Lapwai's Kase Wynott Enters Transfer Portal After Two Seasons at Washington State
High School Scoring Record Holder Seeks New Home
Kase Wynott, the legendary Lapwai High School basketball star who set Idaho's all-time high school boys basketball scoring record with 2,962 points, is entering the transfer portal after two seasons with Washington State University. The 6-foot-6 guard's decision marks a significant shift for one of the Palouse region's most decorated prep athletes in recent memory.
Wynott's high school resume was nearly perfect. The Lapwai standout reached the state championship game all four years, winning three titles, and earned Idaho's Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2024 before committing to the Cougars. His scoring prowess seemed destined to translate seamlessly to the college level, but injuries have derailed his Washington State career since arriving in Pullman.
Injuries Limit Impact at Washington State
The talented guard has appeared in just 29 games across two seasons for the Cougars, averaging 12.7 minutes per game. This past season proved particularly challenging, as a hip injury limited Wynott to just five appearances. When healthy, he showed flashes of his prep brilliance, shooting 35.8 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from three-point range, but inconsistent playing time and nagging injuries prevented him from establishing himself in coach Kyle Smith's rotation.
Wynott is not alone in his decision to explore other opportunities. Sophomore forward Eemeli Yalaho, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Texas Tech, is also entering the portal after averaging 10.1 points per game through 32 games with the Cougars. Yalaho, who hails from Jyväskylä, Finland, shot 40 percent from three-point land but struggled with turnovers, averaging 1.75 per game.
Portal Opens for Cougar and Vandal Programs
The departures come as the college basketball transfer portal officially opens on April 6. Meanwhile, across the eight miles separating Pullman from Moscow, the University of Idaho is also dealing with roster turnover following their program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 36 years. Idaho seniors Jack Payne, a 6-foot-6 wing from Boise, and guard Trevon Blassingame are both entering the portal, with Blassingame announcing his decision on social media Monday.
Wynott's journey from Lapwai's three-time state champion to searching for a fresh start illustrates the unpredictability of college athletics. Despite his incredible high school accomplishments, injuries and opportunity have conspired against the Lapwai alum in Pullman. The transfer portal now offers Wynott a chance to reignite his college career elsewhere and prove he remains one of Washington's most talented basketball prospects.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.