BOYS
1st teamers have all moved on, only four returning seniors scored higher than 10 ppg last season, and the league rosters are flooded with 1st year Letterman seniors and underclassmen with something to prove. It is a recycling year for the boys and I see a young league being taken over by the Sophomores and Juniors as the leaders of their respective teams.
Seniors to watch-
Will McPhee– McPhee runs the show for the defensive minded Panthers squad and brings a ton of experience to each nights match up and will have a leg up on the younger guards in the league this season putting him in a good position to make a run at an All GSL team.
Max Hess– He is the best defender on that Panther squad mentioned earlier that tries to suffocate teams with pressure defense. If Hess has become a more aggressive and consistent scorer over the summer he could potentially dominate from both ends. Just watch!
George Pilimai– The “Hawaiian Baller” is one of the more versatile and athletic players in Spokane. This year with Shadle he may or may not league the team in scoring as they are loaded with very skilled underclassmen, but if he picks up where he left off last year hes good enough to lead the league in scoring and be 1st team, capping a senior year full of media hype, considering he just finished up providing the “hands” for superstar QB Brett Rypein’s record setting run.
Melik Hampton– The Hampton could be a force this year! Hopefully he gets a full season under his belt to show our city he is a legit post player that can dominate if he puts forth the effort on the glass. As the lone big for the Pirates he will most likely get a large chunk of his scoring opportunities from offensive rebounds, free throws, and fast breaks that he starts by swatting shots. A smooth lefty, this is his chance to wake up the sleepers in his final year as a Rogers Pirate.
Noah Higley– Noah is an under rated, energy player with good quickness for the North Central squad. He will be under-sized as a post but don’t let that fool you. He is a flash when taking the ball to the hoop and can defend bigger players with his long arms and athleticism.
Underclassmen Im excited to watch:
Ben Stevens (MT SPO)- Can be a leader for Mt Spokane with his well-rounded game.
Kyle Griffiths (MT SPO)- An athletic wing that will battle with anyone.
KJ Hassett(ROGERS)- A true point guard with a solid three and great defensive awareness.
Tate Dunbar(ROGERS)- A very tough competitor with quick feet and good range. Defensive player of the year?
Riley Smith(NC)- The team leader with great court awareness and ability.
Isaiah Hernandez(LC)- A very good all around player with tons of international experience.
Andreas Brown(SHADLE)- A strong, silky 6-3 guard who could dominate this season.
Kobe Reece(SHADLE)- A confident, long armed shot blocker with a ton of potential.
Cameron Tucker(CV)- Could be the best pure basketball player in the league as a Junior.
Austin Dill(U HIGH)- A smart, solid all around player with the sky as his limit.
GIRLS 
The 2104-15 season will say farewell to even more great girl hoopers from the Spokane area. I’m amazed at how many good players the GSL puts out into the college ranks year in and year out. This season we must take advantage and watch these special players while we have the chance as most of them are taking a ride into another state to continue their careers.
My favorites Seniors to watch:
Michaela Kay(LC) – One of my favorite players, she defends like no other and knows when to pick her spots on offense as she can drill the three when left open. “Special K” is a TRUE leader and teammate and will no doubt find her self on the first team at season’s end.
Janieva Bates(LC)- A quick and feisty defender with a good drive. Part of the 3 headed backcourt for the Lady Tigers who will make a strong run this season.
Shyla Carr(SHADLE)- She’s possibly the best 3 point shooter in the league and gets VERY hot from outside. Carr will be one of the top scorers and possible All League selection.
Laura Stockton(G_PREP)- A very skilled and tough ball player.…. Go figure.
Oti Gildon(G-PREP)- She’s the real deal, if you haven’t already witnessed the O-G you have to see it to believe it. Odds are you probably already have. I heard she is even better this year as she has been working on your “guard” skills. Uh oh, can you say MVP?
Sue Winger(MEAD) – Winger provides a good scoring punch and will challenge the top end scorers. She is also not afraid to block some shots as one of the taller wing players in town.
Emma Kennedy(U-HIGH)- The lady Titans have a solid core of players and she is the floor leader with an attack mentality all the time. She will win you over with her aggressiveness and court awareness.
Underclassmen I’m excited to see:
Kaiti Pannell(H-HIGH)- A very fundamental high post player who will knock down the mid range jumper.
Riley Lupfer(LC)- The 6-0 junior point guard shows a playground handle with a silky smooth jump shot that will be cast at will.
Megan Dean(NC)- The flame never dies in this fire storm of a player.
Bria Bowton(FERRIS)- Bria brings with her experience and leadership to the group in silver and red.
Brenna Junkermier(MEAD)- Lets see how close she follows the path her older sis has paved.
All of the Lady Bear lettering frosh– Going to be fun to watch this season.
WATCH THE COMING UP TAB AS I WILL BE ANNOUNCING EACH WEEK WHICH GAMES WE WILL BE AT SCOUTING AND WRITING PLAYER REVIEWS. IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THAT LIST, GIVE ME SOME GOOD REASONS WHY I SHOULD COME WATCH YOU!
HAPPY HOOPING AND ILL BE AROUND!
