Big Men who stood out in the 5A Playoffs
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 big men who raised the bar when their teams needed them most and held…
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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 big men who raised the bar when their teams needed them most and held it down.
Dayne Prim – Grandview
Prim is a strong and physical interior player that gives it his all on every possession. He has an inside game that is comfortable putting it on the ground and getting to the rim where he is a solid finisher. He is a leader that also brings it on the defensive end and pushed others to perform better. He is a high IQ player that is comfortable with his back to the basket and has quick feet which makes it easier for him to switch onto smaller defenders. He put up 16 points against Boulder, 14 points against a great defensive team in Rock Canyon and on his way out with star big man Caleb McGill out it was Prim that led the way as he finished with 21 points while tallying nine rebounds in the last two games.
Ike Graham – Overland
Graham is a 6’9 skilled bruising big man that is a top three big man in the state in already his junior season. He is a walking double-double that put up 17.6 points and 12 rebounds a game this year and brought that strength and physical style of play with him to the playoffs as well. He dominated down the homestretch putting together 14 consecutive games of double-digits scoring with eight of those being double-doubles. He is a game changer that you have to send different looks at and he is able to score when he wants. This will be a big summer for him that I am sure he will get college looks from and if he plays the way that he did down the stretch and playoffs expect him to get a Division I look or two.
Bryce Matthews – Chaparral
Matthews is a standout baseball player, but his work on the hardwood was amongst the top as well. He finishes around the rim, shows off his athleticism on the breakaway and when he catches it in the low post, has a set of go to moves and uses them and is a big man who uses his size to get to his spots. He was an important piece as a starter to the Wolverines this year who was No.1 for a majority of the year and made it all the way to the championship game. In the playoffs he had a game against Cherry Creek where he was our player of the game as he put up 20 points and 10 rebounds and showcased what makes his special on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Stratch – Ralston Valley
Senior Jordan Stratch is a 6’8 versatile big man that is capable of changing the game with his interior scoring. He is a skilled big man with long arms and the ability to hold his own in the post and as a shot blocker that alters shots. He finishes well around the basket and can also extend the floor as he can step out and occasionally shoot the 3-pointer. He is strong and physical and is also a glass cleaner that put it together as he went out against Denver East with a 14-point, six rebound performance.
Simon May – Mountain Vista
May is a player that has great size but also is skilled enough to put it altogether to lead Mountain Vista to the Final Four. He works both ends of the floor, cleaps up the boards, passes out of the post and is able to score off of rebounds. May makes his presence felt for the game and does not force shots up. He takes advantage of mismatches and uses his size to his advantage. He has good hands, works hard in the paint and has quick feet and all of that was on display as he led the Golden Eagles to the Final Four and finished the playoffs averaging a double-double.