Denver Prep League Preview
The 2017-2018 Colorado high school basketball season is finally upon us as teams from around the state start their season off on November 29th.The good thing, as of right now, there’s no team that stand head and shoulders above the rest as in previous years meaning each team must bring their best each and every night. .excited yet!? Today’s the day!
To prepare fans for the upcoming season, Prep Hoops is doing its final preview before season for what looks to be arguably the strongest conference in the state, the Denver Prep League.
The three most interesting teams out of the 5A Denver Public School League (DPL) is George Washington, Lincoln Lancers and Denver East.
George Washington Patriots
Last Year’s record: 25-3
Head Coach Name: Reginald Hammons Jr
Assistant coaches name: Nate Bailey
Returning Starters: Jon’il Fugett (Sr.), Tre Pierce (Sr.), Mo Diallo (Sr.)
Other Returners: Shawn’Trell White (Sr.), Devin Carter (So.), Malik Patton (Jr.), Devin Nelson (Sr.)
Known Newcomers (transfers or players now on varsity): Xavier Cooper, Jovon Nelson
Last year, the Patriots had their best season since 2009, which was led by All-State Senior’s Jervay Green and Calvin Fugett Jr. leaving many questioning if they have what it takes to make another special run.
Well look no further, this team is built for the long haul. They return starters Jon’il Fuggett (16.4 pts, 4.6 ast), Tre Pierce(7.6 pts, 4.7 rebs) and Mo Diallo from last year’s solid core as well as Senior transfer Xavier Cooper, who is one of the top guards in the state is also added to the mix.
What to expect from George this year:
Expect to see a very balanced team that happens to have arguably the best guard play in the state both offensively and defensively. Fugett may just be the best on ball defender in Colorado and his play on that end will make it tough on opposing teams each night, the team just has to match his intensity.With new comer Xavier Cooper and underclassmen Devin Carter, set to have a bigger role this year, I see no drop off from last year squad as this team looks well-adjusted and just might have what it takes to return back to the Championship game. Will this be the year that they finally bring home the gold ball?
Lincoln Lancers
Last Year’s Record: 11-13
Head Coach: Dre Calloway
Assistant Coaches: Kevin Wyatt, Joe Martinez, Wayne Wallace
Returning Starters: Jesus Serrano (Sr), Ty Foster (Soph)
Other Returners: Shyreef Robins (Sr), Machumbie Ditopile (Sr), Joseph Romero (Jr), Hector Sotelo (Sr), Josh Perez (Jr) and Vince Mitchell (Jr)
The Lancers are looking to make a name for themselves in a very strong conference and possibly make the playoffs. With All DPL 2nd team Ty Foster at the helm (10.7 pts & 3.9 ast) the Lancers are poised for a big run. The sophomore started 22 out of 24 games last year and had a great showing at various national camps Pangos Frosh-Soph All West camp in Los Angeles, California & Crossroads Elite Camp in Indianapolis, in which he made All-Star games for both. Him, Junior guard Josh Perez and Senior Shyreef Robins are prospects many coaches should put on their radars as they are primed for a big season.
What to expect from Lincoln this year:
Expect to see an eager team looking to get better and build on a 1st Round 5A State Playoff exit. The Lancers return a core group of guys from an inexperienced group last year with some experience under their belts. They’ll ride on the shoulders of their backcourt of Shyreef Robins, Ty Foster and Josh Perez. With the help of a few JV players from last year now positioned to contribute in a bigger way and Senior Forward Jesus Serrano on the boards, the Lancers have what it takes to shake things up in the DPL league.
Denver East Angels
Last Year’s record: (18-8)
Head Coach: Rudy Carey
Assistant coaches: David Carey, Ross Scherder, Jamiko Verner
Returning Starters: (Daylen Kountz Sr. Kwane Marble Jr. )
Other Returners: (JaShawn Chisel Sr. Chase Neagel Sr.
Known Newcomers (transfers or players now on varsity): (Charles Young Sr. Kaelan Potts Sr. Will Bernacchi Jr.)
The East Angels have the #1 ranked player in the state of Colorado for the class of 2018 in University of Colorado Buffaloes commit Daylen Kountz. Kountz (26.5PPG & 5.2 RPG) was a 1st Team All-DPS and 1st Team All-State member and will look to carry the Angels to state. Him alongside 2nd Team All-DPS do-it-all combo guard Kwane Marble(12.8PPG & 4.3RPG) whose also ranked 1st in the state for the class of of 2019 will be asked to take on quite the task if they want to advance further than last season. Add in ultra-athletic Chase Neagel that can stretch the floor as well as bang on the insides and you have a solid in and out attack.
What to expect from East:
What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained. It’s a Rudy Carey team so you know, they’ll be around come playoffs. They’re a scrappy bunch that has a special group of guards. They’ll be small, but they’ll play hard, they’ll play together and I expect them to be in the mix when we start talking about the remaining eight teams. From there, the sky is the limit.