5A State Recap: Five Game Changers
The 5A state tournament saw a host of players make a name for themselves on the biggest stage. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players that took over in games and did not have to do it with…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A state tournament saw a host of players make a name for themselves on the biggest stage. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players that took over in games and did not have to do it with their scoring.
Caulin Swain – Denver East
Swain was the biggest beneficiary of advancing to the post season and then making a name for himself. He came alive in the post season as Kwane Marble went down with an injury and showcased that the Angels had a hidden gem all along that just needed and opportunity. Swain showed off his sneaky athleticism and showcased that he was a big-time scorer given the chance. Swain was able to get loose against Gateway when East easily cruised past them and it was behind Swains 29 points which was one of the best offensive performances for the playoffs and his career high. He followed that up in a loss against Ralston Valley where he dropped 20 points as he got into the paint and carved up defenders with his quick handles and finishes. Swain is an unsigned Senior that will have to have a big summer and if he picks up where he left off at he will be able to help a small college team in no time.
Isaiah Hayes – Range view
A player that had an up and down year was Hayes. Hayes was a small part of the offense last year getting his feet wet and contributing and then came into this season fresh off of a big summer showcasing that Range view had depth. He then did not play for a significant amount of time and when he came back played seldomly. In the playoffs however, it was nearly impossible to not see him as one of the top players in the Junior class as he took over at moments and made game changing plays. He brings high intensity and sets the tone on the defensive end which only gets his offense going. He is a menace in the passing lanes and that turns to easy finishes in transition. At the Coliseum when the Raiders were looking for energy he provided those moments with steals and a few finishes above the rim that altered the game and is a big reason that they are able to call themselves chance. He is a microwave that can get going at any moment.
Dalton Waldron – Chaparral
Waldron is a big man that has the length and size to change games. He went from a JV player last season to a starter who made big contributions. His work down low goes unnoticed but was a big reason that the Wolverines were one of the state’s most stingy defenses. He goes straight up alters shots, he runs the break and finishes, he uses his strength to not allow big men to get comfortable in their spots down low and was a consistent two-way force in the playoffs. He averaged 8.0 points and 6.9 rebounds a game and that stayed the course in the playoffs. He is looking at a big Senior year next year where he and Kobe Sanders will be the only underclassmen who played major minutes this season so all eyes will be on him and I am sure he will deliver as he did in the playoffs when he raised his stock with solid play.
Jack Fisher – Poudre
Fisher was one of the most consistent scorers this season. He put up 22 points a night and made sure that defenses felt him all season. In the post season his numbers took a dip but he was his typical self. A guard who stayed aggressive and did not shy away from pressure and was willing to take the big shot. He had 16 points against Pomona and then against one of the most disciplined defenses in the state in Thunder Ridge he was able to put up 20 points. Fisher jumped off of our radars with the way that he was able to punish defenses all season long and with his play in the playoffs showcased what makes him special.
Jalen Page – Fair View
Page is next level. He is a solid player that has great size and a motor that opens things up for him. He finishes at the rim with multiple moves and showcases his strength on smaller defenders. On a loaded Fair View team that played together he was able to put it all together as their coach opened things up for Page to operate. He had 13 straight games scoring in double-digits and took that streak into the playoffs as he was able to put up 13 points in a win over Broomfield and 19 against a scrappy Cherry Creek team in the Knights loss. Page is a glass cleaner who excels in the post but is able to stretch defenses out and operate his inside-out game. Going into his Senior season it will be a big summer for him where he will surely get better and come into next year ready to prove why Fair View will be one of the better teams next year with a chance to win it all.