SBLive's debut 2A Washington high school boys basketball power rankings (2021-22)

With the high school basketball season well underway across the state of Washington, SBLive is continuing to debut its boys basketball power rankings by classification to send teams into winter break and holiday tournaments.

RELATED: SBLive's 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A coaches poll

Up next, is 2A. These rankings are based on observations and conversations with coaches and statewide media. These rankings will be updated weekly starting in January.

SBLIVE'S 2A POWER RANKINGS

1. North Kitsap (6-1)

The Vikings return the most well-oiled, and perhaps the most complete team in 2A. As many as five players on the reigning 2A state champ’s roster could play at the next level, headlined by seniors Jonas La Tour, Aiden Olmstead and Johny Olmsted and impact sophomores Cade Orness and Harry Davies. North Kitsap plays fast, positionless and scores high volumes.

2. R.A. Long (5-0)

The Lumberjacks were district title favorites in the spring before the team was shut down due to COVID-19, but return their top three scorers in Aaron Ofstun, Cavin Holden and Jamond Harris. Ofstun is a matchup issue at 6-foot-8 and Holden (18 points per game as a sophomore) is the returning 2A Greater Spokane League MVP. Head coach Jeray Key has “every piece of the puzzle,” says his coaching protege-turned crosstown rival Bill Bakamus.

3. Lynden (3-0)

“Gang rebound” is a term Brian Roper uses at practice with his talent, but small group. Its post players are 6-foot-3, but talent and continuity return for the perennial 2A power. Northwest Conference MVP Jordan Medcalf returns as a three-year starter on the wing, sophomore Anthony Canales is a versatile slasher and Kaleo Jandoc, the Lions’ starting point guard as a sophomore, returns after missing the spring season with a shoulder injury. 

4. Port Angeles (2-2)

The Roughriders present overwhelming size, starting with tough, versatile 6-5 wing Wyatt Dunning and 6-foot-9 senior John Vaara. They return a lot from a team that went 12-3 in the spring and beat North Kitsap one of three times, including steady shooting from senior guard Xander Maestas.

5. Pullman (5-1)

It took them a while, but once Pullman figured out how to play together it made a league title run in the spring. Three starters return from a team that went 10-2, headlined by point guard and lights-out 3-point shooter Jaedyn Brown, who moved in from Wyoming. The Greyhounds have size with 6-8 center Grayson Hunt and 6-4 senior Riley Pettitt and are the 2A Greater Spokane League favorites — with all the makings to make a late playoff run.

6. Mark Morris (5-2)

Who needs size, anyway? The Monarchs are led by one of the top point guards in 2A in explosive 6-2 Deacon Dietz, who has shown a ton of growth year over year. Junior Kobe Parlin and Dietz both started as freshmen and will make up for lack of size with head coach Bill Bakamus’ up-tempo, aggressive style.

7. Selah (4-2)

6-foot-6 junior Levi Pepper steps into a featuring role after missing time with a back injury. He’s athletic, can score in a variety of ways and arrives in the wake of graduated three-time 2A CWAC MVP Noah Pepper. He adds another family member as a teammate in freshman Jackson Pepper.

8. Clarkston (2-1)

The Bantams could muck up the battle for the 2A GSL’s one playoff bid. They lost experience, but return talent capable of making a state run. Sophomore guard Xavier Santana is tepping into a starring role. Senior Austin Steinwand is a tough assignment for opposing teams. He’s the second-leading scorer and has developed as an outside shooter, excels with his back to the basket and plays above the rim as he’s grown to 6-foot-7. Guard Mason Van Tine is a returning starter and knock-down shooter on the wing. Clarkston is a 2A state mainstay under head coach Justin Jones.

9. Lakewood (5-1)

Seniors Blake Conyers and Justice Taylor return after leading the team to a 9-1 record in the spring and playing a part in their first state 2A tournament in 2020. They account for the bulk of the scoring as the Cougars have started the season with five wins and a loss to expected 4A Wesco contender Mariner.

10. Tumwater (4-0)

All-league shooting guard Luke Brewer (14 points per game last year) moves over to point guard, where his prowess in transition will be on display. The Thunderbirds fell short of the 2A state playoffs in an overtime thriller to Black Hills after beating eventual state champ North Kitsap. Now the expectation is to get back — and make a deep run. Luke Reid can shoot from deep, Andrew Collins is a slasher and 6-6 University of Washington football commit Ryan Otton is an inside presence.

Next three up: Enumclaw, Franklin-Pierce, West Valley (Spokane).