SBLive's debut 1A Washington high school boys basketball power rankings (2021-22)
With the high school basketball season well underway across the state of Washington, SBLive is continuing to debut its boys basketball power rankings by classification to send teams into winter break and holiday tournaments.
RELATED: SBLive's 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A coaches poll
Up next is 1A. These rankings are based on observations and conversations with coaches and statewide media. These rankings will be updated weekly starting in January.
SBLIVE'S 3A POWER RANKINGS
1. King’s (3-1)
With Washington commit and defending state player of the year Tyler Linhardt playing for an Ohio prep school, it’s Jordan Hansen’s time to lead the still-reigning 1A state champs. The Idaho State commit had 29 points, seven boards and two blocks in his season debut and has followed it up with one big performance after another. Maybe the biggest story at King’s? The stellar, long-awaited start by point guard Cam Hiatt, a top freshman in the state who had 32 and 33 points in his first two varsity games.
2. Lynden Christian (5-0)
Is there ever a down year at Lynden Christian? Led by 6-foot-6 guard Andrew Hommes, a Point Loma Nazarene pledge and one of 1A’s top returners, the Lyncs run back the bulk of a core that went 12-1 in the spring and size down low, such as Will Colwell, a 6-5 forward who can bang down low and make teams pay for sagging off.
3. Life Christian Academy (4-1)
The expectation is still a gold ball in the Eagles’ first full season in 1A since classing up in 2020. All-state-caliber point guard Omari Maulana is gone, but a talented core led by 6-foot-5 guard Bradley Swillie and 6-6 post Chae Haynes were key figures when the Eagles’ 2B state runner-up finish in 2020 and went 12-0 and won an unofficial 1A state tournament in June. Swillie (18 points per game) has take over point guard duties and 6-2, 205-pound forward Daishaun Nichols averages more than 10 boards per game and does all the little things.
4. Zillah (4-0)
If Clay Delp needed any more motivation, he doesn’t have to reach to find it. The all-state-caliber guard is back for his senior campaign after his promising football season was ended prematurely by a broken collarbone. The Leopards’ dynamic one-two punch with Delp and junior forward Luke Navarre led a district title run in the spring and state title expectations remain at Zillah in their first full season together.
5. Toppenish (4-0)
The 1A SCAC contender also brings back most of its core, led by Jason Grant, an imposing slasher and presence on the glass, a veteran floor general and shot-creator in Josh Perez and a dynamic shot-creator and defender in Shane Rivera. The Wildcats will be battle-tested in a 1A SCAC that pits them against crosstown rival Zillah.
6. Seattle Academy (3-1)
The Cardinals bring a next-man-up mentality as they look to continue the success of a state-contending 2021 led by Leo DeBruhl and Joe Cookson. Early returns with this young group — 10 of 14 are underclassmen — are promising after taking Lynden Christian to the wire on the road. Carson DeBruhl has taken over point guard duties for his older brother, and everything runs through versatile senior Logan Britt. The goal is simple: “They don’t want the program to drop off,” head coach Shaun Burl said.
7. Freeman (5-1)
Two-time first-team 1A Northeast League selection Boen Phelps’ competitive edge is contagious. After a fourth place showing at an unofficial 1A state tournament in June, the Scotties return its entire rotation, including six seniors. Phelps, a two-time first-team all-league pick, wants the ball in his hands in crunch time and the toughest defensive assignment. Hayden Oyler (6-foot-6) and Taylor Wells (6-5) provide size down low around a slew of versatile guards.
8. The Northwest School (4-0)
The Emerald Sound League appears as deep as it’s ever been, a tight race lies ahead for three guaranteed postseason bids and Northwest appears right in the mix in head coach Matt Leslie’s second season. Four starters return, headlined by senior guard Simon Honig and second team all-league pick Seth Horn, a 6-foot-9 forward with an offer from Loyola Marymount.
9. Colville (6-0)
Don’t let its 3-8 spring record fool you. The Crimson Hawks are grizzled and balanced. The ability for its scoring to come from several players on any night make them tough to prepare for.
10. Quincy (6-1)
After 13 consecutive losing seasons, Quincy looks to have turned a new page in head coach Scott Bierlink’s fourth year. The Jackrabbits are led by TreyVaughn Bierlink, a 6-foot-3 senior guard who opened the season averaging 27 points and five boards and their lone loss through seven games was a one-point nail-biter to Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls. Can the Caribou Trail League favorites make noise in Yakima?
Next three up: Annie Wright, King’s Way Christian, Cedar Park Christian.
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(Lead photo by Scott Butner)
