2017 Colorado Player Rankings: Biggest Risers Outside Top 50
In the second installment of our series looking at the biggest risers in the new Prep Hoops Colorado 2017 Player Rankings, we delve into the players outside the top 50 who made big leaps. You can read our first part…
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Continue ReadingIn the second installment of our series looking at the biggest risers in the new Prep Hoops Colorado 2017 Player Rankings, we delve into the players outside the top 50 who made big leaps.
You can read our first part HERE.
Here’s a look at who has been climbing since we last updated our rankings:
Will Willis, 6-5 forward, Lutheran
Old Ranking: No. 59
New Ranking: No. 53
Why He Jumped: Willis, who is heading to Division II Western State, has grown his overall game while leading a Lutheran team with 3A title aspirations. We got several chances to see him this summer while playing with Denver Elite and were impressed with the way he handled the ball and shot from mid-range. As he continues to improve his athleticism, his skill gives him a chance to make an impact at the next level.
Reginald Vaughn, 6-1 guard, Pueblo Centennial
Old Ranking: None.
New Ranking: No. 55
Why He Jumped: The guard from southern Colorado has been one of the state’s most consistent scorers this season. He’s averaging 22.6 points per game, nearly doubling his output from a season ago. He’s fresh off a career-high 38-point game in a win over rival Pueblo South last week. Vaughn is a streaky outside shooter who can get hot, but he’s most effective with his quick first step to the basket.
Connor Nelson (pictured above), 6-5 guard, Denver South
Old Ranking: No. 65
New Ranking: No. 58
Why He Jumped: Nelson is a versatile player who rebounded from injury during the summer to put together what has been a strong senior season. Nelson can be really dangerous from behind the 3-point line, able to shoot off the catch and in transition. But his best value comes from his size on the perimeter, where he has the ability to rebound, guard well on the outside and score at all three levels. Nelson is planning to attend a prep school in Las Vegas next season, but he should be on the radar of small-college programs.
Lukas Maly, 5-11 guard, Arvada West
Old Ranking: None.
New Ranking: No. 61
Why He Jumped: Maly has the look of the perfect fit for an NAIA program with his ability to shoot the lights out of the ball and play both point guard and off-guard. He defends well for his size and can be a volume scorer without sacrificing efficiency because he’s a consistent shooter, handles it well and has good court awareness.
CJ Olson, 6-3 guard, D’Evelyn
Old Ranking: None.
New Ranking: No. 66
Why He Jumped: Olson is averaging 15 points a game for one of the top teams in 4A. He’s a guard who can hit consistently from mid and long range. Doesn’t need a lot of space to fire. He handles the ball well, has good vision and a good feel for the game.
Blake Fields, 6-2 guard, Legend
Old Ranking: No. 90
New Ranking: No. 73
Why He Jumped: With a chance to take on a leadership role after serving as a role player for much of his career, Fields seized the opportunity with fantastic growth in his game. He’s become a strong ball-handler who has demonstrated an ability to create his own offense. Plus, he’s an above-average outside shooter. Has a chance to be a really solid Division III/NAIA-type player.
Roy Grigsby, 6-9 forward, Monarch
Old Ranking: None.
New Ranking: No. 74
Why He Jumped: Grigsby, among the state’s tallest players, seems to have become more comfortable in his frame. He’s blossomed under first-year coach Josh Brenning, averaging 15 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. When we saw Grigsby play during