Kent basketball players named to all league teams

Kent-area high schools were well represented in the 2022-2023 season end awards on the basketball court.

Three schools had players on the first teams in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL). Teriq Hill is one of two Kent-Meridian Royals who were named to all-league teams. On the 4A side, senior Jalon Blackwell from Kentridge was named to the first team.

Three Kent-area girls basketball players were named to the all-defense team. Kentwood’s Orlaan Winston was awarded defensive player of the year in the NPSL. Freshman LaJaya Brown was also named to the all-defensive team.

Kentwood’s young star sophomore Jessica Ajayi was chosen to the 4A first team and named to the all-defensive team. Ajayi had to step up for the Conks this season and she filled the point guard role and excelled at it.

The Coach of the Year Award in the NPSL also will stay in green and black. Coach Jordan Nero took Kentwood to the playoffs and ended the regular season with a 15-7 record.

Kentridge had four players (two boys and two girls) on the second team. As a sophomore, Sydney Esperanza could make a run at the 4A MVP in the years to come. Her teammate Jayla Koewla was also on the second team. On the boys side, seniors Elijah Cain and Alex Conner were recognized for a great season.

Kentwood also had two second-team members. Corey Tita was the lone Conk on the boys second team, while Tia Pam was the only girl on the second team. Sophomore Mason St. Louis was named to the third team.

Kentlake was the only 3A team to have representation on the girls side with sophomore Jordyn Keith on the second team, and junior Lyla Diallo placing on the all-defense team.

Jamari Harris, the lone non-senior on the Kentridge Charger varsity roster, was given 4A NPSL third-team honors. Kent-Meridian’s Joel Remos also made the 3A third team.