17U Standouts from the Mile High Invitational
Prep Hoops Colorado takes a look at some of the top standouts from the Mile High Invitational in Northglenn, Co this past weekend. Amondo Miller Amondo Miller 6'6" | CG Valor Christian | 2021 State CO – Colorado Miners…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Colorado takes a look at some of the top standouts from the Mile High Invitational in Northglenn, Co this past weekend.
Amondo Miller Amondo Miller 6'6" | CG Valor Christian | 2021 State CO – Colorado Miners
The one flaw to Miller’s game has been his outside shooting. Well, this weekend, he hit shots, so what could you do? – Nothing. Miller played exceptionally well over the weekend as the Miners’ best player. He has great size at 6’5, but his ability to be the team’s best ballhandler as well as interior scorers separates him from other players in the state, and when you add him knocking down shots from beyond the arc as well, pick your poison. Miller attacks the rim and finishes with either hand, can see and shoot over smaller defenders, and has excellent body control when he is inside amongst the trees. He is a playmaking guard that can play multiple positions, and his perimeter defense is excellent as well. I liked that he pushed the pace in games and also defended various positions as a swiss-army-knife for the Miners.
Isaiah Thompson Isaiah Thompson 6'6" | PF Fountain Ft. Carson | 2021 State CO – Pluto Prospects
Thompson is one of those big men that just happens to be in every single play somehow. He is a glass-cleaning big that does not give up on possessions, has a high motor, and is always moving, and he also scores inside as well. Thompson played above the rim and showcased his athletic ability with multiple dunks on the weekend. In his last game, he took over with numerous dunks and finishes at the rim that had some asking who he was. Thompson also refuses to be scored on down low and is not easily moved around. He came up with some big blocks and stops for Pluto and was one of the best bigs on the weekend. Buy Thompson stock.
Ben Bowen Ben Bowen 6'5" | CG Mountain Vista | 2021 State CO – Colorado Hoops Academy
There have been questions about if Bowen is Mountain West good. Well, he has silenced critics lately with his play. This was the best that I have seen Bowen play, and many others saw the pep in his step as well. Bowen has been playing with a chip on his shoulder ever since signing with the University of Wyoming, and that is what it is supposed to be about. Bowen led Colorado Hoops Academy to victory after victory as he attacked the rim for creative finishes, dunks and also showcased the ability to knock down the 3-ball as well. ___ (TWEET). In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the summer it was Bowen who stole the show and put together a complete game. CHA puts him in positions to succeed, and he is excellent in the pick and roll. They made sure to put the ball in his hands more, and he is an excellent playmaker that excels in these situations as he is very comfortable with the ball. His teammates rallied behind him and hit big shots, but when they needed a play, they knew exactly where to go. Bowen could’ve easily taken the rest of the summer off after his big decision but has made it a point to continue competing. You have to love that. A top-five player in the state is somehow putting together a stock rising summer; imagine that.
Myles Purchase Myles Purchase 5'11" | PG Cherry Creek | 2021 State CO – Pro Skills
Purchase is a delight to watch, and whenever I watch him, it perplexes me that basketball is not even the sport that he is best at. Purchase has a game that translates to the next level as one of the best true point guards in the state. He loves the game and plays with joy. He gets all of his teammates involved with a flashy or extra pass, he hits the 3-ball, and the way that he plays on both ends of the court is contagious. Purchase was a replacement for Pro Skills and a welcomed addition to the team as he is a selfless leader that makes plays happen everywhere on the court. His ability to defend fullcourt and force players into turnovers and push the pace is what separates him from the pack. If you get a chance to see him play freely, make sure you take it –it’s worth it.
AJ Kula AJ Kula 6'5" | CG Valor Christian | 2021 State CO – Colorado Miners
I have seen Kula play a few times throughout the summer, and this was maybe his best outing. When Miller is on, and Kula is also playing well, they make up on the the best backcourts of all of the states AAU teams. They have great size, and are shifty finishers. Kula is a wizard with the ball. He has an excellent handle, excels in pick and rolls, and also isolation baskets and finishes well at the rim with runners, dunks, and reverses. Kula has a good feel for the game and adjusts on the fly. He can hit the outside shot, but when he is getting inside of the lane or by a defender is where he causes the most damage. Kula made it a point to score this past weekend. Defenders have a tough time containing him in the open court and he can finish or has no problem dishing it off to an open teammate. He was one of the better players on the weekend and top scorers.