Colorado 2016 Best Available: Shooting/Combo Guards, Pt. 2
On Thursday, we continued our “Best Available” series with the first of a two-part look at the top unsigned shooting/combo guards in the 2016 class. Today we are looking at the second half of that list, with a number of…
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Continue ReadingOn Thursday, we continued our “Best Available” series with the first of a two-part look at the top unsigned shooting/combo guards in the 2016 class.
Today we are looking at the second half of that list, with a number of players who could make impacts for small-college programs.
Maleek Johnson, 6-1, Pueblo South
Johnson has a creative knack for getting the ball in the basket. He’s quick and active in transition and plays without hesitation when attacking the rim. He leads the 20-2 Colts at 17.6 points per game and has made 46 3-point field goals.
Tyler Converse, 6-2, Legacy
Converse has always had an ability to score the ball, and he’s doing it again at 15.7 points per game. But he has also made key strides as a distributor (3.7 assists), and he’s learning to set up plays for others when he’s not scoring. Converse has a solid frame, and his time with the Colorado Titans last summer helped him hone his defensive skills. He would bring an intriguing set of skills to a small-college program.
Tyler McFarland, 6-3, Dakota Ridge
McFarland has a great left-handed stroke from long range, with a good ability to catch-and-shoot in transition and put it up quick off of screens. He’s got a good long step to the basket and displays good toughness on the glass (4.5 rebounds per game). McFarland is averaging 14.5 points per game for the Eagles.
Jake Ellis, 6-4, Castle View
Though the Sabercats have struggled this year, Ellis has grown into a strong all-around player. He’s averaging 15 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He’s a high-academic player who would likely be able to step in and fill any amount of needs for a Division III program.
Tyler Stevenson, 6-2, Overland
After missing the first part of the season with an injured hand, Stevenson has proved a valuable commodity for the defending champion Trailblazers with contributions on both ends of the floor. Stevenson is a strong, aggressive defender who can check multiple guard positions. He contributed 11 points, four rebounds and two steals for Overland in its big win over Cherokee Trail on Wednesday. He appears to be peaking at the perfect time.
Will Haflon, 6-1, Cherry Creek
The sharpshooting guard recently told Prep Hoops Colorado that there is a good chance he will become a preferred walk-on at Drake University but is still open to other potential opportunities. Haflon has great elevation and release on his jump shot and is one of the state’s very best marksmen from 3-point range. But his toughness and steadiness with the ball in his hands allows him to get to the basket in other ways as well.
Colton McLean, 6-3, Windsor
McLean was the fourth-leading scorer in the competitive Class 4A Tri-Valley League this season, averaging 14.4 points per game while leading the Wizards to the league title. He’s shooting 41 percent from 3-point range (53-of-120) and pulling down five rebounds per game.
Kolton Bachman, 6-1, Longmont
Bachman has been a strong contributor for a Longmont team that is 22-1 and looking like team ready to make a second straight run the Class 4A title game. His 12.8 points per game are second on the team behind Boise State-bound Justinian Jessup, and he leads the squad at 5.5 rebounds per game.
Noah Beck, 6-4, Rock Canyon
A high-academic player, Beck would be a perfect fit at the Division III level, with a great ability to shoot from long range. Great classroom smarts don’t always translate onto the court, but Beck has a great hoops IQ and always seems to be around the ball to make a positive play for his team. Handles it well under pressure and competes on the defensive end.