Colorado Class 5A’s Blocks Leaders in Early February Part IV
It’s getting closer to mid-February and it’s almost playoff time, and some of the state’s best shot blockers have enough rejections on their record to claim that mantle. With just a few games left in the regular season, let’s take…
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Continue ReadingIt’s getting closer to mid-February and it’s almost playoff time, and some of the state’s best shot blockers have enough rejections on their record to claim that mantle. With just a few games left in the regular season, let’s take a look at the 16th- through 20th-leading shot blockers in Colorado’s Class 5A.
16. Jordan Stratch, 6-8, F, Ralston Valley, 2019, 1.7 bpg
He’s long and lean, and blocks plenty of shots. Stratch also averages 16.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. He sees the floor and knows he’s a threat, and uses that to set up his teammates to the tune of 2.1 assists a night. What might be his make-or-break skill is his ability to stretch the floor, as the Mustangs senior is shooting 33 percent from 3-point range.
17. Luke O’Brien, 6-7, SG, Columbine, 2020, 1.6 bpg
What more is there to say about the University of Colorado commit? He’s a Division-I player and a relatively effortless 20-plus scorer. A 6-foot-7 guard, he averages 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists but be careful to take a look over your shoulder while going to the rim whenever this guy in on the floor.
18. Dalton Waldron, 6-5, C, Chaparral, 2020, 1.6 bpg
The enforcer and intimidator for the No. 1 team in Class 5A, Waldron is about as close to a guaranteed double-double as you’ll find in Colorado. His statistical number are limited by the fact that opponents avoid him, and do so for good reason, but he averages 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game on top of his obvious shot-blocking ability.
19. Dante Smith, 6-6, C, Fort Collins, 2021, 1.5 bpg
The only sophomore to appear on this list, Smith is already a healthy 6-foot-6 and has plenty of room to grow. He’s always around the play, no matter which side of the paint he’s on. Blocking close to a two shots a game already, Smith has big-time potential if his scoring catches up to his defense and meets projections.
20. Alex Lawrence, 6-3, SF, Horizon, 2019, 1.5 bpg
Listed at 6-foot-3, Lawrence is the shortest player to make this list. But he plays big. Not only does he block shots, Lawrence also averages 14.8 points a night and shoots 36 percent (37 for 102) from 3-point range.