Whatcom Hoops Boys Top 30: #17 Luke VanKooten

In an incredible season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops is ranking the top 30 boys. Each day we’ll feature an amazing player in our county and count down until we get to #1. So join us daily as we honor the best of the best.

#17

Luke VanKooten, senior, Lynden Christian

WHY HE’S #17: One of the league’s most improved players, the 6-foot-5 forward went from being a solid starter to a dependable and dangerous 3-point weapon, whose best shooting coincided with the Lyncs’ run to the Class 1A state title game. He finished the season averaging almost 11 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 3 assists, and more than 5 rebounds a game, all of which earned him a spot in the Whatcom County Seniors Classic.

COACH TIM ZYLSTRA: “Luke really worked hard at his game. He got more confident as the season went on and became one of the best big-guy shooters besides (Lynden’s Brant) Heppner who could stretch the floor.”

NOTE: Thank you to Tyler Anderson and WhatcomPreps.com for season stats.

Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30

#18: Jack Stapleton, Lynden

#19: Kincade VanHouten, Bellingham

#20: Xavier Kelley, Sehome

#21: Hunter Wills, Ferndale

#22: Deandre James, Lummi Nation

#23: Spencer Adams, Lynden

#24: Kaden Veldman, Lynden Christian

#25: Gunnar Dykstra, Lynden Christian

#26: James Hedahl, Meridian

#27: Cory Olney, Nooksack Valley

#28: Luke Smith, Mount Baker

#29: Brady Ackerman, Nooksack Valley

#30: Carter Hill, Mount Baker

Honorable mentions

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Jim Carberry of Whatcom Hoops

Author
Jim Carberry is a former Bellingham Herald sports editor and author of several books on Whatcom County prep basketball. Follow him on Twitter @whatcomhoops and visit the Whatcom Hoops Facebook page.