Colorado’s Top Small Forwards: Class of 2018
With the 2018 rankings release, we’re taking a look at the top-5 small forwards for the senior class. Prep Hoops Colorado takes an in-depth look at each player, says what makes them special and what the state tournament holds for them.
1) Bodie Hume- Sterling- Overall Class Rank #3
It was difficult at who to put at the top out of Hume and Thistlewood, but, Bodie edged him out as this three-sport athlete excels in just about everything he does—basketball just so happens to be his best. Bodie is the heart and soul for his Sterling Tigers team and has led them to a state best 19-0 record heading into the 3A state playoffs as they look like easy favorites to win the whole thing. At 6’8 he already has an advantage over just about anybody in the state due to his length, but when you add in what he can do with the ball in his hands, it makes him virtually impossible to guard. He’s been filling the stat sheets with an impressive 20.1 points, 3.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals a game and his been a matchup nightmare for opposing teams throughout 3A. Bodie will continue his career and education at the University of Northern Colorado where he should be able to see some times with an improving Bears team.
2) Adam Thistlewood-Golden-Overall Class Rank #4
The 6’7 senior big has been a beast for Golden this season averaging 22.7 points, 2.1 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks a game and has placed Golden amongst the favorites heading into the tournament as the No.3 seed. They’re now looking at an opportunity to avenge an early season loss to Lewis-Palmer from last year’s Final Four which is cause for added motivation on their quest for a 4A state title and I’m sure Adam will do everything in his power to make that happen even if it means duplicating a 47 points/ 10 rebound game like the one he had against D’Evelyn. He’s one of the big men that get it done in a variety of ways and is difficult to guard as he has a great understanding of the game that’s only growing with a soft touch around the rim. He’s one of the elite all around players in the state and you could easily make a case for the top power forward in the state.
3) Tre Pierre-Widefield-Overall Class Rank #17
At Prep Hoops we label Tre as “Mr. Consistent” as he’s been getting it done in every single game for Widefield. He’s scored in double digits in every single game this season so far and has surpassed 15 or more points in all but two games making him one of the most reliable players in the state. He doesn’t only score but he’s also recorded eight games with 10 or more rebounds this season a feat that not many players are able to accomplish. While Widefield underachieved in the sense of their goals for the season as they’re the 10th seed in the state tournament it was just known that Tre would go out and end his high school career with a bang. On the year he’s averaging 19.7 points and 8.3 rebounds a game and is a player that will only progress over the summer and be ready for college ball.
4) Kam Vincel-Prairie View-Overall Rank #24
Kam is without a doubt, one of the most overlooked players we have in the state and he has worked as hard as he could to make Prarie View a team that others will have to respect. While they aren’t known as an athletic school, that didn’t stop Kam from averaging a double-double throughout his career with
15.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in his four years on varsity, three of which he not only started, but led the team in both categories. He also ended the season as the fifth best scorer in 5A at 20.7 points a game and also finished in the top five in rebounding at 11.6 a game. He shot 54% from the field and that was while being double and tripled teamed at times. He’s made the best out of his high school career and will have one of the best high school careers in the state out of the senior class.
5) Kyrele Benford-Doherty-Overall Rank #27
Kyrele made the leap from being a solid contributor to now a leader for Doherty this season but proved that he could handle it. He improved on last year’s stats of 9.2 points, 1.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds a game with hard work and dedication in the offseason. He said he knew he’d have to be better and work harder if he was going to go out his senior season with a bang and he’s doing so. His offseason work transferred into the year as Doherty is in a great spot heading into the playoffs and Kyrele’s playing the best basketball of his career. He’s averaging 13.6pts, 2.8ast, 8.1rebs and 1stl a game, showing that all the work he put in thus summer wasn’t for nothing. Now with the 7th seed in this years state tournament he is ready to prove that last seasons 2nd round exit is a thing of the past.