4A boys basketball: Columbia Basin Big 9 midseason 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 4A 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 4A boys basketball league around the state of Washington.

• 4A OVERVIEWS: KINGCO | GSHL | MCC | SOUTH SOUND | NORTH SOUND | BIG 9

Here is a look at the 4A Columbia Basin Big 9:

TOP TEAM

West Valley (Yakima) lost point guard Malachy Caffrey to La Salle (1A), but 6-5 junior wing Logan Kinloch has stepped up as a scorer for the Rams, who have a narrow lead atop the Big 9 standings, and a 13-point win over second place Eastmont.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Kyle Karstetter, Moses Lake: Karstetter is much more than a traditional big man. At 6-foot-7, the Idaho State commit can stretch the floor and has thus far led Moses Lake in scoring. 

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR

Davis returns the league MVP Earl Lee III, and defensive player of the year Jose Reyes. Though the Pirates have been up and down this season, don’t count out their ability to take down anyone on any given night.

PREDICTED LEAGUE ORDER OF FINISH

1. West Valley (Yakima)

2. Eastmont

3. Wenatchee

4. Moses Lake

5. Sunnyside

6. Davis

7. Eisenhower