Big 5: These South Sound boys basketball teams could make state tournament runs
High school district basketball tournaments are heating up, and state basketball tournaments are just around the corner. Wondering which boys basketball teams from the South Sound might make some noise? Here are five teams we think could make state tournament runs.
1. Auburn (4A)
Record: 21-2 Notable wins: Enumclaw, Kentwood (x2), Kentridge, Tahoma (x2), Kennedy Catholic (x2), Skyview
The skinny: Maybe Ryan Hansen’s most athletic team yet. Montana State signee Daniel Johnson (22 ppg, 47% from 3-point) runs the show, but there’s legit length around him, with 6-foot-8 forward Isaiah Englund and 6-foot-4 guard Miles Henry.
2. Puyallup (4A)
Record: 19-6
Notable wins: Emerald Ridge, Kennedy Catholic, Kentridge, Annie Wright
Skinny: Vikings are rounding into form and peaking at the perfect time, winners of six straight, including a win over Emerald Ridge, which had beaten Puyallup twice in the regular season. Viks, the Class 4A state runners-up, will go as far as 6-foot-7 forward Will Nasinec takes them.
3. Emerald Ridge (4A)
Record: 22-3
Notable wins: Puyallup (x2), Bonney Lake (x2)
Skinny: Puyallup won the league tournament, but Jags were 4A SPSL’s best and most consistent throughout the year. 6-foot-7 forward Jamaize McGriff is a strong double-double bet and is playing his most assertive, downhill ball this season. Jags are a tough matchup when the guards are knocking down outside shots.
4. Bellarmine Prep (3A)
Record: 21-2
Notable wins: Lincoln (x2), Bellevue, Annie Wright, Silas (x2), Gig Harbor (x2)
Skinny: Lions will be a tough matchup for any team because of team defense. The question will be whether Bellarmine can keep pace with some of 3A’s top offenses, especially without knockdown shooter and team leader Kade Price (knee) the rest of the way.
5. Lincoln (3A)
Record: 15-6
Notable wins: Gig Harbor (x2)
Skinny: Abes’ offense has lacked identity and ball movement at times after Trey Collier’s transfer to Silas, but Lincoln still has one of state’s top guards in sophomore Davion Shareef-Dulaney. Can sophomore forward Justus Holt emerge in Tacoma Dome?
