So do you think the state of Washington has good young talent coming back for next hoop season? Oh yes, take a gander at some of these young guns that made a big splash last weekend at the basketball state tournaments.
Ahmad Rorie is a terrific talent averaging 24+ PPG as only a Sophomore this season.
In the 2A ranks, super sophomore Ahmad Rorie from Clover Park came within 2 points of the tournament record when he lit up Ellensburg for 46 points in a Friday loser out game. Rorie averaged 33 points a game for the tourney, and was named most valuable player of the 2A show. Rorie's teammate Xavier Means, a 6'4" junior forward, was a 2nd team all-tourney choice.
The 3A tournament MVP was nasty quick Rainier Beach junior guard Marquis Davis. Marquis rolled up 30 points in the title game win over Seattle Prep, and averaged 18.6 points a contest. Davis's back court mate Will Dorsey, a 5'9" Junior, was a 2nd team all-tourney choice.
Garfield's 6'5" junior wing Tucker Haymond had a fantastic 4A tournament. Haymond averaged 20.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. He was a 1st team all-tourney selection. Haymond's teammate Tre'Vaunte Williams, a 6'5" high riser, finished the tournament with a 20 point 19 rebound game vs. Mt. Rainier.
Bellarmine Prep junior forward Sefo Liafau was also a 1st team all-tournament choice in the 4A ranks. Liufau started the tourney with a brilliant 20 point 22 rebound game against Mt. Rainier. Liufau's junior teammates Lucas Mielke and Isaiah Flynn both averaged in double digits as well for the Lions.
Jackson Sophomore sensation Jason Todd averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds a game in the 4A tourney. Todd was a 2nd team all-tournament selection. Lynden's 6'3" junior sharp shooter Dakota Shagren averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds a game for state champion Lions. Shagren was a 1st team all-tourney pick in the 2A show.
Seattle Prep's exhilarating 6'6" junior wing DJ Fenner was a 1st team all-tournament choice in the 3A dance after hitting for 19.5 points a game in the tournament. Brett Bailey from University high in Spokane was a 1st team all-tourney selection in 3A as well. The 6'5" junior ripped the twines for 16 points and 7 boards a game in Tacoma.
Also with solid tournaments were Bothell junior phenoms Zach LaVine, scoring at 18.5 points a game, and Perrion Callendret at 11.5 points a contest. Mount Rainier's lightning bolt sophomore guard Adrian Davis averaged 13.3 points a game at the 4A tourney.
All of the Washington Hoops community was treated to some big time basketball at the once again successful WIAA Dairy Farmers of Washington State Basketball Championships. Looking at all of these talented Underclassmen it is really tough to see how next year may not be just as good if not better.
Great job to all of these young men and teams and we will continue to follow their stories!
