Updating The Prep Hoops Colorado Player Of The Year Race
As we reach the halfway point in the 2016-17 Colorado high school basketball season, it’s time to take stock of the Prep Hoops Colorado Player of the Year race. Some of the players in the categories below we expected to…
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Continue ReadingAs we reach the halfway point in the 2016-17 Colorado high school basketball season, it’s time to take stock of the Prep Hoops Colorado Player of the Year race.
Some of the players in the categories below we expected to be here at this point. Others have made surprise splashes on the big stage.
Of course, these things are all subject to change. Not being on the list doesn’t mean a player can reach it by the end of the season. Here’s how we handicap the race at this point:
Frontrunners
D’Shawn Schwartz, 6-6 senior, Sand Creek
The Colorado commit has said he only cares about leading the Scorpions to a state title in his final season, and he’s putting up some big numbers along the way. Schwartz is averaging 26.9 points and 10.5 rebounds for 11-1 Sand Creek. He’s been simply dominant.
Jon’il Fugett, 5-11 junior, George Washington
The Patriots have lost only one game in Colorado behind a point guard who is
averaging 17.4 points and 3.6 assists per game while also performing as an elite perimeter defender. His two-way play at such a crucial position makes him a prime candidate.
Corey Seng, 6-4 senior, ThunderRidge
Seng was an oversight in our POY nominee profiles, but his game has been impossible to ignore. The Grizzlies are yet to lose to an in-state school, and Seng’s 23.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and stellar defense have led the way. He also has a game-winning shot on his resume.
Jalen Sanders, 6-5 senior, Valor Christian
We’ve recently chronicled the numerous ways Sanders is lifting Valor, putting his hands in nearly every aspect of the game. Like all the players on this list, he’s been a true two-way force for a team with championship aspirations.
Sam Masten, 6-2 junior, Rock Canyon
The crafty left-hander continues to elevate his game. Rock Canyon could easily be undefeated, with both of its losses coming by one possession. Masten has averaged 23 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, leading the way for the Jags on both ends of the court.
Colbey Ross, 6-2 senior, Eaglecrest
As the defending Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year, Ross entered the season with a big target on his back. But it certainly hasn’t slowed him down. Ross has done an excellent job facilitating and, of course, scoring while also upping his defensive intensity. As a result, the Raptors once again look the part of a state title contender. Ross is averaging 19.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 steals per game.
Nipping At Their Heels
Braxton Bertolette, 6-2 senior, Fossil Ridge
Tanner Ervin, 5-11 senior, Resurrection Christian
Brevin Brimble, 6-0 senior, Doherty
Michael Ward, 6-2 senior, Mead
CJ Jennings, 6-2 senior, Sierra
Kenny Foster, 6-4 sophomore, Smoky Hill
LeChaun Duhart, 5-11 senior, Grandview
Gage Prim, 6-7 senior, Grandview
Justin Engesser, 6-6 senior, Colorado Springs Christian
Hunter Maldonado, 6-5 senior, Vista Ridge
Adam Thistlewood, 6-5 junior, Golden
Joe Miks, 6-1 senior, Chatfield