In an incredible season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops wraps up its ranking of the top 30 boys. Each day we featured an amazing player in our county, and today we finish by honoring the best of the best.
#1
Brant Heppner, senior, Lynden
WHY HE’S #1: The 6-foot-6 forward dominated every game he played with his deadly 3-point shot, mid-range marksmanship, or power moves at the rim, averaging nearly 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block while shooting 51 percent from the field and 82 percent from the line. For leading the inexperienced Lions to an undefeated regular season, Northwest Conference title, and Class 2A No.1 ranking, he was the WIBCA 2A player of the year and the Northwest Conference player of the year, and was named to the SB Live 2A all-state first team, the 2A all-state tournament first team, the Tacoma News Tribune all-state second team (for all classifications), the WIBCA all-state seniors game, and the Whatcom County Seniors Classic. He leaves Lynden with an unparalleled career resume, including fourth all-time in scoring, second in 3-pointers, first in defensive rebounds, fourth in total rebounds, 13th in assists, fourth in blocked shots, and fourth in games played — not to mention being one of only two boys in Whatcom basketball history to be part of three state championship teams.
COACH BRIAN ROPER: “Brant was not only impactful on the court with points, rebounds, and assists, but also as a leader and tone setter for our team every day at practice. The 2A state player of the year and the NWC MVP awards are directly linked to his work ethic in the gym and in the weight room.”
NOTE: Thank you to Tyler Anderson and WhatcomPreps.com for season stats.
Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30
#2: Gannon Dykstra, Lynden Christian
#3: Jerome Toby Jr., Lummi Nation
#6: Caden Heutink, Nooksack Valley
#8: Dawson Hintz, Lynden Christian
#10: Jonah Brillowsky, Ferndale
#12: Hunter Calloway, Squalicum
#13: Nolan Wright, Sehome
#15: Darius Gilstrap, Mount Baker
#16: Josiah Weeda, Blaine
#17: Luke VanKooten, Lynden Christian
#19: Kincade VanHouten, Bellingham
#22: Deandre James, Lummi Nation
#24: Kaden Veldman, Lynden Christian
#25: Gunnar Dykstra, Lynden Christian
#27: Cory Olney, Nooksack Valley
#29: Brady Ackerman, Nooksack Valley
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