BOYS HOOPS: AT A GLANCE
• Favorite: Federal Way.
• Contenders: Auburn, Jefferson, Kentwood.
• Sleepers: Auburn Riverside, Kentlake.
• League outlook: This year, the “outlook” is more along the lines of “look out.” The reason being that it’s likely going to take a natural disaster to keep Federal Way, which took second at state last year, from winning the North. There’s considerable talent throughout the league, but nobody can match up with the Eagles’ depth, talent and experience. Federal Way returns three all-leaguers (Jeff Forbes, Andre Barrington and Cole Dickerson) and nabbed Decatur first-teamer Michael Hale, a lightning-quick guard who creates havoc on both sides of the ball. Throw in a pair of highly-touted transfers — 6-6 sophomore Jaleel Williams from Texas and 6-10 J.T. Koontz of Oregon — and starting guard Isiah Umipig and there’s plenty of reason for opponents to fear the Eagles. That said, in a league where the top five advance to the postseason, there’s likely going to be a logjam for the other four slots. Behind man child Josh Smith (6-10, 285), who is the most highly-touted junior in the nation according to rivals.com, and guard Tre Tyler, Kentwood should challenge for one of the top slots. Auburn, moving up from the SPSL 3A, graduated co-MVPs T.J. Stafford and Ryan Snowden, but will remain strong behind Jeff Gouveia (7.86 ppg.) and 6-foot-5 center Isaiah Johnson. Meanwhile, Auburn Riverside returns four starters, led by senior Mitch Hagerty (16.1 ppg.) and should make a successful transition to the Class 4A SPSL North. Kentridge, which has been at the top of the league the last two years, graduated four starters. Regardless, Jamison is regarded as one of the finest coaches around and has a nice stable of guards, led by sophomore sensation Gary Bell, and that should help the Chargers to earn a playoff berth once again. Like Kentridge, Kentlake graduated four starters, but has enough potential behind Jeff Budinich, a 6-10 Montana State-bound center, and 6-5 post Carson Crooks to be a threat. Tahoma falls into the same boat as Kentridge and Kentlake, having graduated four starters. Despite that, the Bears can boast of having one of the league’s premier sophomore classes, led by 6-7 center Christian Behrens, who has enough athletic ability and a soft enough touch to quickly become one of the league’s elite players. Kent-Meridian graduated three honorable mention selections (Andre Moore, Beau Briceno and Jentez Drinker), but as always has plenty of athleticism and will lean heavily upon junior guard Borento Ahmed and senior forward Marlowe Brim. Thomas Jefferson, which won just two league games a year ago, is on a fast ascension and considered one of the teams to watch. Xavyr Moss (11.4 ppg.) and Spenser Sydney (12.8 ppg.) are two of the North’s top players and should help the Raiders win more than two games all by themselves.
• Notable: Former Kentridge star Renado Parker, last year’s co-MVP of the North, is now playing at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. Through the first five games of the season, Parker was averaging 20 points per game. … Brian Lockhart has taken over for Hank Sylvan at Kent-Meridian. … Ryan Chase, one of just two-returning Tahoma seniors, might miss the entire season with a broken hand suffered playing soccer. … Kentwood product Jeremy Green, a first-teamer last year, is now playing at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. Jake Wilcox, an honorable mention guard for the Conks last year, is playing at Green River Community College. … Auburn’s Ryan Snowden, co-MVP of the SPSL 3A last year, is playing at Central Washington. Former Auburn star Dan Stafford (2005) is now playing at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Tahoma at Kentlake — This is a great early-season chance to see rising star Christian Behrens (Tahoma) and Montana State-bound Jeff Budinich (KL).
Saturday, Jan. 17: Kentwood at Federal Way — A battle between two of the league’s top teams, not to mention several of the area’s elite players.
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Kentridge at Auburn Riverside — KR graduated a ton of talent, but always is among the league’s best; AR has the talent to take the next step.
Thursday, Jan. 29: Kentridge at Kentwood — These two teams traditionally pack the house. Adding to the excitement is the chance to see KR’s Bell and KW’s Smith at one time.
Friday, Feb. 6: Auburn at Auburn Riverside — Both teams are expected to be in the playoff hunt. This will be the season finale. A playoff berth and seeding could be at stake.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NAME SCHOOL POS. YEAR
Josh Smith Kentwood F Junior
Notable: Co-MVP last year is one of nation’s best.
Gary Bell Kentridge G Sophomore
Notable: Sharp-shooting sophomore is rising fast.
Jeff Budinich Kentlake P Senior
Notable: KL big man has a nice outside touch.
Jeff Gouveia Auburn G Senior
Notable: Physical guard ignites Trojans return to North.
Michael Hale Federal Way G Senior
Notable: Lightning-quick, first-team transfer from Decatur.
Christian Behrens Tahoma P Sophomore
Notable: Athletic, 6-7 kid has all the tools to be elite.
Mitch Hagerty A. Riverside G Senior
Notable: Ranked second in scoring (16.6 ppg.) in SPSL 3A last year.
Jeff Forbes Federal Way G Junior
Notable: Dangerous shooter on league’s most talented team.
— Erick Walker/Reporter
