The News Tribune’s 2021 All-Area boys basketball team
Each year, with input from local coaches, The News Tribune selects its All-Area boys basketball team.
This year, nine high schools from the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the first and second teams.
The 12 spots, broken down by leagues, are 3A North Puget Sound League (three), 3A Pierce County League (three), 4A South Puget Sound League (two), 4A North Puget Sound League (one), 3A South Sound Conference (one), 2A South Puget Sound League (one) and 1A Nisqually (one).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JACKSON GRANT
Olympia
Forward, 6-10, senior
The UW signee, who was named a McDonald’s All-American in February, leaves Olympia as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,352 points. The 4A South Puget Sound League South MVP averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Bears in his senior season, leading Olympia to the 4A SPSL tournament title over Curtis. Considered a four-star recruit and a top-50 player nationally. Two-time TNT and Olympian All-Area player of the year. Named the 2021 Gatorade player of the year from Washington.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Ryan Hansen
Auburn
Led the Trojans to a perfect 14-0 record and the 3A North Puget Sound League title, which included a 55-53 win over previously undefeated 4A NPSL league champion Federal Way in the league crossover championship game. Auburn outscored opponents by an average margin of 40 points this season, including three triple-digit efforts.
First team
TRE BLASSINGAME
Auburn
Guard, 6-5, jr.
Junior shooting guard averaged 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals, while shooting 51 percent from the field for the undefeated Trojans. Took over in the second half of Auburn’s 55-53 win over 4A NPSL champion and previously undefeated Federal Way in the league’s crossover championship game, scoring 15 points. 3A North Puget Sound League first-team selection holds an offer from WSU.
TYCE PAULSEN
Curtis
Guard, 6-4, soph.
When the Vikings’ sharpshooter and two-year starter got going from behind the arc, he was tough to slow down. The 4A South Puget Sound League north division MVP averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He shot 47.2 percent from the field, including a 40 percent clip from 3-point range. Holds offers from Pepperdine, Portland State, Montana and others.
CAYDEN MCDANIEL
Wilson
Guard, 6-3, soph.
After earning playing time as a freshman on last year’s state tournament team, McDaniel emerged as the clear focal point and go-to scorer for the Rams this spring in his second high school season. The 3A Pierce County League co-MVP averaged 27 points, 5.5 rebounds and four assists, leading the Rams to an 11-0 record and the 3A PCL title. Holds offers from UW and Portland State.
OMARI MAULANA
Life Christian
Guard, 6-1, sr.
The Biola University bound senior made the most of his time in the 1A Nisqually league, after the school jumped from the 2B classification this school year. Four-year starter averaged 16.7 points, 2.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and two steals per game. Two-time TNT All-Area first-teamer led Life Christian to a tournament win in a non-official 1A state invitational tournament, where the Eagles beat Seattle Academy, 80-76. Maulana was named the tournament MVP.
VAUGHN WEEMS
Federal Way
Wing, 6-4, soph.
Even with four other players averaging double figures, the sophomore wing averaged 15.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.4 steals. Earned MVP honors in the 4A North Puget Sound League, leading Federal Way to a 12-1 record. Played on Federal Way’s junior varsity team as a freshman and emerged as the team’s top threat as a sophomore. Lauded by coach Yattah Reed for his on-ball defensive ability, which created transition offense for the Eagles.
Second team
Brooklyn Hicks, Timberline, soph.
Asjon Anderson, Mount Tahoma, jr.
Jackson Dorsey, Wilson, sr.
Jalen Barbee, Franklin Pierce, sr.
Maleek Arington, Auburn, jr.
This story was originally published July 8, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
