X-factor players 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. There were plenty of players that I missed that really will standout. Here is my list of players that have went under the radar that the team will rely on heavy in the tourney if they plan on advancing.
Kaleb Atherly – Aurora Central
For Atherly to be an under the radar standout he surely is a gem. He is a forward that is putting up incredible numbers and has Aurora Central in the playoffs this year after a strong senior season. He is at 14.7 points and 12.2 rebounds a game. The rebounds are amongst the top in the state and he has been dominant inside of the paint with the way that he has been playing. He has an old school feel to him as he understands his role and is a bruiser. He does not hang out in the perimeter but finds his spots and gets to them to attack the defense. On an Aurora Central team that does not score a ton of points he is the most consistent player and will have to step up if they plan on any upsets. Nonetheless he has had a stellar season and has the numbers to back it.
Caleb Rillos – Ralston Valley
Rillos is consistent with a great motor and is very aggressive. He also plays football and he uses those instincts on the court on both ends of the floor. He is very skilled and has a nice touch which has him at 12.2 points and 6.7 rebounds a game. He is relentless on the boards and does not have fight in him which makes it difficult to keep him off of the floor. He has a great basketball mind and is always at the right spots. He finds creases in the defenses to slash and gets to the rim to finish. He is not afraid to go inside and compete with bigger guys and he fights for every possession. He ended the year finding his zone and looks as if he has found it at the right time as he will have to be the emotional leader, spark plug and go to guy at times. He is an X-factor that is capable of taking over a game if needed
Grant Karger – Bear Creek
Senior guard Grant Karger has been having a relatively good season on a Bear Creek team that started out the season strong and are now in the playoffs trying to make some noise. Karger has been their best player as he has been a very consistent scorer. He is at 13.8 points a game and can get it going from deep. He knocks down shots and is confident with his shots. He is a knockdown shooter that you can run plays for to open things up and that also creates space for others to operate. Bear Creek gets it going on the defensive end and plays freely so he has the green light to shoot it once he gets it and his teammates do a good job of getting it to their shooter.
Alex Lawrence – Horizon
Senior wing Alex Lawrence has Horizon in a good position as they went 15-8 on the season and in the playoffs ready to make a run. Horizon is a team that is very balanced and makes it a point to get everyone involved which has translated to wins. Lawrence has been their best player and is the only player on the team in double-digits which shows you how unselfish of a bunch this is. He is up to 14.4 points a game and can get it done in a variety of ways. He can shoot the ball from the perimeter. He can also penetrate the defense and score from down low but what he has done well this season and what I expect in the first-round matchup is his work in the passing lane. He has good timing on steals and baits opponents into passes that he picks off or deflects to a teammate. He then gets it and finishes well at the rim with either hand or can dunk it for good measure. Lawrence will be the focal point against Bear Creek in the first round so it is critical that he gets going early if Horizon wants to advance.
Trevor Baskin – Pomona
Baskin is one of those players that is stronger than he looks. He is elegant and finesse with the ball but is effective. He can pull up from anywhere inside of the paint and has soft touch around the rim. He can play with his back to the basket or faceup and go get his own. Baskin is still growing but moves well and has a great feel for the game. The game comes easy for him and he has showed that he is a reliable source of baskets at 16.5 points a game but also is a great offensive rebounder that keeps balls alive. He is amongst the state leaders in rebounds at 10.3 a game and has been asked to do a ton for this Pomona team. Pomona is an underdog in their first game but with a player like Trevor there is always a chance.