First Live Period Review: Colorado Highlights
The first live evaluation period is in the books, and there were reports of a number of impressive performances by Colorado players during the three-day stretch.
Here’s a recap of some of the top performances we’ve gained information about.
Sam Masten, 6-2 2018 guard, Colorado Hawks 17U Nations
Masten averaged 16.8 points and better than three rebounds per game as the Hawks 17U Nations squad played a loaded four-game schedule (1-3) at the Dallas Adidas Gauntlet. Masten shot 50 percent from the field, 38 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
Matthew Ragsdale, 6-1 2019 guard, The Force 16U
Ragsdale, a swing player for 4A state runner-up Lewis-Palmer, is stepping into a lead role for The Force this spring. He exploded for 37 points in a victory over the Wisconsin Playmakers to open play at the Lone Star Invitational. We’ll keep a close eye on this rising guard going forward. Scouting writer Evan Flood said Ragsdale’s performance — which included bunch scoring from inside and out — “had the gym buzzing” on Saturday night.
Ronnie DeGray III, 6-6 2019 forward, Billups Elite 16U
DeGray followed up a solid performance at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off by turning heads for Billups at the Dallas Adidas Gauntlet, helping them to a 2-2 run. By all accounts, DeGray was creating offense in multiple ways. Here is stepping out and knocking down a 3-pointer against the Compton Magic. DeGray probably has a couple inches left to grow. If he’s knocking down that shot as his frame stretches, he’s going to be a real problem to defend at the next level.
Early lead for the 16's over Compton Magic as @Ronnie_DeGray23 continues with hot hand @adidasUprising #DareToBeElite pic.twitter.com/7HjiMjp75v
— CBElite (@CBoundElite) April 23, 2017
Kaison Hammonds, 6-3 2018 guard, Billups Elite 17U
Hammonds opened up with an impressive line of 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Hammonds shot 49 percent overall and 50 percent (6-of-12) from 3-point range during the tournament. This should be a big-time spring and summer for Hammonds, who holds on offer from the University of Denver and has garnered attention from other Division I programs.
Kwane Marble (6-3) and Kenny Foster (6-4), 2019 guards, Colorado Hawks
The Hawks went 4-1 and won the consolation championship at the Dallas Adidas Gauntlet behind this backcourt that has been nothing short of impressive as a duo early this spring. Both players have averaged better than 20 points per game over roughly 10 games, finding a chemistry that has helped that group excel.
Daijon Smith, 6-2 2018 guard, The Force 17U
Smith was hot all weekend from outside, displaying an ability to get his shot off from long range in multiple ways. Smith has proven himself to be one of the more effective scorers in the class in Colorado. He needs to continue to build and strengthen his frame, but he has a high ceiling and should be in for a big spring and summer leading into his senior season at Overland.
Filip Rebraca, 6-7 2017 forward, Colorado Titans
The Serbian transplant may be closer to finding a landing spot as a late signee after a big weekend at the Lone Star Invitational. He was lauded for his energy and effort and both ends of the floor, essentially a duplication of his performance at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off earlier this month.
Xavier Cooper, 6-2 2018 guard, Colorado Miners
The Miners played the Big Baller squad that features LaMelo Ball. Ball scored 27 points, but Cooper outdueled him on the way to 29 points and a Miners victory. Mixtapes were focused on Ball, but it was an all-around strong performance from the Miners. Check out this defensive effort by standout athlete Ryan Marquez on Ball.
https://twitter.com/CindiMarquez/status/856015203145850880