Five forwards/bigs to watch in the Centennial League
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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 been a few games in and determining who…
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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 been a few games in and determining who we deem as the top teams in the state. Well, good news, we are a couple of weeks removed from the start of the season. With a late start and condensed season, getting off to a quick start is important. One conference that did not see a change and will again be the state’s conference to watch is the Centennial league. Let’s look at a LOADED conference.
Blake Purchase Blake Purchase 6'4" | PF Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO – Cherry Creek
Purchase is the new big man in the conference and, with his size and tenacity, will be a welcomed addition to the Cherry Creek squad. The 2023 big spent last season on JV and was productive when he was in the game. He is a paint beast who is active on the boards, knows where to be on the floor, and finishes well around the rim. Purchase is not easily moved and is an athletically gifted big that uses his strength and speed. Purchase has great footwork, establishes position down low, and having a bruiser like him will make it easier for the Bruins on the defensive end of the floor. We are excited to see more of Purchase.
Adrian Price Adrian Price 6'5" | C Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO – Eaglecrest
Price was one of the most consistent bigs in the state a season ago as he can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Price showcases sneaky athleticism as he goes right up for dunks and also moves opposing bigs on his way to the rim. Price sets hard screens, rebounds well, and also rolls after making contact. As a junior, he averaged a team-high 6.5 boards and 1.4 blocks a game and will have to improve as a finisher, but from what we saw this summer in private runs and tournaments has continued to work on his game. Price is a gym-rat that understands what he has to do on the floor, competes as hard as anybody on the floor, and having a 6’6 big man with one of the longest wingspans in the state will go a long way for the Raptors. Price will be one of the most important players in the conference.
Jayden Washington Jayden Washington 6'5" | PF Eaglecrest | 2022 State CO –Eaglecrest
Washington is one of the quickest risers in the 2022 class after the summer that he put up with Colorado Mayhem. The 6’6 big man did not play too much varsity a season ago but will step into one of the better frontcourts in the state and rely heavily upon him in his junior season. Washington played up with the Miners and held his own. He scores on the block and has a back to the basket game. He also has a great motor and possesses the ability to snag the board and put the ball on the floor to start the break. Washington is a skilled and versatile big man with upside, and if he can carry the momentum from grassroots into the year, then Eaglecrest will once again be a team to watch this upcoming season.
Brayden Carter Brayden Carter 6'8" | PF Seiling Ok | 2021 State CO – Mullen
Carter is the best big man in the conference and will head into the season as the top big in 5A. Carter put up incredible numbers in his junior season, and that was while seeing double teams often. The 6’8 forward averaged a double-double as he put up 18.7 points and 10.9 boards a game and also recorded 1.7 blocks a game. Carter has a bit of everything in his arsenal and is a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. He establishes position, spins off of double teams, demands the ball in the post, and scores with ease. Carter also is a high IQ player that lets the game come to him and does not force much. He keeps the ball high, fights for position, and is a finesse finisher that teams have difficulty slowing down. Carter is staying in-state for his college career as he signed to go to Regis University, so this season will be about picking up, having fun, and picking up wins. I am sure he will do everything in his power as a natural leader to ensure a solid season.
Marzouq Abdur Razaaq – Overland
Marzouq is one of the most talented forwards in the state and plays well above his age. Marzouq is heading into his sophomore season with huge expectations considering this was a player that was just on JV a season ago. He will be the go-to player this season and with his mature game and physique certainly has what it takes to lead the squad. Danny Fisher will put him in positions to excel; he just has to trust the process. What separates Marzouq from other forwards is the ability to impact the game without scoring. Marzouq rebounds in bunches, has an excellent understanding of spacing and where rebounds are going, and can put the ball on the floor. Marzouq has a great motor, has a fluid motion on mid-range jumpers, and also is no slouch on the defensive end of the floor as he contests everything. He jumps into the Top-5 in our newest ranking for the class, and with the year that we are expecting from him, he will be able to prove it.