Brayden Pedroza Herald's boys' athlete of the week

Brayden Pedroza has impressed La Conner High School basketball fans in the season's first couple weeks with his ability to defend, pass and score.

They aren't alone.

Pedroza has made an impression with his stellar play throughout the county.

The junior guard was named Skagit Valley Herald Boys' Athlete of the Week after having scored in double digits in La Conner's first three contests.

Pedroza scored 23 points against Oak Harbor, 18 opposite Sedro-Woolley and a game-high 25 in the dramatic 62-58 comeback win over Lummi Nation Dec. 2 at Landy James Gym.

La Conner coach Lance Lopez said Pedroza is more than a scorer. He excels at defending passing lanes and finding open teammates in transition, he said.

"Brayden has been playing very well," Lopez told the Weekly News Thursday. "He has a motor that just doesn't quit."

The team split its first four games, gaining a 65-44 triumph at Orcas Island last Wednesday. That triumph reversed a prior trend in the long-running series that had seen the Vikings prevail in seven of the nine most recent meetings.

Orcas, which posted a 23-11 mark a year ago, fell to 1-2 with its loss to La Conner.

"We're going to keep working and try to keep getting better every day," Lopez said.

Pedroza has personified a Braves work ethic that has defined La Conner in the early stages of the campaign.

"Brayden has been working really hard this year and has been getting points in our offense," Lopez told the Herald. "He has been creating opportunities by deflecting passes. He also just keeps playing."