3A BOYS STATE: Players to watch

JUSTIN PEDLEY

Kamiakin | Post

The Braves senior post is a polished low-block player who is great at getting position and working the low-post moves. He averaged 19.5 points per game this season and is second on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,094 career points and third in career rebounds with 504. Pedley (above), along with fellow post Zach En’Wezoh, makes up the strength of the Braves team and gives Kamiakin a solid foundation down low. Pedley scored a team-high 16 points in Kamiakin’s 47-40 win over Glacier Peak a year ago in the third-place game. If Kamiakin is going to improve upon that finish it’ll be its duo down low that takes them there.

ANRIO ADAMS

Rainier Beach | Guard

The lightning-quick guard has had quite a journey over the past year. He started his junior season at Franklin before transferring to Garfield and eventually ending up at St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, N.J. He returned to Seattle and took up the mantle of lead guard for Rainier Beach. He hasn’t disappointed. Whether with his ball-handling skills or shooting touch, Adams has led the Vikings to a 24-3 record and a spot in the state quarterfinals. Against Glacier Peak in the regionals, Adams, who has verbally committed to play for Kansas, scored 19 points and hit three 3-pointers. Speaking about his skill level, Rainier Beach coach Mike Bethea compared him to recent Beach grads: It’s on par with anybody to come through here,” Bethea told The Seattle Times. “You’re talking about Jamal (Crawford), Terrence (Williams), Nate (Robinson), the twins (Lodrick and Rodrick Stewart). His skill level is on par with those guys.”

D.J. FENNER

Seattle Prep | Guard

Many consider the Panthers to be the favorites in 3A and this junior 6-foot-6 guard is a big reason why. Averaging more than 18 points per game, Fenner, who is the son of former Seahawks running back Derrick Fenner, is big and athletic and has the body of most collegiate guards. Fenner (@lil_mamba15) scored 28 points and was a big reason Prep beat former No. 1 Rainier Beach in the SeaKing District championship game earlier this month. Coupled with last year’s Metro League Most Valuable Player post Mitch Brewe, Fenner gives Seattle Prep a realistic shot at winning its first state title since 2006.

SEKOU WIGGS

O’Dea | Guard

This 6-2 combo guard is what makes the Irish go. Whether he’s dishing to an open teammate off of a drive to the hoop or hitting a contested 3-pointer, Wiggs (@flavorfull25) can do it all. [“]Wiggs’ versatility to play both guard positions is invaluable. He owns a precocious basketball IQ and terrific court vision,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Russell Steinberg before the season. The senior, who is the son of former University of Washington football player Sekou Wiggs, scored a game-high 29 points, including five 3-pointers, in a 70-57 win over Lake Washington in the SeaKing District third-place game on Feb. 18. But O’Dea isn’t just Wiggs. The Irish also have talented guard Jalen Ward and Dustin Watts, who scored 28 points when Wiggs was in foul trouble in O’Dea’s regional win over Lincoln. Wiggs is currently being recruited by a number of Division I schools, including Washington State and Cal.

ZECH MARTIN

University | Guard

It’s about a lot more than the numbers for this 6-5 wing. Martin averages 13.7 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game, paltry compared to the other names on this list. But what he lacks in statistics the senior makes up for in grit, hustle and determination. “He has a relentless motor,” Titans coach Garrick Phillips told The Spokesman-Review. “He plays every possession. Not every kid plays every possession. He sets the tone for us. He’s an emotional leader and an effort leader. He sets the bar pretty high.” If University is going to make its first trip to state since 1985 unforgettable it’ll need Martin to set the pace with his all-out play.

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