she's on the court, as it seems like she's one play ahead always. She'll have a big senior year at Monroe.

There's so much talent throughout the whole state of Washington. Over the next couple months before the season begins, I'll be looking over the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes and finding the players that you might have to watch for. Here are four players within the 2023 class to watch out for.