Colorado 2017 Player Rankings: Biggest Risers
Earlier this week we released our updated player rankings for the 2017 class, a strong group from top to bottom. Below is a look at some of the biggest biggest stock risers from that class. No. 3 Braxton Bertolette, 6-2…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week we released our updated player rankings for the 2017 class, a strong group from top to bottom.
Below is a look at some of the biggest biggest stock risers from that class.
No. 3 Braxton Bertolette, 6-2 guard, Fossil Ridge
Bertolette, previously ranked seventh, has literally shot himself to the top of the list. He is one of the elite shooters west of the Mississippi River, that excellence the result of hours and hours spent honing that craft. He’s also dynamically skilled with the ball, a package that has earned him Division I attention from Pac-12 programs, among others.
No. 8 Elijah Blake, 6-2 guard, Rangeview
Blake leaped up three spots from No. 11 because he has displayed a complete game in the backcourt during Rangeview’s special 19-0 season. Blake has the look of a college player already, with a strong frame and good balance in the way he attacks the paint and pulls up for his jumper. He has strong intangibles and a solid work ethic.
No. 16 LeChaun Duhart, 5-11 guard, Grandview
Duhart has been dynamite in the backcourt for the upstart Wolves, averaging nearly 20 points per game while playing in the unforgiving Centennial League. He’s dropped at least 20 in six of his last eight games. Duhart began the season under the radar but has made a name for himself heading into the spring, where he will no doubt garner plenty of recruiting attention.
No. 25 Matteo Busnardo, 6-1 guard, Mullen
We knew Busnardo, who we previously had ranked in the 60s, had the ability to score the basketball, and he’s certainly done plenty of that this season. But his biggest growth has come on the defense end. If he continues to sell out on that end of the court, he could become a very complete player.
No. 26 Kayle Knuckles, 6-6 forward, Valor Christian
Knuckles, who was under our radar and unranked in the last edition, has been one of the fastest risers in the class. He has only been playing seriously competitive hoops for several years now, but he is already a skilled big who can affect the game in multiple areas, and he has made a big impact for a Valor team that has lost only one game this season.
No. 46 Gage Prim, 6-6 forward, Grandview
Previously unranked, Prim has been a huge inside presence for Grandview. He’s averaging nearly a double-double at 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game
No. 58 Emmanuel Burleson, 6-0 guard, Doherty
Burleson has skied up the list (he was previously in the 90s), because he has demonstrated that he has the ability to be a top-level perimeter defender. That presence has helped the Spartans emerge as a top-10 5A team all season.
No. 73 Alex Sandstrom, 6-6 wing, Mead
Sandstrom was another guy under our radar who has intrigued with his versatility. He runs the floor very well and can be a very strong shooter from 3-point range, and his presence really helps Mead spread the floor, as he forces the bigs guarding him out of the lane. A nice prospect who can seemingly fit into multiple roles.