Washington’s best high school girls basketball players: Top 11 ball-handlers

From Bethel's Esmeralda Morales to Cashmere's Hailey Van Lith, there are dozens of outstanding ball-handlers in Washington high school girls basketball. With

From Bethel's Esmeralda Morales to Cashmere's Hailey Van Lith, there are dozens of outstanding ball-handlers in Washington high school girls basketball.

With the 2019-2020 season finished, Scorebook Live is taking a look at the Top 11 ball-handlers in the state, regardless of classification.

We polled 20 coaches from around the state on their thoughts on players in their league and district.

Some of the best players in the state could obviously be listed under a number of categories, but we tried to place them on the one list that best fits their skill sets (and reputation).

The rankings ultimately were compiled by SB Live basketball analyst Freddie Rehkow and SB Live Washington reporter Todd Milles.

The players are listed in alphabetical order:

TOP 11 BALL-HANDLERS

Daylani Ballena, Kentridge, Senior

There's a reason why Southern Utah went after her hard - the 4A NPSL first-team point guard can zig-zag through any defense, and quickly

Madisyn Clark, Moses Lake, Senior

The reigning 4A CBBN player of the year has a knack of setting up a defender in a variety of creative ways, especially going behind the back.

Esmeralda Morales, Bethel, Junior

Watching her effortlessly skip through defenders and make pinpoint passes is the biggest reason why she is one of the most exciting juniors in the state.

Mason Oberg, Union, Senior

Everyone in Southwest Washington knows Oberg is a big-time shooter, but she does a lot to set it up with a great hesitation move to create space.

Raigan Reed, Lake Stevens, Senior

Also known for her scoring prowess, this 4A Wesco MVP (and Boise State commit) has a sick crossover move that makes defenders look foolish.

Malia Samuels, Eastside Catholic, Freshman

Samuels just does things with the basketball only seasoned veterans have mastered, especially an ability to fluidly change pace and direction.

Veronica Sheffey, Woodinville, Sophomore

The all-KingCo 4A first-teamer is everything you'd want in a point guard - court awareness, either-hand dribbling skill and deft passing. Rising fast.

Rosa Smith, Lake Washington, Sophomore

Once she gets by you, Smith has an extra gear to leave you in the dust - and really made a name for herself with strong performances in the playoffs.

Callie Stevens, Bellarmine Prep, Senior

If you've ever seen her palm a basketball, look up from backcourt and fire a one-handed fastball to a teammate in stride, you'd surely be impressed.

Hailey Van Lith, Cashmere, Senior

When you're the state's top player, you can be on any of these lists. The fact she learned to fend off all defenses (junk or not) earmarks her here.

Ashlynn Wallace, Clarkston, Senior

The one thing that stands out about Wallace is her decisiveness. Once she sees a passing lane, near or far, she delivers in a split second.

Worth mentioning: Brinley Hagemeier, Ellensburg, sr.; Aniyah Heavens, Pasco, so.; Mack Konig, Jackson, so.; Hailey Marlow, West Valley of Spokane, sr.; Emily Mellema, Lynden Christian, jr.; Joelnell Momberg, Mead, sr.; Kazz Parks, Skyview, sr.; Megan River, Black Hills, sr.; Lucy Young, Inglemoor, sr.; Andie Zylak, Lewis and Clark, jr.