While sitting in the locker room after a season-ending loss to Jackson in the first round of the state tournament last season, Federal Way High forward/center Brayon Blake made a promise to himself and his teammates.
It was time to start maturing and really working on his game. That meant no more barking at refs after calls that didn’t go his way and getting worked up over things.
“I was young,” Blake, now a junior, said of his play last season. “But maturity is a great thing.”
Despite leading the Eagles with 16.5 points per game while being selected to the All SPSL South team, Blake knew he could do better. From there on out, he vowed to let his game and leadership abilities on the court do the talking. A lot of that growth has manifested itself this season in Blake’s ownership of his role directing No. 2 Federal Way’s pesky, ball-pressuring defense.
“Everything starts defensively with Brayon directing us from the rear,” Federal Way coach Jerome Collins said. “He can see the entire court.”
With Blake calling out defensive reads and where the open gaps are on the floor to his teammates near midcourt, the finely tuned press forces opponents into turnovers and easy buckets at the other end, a key component behind the Eagles’ 4-0 start.
“Obviously, it leads to our transition game,” Collins said. “Which is what we want to do … get up and down the court.”
Blake’s energy, combined with his long, muscular build, allows him to not only control the paint but also get out in passing lanes on the perimeter.
“When I’m on the court, I think my team has a lot of energy,” the 6-foot-7 junior said.
In addition to his dedication to improving himself on the defensive end, Blake has also focused on expanding is offensive repertoire. His size and ball-handling abilities have given Collins the luxury of playing him at any position depending on what lineup is on the floor.
“He’s still learning how to play; deciding when to cut and when to be a low block threat,” Collins said.
Last week, Blake lit up Emerald Ridge for 20 points, coming on a variety of tip-ins, midrange jumpers and even a 3-pointer.
“I told him after the game (that) he’s a real nice player,” ER coach Pat Mullen said. “He’s just kind of smooth. He doesn’t force things, and they get him the ball where he can do things right.”
Blake has improved his range by taking 700 to 800 shots a day before practice. He’s also constantly communicating with teammates on the court to keep the offense in a smooth flow.
“It gives me a lot of confidence when my teammates are looking for me (on offense),” Blake said.
But it’s not about the points and filling the score sheet, Blake insists. It’s more about building bonds with his teammates and winning games on that journey to a state championship.
“We still have a lot of learning to do, but we’re looking good so far,” Blake said. “I really don’t care about the points. If I just take a charge and don’t score any points and we win the game, then I’ve done my job.”
Collins said the Eagles are at their best when all five starters score in double figures.
Blake is behind that wholeheartedly — perhaps call it a testament to his maturity.
“There is a lot of trust (between teammates) on the court,” Blake said. “I want to play team ball. We all want that championship.”
CLASS 4A BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Power rankings
1. Federal Way:
Loaded to regain control of West Central District in 2013.
2. Bellarmine Prep:
Tough 4A semifinal loss last season still bitter pill to Lions.
3. Curtis:
Last season, guard play was troublesome. Now it’s a strength.
4. Tahoma:
Plays together like a team straight from the 1950s.
5. Olympia:
Front court big and strong; is there enough reliable shooting?
SPSL SOUTH
Crystal Ball*
1. Federal Way (16-10)
2. Curtis (19-8)
3. Emerald Ridge (10-10)
4. Spanaway Lake (10-12)
5. Todd Beamer (13-10)
6. Bethel (4-15)
7. Puyallup (8-12)
8. Rogers (13-11)
9. Graham-Kapowsin (1-19)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
F/CBrayon Blake6-6jr.Federal Way
Most versatile player in the division, he can play all five positions.
C Jaurence Chisolm6-8sr.Curtis
Always an exciting shot-blocker, he needs to be the low-post scorer for the Vikings.
G Adrian Davis6-2jr.Federal Way
Transfer from Todd Beamer has sizzled as a scorer since freshman year on varsity.
G Marcus Harris6-2jr.Emerald Ridge
Scoring point guard leads the Jaguars’ uptick on the defensive end as well.
F Braxton Tucker6-6sr.Spanaway Lake
Biggest guy, strongest interior presence – he creates havoc inside off glass.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 17, Curtis at Federal Way, 7 p.m.
SPSL NORTH
Crystal BalL*
1. Tahoma (10-13)
2. Mount Rainier (18-11)
3. Kentridge (12-12)
4. Jefferson (10-12)
5. Kentwood (18-8)
6. Kent-Meridian (17-8)
7. Auburn (8-13)
8. Auburn Riverside (3-16)
9. Kentlake (11-14)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
F Deonte Anderson6-7jr.Jefferson
More of a leaping dunker than a basketball player, his untapped potential is scary.
C Paul Loranger6-10sr.Tahoma
At 6-foot-10, 175 pounds he is tougher than he looks and is a stout rim protector.
G Caden Rowland6-5sr.Mount Rainier
All arms and legs. The sort of spindly scorer that is tough to shut down.
G Jawan Stepney6-2jr.Kentridge
A poor man’s Gary Bell Jr., who also hails from this proud program.
G Coleman Wooten6-5jr.Tahoma
Will not overwhelm as an athlete, but finds creases to get off top-quality shots.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 15, Mount Rainier at Tahoma, 7 p.m.
NARROWS 4A
Crystal Ball*
1. Bellarmine Prep (24-5)
2. Olympia (20-6)
3. South Kitsap (11-10)
4. Central Kitsap (14-9)
5. Stadium (3-17)
6. Gig Harbor (11-12)
7. Yelm (3-18 in Narrows 3A)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
G Eric Anderson-Connolly6-3sr.Stadium
Heady point guard ran on same AAU team with Bellarmine Prep clan.
G Riley Callaghan6-0jr. South Kitsap
Not the quickest guy, but always seems to stay one step ahead of the defender.
F Brendan Leonard6-5sr.Olympia
Built like a linebacker, plays like a coach’s son (which he is) – very skilled.
F Sefo Liufau6-5sr.Bellarmine Prep
Excellent competitor who will sometimes need to play “point” forward.
F Lucas Meikle6-8sr.Bellarmine Prep
Gonzaga signee is a prototypical trailer power forward who can shoot 3-pointers.
Circle the Calendar
Feb. 6, Olympia at Bellarmine Prep, 7 p.m. CLASS 4A GIRLS basketball preview
Power rankings
1. Mount Rainier:
Another season of the McPhee sisters running wild.
2. Puyallup:
Young team took lumps last year. Set to dish them out.
3. Bellarmine Prep:
Still has enough pieces – and balance – to grab Narrows title.
4. Auburn Riverside:
Traditional state powerhouse not favorite, but still potent.
5. Kentwood:
Right there in the pack of challengers to Mount Rainier.
SPSL SOUTH
Crystal BalL*
1. Puyallup (11-9)
2. Beamer (8-12)
3. Federal Way (22-6)
4. Bethel (15-11)
5. Rogers (13-12)
6. Emerald Ridge (19-6)
7. Curtis (3-17)
8. Spanaway Lake (13-10)
9. Graham-Kapowsin (1-19)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
GRaven Benton5-10sr.Federal Way
Fourth-year starter is inside-outside scoring threat; divisional MVP favorite.
GRiley Clarke 5-11so.Emerald Ridge
Part of Jaguars’ sports-playing triplets who is focal point of team’s offense.
CMegan Huff6-2jr.Beamer
Tough interior scorer and rebounder is established entity among new cast.
FAddie Picha6-2so. Puyallup
Tall athlete who poses matchup problems for any defender who takes her on.
CKalani Ulufale6-1sr.Rogers
Arguably division’s best pure post player comes off lost season (knee).
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 29, Beamer at Puyallup, 7 p.m.
SPSL NORTH
Crystal Ball*
1. Mount Rainier (27-2)
2. Auburn Riverside (17-6)
3. Kentwood (18-6)
4. Kentridge (11-12)
5. Jefferson (10-14)
7. Tahoma (8-12)
8. Auburn (5-14)
9. Kentlake (4-13)
10. Kent-Meridian (0-18)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
FShantell Jackson5-9sr.Auburn Riverside
Established rebounder with a funky but reliable outside shot – she’s money.
FBrittany McPhee6-0jr.Mount Rainier
She slashes. She scores. She pressures – and is reigning SPSL North MVP.
GJordan McPhee5-10jr.Mount Rainier
While sister piles up gaudy statistics, someone has to be a team’s distributor.
GJada Piper5-11sr.Jefferson
Might be division’s best athlete, she single-handedly gives Raiders a chance.
GSarah Toeaina5-10jr.Kentwood
Another superior athlete in Conquerors’ lineage of elite point guards.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 25, Auburn Riverside at Mount Rainier, 7 p.m.
NARROWS 4A
Crystal BalL*
1. Bellarmine Prep (17-5)
2. Yelm (13-8)
3. Olympia (10-15)
4. Central Kitsap (17-6)
5. South Kitsap (17-6)
6. Stadium (5-15)
7. Gig Harbor (7-13)
* 2011-12 records
Fab Five
CCarly Hoisington5-10sr.Central Kitsap
One thing the Cougars can rely on – nightly double-double outings.
G/FAnushka Maldanado6-0sr.Yelm
Body and physicality of a post player, but with cat-like guard reflexes.
CClaire Martin6-4so.Bellarmine Prep
Lions trying to temper excitement for first-year starter with big-time talent.
G/FSarah Snodgrass5-8so.Olympia
Mature for her age; will be relied on more with Jona Spiller out (stress fracture).
GSydney Swofford5-9jr.Bellarmine Prep
In biggest of games, she seems to shine at both ends – a reliable leader.
Circle the Calendar
Feb. 8, Yelm at Bellarmine Prep, 7 p.m. blog.thenrewstribune.com/preps todd.milles@thenewstribune.com todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
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