Big men standouts in the Kent Smith region
The 5A State playoffs get started this coming week and there are plenty of great matchups to get out and enjoy. The Kent Smith region was one of the most difficult regions as it is stacked with players that put…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 5A State playoffs get started this coming week and there are plenty of great matchups to get out and enjoy. The Kent Smith region was one of the most difficult regions as it is stacked with players that put up some big numbers. The big men was one that really stood out as there were be some intense big men battles night in and night out. Here are some of the best big men in the region.
Graham Ike – Overland
Ike is one of the best big men in the entire state and his inside presence has separated him from the pack. He has great size, is strong inside and is one of those players that understands that not many people can guard him. He is aggressive and does not shy away from contact and with a big man duo that the Trailblazers has he is a perfect complement to the team. He is at 17.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game which leads the team in both categories and the junior standout also makes it difficult for opposing teams to get shots at the rim. He goes straight up and down and is one of the best back to the basket bigs in the state. What I want to see a bit more is the Trailblazers to just get him the ball and let him go to work for possessions at a time. Overland will need him to be at his best if they pan on winning and with him leading the pack it will be difficult to beat this Overland squad.
Bailey Verk – Thunder Ridge
I am not afraid to say it, I am on the Bailey Very bandwagon. He is one of those players that comes alive in the playoffs and it is because he is able to impact the game in so many ways. He does not need the ball or plays set for him to get going, he is aggressive on the boards, makes the right pass to the open man, has a great feel around the rim and seems to always be in the right place. What I really enjoy is seeing how opposing big men attempt to defend him as he has the unique ability to change the outcome of games without really having the ball. He dives for loose balls, sets hard screens and is one of my personal favorites to watch in the playoffs. Schools should be looking at a player like this.
Austin Holt – Thunder Ridge
Three things are for certain: Death, taxes and a Joe Ortiz team getting a bye in the first round of the state tournament and being prepared when it matters. One of their best players this season has been Austin Holt. Holt has really separated himself this senior season as the guy for the Grizzlies. He has showed a fluid shooting stroke, used his size to shoot over defenders, and been his efficient scoring self and that has the Grizzlies with another incredible season. He is technically not a big man as he can put the ball on the ground and brings it up some times, goes to the wing and also goes inside where he excels at. He can create off of the dribble and is not afraid to go inside and bang. He is leading the team at 12.2 points a game but he has also helped rebounding as well as he is second on the team at 5.3 rebounds a game. Holt takes pride in his defense and is a defender that you can put on your best player and he will do everything he can to limit him. He can rotate on guards, go down low and defend and has been great for the Grizzlies this season. If T-Ridge plans on winning anything this season they will need him at his best.
Damien Forrest – Poudre
Forrest is one of the biggest players in the state and it has all come into fruition in his senior season as he is averaging 19.6 points and 10.9 rebounds a game. He runs the floor well and moves under the basket. Once he gets it he keeps it high and goes straight up for either a finish at the rim or a dunk. He has upped his scoring this season and is using his size to punish defenders. He has had some 30-point performances and has Poudre in the position of making a deep run if he can show up big come tournament time. Expect big rebounding games from Forrest.
Jordan Stratch – Ralston Valley
Stratch is 6’8 with a long wing span and moves well. He is a player that moves without the ball but can also go down low and post up. He fights and finishes through contact but makes it difficult for defenders because he can dribble and get to his spots. He finishes with both hands and also can open up the floor with his jump shot. When he gets down low he seasl off defenders and keeps his hands on a swivel and it is either a finish or a pass off. He is very strong and goes up and down on defense which makes it difficult for smaller guards to see over. He is putting up big numbers this year on a surprise standout team of 15,7 points and 7.7 rebounds a game and with his surrounding cast supporting him the way they do he can just go out there and play his game.