2021 Rankings Update: Big Men with Big Numbers
With the update in rankings, I’ve decided to take a deep dive into some of our players in the 2021 class that had a coming-out year and have started to become household names. Eddie Kurjak Eddie Kurjak 6'8" | PF…
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Continue ReadingWith the update in rankings, I’ve decided to take a deep dive into some of our players in the 2021 class that had a coming-out year and have started to become household names.
Eddie Kurjak Eddie Kurjak 6'8" | PF Longmont | 2021 State CO -Longmont
Eddie had one of the biggest jump in points from year to year that we had seen this past year and with that his Longmont team was able to finish the season 22-4 before a tough loss in the Great 8. This year Eddie was on a tear averaging 14.2pts 6.6rebs and 3 blocks a game. In addition to that he showed how he was able to put the ball on the floor and initiate the offense when needed. Through all the great things Eddie was able to accomplish on the offensive end of the what really helped put his team over the edge was his defense. He was active and aggressive in passing lanes and changed or blocked countless shots at the rim. If this season was only the beginning of the type of player Eddie could become, then next season will be something special.
Gino Corridori Gino Corridori 6'7" | C Dakota Ridge | 2021 State CO – Dakota Ridge
Gino saw a big jump in minutes this season and he did not disappoint. Starting off the year with 3 double-doubles in the first 5 games before going down with a wrist injury that left him sidelined for a month and a half. Although the year didn’t turn out how he wanted Gino managed to finish strong helping his team win 2 of the last 3 games on averages of 13.5pts and 6rebs a game. The changes Gino has made to his game his boosted his stock and I’m only expecting more to come as he goes into his senior year.
Isaiah Thompson Isaiah Thompson 6'6" | PF Fountain Ft. Carson | 2021 State CO – Fountain-Fort Carson
Isaiah Thompson Isaiah Thompson 6'6" | PF Fountain Ft. Carson | 2021 State CO tends to fly under the radar when we talk about top talent in this junior class after a subpar sophomore season where minutes were hard to come by. He made the most out of all his time this year becoming one of the key pieces of the team. On 15.1pts and 12.2rebs a game Isaiah took the Colorado Springs Metro league by storm. Especially with his 7 20+ point performances, Isaiah shoots the ball at a high percentage by mostly living in the paint and occasionally taking the outside shot when dared. Next year the keys will fully be in his hands and I’m excited to see what he is able to achieve.
Brayden Carter Brayden Carter 6'8" | PF Seiling Ok | 2021 State CO – Mullen
Mullen was one of the younger teams in the state with a majority of their team being underclassmen. With that, Brayden Carter Brayden Carter 6'8" | PF Seiling Ok | 2021 State CO was able to break out as one of the team’s upperclassmen and despite seeing constant double teams each game, averaged 18.7pts and 10.4rebs. If it were not for him, that team would of been blown out in every single game. This season was more of a learning year for Carter as he figured out how to score through double teams and defend some of the best players in the Centennial League. When grassroots resumes, Brayden will have the confidence and talent to help one of the top teams and all eyes will be on him.
Nolan Marold Nolan Marold 6'7" | C Thunderridge | 2021 State CO – ThunderRidge
ThunderRidge had a tough year where they were tested. They lost six games by eight points or less and still managed to end the season with a 14-11 record. New players stepped up and played key roles for the Grizzlies but a player that has been steadily progressing is Marold and he had another great season. Marold improved upon his 7.0 pts and 4.1rebs from last season to10.5pts and 6rebs. His numbers aren’t anything that will jump out at you but he continues to get better and also show himself on the defensive end. Marold is impossible to move out of the paint and does all of the small intangibles that most players his size may overlook. With this year being a down year for Nolan and his ThunderRidge team, next year they will have a lot of eyes on them as they should be one of the better overall teams in the state.