2A boys basketball: Central Washington Athletic Conference overview, predictions, top players

We're taking an inside look at the top teams, best players, emerging X-factors and projected finish for each Class 2A boys basketball league around the state of

We're taking an inside look at the top teams, best players, emerging X-factors and projected finish for each Class 2A boys basketball league around the state of Washington.

• 2A OVERVIEWS: CWAC | EVERGREEN | GNL | GSHL | NORTHWEST |OLYMPIC | SPSL

Here’s a look at the Class 2A Central Washington Athletic Conference:

TOP TEAM

Toppenish is without a blemish through the first half of league play in a CWAC that Ephrata coach Brandon Evanson says “has 8-to-10 teams that can beat any other team,” and picked up a win at the buzzer against 1A power Zillah. The Wildcats don’t have a player taller than 6-foot-1, but a roster full of tough, athletic players, led by 6-foot guard Isaac Perez, makes up for it. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stop if you’re heard this before: a Pepper is leading Selah’s basketball team. This year it’s Noah Pepper, and the 6-foot-4 junior guard/forward is having a league-MVP-caliber season, most recently exemplified in his 36-point, 21-rebound game in a win over Quincy.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR

The Ephrata Tigers are dangerous, in part because a smattering of players can score the ball. Five players have led the team in scoring this season. Among others, senior Lakota Lang is a gifted floor general, 6-foot-6 Boe Hesse provides a low post presence and Jayce Moore can shoot from deep. 

PREDICTED LEAGUE ORDER OF FINISH

1. Toppenish

2. Selah

3. Ephrata

4. Prosser

5. Grandview

6. East Valley (Yakima)

7. Ellensburg

8. Othello

9. Wapato

10. Quincy