Standout Wings in the 5A State 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 combo wings who raised the bar when their teams needed them most. Kenny Foster…
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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 combo wings who raised the bar when their teams needed them most.
Kenny Foster – Smoky Hill
There is nothing that Foster cannot do. He shoots it, dunks it, finishes at the rim, rebounds, defends and is a player that puts teammates in good spots. Foster is likely to be Mr. Basketball this year with the type of display he put up and the University of Wyoming is getting Colorado’s very best next year and I am sure that he will play a ton as a freshman. This senior season was incredible and in his quest for a state title that came up short he showed exactly what makes him special. In the playoffs he put up 23 points against Douglas County and also went out with a 30-point game against Mountain Vista where he was on another level in his attempt to have the Buffaloes advance. He was the top player in the state this year and his final run showed exactly why.
Keyshawn Maltbia – Fountain-Fort Carson
Maltbia had a sensational junior season as he averaged 17.6 points and had 6.7 rebounds to go along with it to lead the Trojans to an 18-8 record. In the playoffs it was much of the same. He led his team by putting up 27 points against Prairie View in round 1, 12 points in a win against Arvada West and against the eventual state champs put up 20 points as one of the only sources of offense. Maltbia is not afraid to put up the ball and is a confident scorer that gets it done in multiple ways. He is also a relentless defender that is aggressive on the boards and plays the passing lanes well or soars for a rebound to take it coast to coast. He is a player that has been on our radars for a while now and will be a player to see in grassroots season heading into a huge Senior year.
Luke O Brien – Columbine
O’Brien is a bit different. He is one of the state’s most complete players in only his junior season. The University of Colorado commit has the size, skills and athleticism to change a game and all of that was on display for Columbine all season long but really came together in the playoffs when he did everything in his power to advance. In a loss to Cherry Creek he was able to get going as he put up 29 points against Cherry Creek. He was the team’s leading rebounder this year at 8.4 a game and also led the team at 21.6 points per game and with the way that he played throughout the season coupled with his playoff appearance he will have one of the most anticipated Senior seasons this upcoming year.
Ty Robinson – Eagle crest
Robinson is one of those players that make you forget that he is only a sophomore. Robinson is the top overall underclassmen in the state and his play this year showcased just that. He was able to show off his versatility as he has the strength to go down low, but also works his way out with the ability to put it on the ground and get to the rim and he did just that in the Raptors win over Legend. He got his 18 points against Legend by getting into the lane and had a few and-1 finishes as well as a few poster dunks. Robinson plays well above his age, will be a four-year major contributor and as he continues to grow into his body will only get better which is scary.
Sufyan Elkannan – Legend
Elkannan is a player that is a combo wing but due to Legend’s size and his use on the team played big man. The versatile wing showed off his strength in the post on both offense and defense and came up big. He makes big plays and was the emotional leader and motor for Legend. He stepped up his game this year as the Titans came up with some upsets throughout the year as he put the team on his back. He led the team in points at 13.1 points per game on a balanced team and in the playoffs was who the team rallied behind. He came up with some big points attempting to keep them moving on against a talented Eagle crest team with his two steals and 11 points and did his damage in the second half but was a player that showed his potential all season long as a standout wing.