Returning All-State Performers (3A)
A look at returning All-State performers from Colorado’s Class 3A Dominique Clifford, G, The Vanguard School Clifford is a 6’4 wing returning for his Senior season. He posted averages of 19/11/5 along with 4 steals + blocks per game as…
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Continue ReadingA look at returning All-State performers from Colorado’s Class 3A
Dominique Clifford, G, The Vanguard School
Clifford is a 6’4 wing returning for his Senior season. He posted averages of 19/11/5 along with 4 steals + blocks per game as a Junior. The versatile guard enters the ’19-’20 season as a top-five player in the latest Prep Hoops rankings and will have his sights set on avenging The Vanguard School’s loss in the 3A State Championship.
Clifford boasts a balanced offensive repertoire that includes a silky jump shot and plus athleticism. He shot 82% from the free-throw line as a Junior while knocking down just under 2 three-pointers per contest. Look for these averages to increase as Clifford will be thrust into a larger offensive role after The Vanguard School graduated its leading scorer from last season. He can handle it.
One area Clifford can improve upon is his defensive awareness. He uses his athleticism to rack up defensive stats, but has been guilty of ball-watching. As a result, he is susceptible to back-cuts. Additionally, Clifford can be baited by pump fakes while going for blocks. Both issues are easy fixes. Clifford is primed for a monster season and will almost certainly be playing D1 basketball in ’20-’21. He already holds offers from Air Force, Wyoming, Metro State, and Colorado State.
Jaden Stoffel, G, Manual
Stoffel is a 6’3 guard returning to Manual for his Senior season. He paired with last season’s 3A POTY, Jaedon Bowles, in leading the Thunderbolts to their first state title since 1991. Stoffel produced averages of 17/2/3 and 2 steals + blocks for a Manual team that graduated 3 of its top 4 scorers from a season ago. As such, Stoffel will need to carry a larger offensive load in ’19-’20.
Jaden possesses a smooth, repeatable shooting stroke and unleashed a barrage of three-pointers on defenses last year. Stoffel attempted nearly 8 threes per game knocking them down at an even 40% clip. He also connected on 30 of his 36 (83%) free-throw attempts in ’18-’19. Moving into next season, Stoffel’s jump shot provides a solid foundation to build upon.
Play-making, ball-handling, and initiating contact are three areas in which Stoffel can improve his game. If he can consistently attack closeouts and beat defenders off of the dribble, Stoffel’s production could skyrocket. Two additional trips to the free-throw line per game could push his scoring output across the 20 point plateau. Look for more aggression from Stoffel in his Senior season.