Girls basketball: Five players to watch

Kylee Griffen

Lake Stevens | Jr. | Guard

The fact Griffen at 6-foot-2 is Lake Stevens’ tallest player and starts along the perimeter speaks to the junior’s outstanding versatility. Griffen can do a bit of everything, but when she’s hitting her jump shot from 15 to 18 feet, she really makes life tough on defenses. She’s added some physical strength this offseason, and is garnering interest from Pac-12 schools.

“I think it is really challenging,” Lake Stevens coach Randall Edens said in regard to game-planning for Griffen. “She can knock down the 3, can post up and it really makes for a tough guard.”

Jadynn Alexander

Monroe | Sr. | Guard

Monroe coach Ashley Tuiasosopo has seen Alexander add dimensions to her game in each of the past three seasons. The first-team All-Wesco 4A selection and University of Hawaii commit is quick off the dribble, can also knock down a 3-pointer and at 6-foot has the size to rebound against all types.

“She’s an explosive player and really fun to watch,” Tuiasosopo said. “She has a lot of tools she can use, and defensively she has quick feet and quick hands.”

Alexander averaged 18 points per game a year ago and certainly will be filling up stat sheets again this winter.

Kaitlin Larson

Stanwood | Jr. | Forward

Larson established herself as one of the top players in the Wesco 3A North last winter, earning first-team all-conference honors.

“She can play inside-outside and can shoot the 3 and post up and is strong around the basket,” Stanwood coach Dennis Kloke said. “The biggest area she has improved is her man-to-man defense.”

One of the junior’s most underrated traits is her calmness under pressure, Kloke said. Expect Larson to engineer another impressive season alongside an experienced group of Spartans.

Paisley Johnson

Glacier Peak | Sr. | Guard

Pick the superlative: penetrating ability, outside shooting, tough defense, hustle, speed. Johnson covers them all and showcased her ability during a standout junior season in which she earned All-Wesco 3A/2A South first-team honors.

“She is 100 percent go 100 percent of the time,” Glacier Peak coach Brian Hill said. “I’ve seen her take out the bench during the game because she thought she could get a ball, and I knew she couldn’t.”

Johnson has improved her shot during the offseason, and the Brigham Young University commit will form quite a formidable trio with fellow Division I recruits Kayla Watkins and Samantha Fatkin.

Taryn Shelley

Shorewood | Sr. | Forward

A first-team Wesco 3A/2A South selection a year ago, Shelley has established herself as one of Snohomish County’s premier forwards.

“Taryn is a very solid player,” Glacier Peak coach Brian Hill said. “She doesn’t try to play outside of what she is capable of doing. She is very fundamentally sound. She is a load on the inside and a solid all-around player.”

The Washington State University commit will be paramount in helping the Thunderbirds take another step forward this winter.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.