Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part series previewing the SPSL North boys basketball scene. In the coming days, the Kent Reporter will be running previews and team glances of Kentlake, Kent-Meridian, Kentridge and Kentwood.
SPSL NORTH: Boys basketball at a glance
• FAVORITE: Auburn.
• CONTENDERS: Kentridge, Kentwood.
• SLEEPERS: Kent-Meridian, Tahoma, Kentlake, Mount Rainier.
• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: The SPSL North is taking on a drastically different look this winter as state power Federal Way has moved to the SPSL South. Federal Way was ranked No. 1 in the state for most of last year before falling at the state tournament and taking third overall. Federal Way will be replaced by Mount Rainier, a team that typically finished at or near the top of the Class 3A Seamount League. The Rams advanced to the Class 3A state tournament last season for the fourth time in five years, so they should make an immediate impact. Auburn enters the season as the favorite selection to win the league crown as Kevin Henderson, who will play at the University of Montana next year, and Iziah Johnson provide the Trojans with the most lethal one-two punch in the league. Auburn has advanced to state in three of the last four years, however, hasn’t won an SPSL North title since tying for the honor with Kentwood in 2004. The Trojans will be challenged heavily along the way. Behind star guard Gary Bell, who scored a league-record 55 points in one game last year against Auburn Riverside, the Chargers will always be a factor. If Kentridge can get strong contributions from Brendan Westendorf, Denzel Daniels and Caleb Smith, Kentridge could very well grab the North’s top spot. The same could be said for Kentwood. Sure, the Conquerors graduated do-it-all-star Josh Smith, but they have the depth and athleticism to challenge any team in the division and should never be counted out. The loss of Smith along with Federal Way should help Kentlake, a guard-driven team without much height that struggled against the bigger, more physical teams a year ago. Daniel Landram and Jaron Heck give the Falcons some offensive punch. If the Falcons can find a steady rebounder or two, they will be dangerous. Kent-Meridian might have the deepest, most athletic roster in the North behind the likes of Jordan Thompson Walker, Martel Taylor Barone and D’Juan Miller. Expect Barone, a 6-5 sophomore, to come into his own this winter. If the Royals can play a little defense, an area of inconsistency last season, a playoff berth can be had. Meanwhile, Tahoma’s Christian Behrens, a 6-foot-8 forward, could challenge Kentridge’s Bell for league MVP honors. Behrens injured a knee last year and didn’t return. He was averaging 21.5 points per game at the time of the injury. If Behrens receives some help this winter, the Bears have an opportunity to advance to the postseason.
• ON THE WEB: If you’re looking for statistics in regard to the entire league — North and South, girls and boys — log onto www.spslb-ball.org. In addition, www.kentvalleysports.proboards.com is a tremendous site that keeps up with both local teams along with those around the state.
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
Auburn at Kentwood, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Early season showdown between teams expected to challenge for North title.
Tahoma at Kentridge, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Good chance to see two of the league’s best players — KR’s Bell and Tahoma’s Behrens — in action.
Kentlake at Kent-Meridian, Saturday, Jan. 28, TBD: Guard-driven teams on display at ShoWare Center.
Kentwood at Kentridge, Saturday, Jan. 28, TBD: Last year’s state champ against a program that is always at or near the top.
Kentridge at Auburn, Tuesday, Feb. 1: With two more games remaining on the regular-season schedule, this one could be for all the marbles.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Gary Bell, Kentridge, guard: Gonzaga-bound guard can do it all, odds-on favorite to win league MVP.
Christian Behrens, Tahoma sr., forward: Returning from injury, 6-foot-8 standout will be a force inside and outside.
Daniel Landram, Kentlake, senior guard: Lightning-quick guard is catalyst behind Falcons’ playoff hopes this winter.
Jason Boyce, Kentwood, sr., forward: Senior Brings versatility, athleticism, blue-collar work ethic to floor.
D’Juan Miller, K-M, sr., guard: Listed at 5-foot-3, he’s a jitterbug on the floor and can create with the best of ‘em.
Alec Wilson, Kentwood, sr., guard: When he heats up from long range, it’s all over for the opposition.
Brendan Westendorf, Kentridge, sr., forward: Athletic Charger can do a bit of everything on floor, should blossom this season.
Jordan Thompson Walker, K-M, sr., guard: Emotional leader behind rising Kent-Meridian team.
Iziah Johnson, Auburn, sr.: With Henderson, gives Trojans best 1-2 punch in league.
Kevin Henderson, Auburn, sr., guard: Montana-bound senior averaged 21 points per game last year.
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