Bruce’s Best: 6 Unranked Players Ready For Breakout Seasons
A combination of things has to go right for a player to have a breakout season. Opportunity, team success and of course talent. In this article PH takes a look at 6 players poised for their breakout seasons. Fredy Vargas…
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Continue ReadingA combination of things has to go right for a player to have a breakout season. Opportunity, team success and of course talent. In this article PH takes a look at 6 players poised for their breakout seasons.
Fredy Vargas 6’1 SG Rancho 2022 – Vargas is quietly making a name for himself as a legit scholarship athlete. Terrific skill – set. He’s a playmaking guard that doubles as a knock down shooter.
1. Opportunity – Vargas is only a sophomore, however on a young Rancho squad he has a chance to be the Alpha. The Rams lost a lot from last year including their leading scorer and assist man, leaving a vacuum that Vargas is poised to fill.
2. Team Success – Rancho won 6 games last season. They will win more than 6 this year. In addition to Vargas, the rams also feature several other skilled guards. They’re in their first full season under a new coach, and there is a positive energy around this program.
3. Talent – Between his shooting and passing, I could see Vargas putting up big scoring and assist numbers. Surprisingly fast with the ball in his hand. Vargas gets from end to end quickly and is exceptional at making high speed decisions. He will be able to do a little of everything, and is probably due for a few special shooting nights this season.
Zach Jefferson 6’1 SG Shadow Ridge 2021 – Jefferson grinded through a tough grassroots season. Now fully healthy, I expect him to surprise several people.
1. Opportunity – The Mustangs are loosing their top 3 scorers from last season, however he is part of a core that’s played together since middle school. He’s surrounded by shooters, and has a true PG that should allow him to thrive in a main scoring role.
2. Team Success – Shadow Ridge plays so hard, and is such a close knit team, that they are never going to be out of a game. They won 15 games last season and finished 5th in the conference. I can easily see them adding a few more wins to that total.
3. Talent – Jefferson is an above average run and jump athlete. He’s going to be able to score in a variety of ways. It will be hard for defenders to back off of him because of his shooting ability, and his quick first step should allow him to create shots for himself. Defenders are going to be hard pressed to leave the shooters, meaning that Jefferson will get an opportunity to play a lot of 1 on 1 basketball.
Chris Dockery 6’5 SF Bonanza 2021 – Dockery is rising up the national rankings. An intriguing two way prospect, several college coaches are looking for players just like him. This year he’s going to have a new team and a new coach. He should have a major impact.
1. Opportunity – Bonanza is welcoming in first year coach Kevin Soares who has a history of developing players. He will have to play a variety of roles in order for the Bengals to have success, however that is exactly what Dockery does. A jack of all trades type, he could potentially lead the Bengals in every offensive category.
2. Team Success – Last season Bonanza won 14 games lead primarily on the back of Kendall Burrell’s scoring. Dockery’s addition give the Bengals one of the most dynamic 1, 2 punches in the city. The biggest contribution to their team success may come off the court however. Soares is one of the greatest coaches in Nevada Prep basketball history. He will have his team prepared to compete every game.
3. Talent – Dockery can do so many things that it’s difficult to pinpoint his weakness. Plays the passing lanes well, and has great anticipation. He’s a long athlete that can rebound as well as be an added rim protector. Dockery simply has to keep working on his overall game. If he does that and adds proper strength he will be a D1 player.
DJ Turner 5’10 PG Shadow Ridge 2021 – DJ Turner is one of the toughest PG’s in the city. He’s a gritty defense first floor general that understands how to run the show. There are going to be a ton of talented PG’s in Las Vegas that are sick of Turner by games end.
1. Opportunity – Shadow Ridge has shooters, athletes and they have Jefferson to provide scoring. All they need is a quality PG to keep everyone engaged. Enter Turner. He’s quick enough, to break defenders down, and savy enough to deliver on time and on target passes.
2. Team Success – See Zach Jefferson
3. Talent – What I love most about Turner is his toughness. He doesn’t back down from anyone. His perimeter d should provide a boost to Shadow’s overall team defense. He has the type of quickness to allow the team to have success in transition, and the IQ to understand when it’s time to slow it down.
Shane Thomas (featured image) 6’0 SG 2022 Centennial – Thomas is a big time 3 and D guy. A knock down shooter, he is a serious contender to lead the state in 3’s made. When he gets hot look out.
1. Opportunity – Centennial is losing 4 seniors from last season. Some fresh face is going to make a name for themselves. Thomas has as much of a chance as any. You can characterize him as a specialist, however his specialty is knocking down shots.
2. Team Success – One thing I’ve come to understand about the Centennial guys, they expect to win. In fact they have reached the level where it doesn’t matter who is wearing the jersey. They lost several players from last seasons 17-10 squad, however I don’t expect much drop off.
3. Talent – Thomas plays on the Adidas Gauntlet Circuit in the summer time for the 16U LV Knicks. A pure shooter Thomas has competed against some of the top players in the country. He won’t be phased by the Varsity competition. He can defend both backcourt positions and is one of the most consistent shooters around.
Jacob Howard 6’5 PF 2021 Durango – Howard transferred in from Arkansas. He’s going to provide immediate post defense and rebounding for Durango.
1. Opportunity – Post play is at a premium. Howard’s arrival comes at the perfect time for the Trailblazers. He should be able to step right in and play to his strengths. Durango also has other post players, that should help Howard in the rebounding department and allow him to rest.
2. Team Success – Durango is one of my sleeper teams this season. They won 8 games last season, which makes absolutely no sense. The team has two D1 guards including UNLV commit Keshon Gilbert. They have depth, scoring and perimeter defense. If Howard can play his game and help out down low, then watch out for Durango.
3. Talent – Howard is a natural forward. He can rebound, and you can throw the ball directly into him and ask him to score in the post. A fluid athlete that will be able to hedge and switch ball screens.