5 boys to watch
Published 11:47 pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Zach Wilde
Snohomish
6-6 Sr. F
Key 2006-2007 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg
Comment: Wilde scores from all over and rebounds well, but his uncommon passing ability truly separates him from most other prep players.
The four-year varsity team member has helped create easy baskets for teammates since he was a freshman. Four of Snohomish’s top five 2006-2007 scorers graduated, so look for Wilde’s all-around contributions to surge.
“We will be looking to him for more leadership and production,” Panthers coach Len Bone said. “I think all of (Wilde’s) numbers will go up as Zach will be more aggressive with the ball than he has been in the past.”
Jason Waltman
Monroe
6-7 Sr. G/F
Key 2006-2007 stats: 14 ppg, 7 rpg
Comment: Is bigger better? Waltman, who since last season put on about 30 pounds of muscle and grew an inch, sure hopes so.
An All-Wesco North second team pick as a junior, Waltman is unique because of his combination of size and guard skills. Monroe coach Brett Wille said Waltman can score inside and outside. Despite being one of the tallest, burliest players in Wesco, Waltman is one of Monroe’s best 3-point shooters.
“He can pretty much do it all,” Wille said.
Waltman got stronger during the offseason without needing much encouragement. “He’s really self-motivated and he loves lifting weights, so he’s constantly in the weight room,” said Wille.
Jordan Nicholes
Sultan
6-1 Jr. G
Key 2006-2007 stats: 18.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.2 apg
Comment: Many sophomores don’t even get on the court, but Nicholes put up impressive all-around numbers as a sophomore and is primed for an even better junior year.
The All-Cascade Conference first team honoree has an “incredible” work ethic and cares most about the team’s success, Sultan coach Nate Trichler said.
“Jordan is the type of kid that isn’t looking for huge stats. He is looking for just one number to increase and that is team wins,” Trichler said.
Nicholes, a team captain, shot 53 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line last season. He is capable of playing in college, said Trichler.
Joey Dillon
Mariner
6-4 Sr. G
Key 2006-2007 stats: 12 ppg, 4 rpg
Comment: Dillon scored 10 points or more in a game a dozen times last season, including a season-high 24 in a district tournament victory over Marysville-Pilchuck. Mariner coach Dexter Griffen expects the tall guard, who sprouted an inch since last season, to build on that success and take control.
“I just see him being a leader for us, a go-to guy on offense,” said Griffen, whose team returns four starters.
Dillon is valuable on both ends of the court. He worked hard to get better on defense and will guard the opposing team’s best offensive player, Griffen said.
Rodrick Rumble
Oak Harbor
6-3 Sr. W
Key 2006-2007 stats: 14.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg
Comment: In the winter Rumble switches from lighting up football fields as a speedy receiver to a thrilling Wildcats fans as a high-scoring, rim-attacking wing.
This season Rumble will be the player Oak Harbor calls on for a quick basket or a crucial defensive stop, Wildcats coach Mike Washington said.
Rumble is a strong, athletic slasher who will provide valuable leadership and could emerge as one of the state’s finest players, said Washington.
“I feel Rodrick will become a player that will be known in all of Western Washington,” the coach said. “He brings a lot of excitement to the game with his charisma and scoring ability.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
