2021 Rankings Update: Top 5
After the strangest offseason ever, the 2021 rankings have been updated. Given the conditions, PHC made it a point to see as many players as possible rather it was a tournament, small group workout, or showcase –we made it a…
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Continue ReadingAfter the strangest offseason ever, the 2021 rankings have been updated. Given the conditions, PHC made it a point to see as many players as possible rather it was a tournament, small group workout, or showcase –we made it a point to check in with almost every player.
For the Class of 2021, having a travel season nearly ripped away, players came out hungry and eager to seize the moment and take full advantage of the stage.
Here is our latest rankings update and newest Top-5.
Mo Mbaye Mo Mbaye 6'8" | PF Colorado Prep | 2021 State #114 Nation CO – Colorado Prep
Mbaye is about a year in from moving into the United States from Senegal, and the 6’8 power forward has Senegal has made quite the name from himself. Not often is a player’s first offer from Louisville, but that shows the type of player that he is. Mbaye has five Division I offers as of right now with more on the way. He played for Aspire Academy, where he averaged 11 points and 7.0 boards a game and is a talented athlete that takes over in games. In the Colorado Best of Pangos league, Mbaye was the best player as he is an explosive player with size that refuses to be stopped in transition. The 6-8 forward is looking for contact offensively with a back to the basket game, in which he can step out and shoot it as well. He is also a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions. Mbaye is a glass cleaner that can start the break, and if he gets a full head of steam, it is going to end up as a basket. Mbaye is the state’s top player and will be the focal point of the offense for Colorado Prep this upcoming season. Expect big numbers for him.
2021 Mo Mbaye has had a separation summer 🎥 Check out his highlights from the Gateway All American Showcase ⬇️ #WhyNotUs pic.twitter.com/z73RmI4qq9
— SI Select (@SISelect) July 29, 2020
Julian Hammond Julian Hammond 6'1" | SG Cherry Creek | 2021 State #209 Nation CO – Cherry Creek
Hammond is fresh off of committing to the University of Colorado to continue his basketball career. The Division I commit was a 1st Team All-State member this past season after putting up 21.9 points and 7.0 rebounds a game. Hammond is one of the best scorers in the state that scores from all three-levels and made immense strides this past season as both a facilitator and defender. Hammond put up a career-high 3.6 assists a game while also taking on the mantra of defending the opposing team’s best player when the game mattered most. Hammond is a high IQ guard that has a good feel for the game and scores in bunches. He is not afraid to take big shots but has also shown that he can play on and off of the ball as well. Hammond’s senior year will be relaxed now that the decision is out of the way; this should be a season about progressing and getting ready for the next level.
https://twitter.com/JulianHammond15/status/1304933099017510918?s=20
Ben Bowen Ben Bowen 6'5" | CG Mountain Vista | 2021 State CO – Mountain Vista
Bowen also committed a few weeks back to further his career at the University of Wyoming. The 6-foot-5 wing hit a spurt this past season in both size and production. Bowen put up an impressive line of 16.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game in his junior season, and his game seemed to elevate more this summer. Bowen was the summer standout as his confidence has been exceptionally high, and he has dominated in every setting. He has attacked other top players, showcased his versatility, and was a gym rat that made it a point to prove himself. He is a natural scorer that excels in pick and roll situations, and gets out in transition and finishes with either an easy layup or dunk. He is also improving as a shooter as he is stepping out and hitting the 3-ball as well. Bowen was an All-State Honorable Mention last season after having a solid season; I expect him to easily make one of the All-State teams if he comes in with the same intensity that he showed this summer. He again makes the Top-5.
c/o 2021- U. of Wyoming commit @benbowen40 was a walking bucket for CHA-Arnold this summer. Ben Bowen’s summer scoring highlights👇@MtnVistaBball @Bball_CO @PrepHoopsCO pic.twitter.com/sm1xkNX92N
— Colorado Hoops Academy (@cohoopsacademy) September 11, 2020
Boston Stanton Boston Stanton 6'4" | SG Denver East | 2021 State CO – Denver East
Stanton had an incredible junior season for Denver East as he helped lead the Angels to a 21-4 record. The All-State Honorable Mention and Denver Prep League 1st-Team All-Leaguer led the team in points and was one of the leading scorers in the state as he put up 21.4 points a game. He also snagged 5.6 boards a game and proved to be a versatile wing that could score both inside and out. The 6’4 wing is picking up Division I attention after a solid season and intriguing summer. Stanton is a fierce competitor that steps up to the challenge against other top players, and the Angels will lean more onto their best player with changes to their team. Expect for Stanton to pick up exactly where he left off last season and for the offers to continue coming in.
Highlights from the Reebok Elon Mare Rocky Mountain Championship July 8-12 2020 @Knights__Elite pic.twitter.com/Sf0hbspiVt
— Boston Stanton (@TheBSIII) July 30, 2020
Amondo Miller Amondo Miller 6'6" | CG Valor Christian | 2021 State CO – Valor Christian
Miller is the newest member to jump into the Top 5 after a stellar season and wonderful summer. As a junior, Miller proved to be a matchup nightmare as he put up a team-high 12.2 points a game. Valor Christian was set to appear in the Final Four, but COVID ruined a Cinderella run for the team, and they head into next season as a favorite. Miller has improved in practically every category this summer. Miller’s jump shot and playmaking abilities were questioned heading into AAU, and it appears that he has made it a point to address both. Miller consistently knocked down 3-pointers while also being the team’s primary ballhandler for the Colorado Miners this summer. He got teammates involved while also attacking the rim. He is challenging to slow down in transition and gets to wherever he wants on the floor. Miller has grown a few inches as well and is a legit 6’5 combo-guard that has a balanced all-around game. Welcome to the Top-5 Amondo.
July highlights Colorado Miners #23 pic.twitter.com/N6yX55fCfU
— Amondo Miller (@AmondoMiller) August 3, 2020