5A/4A East Metro League Player of the Year Candidates
We’re almost there as the end of the season is upon us with most schools already having had senior night. There are some tight races with conference winners and some that teams that already have the league won. With that,…
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Continue ReadingWe’re almost there as the end of the season is upon us with most schools already having had senior night. There are some tight races with conference winners and some that teams that already have the league won. With that, we focus on who we believe has the chance to be the conference MVP. For 5A/4A East Metro league it is tough with one team running the table and destroying everyone that stands in their way thus sacrificing stats. One thing that cannot be overlooked is production. Here is who we have as candidates as the player of the conference.
The Favorite:
Christian Speller – Rangeview
He may not be leading the team in scoring and plenty of that has to do with the fact that Rangeview is blowing teams out of the water but make no mistake about it, he has been their most productive player and he is the emotional leader that changes the entire dynamic of the team. He is a tenacious defender, he is capable of guarding positions 1-5 and he also is able to get every single shot it is he wants. He is putting up 11.4 points and also is crashing the board (5.6 rpg) while also showcasing that he is a guard with good vision(3.4 apg) as well. He is one of the most versatile players in the state and while he has helped the defending champs remain undefeated this season, his best basketball is ahead of him as the Raiders will finally be tested come playoffs and he showcases just how important he is to the team. He has my vote for the conference player of the year in a battle that is really only against his teammates.
The Second Favorite:
Obi Agbim – Rangeview
It was known that Agbim would have himself quite the season after last year’s tournament run where he came alive and helped Rangeview get themselves a title. He is an athletic guard that plays above the rim, finishes at the basket with ease and also has showcased that he also can shoot the ball and change the game with his jump shot. Agbim started out the season a bit slow but now has found a groove. He is putting up a team-high 13.0 points a game and also helping in the rebounding category at 4.7 rebounds as well. He has been having himself a good year and has also gone viral a few times with some of his highlight dunks.
The Third Favorite:
A.J Lacabe – Vista Peak
Vista Peak has quietly put together a wonderful season. They are 15-3 on the year and only have one conference loss to the defending champions who remain undefeated on the season. A player that has gone under the radar this year for Vista Peak but has helped lead the way is senior combo-guard A.J Lacabe. Lacabe is up to a team-high 12.3 points a game which is right on par for where he was last season but has seen his rebounds a game go up to 6.2 boards a game. He is a crafty 6’3 guard that plays on and off of the ball. He can shoot and is one of the best remaining unsigned seniors that can surely help a school next season.
The Longshot:
Messiah Ford – Aurora Central
Aurora Central has not been talked about enough. They have a 14-6 record overall and are 5-2 in the conference. The reason that they have been able to get off to a hot start this year is their senior wing Messiah Ford. Ford made a significant jump from last season to this year. He went from 5.5 points a game to now leading the team with 14.5 points a game and he is also helping out on the boards with his 6’3 frame. The Senior captain is able to defend multiple positions and is an inside force that does all of his work inside of the paint. He is a tough defender that plays above his size and while I do not think he will win the conference player of the year, I do think his work this season is worth noting.
Won’t win, but still a great season:
Jeremiah Warren – Hinkley
Hinkley has been a surprise team this season in the East Metro League. They have competed hard and are a team that gets after it and one thing that is for sure is you are going to get their best shot each time out. They have multiple players on the team that are capable of going for 20+ on any given night but their most consistent player has been their junior combo guard Jeremiah Warren. Warren is a 6’2 guard with size that can knock down outside shots, break a defender down off of the dribble or get out on the break and finish at the basket. Warren is a volume shooter that is capable of heating up and once he is in a rhythm he is tough to slow down as he leaves defenders guessing. He is a bucket that applies himself on both ends of the court and will be a player that surely rises in our next update.