Colorado 5A Tournament Stock Risers To Know For Spring
As soon as Eaglecrest lifted the last state championship trophy nine days ago, focus immediately shifted forward to the spring AAU season.
Prep Hoops Colorado is thrilled to bring extensive coverage of the club scene throughout the spring, including wall-to-wall coverage during the top tournament you’ll find out West the weekend before the live period: The Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off.
To begin that coverage, today we are looking at players who raised their stock during the 5A Tournament earlier this month and have become names to watch for schools this spring:
Tray Pierce, 6-8 2018 forward, George Washington
The long and athletic Pierce was a breakout star during the tournament and played a huge role in George Washington reaching the state title game. Continuing to gain more confidence with each time he stepped on the floor, Pierce became a dependable rim protector this season, allowing the team’s talented guards to squeeze ball-handlers on the perimeter. Pierce made a strong rise as an offensive force, as well. He scored 17 points in the semifinals against ThunderRidge by attacking the offensive glass and finishing putbacks. He’s also got nice touch on a midrange jumper. As Pierce joins Billups Elite on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit, expect him to demand Division I attention.
Tristan Pratt, 6-5 2019 forward, Vista Ridge
Pratt is a hidden gem in the 2019 class, demonstrating during the first two rounds of the tournament that his size, strength and athleticism can cause problems. Pratt has a strong motor and loves to cause headaches as a defender. While he makes his hay on the interior, he’s got a nice touch that extends beyond the 3-point line. We’re not yet sure where Pratt is playing this spring, but we’ll update this once we know. High-level D-IIs should get to know the name.
Ronnie DeGray III, 6-6 2019 forward, Chaparral
DeGray scored a combined 38 points on 15-of-25 shooting (60 percent) and grabbed 12 rebounds during Chaparral’s two games in the tournament. Already with an offer in hand from the University of Denver, DeGray’s efficient and effective play in the tournament was another highlight in what was an impressive sophomore senior season. DeGray could reach as tall as 6-8 and 6-9 and has the perimeter skills to go with that frame. He’s sure to turn heads this spring with Billups Elite.
Nick Janedis, 6-6 2018 forward, Rock Canyon
Janedis had a moment most players could ever dream of in the Elite Eight, when his tip-in at the buzzer lifted Rock Canyon over Grandview and made the rounds on shows like “SportsCenter.” Janedis was in the right place at the right time because that’s the kind of player he was for Rock Canyon this season. He won’t fill it up as a scorer, but he is constantly making the little glue plays a winning team needs. Janedis will be playing for the Colorado Cardinals this season and is a player who could fit in well with the right D-III/NAIA type program.
Dawson Carper, 6-11 2018 center, Rampart
Carper, who dealt with injuries the first two years of his career, was healthy as a junior and it showed. He averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game for a team that won 18 games. He averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds in two playoff games. He’s improved his footwork and his conditioning and will have a chance to show his improved game on the Under Armour circuit this spring with Oklahoma Run PWP.
Christian Speller, 6-3 2020 forward, Rangeview
Speller was among one of the state’s more productive freshman this season. He averaged 6.2 points (fourth on the team) and 4.9 rebounds (second) in his first high school season. Speller has a good streak of toughness and showed it in his unwillingness to back down against tough competition. He’s likely to start jumping onto the radar of teams as he plays with the Colorado Miners this spring.