1A player of the year candidates in Washington high school girls basketball
The 2020-21 high school basketball season in Washington is scheduled to start on February 1.
Though doubt surrounds when the season will start in its already-delayed form due to to state-issued COVID-19 guidelines, players around the state have worked hard to prepare for the possibility.
We thought we’d do the same.
In the lead-up to the season, SBLive Washington is identifying and assessing state player of the year candidates at every classification based on impact on the high school stage last season and projected impact this upcoming season.
MORE POY CANDIDATES: 4A GIRLS | 3A GIRLS | 2A GIRLS
Here are the 2020-21 girls basketball player of the year candidates for Class 1A, listed in alphabetical order:
1A PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES
Claire Gallagher, King's, 5-11, SG, sr.
A natural combo guard, Gallagher shifted over to play point guard full-time when the Knights lost Jada Wynn early in the 2019-20 season. The Lafayette signee (12.0 ppg) will return to her natural position - and make a bundle of 3-pointers.
Jordyn Goldsmith, Freeman, 6-2, PF, sr.
A two-sport standout, Goldsmith's future path is likely volleyball. The all-1A Northwest first teamer (8.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.0 blocks) brings that leaping ability to basketball, too - especially on the defensive end.
Trista Hull, La Salle, 6-2, PF, sr.
How is it that a two-time all-state performer with Hull's credentials still operates under the radar? It's because the Boise State signee just goes about her business as an inside-outside slayer (14.6 ppg, 12.0 rpg).
Emily Mellema, Lynden Christian, 5-11, PG, sr.
She has burst. She has wiggle. She has skill. And the all-state floor general (10.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.0 steals) and recent Wyoming signee now has a bigger role for the defending Class 1A champions.
Julianna Walker, Annie Wright, 5-5, PG, sr.
This Syracuse signee is on pace to set every scoring record in Washington history. Last season, the 1A Nisqually MVP (34.9 ppg, 7.1 apg, 4.7 rpg) fired away from well past the 3-point line. She has 2,491 career points.
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