College Tracking: Class of 2017 pt. 1
How did the Colorado Class of 2017 do in their first college seasons? PrepHoopsColorado takes a look back at the top 10 ranked prospects in last year’s class and how they played this year as freshman in college.
D’Shawn Schwartz –Sand Creek — University of Colorado
Schwartz was a big piece for Head Coad Tad Boyle’s future. While he wasn’t the break out star that many anticipated he did show great signs and a look into that future as he played 13.1 minutes a game and averaged 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds a game. He’s an exceptional athlete that’s time will come at the D-1 level, he’ll just have to keep progressing on his game and working at it.
Colbey Ross-Eaglecrest – Pepperdine
Colbey had an incredible freshman season as he picked up a pair of West Coast Conference postseason awards. He earned spots on both the WCC All-Freshman team and the All-WCC honorable mention list after being one of the top new comers in college basketball, starting in all 30 games and leading WCC freshmen in both scoring at 14.0 points and assists at 5.6 a game.
Braxton Bertlotte – Fossil Ridge – Northwest Florida
Braxton went far across the country to continue his basketball career and played 9.1 minutes a game and even got a start in his freshman season. He scored 4.4 points a game and continues his hot shooting as he knocked down 44 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. He had a season high in December of 14 points and looks to continue making strides going into next season.
Jaizec Lottie – Cherokee Trail – Little Rock
Jaizec took his talents to Arkansas and had a great freshman season averaging 25 minutes a game. He scored 7.0 points and 2.9 assists a game with big games against Appalachian State and also Troy as he was able to get to 17 points in both games. Jaizec is a great scorer that will look to get others involved. He should continue being part of the rotation and will grow in year two.
Jalen Sanders – Valor Christian – University of Northern Colorado
The Colorado 4A player of the year continued his play in state in Greeley and was his dominant self. He appeared in all 35 games and showcased his versatility as he averaged 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds a game. He alongside Ross were a part of College Court Report’s Mid-Major Freshman of the year candidates and he proves to be a huge part of the Bears future.
Hunter Maldanado – Vista Ridge – Wyoming
Hunter had an off and on freshman season as he was in and out of the starting lineup but had a great overall year for the Cowboys. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds a game for Wyoming and made an immediate impact on the team. The team won their first five games that he started and he showcased that many of his best attributes don’t show on the final stat sheet. He’s a great player that Wyoming seems to love.
Corey Seng – Thunder Ridge – Colorado State Pueblo
Seng started in four games for the Thunder wolves in his freshman season putting up six points and 2.8 rebounds a game. He was his usual balanced self as he has the ability to bang inside, knock down jumpers and impact the game on the defensive end as well. It was a down year for the team as they went 12-16 but with players in place like Seng, things should turn around their quickly.
Elijah Blake – Range view – Denver University
After sitting out his full senior season and a part of his freshman year, Elijah finally got a chance to play in December for the Pioneers and showcased what he could bring to the university. It was only seven minutes and his only game he played in for the year, but, it was a look in the right direction. He’ll continue to get healthy for the Pioneers and prove to be the great player we seen at Range View.
CJ Jennings – Sierra — West Texas A&M
For the first time since the 1997-98 season, the West Texas A&M men’s basketball team is headed to the Elite Eight in Sioux Falls, S.D as they are the South Central regional champions and CJ has been a part of it all. He’s appeared in 31 games this year and is up to six points a game while also contributing 2.2 rebounds a game. He’s a player the coach can rely on to ignite the team as well as score in bunches. CJ is on one of the best team’s division II teams in the country and he’s a part of now and the future, hopefully his play garners more attention soon.
Jervay Green – George Washington – Western Nebraska
Jervay has started in 32 of the teams 32 games and became Region IX champions with their 86-78 win over Otero Junior College on Saturday and one of their key players has been Jervay. He put up 35 points in the semifinals game and has been an important player on the team as he’s second on the team in scoring at 14.9 points a game. He’s also got it done in other ways as he averages 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game and has received attention from schools at the D-1 level as part of his play. He’s having an exceptional freshman year.