2022 All-Grassroots 2nd Team
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This summer, I made it a point to see as many players as possible. I went to as many tournaments as I could. Saw and went to as many underground runs and workouts as possible and added hundreds and hundreds…
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Continue ReadingThis summer, I made it a point to see as many players as possible. I went to as many tournaments as I could. Saw and went to as many underground runs and workouts as possible and added hundreds and hundreds of miles to my car. After watching and evaluating scores of new talents over the past few months, we have updated our rankings updates and also included new players. The 2022 class is our most loaded class, and after a big summer are ready for a solid junior season. Here are the players who really stood out for me that I had the opportunity to watch in person this summer.
All-Grassroots 2nd Team
Sam Howery Sam Howery 6'1" | PG St. Mary’s | 2022 State CO – Pluto Prospects
Aidan Kuhl Aidan Kuhl 6'0" | SG Rocky Mountain | 2022 State #245 Nation CO – Pro Skills
Mason Black Mason Black 6'3" | CG Falcon | 2022 State CO – Pluto Prospects
Anthony Harris Jr. Anthony Harris Jr. 6'5" | PF Smoky Hill | 2022 State CO . – Knights Elite
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO – Pro Skills
Howery is the best true point guard in the state, and his feel for the game is second to none. He not only pushes the pace but controls the game. This summer, Howery stood out in showcases, tournaments both in and out of state, and dominated in private runs. Howery makes others around him better, and his vision and court awareness creates easy scoring opportunities for others. Howery scored in the open court, knocked down the 3-ball, and showcased his IQ to create advantages for his team. Howery takes every matchup personally and does what is asked of him. Solid summer showing for him.
Kuhl was a late summer addition, and what he did to conclude the summer was playing some of the best ball of any combo-guard in the class. Kuhl has good size as a guard, is great in isolation, and scores in bunches. When his jump shot is falling, there are not many answers for him as he gets to the rim with ease and can stop on the spot and pull-up for a mid-range pullup. Kuhl moves without the ball, attacks in the PNR, and plays up to the competition. He has a complete game as a great positional rebounder and defender and is aggressive. He was one of the biggest stock boosters of the summer and has a game that translates to the next level.
Black has a pure jumper and consistent shooting stroke, and he proves to be an excellent off-ball guard. He has unlimited range and one of the best mid-range jumpers of any guard in the state. When he is on, he is on. Black lit up gyms both in-state and out and led Pluto Prospects to a couple of championships. He is a microwave option that is always moving, is comfortable with the ball in his hands, and makes the right play. Black rose to the challenge on multiple occasions, has sneaky athleticism, and knows how to score the ball. His best basketball is ahead of him, but he played well this summer.
Harris Jr. played up for the entire summer with Knights Elite but stood out in each setting as an X-factor that does all of the little things. Harris Jr. makes game-impacting plays that seem to gather all momentum. He is the state’s most athletic player, and his highlight dunks brought energy to the team. Harris Jr. can defend all five positions with his blend of strength and speed, uses his length and athleticism to play above his size, and when he is in the open court, there are not many answers for him. Harris Jr. improved as a rebounder and ballhandler, which will set him up for the upcoming season, where he will have to be THE GUY. An engaged Harris Jr. is when he is at his best, and if he can see it all come together will be a solid player at the next level.
Bilello is an X-factor type of player that stars in his role and will do exactly what is needed for his team to win. He works extremely hard on both ends of the floor, can play and defend multiple positions, and plays well off of the ball. Bilello picked up his first offer of the summer with consistency. Bilello stood out in tournaments, practices, and private runs not only by scoring but by outworking the opposition. Bilello has a great motor and can score in various ways. He fills gaps on offense and showcases his IQ by being at the right spots. He uses all of his 6’7 frame to create advantages and also protect the rim, and this upcoming season will be a big one for him as ThunderRidge will head into the season as the favorites.