SB Nation Seattle - Washington Huskies & State High School Basketball Recruiting Roundup

Top 25 High School Basketball Players in Washington 2012-13

2012-11-12T17:08:51Z

Who is the number one high school basketball player in the state of Washington? For the fifth year in a row, I solicited input from players, coaches, scouting reports, other websites and my own observations to rank the top 25 high school basketball players in the state of Washington.

This year, seven of last year's top ten players have graduated, including the former No. 1 player, Kansas' Anrio Adams. Bothell's Zach Lavine moves into the top slot after an impressive junior year campaign and a commitment to the UCLA Bruins.

Note: This list is an update to the rankings we posted in late August. Shaqquan Aaron's transfer to Rainier Beach shifted some players down. Also, the college commitments made by players in September and October are now reflected in the rankings.

Is someone too high? Is someone too low? Who was snubbed? Let us know in the comments section.

Rankings are based on this criteria:

1) Potential to play and perform at the Division One level of college basketball
2) Current performance at the high school level

1. Zach Lavine (Sr.)- Bothell, G, 6'3":

The smoothest scorer in the state has some deficiencies in his game, but because of his unlimited range and athleticism, he's the best player in the state of Washington. To become a complete player, Lavine will need to be more aggressive in attacking the defenses by penetrating and relying less on his shooting ability. He has the skills to finish at the rim, it is just a matter of him taking more initiative. Committed: UCLA

2. Shaqquan Aaron (Jr.)- Rainier Beach HS, F, 6'6":

The high profile transfer from southern California debuts at No. 2 on the rankings. Aaron is one of the most athletic wings in the country. He has the ability to take his man to the basket off the dribble and also has decent range on his jump shot. In terms of weaknesses, his upper body has some bulking up to do, but he will be the talk of the town this coming basketball season. Offers: Arizona, Connecticut, Oregon State, San Diego State, St. John's, Syracuse, UCLA, UNLV, Washington

3. Ahmaad Rorie (Jr.)- Lincoln, G, 6'1": Rorie is a lightning quick point guard who can get to the rim and finish with grace. He has good balance and body control and excels in transition because of these traits. Committed: California

4. D.J. Fenner (Sr.)- Seattle Prep, G, 6'6": Everyone knows he can penetrate and score at will off the dribble, but not many people notice how good Fenner is defensively. When he sets his mind to it, Fenner is an elite defender. He has quick hands to force steals and nice leaping ability and timing to block shots. Committed: Nevada

5. Tre'Shaun Lexing (Sr.)- Lincoln, F, 6'6":

Lexing is not the type of player who is going to take over games by himself, but his length and athleticism project him as an effective player at the next level. He shows solid ability to get to the rim and finish in transition, but will need to improve his shooting touch. Committed: Colorado

6. Brett Bailey (Sr.)- University, G, 6'6": Watching him at the state tournament this past March was a revelation. Bailey might have the prettiest jump shot in the state. Along with his jumper, Bailey can score off the dribble and is crafty at using pivots to draw contact to get to the free-throw line. San Diego is getting a good one. Committed: San Diego

7. Marquis Davis (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, G, 5'9": On the biggest stage at the 3A State Championship, Marquis Davis played the best out of a collection of the state's top talent. He's short, but his athleticism is off the charts. The elevation and form of his jump shot is eerily similar to Rainier Beach-alum Nate Robinson. While his level athleticism certainly doesn't match Robinson's, Davis' quickness and perimeter offensive skills are unmatched by anyone at the state at his position. Offers: Boise State

8. Lucas Meikle (Sr.)- Bellarmine Prep, F, 6'8": Meikle is a lanky and versatile forward who is comfortable facing up and taking his man off the dribble. He'll be a solid role player for the Zags at the next level, but he will need to add strength to his frame to become a consistent contributor. He won't jump out of the gym, but he has a decent range on his shot and he can hold his own against stronger players. Committed: Gonzaga

9. Tucker Haymond (Sr.)- Garfield, G/F, 6'5": Haymond did everything right in his junior year at Garfield. Not only did he show an ability to score from the perimeter, but he showed an ability to post-up smaller players, rebound and make the right pass to involve his teammates. Offers: Seattle U, Montana State, Western Michigan

10. Seth Berger (Sr.)- Ballard, F, 6'7": Berger is a long forward with exceptional scoring ability. He opened some eyes on the national recruiting scene this summer and will definitely surprise fans and observers this upcoming high school season. Committed: University of Massachusetts

11. Josh Martin (Jr.)- Bothell, F, 6'7" Offers: Gonzaga, Washington

12. Donovan Dorsey (Jr.)- Timberline, G, 6'6" Offers: Gonzaga, Oregon St., Portland St., Washington, Washington St.

13. Josh Hawkinson (Sr.)- Shorewood, F, 6'9" Committed: Washington St.

14. Brandon Gfeller (Sr.)- Colfax, G, 6'3", Committed: Montana

15. Tramaine Isabell (Jr.)- Lakeside, G, 6'0"

16. Jason Todd (Jr.)- Jackson, G/F, 6'6"

17. Will Dorsey (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, G, 5'9"

18. Matt Hubbard (Jr.)- Colville, F, 6'9"

19. Perrion Callandret (Sr.)- Bothell, G, 6'2", Committed: Idaho

20. Arell Hennings (Sr.)- Franklin, G, 5'8"

21. Latrey Newsome (Sr.)- West Seattle, G, 6'3"

22. Caden Rowland (Sr.)- Lincoln, G, 6'5"

23. Deeshawn Tucker (Jr.)- Federal Way, 6'0"

24. Djuan Piper (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, F, 6'6"

25. Naim Ladd (Jr.)- Rainier Beach, 5'9"

Next 15 in (in alphabetical order): Patrick Ball (Franklin), Brayon Blake (Federal Way), Marcus Chambers (Foss), David Crisp (Clover Park), Adrian Davis (Federal Way), Elijah Foster (Rainier Beach), Jordan Johnson (Lakes), Jacob Lampkin (O'Dea), Corey Langerveld (Pullman), Sefo Liufao (Bellarmine Prep), Fuquan Niles (Rainier Beach), Trent Riley (Mount Si), Zach Taylor (Cedarcrest), Dezmyn Trent (Foss), Bayek Tutlam (Mariner)

Three freshmen to keep your eyes on: Jashaun Agosto (Garfield), Isiah Brown (Lakeside), Sean Gummersall (Seattle Prep)

Past year's rankings (No. 1 player): 2011 (Anrio Adams), 2010 (Tony Wroten), 2009 (Josh Smith), 2008 (Tony Wroten)

For all the latest recruiting news on local basketball prospects, follow @KevinCacabelos on Twitter.

Seattle Prep's D.J. Fenner commits to Nevada

2012-10-09T14:01:05Z

Local high school basketball standout D.J. Fenner committed to the University of Nevada last Friday. The 6'6 senior shooting guard from Seattle Prep is regarded as one of the top players in the state of Washington.

Fenner was juggling offers from UC Irvine, Utah and Hawaii, but made his decision after making an official visit to Nevada in early September.

"The coaches made it clear that I would be playing the two-guard position and that I would have a real opportunity to get on the floor my freshman year. That was very important to me," Fenner said.

Former Seattle Prep standout and current Nevada senior Patrick Nyeko played a role in Fenner's decision to choose the Wolf Pack.

"It felt great knowing somebody goes here who went to my soon-to-be high school alma mater. It gave me a sense of security that if Pat who went to [Seattle] Prep could stay in Reno for that long, then I could probably do the same. That Seattle Prep connection and community is very important and strong to me," Fenner said.

In August, SB Nation Seattle ranked Fenner as the No. 3 player in the state in its top 25 Washington state high school basketball players list, citing his defensive skills as an underrated aspect of his game.

The athletic two-guard helped lead his team to a runner-up finish at the WIAA 3A state tournament last March.

"I think Nevada got a player who will be ready to contribute right away. He is not a player who's body needs to mature. He's plenty strong, athletic, and quick enough to play at that level and he has another 12 months to continue improving," Seattle Prep Head Coach Mike Kelly said.

"He can get to the basket and finish with contact, will continue to improve his range and consistency from beyond the arc, is as good as anyone I've seen in high school shooting off the bounce from mid-range, and can guard the 1, 2, and 3 at the next level."

Fenner credited former Eastern Washington standout and current Nevada Assistant Coach Zac Claus for making him feel at home at Nevada during his visit.

"Both of my parents were all-in since I made the official visit. Knowing that they feel just as strongly about Nevada as I do makes me feel confident with my decision," Fenner said. "It seemed like the best opportunity for me to make it to the next level after college, be it a professional engineer, businessman, or ball player."

Aaron Gordon Recruiting Update: Has Official Visit With Huskies This Weekend

2012-09-25T01:05:00Z

Washington Huskies recruiting target Aaron Gordon will officially visit Seattle this weekend after visiting the Oregon Ducks last weekend.

The 6'7 forward is rated as one of the tops in the nation. He has received offers from Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Mexico and Stanford.

Via Adam Zagoria, Gordon enjoyed his visit in Eugene and catching up with Oregon point guard Dominic Artis.

"[He said] he enjoyed it," Tim Kennedy, head coach at San Jose (Calif.) Archbishop Mitty told SNY.tv Monday. "He was really impressed with the facilities and [said] they take care of their guys over there."

Gordon has scheduled visits for Kansas on Oct. 11 and Arizona on Oct. 18, and is possibly looking to schedule a visit with Kentucky at the end of the October.

He has remained mum on most of his recruiting process, but Kennedy says that Gordon and Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar have a long relationship.

"Coach Romar has known his dad since they were in high school," Kennedy said. "He's known him since he recruited Drew [Gordon] coming out of high school, so he's known him for a while."

For more on the Washington Huskies, head over to the UW Dawg Pound and join the conversation.

Shaqquan Aaron Joins Loaded Rainier Beach Squad

2012-09-12T21:09:26Z

The Rainier Beach Vikings might have won the 2013 3A state basketball championship last week. Four-star recruit Shaqquan Aaron is enrolled at Rainier Beach HS after moving from southern California and barring any academic issues, will become eligible to play for the Vikings this coming school year.

No other school in the state in both the 3A and 4A classifications, has the amount of depth and talent that the Vikings have entering the 2012-13 season.

Aaron, a junior, easily becomes one of the best basketball talents in the state. I'd have to see more games in-person, but his reputation puts him on the UCLA-bound Zach Lavine's level.

The 6'6" small forward prospect is entering his junior year and currently holds offers from Arizona, UConn, Syracuse, UCLA and Washington among several others.

At Rainier Beach, Aaron joins senior guards Marquis Davis, Will Dorsey and Naim Ladd, along with forwards Djuan Piper, Elijah Foster and Fuquan Niles. The team will likely appear in the preseason national rankings when they come out before the season.

Here's a short snippet of a scouting report from ESPN on Aaron:

Aaron has a frame and a budding skill-set that oozes potential. He handles the ball well in the open court and he's a high-level passer. (Via: ESPN Insider)

And here's a short highlight video of Aaron at 2011 Adidas Nation:

Shaqquan Aaron Highlights - Class of 2014 - Adidas Nations 2011 (via CityLeagueHoopsTV)

(h/t: Seattle Times)

Washington Basketball Recruiting: Aaron Gordon Puts Huskies In Top 5

2012-09-12T00:38:18Z

The Washington Huskies have one big target for the 2013 recruiting class: Archbishop Mitty forward Aaron Gordon. Gordon is considered one of those can't-miss recruits who has the ability to lift a basketball team to greater heights. Gordon has explosive athleticism and great ability to power insider. Gordon represents the new breed of power forward that can use their superior athletic skills to produce just as much as they use their low-post ability.

Gordon is starting to put together his list of schools. According to the report from Steve Jones of the Louisville Courier Journal, Washington features prominently. Gordon has an in-home visit with Washington in September 18th, and then will make his official on September 28th.

Washington has generally been good at producing NBA talent and has a well-established coach in Lorenzo Romar, so there's a lot for Gordon to like about the Huskies. However, the schools that Washington is competing with to land Gordon are formidable: Arizona, Oregon, Kansas and Kentucky will definitely have great pitches as well.

Talk about Gordon with Washington Husky fans by heading on over to UW Dawg Pound.

Washington Basketball Recruiting: Jabari Bird Cancels Visit, Announces Decision Tomorrow

2012-09-05T02:36:18Z

The Washington Huskies have suffered a significant blow to their recruiting efforts as one of their top targets has canceled his official visit. Salesian forward Jabari Bird is set to decide which school he's committing to tomorrow.

Bird's visit to Cal is the only one he's made. He was scheduled to trip to Colorado, Oregon and Washington later in the month, but he's decided to nix all those visits. It has to pit California as the overwhelming favorite to land one of the top college basketball targets from the Bay Area.

Washington has generally landed their fair share of top players, with Tony Wroten being the most recent example of a top recruit ending up a Husky. So the lack of buzz on the recruiting trail is a bit concerning. Washington will likely have to double down on their efforts to land top recruits like Isaac Hamilton and Aaron Gordon to keep things moving in the right direction.

Talk about Washington basketball recruiting at UW Dawg Pound, and Pac-12 basketball recruiting over at Pacific Takes.

Top 25 High School Basketball Players In Washington 2012-13

2012-08-27T14:00:01Z

This year, seven of last year's top ten players have graduated, including the former No. 1 player, Kansas-bound Anrio Adams. Bothell's Zach Lavine moves into the top slot after an impressive junior year campaign and a commitment to the UCLA Bruins.

Is someone too high? Is someone too low? Who was snubbed? Let me know in the comments section.

Rankings are based on this criteria:
1) Potential to play and perform at the Division One level of college basketball
2) Current performance at the high school level

1. Zach Lavine (Sr.)- Bothell, G, 6'3": The smoothest scorer in the state has some deficiencies in his game, but because of his unlimited range and athleticism, he's the best player in the state of Washington. To become a complete player, Lavine will need to be more aggressive in attacking the defenses by penetrating and relying less on his shooting ability. He has the skills to finish at the rim, it is just a matter of him taking more initiative. Committed: UCLA

2. Ahmaad Rorie (Jr.)- Lincoln, G, 6'1": Rorie is a lightning quick point guard who can get to the rim and finish with grace. He has good balance and body control and excels in transition because of these traits. Committed: California

3. D.J. Fenner (Sr.)- Seattle Prep, G, 6'6": Everyone knows he can penetrate and score at will off the dribble, but not many people notice how good Fenner is defensively. When he sets his mind to it, Fenner is an elite defender. He has quick hands to force steals and nice leaping ability and timing to block shots. Fenner will have to improve his slow-release on his jump shot to gain more interest from more high-end division one schools. Offers: Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, Seattle University, UC Irvine, Utah

4. Tre'Shaun Lexing (Sr.)- Lincoln, F, 6'6": Lexing is not the type of player who is going to take over games by himself, but his length and athleticism project him as an effective player at the next level. He shows solid ability to get to the rim and finish in transition, but will need to improve his shooting touch. Offers: Cal Poly, Colorado, Gonzaga, Oregon, Oregon State, Santa Clara, Washington State

5. Brett Bailey (Sr.)- University, G, 6'6": Watching him at the state tournament this past March was a revelation. Bailey might have the prettiest jump shot in the state. Along with his jumper, Bailey can score off the dribble and is crafty at using pivots to draw contact to get to the free-throw line. San Diego is getting a good one. Committed: San Diego

6. Marquis Davis (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, G, 5'9": On the biggest stage at the 3A State Championship, Marquis Davis played the best out of a collection of the state's top talent. He's short, but his athleticism is off the charts. The elevation and form of his jump shot is eerily similar to Rainier Beach-alum Nate Robinson. While his level athleticism certainly doesn't match Robinson's, Davis' quickness and perimeter offensive skills are unmatched by anyone at the state at his position. Offers: Boise State

7. Tucker Haymond (Sr.)- Garfield, G/F, 6'5": Haymond did everything right in his junior year at Garfield. Not only did he show an ability to score from the perimeter, but he showed an ability to post-up smaller players, rebound and make the right pass to involve his teammates. Offers: Idaho State, Montana State, Seattle University, Western Michigan

8. Lucas Meikle (Sr.)- Bellarmine Prep, F, 6'8": Meikle is a lanky and versatile forward who is comfortable facing up and taking his man off the dribble. He'll be a solid role player for the Zags at the next level, but he will need to add strength to his frame to become a consistent contributor. He won't jump out of the gym, but he has a decent range on his shot and he can hold his own against stronger players. Commited: Gonzaga

9. Josh Martin (Jr.)-Bothell, F, 6'7": With a bevy of dunks, range that extends to the three-point line and above average shot-blocking ability, Martin is an exciting player to watch. His transfer to Bothell makes them a definite state contender in 4A. Offers: Washington

10. Seth Berger (Sr.)- Ballard, F, 6'7": Berger is a long forward with exceptional scoring ability. He opened some eyes on the national recruiting scene this summer and will definitely surprise fans and observers this upcoming high school season.

11. Brandon Gfeller (Sr.)- Colfax, G, 6'3", Committed: Montana

12. Donovon Dorsey (Jr.)- Timberline, G, 6'6"

13. Tramaine Isabell (Jr.)- Lakeside, G, 6'0"

14. Jason Todd (Jr.)- Jackson, G/F, 6'6"

15. Will Dorsey (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, G, 5'9"

16. Matt Hubbard (Jr.)- Colville, F, 6'9"

17. Josh Hawkinson (Sr.)- Shorewood, F, 6'9"

18. Perrion Callandret (Sr.)- Bothell, G, 6'2"

19. Arell Hennings (Sr.)- Franklin, G, 5'8"

20. Latrey Newsome (Sr.)- West Seattle, G, 6'3"

21. Caden Rowland (Sr.)- Lincoln, G, 6'5"

22. Deeshawn Tucker (Jr.)- Federal Way, 6'0"

23. Djuan Piper (Sr.)- Rainier Beach, F, 6'6"

24. Naim Ladd (Jr.)- Rainier Beach, 5'9"

25. Adrian Davis (Jr.)- Federal Way, G, 6'0"

Next 15 in (in alphabetical order): Patrick Ball (Franklin), Brayon Blake (Federal Way), Marcus Chambers (Foss), David Crisp (Clover Park), Elijah Foster (Rainier Beach), Jordan Johnson (Lakes), Jacob Lampkin (O'Dea), Corey Langerveld (Pullman), Sefo Liufao (Bellarmine Prep), Fuquan Niles (Rainier Beach), Trent Riley (Mount Si), Zach Taylor (Cedarcrest), Dezmyn Trent (Foss), Bayek Tutlam (Mariner), Trevaunte Williams (Garfield)

Past year's rankings (No. 1 player): 2011 (Anrio Adams), 2010 (Tony Wroten), 2009 (Josh Smith), 2008 (Tony Wroten)

For all the latest recruiting news on local basketball prospects, follow @KevinCacabelos on Twitter.

SB Nation's RaptorsHQ Interviews Lorenzo Romar

2012-08-22T18:11:51Z

Over at SB Nation's Toronto Raptors blog, RaptorsHQ, Adam Francis recently got the chance to interview University of Washington head men's basketball coach Lorenzo Romar to discuss a number of topics including Raptor rookie Terrence Ross, and even touched on fellow former UW player Brandon Roy as well.

Here is a little taste of the interview:

RHQ: So let's talk about Ross for a bit; what are some of his strengths and how would you describe his overall game?

CR: Well, outstanding athleticism. That jumps right out at you. He has a rare blend of athleticism and a deadly stroke from the three-point line. At 6-6, 6-7, he has good size, he's quick off his feet and that allows him to be a good defender. He's also a good rebounder from the guard position.

You can check out the entire interview here.

For more in depth discussion and serious analysis of everything Washington Huskies, make sure that you head on over to the UW Dawg Pound. For more on college basketball in general, head over to SB Nation's college hoops hub.