Top off-ball guards in Washington high school boys basketball 2021-22: Not just facilitators, these playmakers flash versatility

Some of the most impactful "bigs" take the ball up the floor, can set up the offense and extend out to the perimeter.

The same can be said about guards — a position group that is also amorphous.  

As the calendar turns toward live evaluation periods and grassroots ball, SBLive is continuing series of watch lists looking at the state's most impactful boys and girls basketball players in the 2021-22 Washington high school season by position group. After taking a closer look at the state's top point guards, here is an examination of the most impactful off-ball guards, or "combo guards."

This is based on production and impact during the 2021-22 season, as well as observations and conversations with coaches, media and talent evaluators. (Think there's an omission? Try checking the other lists, linked below.)

Want to weigh in? Reach out to @SBLiveWA on social media or leave a reply in the comments:

BOYS: POINT GUARDS | BIGS | OFF-BALL GUARDS | WINGS

GIRLS: POINT GUARDS | BIGS | OFF-BALL GUARDS | WINGS

TOP OFF-BALL GUARDS IN WASHINGTON

(Names are in alphabetical order)

Asjon Anderson, Mount Tahoma (3A), sr.

Shifty 6-2 combo guard changed the culture and buzz around Mount Tahoma basketball, and finished a more than 1,400-point scoring career, averaging 31.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and three steals per game. Led the T-Birds to a 17-6 record and 3A Pierce County League title.

Jack Allen, Cedar Park Christian (1A), sr.

He's a quiet leader who lets his play speak for him — and there's plenty to show for. Allen, a WIBCA all-state selection, averaged 17 points per game on a combination of jumpers and deep 3s and drew high praise from CPC coach Adam Lynch: "I’ve been coaching from 20 years and he’s the best player I coached in terms of being to make difficult shots."

John John Barbee, Franklin Pierce (2A), sr.

Eliite-scoring combo guard has a first step that reminds his father, Franklin Pierce head coach John Barbee, of Quincy Wilder. Averaged 33 points and six rebounds per game.

TreyVaughn Bierlink, Quincy (1A), sr.

The 6-foot-4 combo guard scored at a high volume, led Quincy to its best season in years and had some of his best performances in the season's biggest moments. He scored 53 in a district loser-out game against Colville. Averaged 23.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and two steals per game. 

Tre Blassingame, Auburn (3A), sr.

Led the Trojans in scoring (19.1 points per game) and boards (6.7), and consistently guarded bigger players. He was the perfect piece in Auburn's efforts to mitigate being undersized, and knew how to take over games when needed. Led the Trojans to the championship of the inaugural State Champions Invitational.

Pierre Boorman, Moses Lake Christian Academy (1B), sr.

The most dynamic scorer in 1B carried his high-volume pace (21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 steals per game) into the Spokane Arena, where he led Moses Lake Christian Academy to the 1B state quarterfinals and a sixth place finish.

Luke Brewer, Tumwater (2A), jr.

The 6-1 guard emerged as one of the top players in 2A with his intensity attacking defenses, facilitate Tumwater's offense and shoot from outside. The 2A Evergreen Conference MVP led the T-Birds to the 2A state quarterfinals and a fourth place finish, averaging 17.9 points (40 percent from 3) and 4.0 assists per game. 

Logan Britt, Seattle Academy (1A), sr.

Versatile senior guard carried the Cardinals back to the 1A state tournament. The 6-5 guard led the team in scoring, displaying range, handle and athleticism to break defenses down. Relentless offensive scorer's positional versatility made him tough to defend — and score on. SBLive first team 1A all-state and 1A Emerald Sound first team selection.

Jaedyn Brown, Pullman (2A), jr.

The 2A Greater Spokane League MVP helped lead the Greyhounds to the 2A state championship game, averaging 22 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists and two steals per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field, flashing a crafty handle and ability to get his shot off under pressure.

Elijah Cain, Graham-Kapowsin (4A), jr. 

A left-handed combo guard led Graham-Kapowsin in scoring as it mounted a run the the 4A state quarterfinals that included an elimination game district win over Camas and a regional upset of Glacier Peak. Averaged 16 points (team-high), five rebounds and three assists per game and formed an athletic, strong two-way backcourt with senior guard Joshua Wood.

Myles Daymon, Rainier Beach (3A), jr.

Smooth left-handed guard was a key contributor in Beach's hard-nosed defensive efforts. Daymon can carry the scoring torch on a given night and his methodical, yet fierce style shined on the Vikings' run to the 3A state title game.

Tristan Fridmodt, Columbia-Burbank (2B), fr.

The Coyotes had a solid core, then 6-4 guard Tristan Frimodt's put together a Central Washington 2B League MVP season as a freshman. The strong-bodied guard scored on all three levels and helped Burbank to a league title, district title and 2B state appearance. 

Michael Foust, Kelso (3A), sr.

Standout guard led Kelso to its second consecutive 3A Greater St. Helens League title, including a seven 3-pointer, 31-point game and 35 on the road at Mountain View. On the Hilanders' run to the 3A regional round, the 3A GSHL MVP delivered in key moments, averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game and shooting 40 percent from 3. Season ended in an OT regional loss to Mountlake Terrace.

Jazen Guillory, Ferndale (3A), sr.

The 6-3 combo guard helped fuel a remarkable turnaround, as the Golden Eagles went from a 1-7 start to winning 10 of the next 15 games, grabbing a 3A regional berth. Averaged 13 points, eight assists and five rebounds, including a triple-double (16 points, 10 assists, 10 boards) against Blaine.

Jamari Jackson, Franklin (3A), sr.

Junior left-handed combo guard helped steer the ship at Franklin (7-11), averaging 15 points, three assists and 1.5 steals per game. Played well (eight points) in the inaugural invite-only WIBCA Futures Game. “He’s shooting the ball well and it’s not just 3s," Franklin coach Craig Jackson said. Jamari Jackson hit 36 straight pull-up jumpers to win a team shooting drill.

Diego Jaques, Walla Walla (3A), sr.

A reliable outside shooter as an underclassman, the 6-foot-2 senior shouldered a bigger role as a scorer and leader for the Blue Devils. The first team all-Mid Columbia Conference selection finished as the MCC's second leading scorer (22 points per game) and surpassed 1,000 career points for WaHi (11-12).

Josiah" Jo Jo" Johnson, Central Kitsap (3A), jr.

The 6-4 junior can set up your offense and do a lot more – including take over a game when needed. A starter since he was a freshman, Johnson earned first team all 3A South Sound Conference honors, and carried the Cougars in scoring. In a game against Klahowya in December, he had 44 points and 22 rebounds. 

Koren Johnson, Garfield (3A), sr.

Top-rated prospect in the state, Washington signee was an all-state selection and 3A state champion as a sophomore helped lead the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season and 3. The 6-foot-3 guard and Metro League MVP has an elite handle and scoring ability, averaging 18.3 points, six assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. 

Kaden Hansen, Auburn (3A), sr.

One of the state's top 3-point shooters averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 51 percent from deep. The Saint Martin's commit and 3A/4A NPSL first team selection shot 51 percent from deep and had a game-high 19 points in the 3A state title and 17 in a win over Class 7A GHSA state champ Norcross (Ga.) in the State Champions Invitational semifinals.

Justice Hart, Yakama Tribal (1B), sr.

SBLive's 1B state player of the year put up behemoth performances all year, averaging 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game. 

Trevor Hennig, Mount Si (4A), soph.

Breakout sophomore season drew the attention of Division I programs. The 6-4 guard led the Wildcats, No. 1 and undefeated the entire regular season, in scoring with 16.9 points per game. His season ended ahead of the regional round due to injury.

Cesar Hernandez, Davis (4A), fr.

Head coach Eli Jaurez lauded the maturity, poise and raw talent of his standout freshman guard Hernandez, the first team all-4A CBBN guard who led the Pirates in school en route to a 4A CBBN title and 4A state tournament appearance. 

Landon Kaut, Centralia (2A), sr.

Led the Evergreen Conference in scoring at 23.8 points per game, which included a 38-point outing (career-high). 

Grant Kepley, Sehome (2A), jr.

First team all-NWAC (1A/2A/3A) selection and leading scorer on a talented Sehome team that finished second place in the Northwest Conference and made the 2A state tournament. 

Cinque Maxwell, Curtis (4A), jr.

The 6-foot-1 playmaker's skillset and measurements slot him as an off-ball guard, but for undersized 4A state champion Curtis, he was ostensibly the Vikings' "five," defending the top bigs in 4A. Made teams pay as a spot-up shooter, too, averaging a team second-best 14 points per game.

Jordan Medcalf, Lynden (2A), sr. 

Two-time Northwest Conference MVP and Whitworth commit led the Lions to a 2A state championship. The 6-5 guard was a two-way leader, captain and was willing to defer to teammates, namely breakout sophomore forward Anthony Canales. 

Riley Mesplie, Toppenish (1A), sr.

Went from a 12 point per game scorer as a junior to a 18.6 points (team-high) and six rebounds per game, stepping up when slashing forward Jason Grant went down with an injury in December. First team SBLive 1A all-state selection helped the Wildcats to a 21-4 record, a 1A SCAC title, district title and 1A state semifinal appearance.

Jamil Miller, Gonzaga Prep (4A), jr.

The 6-6 guard has next-level athleticism and skill, and took another step toward putting it together in a new system. After winning 2A Greater Spokane League MVP as a sophomore, the bouncy guard, who plays for Seattle Rotary, was named second team all-Greater Spokane League and helped the Bulldogs reach the 4A state playoffs after a 4-6 start by hitting a half court game-winner to beat Kamiakin in the district title.

Owen Moriarty, O’Dea (3A), sr.

Strong two-way guard helped the Fighting Irish to a 20-8 record and 3A state tournament appearance, averaging 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Voted second team all-Metro League by coaches.

Ben Nyquist, Lake Washington (3A), sr.

He's always been a good shooter. This year, the 6-4 senior showed how well he can get to the rim and shoot off the dribble. Averaged around 27 points per game in the regular season, including a 43-point game against Interlake, to lead the Kangs to their first league title in 10 years.

Dirk Plakinger, W.F. West (2A), sr.

The 6-4 guard overwhelmed teams with his bounce and fiery scoring ability, averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 boards, 3.5 assists and more than a block and steal per game. he's become a methodical scorer, learning how to probe and attack a defense's weak points. Was named the Centralia Chronicle's co-All Area MVP.

Kobe Parlin, Mark Morris (2A), jr. 

Led the Monarchs in scoring (18.4 points per game) and due the team being undersized, effectively guarding players bigger than him. A three year starter, Parlin was the team's point guard as a freshman. He moved off the ball and the smooth lefty flourished into a first team all-2A Greater St. Helens League selection. 

Tyce Paulsen, Curtis (4A), jr.

The 6-5 shooting guard caught the attention of Pac-12 schools as a sophomore, and played a key role in a title run as a junior, averaging 13.5 points per game. Had the sequence of the entire 3A/4A state tournaments, when he stole a loose ball around mid-court and converted a go-ahead layup in overtime of the 4A state championship.

Kofi Peyton, Chief Sealth (3A), soph.

Breakout sophomore season landed the 6-foot-4 guard on the all-Metro League third team, as voted by coaches. Averaged 18 points, four assists and three rebounds per game. Had one standout game after another for Chief Sealth (5-13), highlighted by a seven-3-pointer, 25-point, four-assist performance at Seattle Prep.

Tennessee Rainwater, Davenport (2B), jr.

The most athletic, high-flying player in 2B? Opposing coaches are the first to sing the 6-foot-5 guard's praises. "Get him out in transition and he's really hard to stay in front of," one opposing coach said. SBLive 2B all-state selection has grown into his body, developed an outside shot and averaged around 24 points and seven rebounds per game for the Gorillas, who fell short of the 2B playoffs.

Xavier Santana, Clarkston (2A), soph.

He's among, if not the toughest defensive assignment in the 2A Greater Spokane League and as an underclassmen, a leader of a Bantams team with seven seniors. 

Quincy Scott, Columbia-Burbank (2B), fr.

Left-handed 6-4 guard looks much older than a freshman — both in his physicality and the maturity he plays with. He averaged more than 18 points per game and helped the Coyotes win a district title and make a 2B state tournament appearance.

Tre Seydel, Raymond (2B), sr. 

Raymond's all-time leading scorer capped his multi-year standout run in the Pacific 2B league, guiding the team to a 13-7 record. WIBCA all-state selection recorded a 35-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Nick Strecker, Manson (2B), sr.

The numbers are undeniable. The 6-foot combo guard was among the top scorers in the state, posting 27.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The WIBCA all-state selection shot at an efficient 57.9 percent (38 percent from 3) and finished with nearly 1,500 career points for Mason, which went 10-10 in the Central Washington 2B League.

Zach Swanson, Toutle Lake (2B), soph.

Swanson, who started for the Ducks as an eighth grade, put together his best season yet as a sophomore. The 6-2 guard averaged 26.7 points, 10.7 boards and 4.5 assists per game, and led Toutle Lake through a Central 2B gauntlet to the 2B state quarterfinals.

Nahmier Robinson, Rainier Beach (3A), jr.

The 5-foot-9 guard came into his own as a scorer, averaging a team-high 16 points per game. As a freshman, he helped Beach reach the 3A semifinals and two years later the Vikings made the 3A state finals. 

Justice Taylor, Lakewood (2A), sr.

Also a standout football player signed with Central Washington, the 6-1 Taylor led Lakewood (15-7) to just its second 2A state tournament ini program history, averaging 18 points, six rebounds and four assists per contest. He stepped up in the playoffs, putting together a monstrous 36-point, 11-rebound elimination game win over Burlington-Edison to reach the state tournament.

Dae'Kwon Watson, Auburn (3A) sr.

Invaluable member of Auburn's 3A state championship and national title runner-up season, the 6-1 Watson was a tone-setter on defense, averaging 13.3 points, 4.8 boards and 3.1 steals per game. Voted 3A/4A NPSL defensive MVP.

Isaiah Watts, West Seattle (3A), sr.

Gifted 6-4 combo guard was a three-year standout for West Seattle and took the reins of the offense as a senior. The first team all-Metro League target averaged more than 20 points per game and led the Wildcats to a 12-8 record.

Cole Wagenaar, Sunnyside Christian (1B), jr.

His 6-4 frame and athleticism at the 1B level allowed him to guard every position — often the opposing team's best and most imposing player. And the junior, the youngest of longtime head coach Dean Wagenaar's sons, thrived as a lead guard, leading the team in scoring (16.4 points per game), boards (nine), blocks (two). He stepped up his rebounding to 12 per game in the playoffs, leading Sunnyside to the state semifinals.

Vaughn Weems, Federal Way (4A), jr.

Standout 6-4 guard channelled his next-level athleticism into leading the team in scoring (17.1 points per game), rebounds (10.4) and steals (1.9). First team 4A NPSL selection led the Eagles to a 15-6 record and 4A state tournament appearance.

Mason Williams, O’Dea (3A), jr.

The 6-4 guard thrived in his junior campaign for the Fighting Irish. The second team all-Metro League selection averaged 13.6 points (team-high), 4.4 boards, 2.9 assists (team-high) and 1.6 steals (team-high) per game, helping O'Dea back to the 3A state tournament.