Stock Risers in July

A number of Colorado prospects have bolstered their stock in a big way in July. Players like Dalven Brushier and Braxton Bertolette have helped spark deep tournament runs, while others, like Danny Garrick, have drawn attention for individual excellence in all-star showcases. Here’s a list of 15 of the top stock risers from the Centennial State this month: Jake Belknapp:  The athletic Chaos forward, standing 6-foot-8, earned his first Division I offer this month from Northern Colorado. More could be on the way with his large frame and, much like another Chaos big, Clay Verk, his effort and motor at both ends. Belknapp has been one of the best players for a successful 16’s Elite team and makes a case as the premier big man in Colorado for the 2017 class. Malik Salley:  Salley, according to his coach, JJ Brimble, probably played his best tournament ever for the Colorado Miners at the Great American Shootout. He’s not the tallest 2017 forward at 6-foot-3, but he’s been extremely active with his combination of shot-making, defense, and jumping ability. Maleek Johnson:  The Colorado Chaos guard was named an MVP of the Colorado Invitational Camp after averaging 16 points per game during the two-day event. He’s a talented scorer who can slash and spot up. Johnson is also speedy and rangy on the perimeter and projects as a solid Division II prospect in the 2016 class. Will Wittman:  The 2016 B&B guard has done a little of everything for his team this month, even while battling migraines at the Best of Summer Tournament in Anaheim. The versatile 2016 wing has scored well, distributed, and boarded. He even drained 7-of-7 three-pointers in the first half of game one at the Las Vegas Classic this week and finished with 25 points. Matthew Johnson:  Johnson has excelled at point guard for Colorado Connect. Ranked No. 10 on the Prep Hoops Colorado list of best under 6-foot players, the 2017 prospect is a very good ball-handler who can create. Clay Verk:  The ThunderRidge big man, standing 6-foot-8, is looking more and more like a Division I possibility in the 2016 class. He has a thick frame, one of the best motors in the state, and he’s started to show a knack for hitting outside shots. Verk was outstanding for the Colorado Chaos at the Great American Shootout, especially on the glass. Braxton Bertolette:  The Colorado Hawk was magnificent at the Las Vegas Live tourney with multiple 20 and 30-point games. The 2017 guard is savvy with his handle and is very consistent shooting the ball with his effortless stroke and excellent range. He is simply an elite shooter. Tyrei Randall:  On a Hawks 17U squad with a bountiful amount of Division I prospects, Randall has been one of the team’s top players with a number of solid scoring performances. He’s silky on the wing and can really shoot the ball and defend.  Justinian Jessup:  The Colorado Titan wing wasn’t exactly under-the-radar before July, but he’s continued to play at a high level and got two more Division I offers this month from Davidson and Northern Iowa. Jessup, a 2016 talent, will have numerous college options thanks to a complete game and rangy 6-foot-5 body. Jon’il Fugett:  The younger of the Fugett’s, the best brother tandem in Colorado, Jon'il earned a spot in the top-40 game for all classes at the Elite 100 camp in California. He’s drawn rave reviews in July for his tenacity on defense and his speed. A 2018 prospect, Fugett is electric with the ball in his hands. Calvin Fugett:  The lightning fast 2017 guard just received his first Division I offer from the University of Montana and for good reason after a solid performance at Las Vegas Live in helping lead the Hawks to a runner-up finish in the 16U division. He scored 15 points and dished out several assists in the semifinals and, as usual, has been defending at a high level. Kobi Betts:  Betts shined at the Colorado Invitational and was named one of the camp’s Most Valuable Players. The 2016 guard was a catalyst for Billups at the Chicago Summer Jam. He also picked up his first Division I offer from Air Force in June. He’s become more coveted as his explosive athleticism has combined with skill that has become more seasoned. Danny Garrick:  During the Elite 100 camp in California, the 6-foot-6 Next Level wing earned his spot in the top-20 all-star game. Then, he put on a show with 26 points and seven three-pointers. The 2016 prospect got attention on Rivals after his performance and interest from Washington State, Nevada, and BYU. Garrick is dynamic athletically, as well. Jamison Washington:  Returning from a broken hip that sidelined him for three months, the 2017 guard hasn’t missed a beat in July with Chaos. He has great speed and is highly effective in a pace-and-space game with his ability to knock down outside shots. Washington has also been dangerous in transition with a skill for finding his teammates. Dalven Brushier:  The 2016 Colorado Force guard earned the first annual player of the week award by Prep Hoops Colorado after helping to lead his team to a national title at the Adidas Invite in Indianapolis. He’s been a leader on the court, picking and choosing when to score or facilitate, and been a reliable go-to option throughout the month. Brushier has an offer from Division II Adams State and interest from Weber State.