15 leading point guards from 2023-24 Washington boys basketball: Watch out for skilled junior class
From top recruits to small-school heroes, there are plenty of point guards that put together outstanding seasons in 2023-24.
SBLive scoured the state throughout a full season of coverage and spoke with coaches, media members and sources from every corner to compile the most impactful point guards.
Want to weigh in? Reach out to @SBLiveWA on social media.
Editor's note: Players only eligible for one list. SBLive tried sorting multi-position standouts in best position - or one they spent most time at. Also, players who missed much of season due to injury were not considered.
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TOP POINT GUARDS IN WASHINGTON
(Names are in alphabetical order)
Beckett Currie, Camas (4A), jr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Joined 1,000-point club at Camas this season as 4A GHSL MVP, and led Papermakers to 4A tournament. Though spelled differently, his last name also lives up to similar NBA billing (Curry) as huge threat from long range.
Davis Fogle, Anacortes (2A), jr.
Photo by Lane Mathews
Incredible what he can do at 6-foot-6 as defenses nightly are geared to stop him. As good a three-level scorer (32.5 points per game) as he is, his court vision is top notch, too. One of top D1 recruits in class of 2025.
Blake Forrest, Mount Si (4A), sr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Four-year starter for Wildcats is a big reason why Mount Si captured 4A title. Surrounded by plenty of talent his first three years, Forrest had a chance to let his own offensive game shine more this season - while still being a shutdown defender.
Tristan Frimodt, Columbia of Burbank (2B), jr.
Photo by Jerrel Swenning
Important piece of Coyotes' prolific offense that guided squad to third-place finish in 2023 - and runner-up finish to Colfax in state tournament Saturday in Spokane. Group has one more year to bring home gold ball.
Jeremiah Harshman, Annie Wright (1A), jr.
Photo by Todd Milles
On squad full of fast-paced guards, he is the one that makes everything go - as a facilitator, leader and clutch scorer. Next-level floor general led Gators to 1A title game, losing close decision to unbeaten Zillah.
Cesar Hernandez, Davis of Yakima (4A), jr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Checked every box for Pirates, who reached 4A semifinals before losing to Mount Si. Known most as 4A CBBN's top scorer, but really made up-tempo Davis' offense go - even against constant double teams.
Ryan Lafferty, Mount Spokane (3A), sr.
Photo by Lane Mathews
Played both guard positions throughout his career - but ran point more in second half of season as Wildcats made run to 3A semifinals (and registered regional-round win over Garfield). 4A/3A GSL MVP was one of best playmakers in state.
Leyton Martin, Arlington (3A), jr.
Photo by Thomas Hopkins Photography
Martin's skills at the quarterback position for Arlington's football team translate seamlessly on the hardwood as first team all-3A Wesco point guard. Also has had some monster scoring games, including school-record 43 points versus Marysville Getchell.
Cade Orness, North Kitsap (2A), sr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Most well-rounded part of North Kitsap's two-headed monster with teammate Harry Davies, Orness became Vikings' all-time scoring leader (1,821 points) and passer (615 assists) as senior - and guided team to 2A semifinals in Yakima.
Jaylen Petty, Auburn (3A), jr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Ran point for a month when Carter Hansen was out because of injury - and showed glimpses of his future role. Right now, he is arguably best pure three-level scorer in the state as Trojans easily won 3A NPSL and were No. 1 seed in WIAA tournament.
Izzy Sandoval, Zillah (1A), sr.
Photo by Sean Carter
Tough, hard-nosed floor general had a few big scoring performances this winter, leading Leopards on unbeaten run to 1A championship. Not the tallest guard, but he but can create space for himself or teammates with best of them.
Legend Smiley, Garfield (3A), jr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Another multi-faceted playmaker who plays all over court, Smiley usually has ball in his hands during clutch moments. Last year's 3A state tournament MVP grabbed Metro player of year honors as junior. and is arguably top player in state for class of 2025.
Brandon Tagle, Kentwood (4A), soph.
Photo by Todd Milles
Get used to this name for the future. A savvy, clutch Tagle led Conquerors to 4A WCD title game appearance (and had winning coast-to-coast bucket to upend 4A SPSL champion Sumner in OT earlier in bracket) - and fifth-place showing at WIAA tournament.
Eli Williams, North Central (3A), sr.
Photo by Vince Miller
Finally got his due as North Central went from eight-win team a year ago to district championship in February. All-4A/3A GSL performer is equally apt as scorer (1,000 points for career) and passer as Wolfpack's best all-around player..
Josh Woodard, Richland (4A), sr.
Photo by Vince Miller
One of those generational ice-in-your-veins playmakers - and leaders. Two-time Mid-Columbia Conference player of year led Bombers to 4A title game, losing to Mount Si. Also was league MVP in football as star quarterback.
More point guards to mention: Dawson Bouma, Lynden Christian (1A), sr.; Brady Elsner, Lynden (2A), sr.; Tripp Haywood, Bellevue (3A), fr.; Dash Lamebull-Ingram, Eastside Catholic (3A), soph; Frankie Medina, Grandview (2A), soph.; Kory McClure, Prosser (2A), sr.; Keaundre Morris, Curtis (4A), fr.; Angel Oyos, Chief Leschi (2B), sr.; Nyale Robinson, Rainier Beach (3A), jr.; Quinn Swanson, Mount Vernon (3A), sr.; Logan Tews, Mountlake Terrace (3A), sr.; Mason Thomas, Federal Way (4A), sr.
