Five wings to watch in the 5A/4A South Central League
There have been changes to the world as we know it, and the Colorado high school basketball scene has taken its fair share of changes as well. Typically, we will have already started with some tournaments to get things kicked…
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Continue ReadingThere have been changes to the world as we know it, and the Colorado high school basketball scene has taken its fair share of changes as well. Typically, we will have already started with some tournaments to get things kicked off at this time of the year, but there has to be a compromise on both ends. Not only will the season start late, but it will be a condensed season, so teams and players must get off to hot starts. We will focus on the 5A/4A South Central League, the league full of Pueblo Teams, a battle night in and night out.
Ethan Gallegos – Pueblo Centennial
Gallegos was the team’s best rebounder despite being 6’1. He works as hard as anyone in the state, is willing to dive on the floor or set the charge, and is often tasked with guarding the biggest player on the floor. He does all of that and more for the Bulldogs, and while he is not a big-time scorer, he is the engine for the team that gets them going. Last season he put up 5.6 points and 6.1 rebounds a game and will need his motor and energy to be contagious so that others are also getting on board. Pueblo Centennial will look to get back on the right track.
Tarrance Austin Tarrance Austin 5'10" | PG Pueblo South | 2022 State CO – Pueblo South
Austin is a player that torched the conference last season, so with this season being condensed and against that same conference, his numbers might be through the roof for his junior season. Austin put up 17 points a game as a sophomore and saved his best games for the conference. He is an athletic wing that plays multiple positions and finished up the season scoring in double figures in 11 straight games. He found a groove and did not look back. Austin is a do-it-all guard that steps out on the wing and dominates as a slasher. He is comfortable with the ball in his hands, is dangerous in the open court, and plays solid defense. He is a big-time scorer and Pueblo South’s best player. He had 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and an impressive 3.7 steals a game, which was amongst the top in the state. Austin will be ready come junior season, and hopefully it translates to wins.
Jace Bellah – Pueblo South
The quarterback is also lethal on the hardwood as well. Bellah is a player that gives his all on the floor and is a team-first player that the coach goes out there to do everything that is needed. He is the clean-up guy that is willing to do the dirty work and also scores when needed. Bellah averaged 7.3 points a game and also helped out on the board. He is a defensive specialist who can defend multiple positions, plays above his size and heart, and will be needed if Pueblo South wants to turn things around. They will surely be better with a team a year older and wiser.
Xavier Hatch – Pueblo West
Pueblo West ended the season on a seven-game winning streak as they got into a rhythm and did not look back. Pueblo West had solid leadership with a talented group of seniors who showed them the way and role players that knew what was needed to win. Now that that season is done and the next approaches, a player that will have to step up is combo-guard and wing, Xavier Hatch. Hatch will have to step up in every way and build on a season where he was one of the team’s X-factors. Hatch stepped up when needed and played more off of the ball and also was lights out from deep, shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Hatch averaged seven points a game, showcased his IQ, and as a team player that knows what to do on the floor. This season I expect him to take a step in every department.