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Last week, I covered local prospects from the class of 2013, this update covers prospects from the class of 2014. Lincoln's Ahmaad Rorie is the consensus top player in the class of 2014 from Washington state, but there are a few players with high ceilings who are poised to break out this coming season. Here's a shortlist of some players that are getting looks from colleges to play at the next level.
If you have any tips regarding the Seattle basketball recruiting scene, please contact me at kcacabelos@gmail.com or on Twitter @KevinCacabelos. (All photos are used with permission from local preps basketball photographer Jamie Corpus)
Donovan Dorsey (Timberline HS, Lacey) 2014, PG, 6-foot-6, 180 pounds
Dorsey played for one of the top teams on the West Coast this past summer at Inner City Players (ICP), on any other team, he'd be the number one scoring option. He has lacked exposure because of his school's location in Lacey, but his size and offensive ability makes him a solid prospect. He is patient on offense and hunts his own shots aggressively. Several Pac-12 schools are keeping tabs on Dorsey, Portland State has offered.
Elijah Foster (Rainier Beach HS, Seattle) 2014, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Foster is emerging as one of the top forwards in the state. He has a huge body and is developing a left-handed hook shot. His body and height gives him the potential to become a dominant rebounder. Metro teams will have difficulty scoring in the post against Beach's frontline of Foster and Fuquan Niles. Foster labeled defense as his best strength. A few Pac-12 schools are currently keeping tabs on Foster's progression.
Tramaine Isabell (Lakeside, Seattle) 2014, 6-foot-0, 167 pounds
Isabell is the best underclassmen point guard in the state. His killer first step and scoring ability make him a dangerous weapon for Lakeside. If he continues to improve his shooting ability and can grow a couple more inches, he will become an elite prospect and possibly the No. 1 player in the state next year. Boise State, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State are showing the most interest at the moment.
Naim Ladd (Rainier Beach HS, Seattle) 2014, PG, 5-foot-9, 135 pounds
Almost always the smallest player on the court, Ladd could care less. He is lightning quick and can change directions swiftly and despite his size, he is fearless on both ends of the court. At the point guard position, Ladd has a burst of speed and is always alert when pushing the ball in transition. In the half-court his go-to move is his floater along with a jump shot with three-point range. As a result of his size, at times, he is ineffective at creating his own shot, especially against zone defenses. Boise State and Santa Clara are showing early interest in Ladd.
Jacob Lampkin (O'Dea, Seattle) 2014, SF, 6-foot-9, 205 pounds
O'Dea is short of scoring options after the departure of Sekou Wiggs, but Lampkin is a candidate to be the Fighting Irish's next star. Lampkin is tall enough and has solid basketball instinct, but will need to bulk up to be considered a serious prospect.
Josh Martin (Seattle) 2014, SF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
This upcoming season is Martin's most important in terms of skill development. Martin's athleticism is off the charts. He is one of the best dunkers on the West Coast, he has long arms and can get in the air to block shots and is just plain explosive in transition. He is developing an outside game and has range that extends pass the three point line. He'll need to improve on a go-to move in the post, and develop confidence to score down low. Washington is currently in the lead to land Martin.
Josh Martin of Seattle Prep: Top 5 dunks at the Rose City Showcase basketball tournament (via oregonlive)
Fuquan Niles (Rainier Beach HS, Seattle) 2014, 6-foot-10, PF, 6-foot-10, 240 pounds
Niles' offensive game is raw and underdeveloped. Despite his lack of offensive skills, Niles' size makes him a guaranteed division one prospect. Rainier Beach head coach Mike Bethea will depend on Niles to be the team's leading shot-blocker and rebounder, if Niles can score, it will all be icing on the cake. Arkansas State is interested.
Ahmaad Rorie (Lincoln HS, Tacoma) 2014, PG 6-foot-1, 175 pounds
The best player in the state behind Zach Lavine, Rorie is a lightning-quick point guard who can easily use his dribble to get past any defender. Along with a deadly first step, he has good body control and a strong frame, giving him an edge on both ends of the court. Committed: California
Jason Todd (Jackson HS, Mill Creek) 2014, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds
He does not have the same athleticism as former UW-stand out Jon Brockman, but their games are similar. Todd plays every possession hard. He always makes the extra pass, he is a vocal leader on the court, and he is an aggressive rebounder. He needs to work on his ballhandling, but just about every other aspect of his game is fundamentally sound. Boise State, Davidson, Portland State, Portland and Santa Clara are recruiting Todd.
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