In another amazing season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops is ranking the top 30 boys. Each day we’ll feature an outstanding player in our county and count down until we get to #1. So join us daily as we honor the best of the best.
#9
Kaden Veldman, junior, Lynden Christian
WHY HE’S #9: A key player for the Class 1A state champs, the 6-foot-4 forward was a force in the paint on defense and a relentless rebounding machine. What set him apart from other big men was his ability to finish whether at the hoop or even from the 3-point line especially in big games. He averaged almost 13 points on 57 percent shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals a game and was named the state tournament MVP by Eli Sports Network, second team all-state tournament by the media, and second team all-Northwest Conference.
COACH TIM ZYLSTRA: “He’s a special kid who worked hard for us. He tends to get all the rebounds, runs the court, and does all the dirty work. Sometimes he doesn’t get all the accolades, but he’s a really good player. Without him in the lineup sometimes we’d struggle; when he’s in there, he does a lot of good things for us. He’s a great kid and fun to be around.”
NOTE: Thank you to the coaches and to Tyler Anderson of WhatcomPreps.com for season stats.
Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30
#13: Kell Reardon, Mount Baker
#14: Dyson Edwards, Lummi Nation
#15: Owen Wichers, Nooksack Valley
#17: Pierce Brzozowski, Meridian
#18: Orion Granberg-Kiddle, Squalicum
#19: Boyce Robertson, Lynden Christian
#21: Calvin Van Hofwegen, Bellingham
#22: Cole Coppinger, Nooksack Valley
#23: Hunter Calloway, Squalicum
#25: Jayden Anderson, Nooksack Valley
#30: Barrett Johnson, Bellingham
You can support our student-athletes, teams, and schools by advertising your business on Whatcom Hoops. Click on WH Sponsor to learn more and sign up for the 2026-27 season.
