Spring/Summer Awards – Class of 2019
The spring and summer grassroots season came and went and now it’s time to focus on the PrepHoops 250 event as well as get ready for the high school season. With that being said, there were a few players from the Class of 2019 that stood out as we give out awards. Check out who made it.
Player that proved the most over the summer?
Heading into the summer, the no. 1 player in the state was Kenny Foster and to end it, he solidified his player as the top player in the state. Kenny is on a very strong Colorado Hawks team that was one of the most successful teams in the state as they rode their top player. He showed that he could score from all three levels and he turned plenty of heads with interest from plenty of division one schools. He is an athletic wing that has the ability to keep the ball in his hands as a playmaker, knocks down shots as well as creates for himself and finishes at or above the rim. If there was a target on any players back, it was Kenny and he not only held down the top spot but showed from start to finish why he’s no. 1. This upcoming season will be his best as I expect him to choose his school of choice soon and only worry about bringing Smoky Hill a state title.
Most improved player?
Nobody came out and had as solid of a summer than Josh Rogers. He was one of the reasons that B&B turned a few heads as he put up monster numbers, specifically on the offensive end as he showed that anywhere on the court is within his range. He might have shot the ball as anybody in the state for the AAU season. He might’ve had one of the best summers that translated to out of state success as his run in the Las Vegas Classic got him a bit of regional attention as he lit it up for 27 points. He also finished with a tournament high 36 points in the Adidas Gauntlet in Los Angeles as he averaged 22 points a game. He’s an high IQ player, which goes without telling as he will surely be featured as a student-athlete of the week for whichever college he goes to with his 4.2 GPA. Whichever school gets Josh will be getting the total package.
Best point guard?
Andre Sepada is one of the state’s most complete point guards and that was on display throughout spring/summer. He was Colorado’s first 2019 prospect to sign to play ball at the next level and Chadron State got themselves quite the player. He was a big time scorer for Colorado Chaos as he showed that he could run an offense and control the pace. He is a cerebral player that breaks down the defender off the dribble and can either set up his teammate for a wide open basket or score it at will. He’s an above average perimeter defender with quick hands that takes it serious on the defensive end which opens things up for him and creates easy steals in transition. Heading into season it will be interesting to see the type of numbers he puts up on a team that has a chance to be conference champs and maybe they will get a chance to have their name heard around the state.
Best shooter?
Tyler Unger is a bucket. He can shoot the mid-range, the open shot, off the dribble and also from anywhere beyond the arc. Tyler is one of those players that you could start the game with or is an instant spark off of the bench, once he gets going it is like a microwave where he has to be cooled down. With his ability to open up the floor with his shooting, it provides spacing for the point guard and big man to operate and if that closes down with a quick window he can knock down a shot. Tyler came in through and through for Colorado Chaos with some big shots and looks as confident as ever in his shot. He is one of the state’ best knock down shooters.
Best big man?
When it comes to the best big man in the state, look no further than Ronnie DeGray III. Ronnie headed into the Spring as arguably the best player in the state for the class of 2019. He had one of the most complete high school seasons as he finished as a Colorado Mr. Basketball player of the year candidate. He dominates the game from start to finish as there isn’t a single guy in the state that can hold him in the paint. Ronnie was a huge reason for Billups Elite’ success for the AAU season as he was a common fixture as a player of the game for each tournament he played in. He got plenty of division one attention as he took over on the boards, defensive end and scored when he wanted. He was the best big man for AAU season.