Preseason watch list: 18 must-see boys basketball players in Southwest Idaho this year
Men’s college basketball coaches don’t traditionally spend much time recruiting the Treasure Valley, especially in the higher divisions. But that’s quickly changing.
Three known local players have fielded offers from Division I programs. And more soon may follow.
We surveyed boys basketball coaches throughout District Three ahead of the season to see which opposing players they have their eyes on. These were their answers.
Liam Campbell, Owyhee
The 6-5 junior guard will end up as one the Treasure Valley’s most heavily recruited boys basketball prospects in years. The four-star recruit enters the season as a Top 100 player nationally in his class, and he already holds offers from USC, Stanford, Washington State and Boise State.
He made the 5A All-Idaho first team last season after racking up 17.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His high hoops IQ and ability to score with ease at all three levels make him a matchup nightmare coaches will spend the next two years trying to solve.
“He can win a game on his own, with little to no help required,” Meridian coach Jeff Sanor said.
Jackson Rasmussen, Owyhee
Washington State already extended an offer to the 6-7 sophomore guard, who is still learning how to be an elite player, Owyhee coach Andy Harrington said. He made a splash as a freshman last year with his guard skills and Division I athleticism packed in his long frame, averaging 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Another year of growth, development and experience will make him more dangerous.
Landon White, Eagle
The Mustangs’ 6-6 senior forward already established himself as one of the 5A ranks’ premier interior players, averaging 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for second-team all-conference honors last year. But combine his toughness with his range and improving ball skills, and he will give opposing coaches headaches all season.
AJ LaBeau, Timberline
No one in Idaho has the size to match up with the 7-foot senior center one-on-one. But LaBeau (7.4 ppg, 6.2 rebounds) isn’t just a big body. He’s just begun to scratch the surface of his potential with his athleticism and budding jump shot. He committed to a preferred walk-on spot from Washington State over offers from Army, Navy and Idaho State.
Jude Porter, Boise
The 6-5 senior wing (11.6 ppg, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists) will have a hand in everything for the Brave. His size allows him to step down into the paint and assert his will. He can also step out on the perimeter and beat defenders off the dribble or with a pull-up jumper. And he remains a defensive stalwart, capable of shutting down opponents’ top option.
Hayden Fletcher, Centennial
The 6-1 senior point guard often went overlooked as the Patriots made a run to the state finals last year. But he’s the only returning starter after averaging 6.5 points and 1.5 assists, opening the door for him to step into a bigger role. Expect the do-everything point guard to still set up teammates for open shots, but also watch out for a few big numbers next to his name.
Jack Keller, Columbia
Multiple opposing coaches praised the 6-2 senior guard’s basketball IQ, noting they must know where he is every second he’s on the floor. He averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game last year for first-team all-conference honors in the 4A SIC. His shooting touch and nose for the basket make him the favorite for the league’s player of the year honor.
Eloy Chaparro, Skyview
The senior point guard stuffed the stat sheet for the Hawks at the 5A level last year, averaging 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals. Look for those numbers to increase as Skyview drops to 4A. He’ll direct the Hawks’ offense, creating scoring opportunities for others. But he’ll also punish any defender who dares to back off.
Javonte Boles, Ridgevue
The 6-6 forward made a name for himself as a freshman last year, averaging 10.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. Now he’ll take the next step as the heart of the Warhawks. He remains a force in the paint as a relentless rebounder. But his explosiveness also makes him a mid- and long-range threat capable of spoiling even the best-laid defensive plans.
Jace Martinez, Vallivue
The junior point guard was often relegated to the dirty work in the shadows of his older brother, Jacob Martinez, the 4A SIC’s leading scorer and a second-team 4A All-Idaho pick. But now he steps into a starring role for the Falcons. Look for him to challenge for a scoring title as a deadly catch-and-shoot guard who can also beat defenders off the dribble.
Jaxon Dines, Homedale
Opponents will have to wait another year to catch a break. The 5-11 senior wing and four-year starter poured in 16.3 points and averaged 2.4 steals per game a year ago, earning first-team All-Idaho honors at the 3A level. He remains the focal point for every defense but still finds a way to fill the bucket. “Some nights, he’s the Steph Curry of 3A basketball,” McCall-Donnelly coach Jason Tinney said.
Mason Strong, Homedale
His future may lie on the football field, where he’s committed to College of Idaho. But the 5-11 senior guard also makes a mean point guard, using his physicality to bully opponents. The four-year starter made the 3A All-Idaho second team last year after averaging 11.6 points, 2.3 assists and 2.4 steals. He and Dines will again form an explosive duo.
Cache Beus, Melba
The 6-3, 205-pound guard/post physically dominated opponents last year, racking up 10.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game for second-team 2A All-Idaho honors. And that was as a sophomore. A year older and stronger, he returns as an imposing presence in the Mustangs’ defense who can also bring the ball up the floor — or do whatever else Melba needs.
Braden Volkers, Melba
Another second-team All-Idaho selection returning for the Mustangs, the senior point guard provides a steady hand for the defending state champ. Volkers (12.7 ppg, 1.9 assists) will get Melba in all the right sets and never breaks a sweat under pressure. And he provides a deadly shooting option (43% on 3-pointers). “Braden is the best guard in the state at the 2A level,” New Plymouth coach Jeff Lavender said.
Tyson Hughes, Ambrose
Graduation losses cost the Archers two four-year starters who both averaged 15 or more points per game. But the 6-foot junior steps into the void after tallying 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. He’ll create and dish for teammates. But his 3-point range is what strikes fear in opponents.
Noah Palomares, Victory Charter
The junior guard took the 1A Division I WIC by storm as a freshman. Two years later, opponents have yet to find a way to slow him down. His athleticism and deadly shooting touch make him a threat to drop 30 points on any given night. “When he catches fire, he catches fire,” Wilder coach Eric Lopez said. “He can score in many ways, and you just can’t stop him.”
Jason Koval, Riverstone
Another returning first-team all-conference selection in the 1A Division I WIC, the 5-10 junior shooting guard averaged 15 points per game last year. Expect those numbers to climb as the fearless shooter heats up in a hurry. He already has a 40-point game under his belt this year. “He can literally take over a game if he decides to,” Rimrock coach Arron Hall said.
Wyatt Vining, Council
The 1A Division II Long Pin’s reigning MVP cuts an imposing figure at 6-3, 225 pounds. Few teams dare drive to the hole with him manning the paint, and those that do quickly learn it wasn’t a good idea. He also attacks the rim with abandon and controls the glass, averaging 10.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals for second-team All-Idaho honors a year ago.
Tyler Thurston, Cascade
The junior point guard broke out as a sophomore last year, pouring in 18.2 points and 3.3 assists per game while shooting an astounding 70% from the floor (and 52% behind the 3-point line). He returns to run the Ramblers’ offense in the full- and half-court sets, and he remains a threat to pull up and shoot from anywhere.
