Updated 2019 Colorado Rankings: Shooting Guards, Part I
We recently updated the new rankings for the Class of 2019, a group we believe has the chance to be really special in Colorado from top to bottom.
Over the next couple weeks, we will be taking closer look at the class by position. We continue today with the first of a two-part look at the shooting guards in the class:
Kenny Foster, 6-4, Smoky Hill. 2019 Overall Rank: 2.
Barring injury, Foster should eclipse the 1,000-point mark some time in the middle of next year — his junior season. That’s how prolific a scorer he’s been in his two years at Smoky Hill. But it’s the complete scope of his game, with the ability to play the point guard role and still make a major impact away from the ball, that makes him a potential high D-I prospect. In two seasons playing in the best league in the state, Foster has averaged 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Kwane Marble, 6-4, Denver East. 2019 Overall Rank: 5.
There may not be a player in the state, in any class, who had a better spring than Marble. The talented combo guard was a beast against national competition the Adidas Gauntlet Circuit, leading the Colorado Hawks into the Finale in July with a 6-2 record. His eye-popping ability to get to the rim and finish convincingly was on full display, and he’s shooting it from the outside at a high level. Marble’s length and quickness also give him the tools to be a plus on-ball defender. If he remains focused and locked in during the July live periods, expect him to add several more offers to the one he’s already received from Arkansas-Little Rock.
Stephen Hayes, 6-2, Overland. 2019 Overall Rank: 11.
Playing on the same squad as Foster and Marble, Hayes is a player who can do a little bit of everything. Because much of his physical growth to this point occurred before he reached high school, Hayes learned how to wage battles inside and he’s a tough finisher. But he’s also a natural ball-handler whose offensive skills allow him to be used in multiple ways. Key to his improvement this spring has been an outside shot that has begun to fall with greater consistency. He’ll be a vital piece of an Overland team next year that could surprise some people.
Chase Hettinger, 6-5, Castle View. 2019 Overall Rank: 13.
Hettinger lives in the gym and has made constant progress over the past year. He’s got an effective outside shot that comes from regularly hoisting 500 shots per day. He shot 47 percent from 3-point range on 75 attempts as a sophomore last season. Hettinger’s length allow him to make things happen at the basket, and he’s made big strides as a defender. This is a player on the rise who is bound to draw some attention in July.
Jamil Safieddine, 6-2, Regis Jesuit. 2019 Overall Rank: 16.
Safieddine will soon be reclassified as a point guard, as that’s where he has excelled this spring guiding the ship for the talented Hawks 16U group. He’s a willing distributor and has solid vision in the open court. Still, his off-the-ball skills, particularly his ability to move and get going downhill off the catch, make him a versatile prospect sure to garner intrigue. Safieddine was Regis Jesuit’s third-leading scorer as a sophomore last season at 10.2 points per game.
Joseph Dalton, 6-3, Chaparral. 2019 Overall Rank: 20.
Dalton is a smooth, long-striding lefty with the ability to really knock it down from long range. His length gives him impressive flexibility defensively, where he guarded up to four spots last season. Dalton plays with a strong motor and desire, and he has the ability to be an impact scorer. As Dalton enters his junior season alongside other top-ranked 2019 prospects Ronnie DeGray III and Bryce Matthews, expect for the Wolverines to take a big step forward.
Kyle Helbig, 6-3, Holy Family. 2019 Overall Rank: 21.
Helbig is simply a gamer who finds ways to make winning plays. He has a good toughness to his game and is constantly in attack mode. He’s got a strong build, so he can be a load once he gets to the rim. He showed that last season while finishing efficiently at the rim during a breakout sophomore season for Holy Family.
Aaron Bokol, 6-1, Eaglecrest. 2019 Overall Rank: 22.
Bokol has bided his time on a talented roster at Eaglecrest, which captured the 5A state title this past season. As a junior, Bokol should get his chance to show what he can do. If the spring he’s had with the Colorado Hawks is any indication, he should be an under-the-radar player to watch closely. Bokol has shown that he can convert from the outside at a high rate. He’s got a smooth release that he gets into quickly. Bokol is smart with the basketball and has good vision.
Tyler Unger, 6-3, Grandview. 2019 Overall Rank: 23.
Unger has had little varsity experience to this point, but his combination of athleticism and size is intriguing. The versatile guard, who can also run the point, has a quick first step and can get above the rim with relative ease, and he has a tight handle. It will be interesting to see how high Unger can climb as he assumes what we expect will be a much larger role with Grandview next season.
Levi Dombro, 6-1, Grandview. 2019 Overall Rank: 27.
Dombro is another player who is due to make a big jump in the rankings when we unleash a new batch prior to the July live periods. That’s the result of a stellar spring campaign with Colorado Chaos in which Dombro demonstrated he can do a little bit of everything. Dombro averaged better than 20 points per game at the KC Classic last weekend, proving once again that he can be a go-to scorer. Dombro, too, can be classified as a point guard, as he’s played that role a lot on the school and club scene. His ability to play multiple spots works in his favor. Coaches should be keeping a close eye come July.