This was the best slate of games since the season began, and we were there to watch most all of the games. Having the ability to be at multiple places at once and going back and rewatching has been rewarding as we can see these big-time performances. Here is who caught my eye on Wednesday evening.
Gillingham’s big game came in defeat, so we might as well get it out of the way, but that should not undermine the type of performance that he had against the No.1 team in all of 4A. Gillingham is one of the hardest-working players in the state, and he shows up. He plays above his size, he gives his all on both ends of the floor, and he is a man-child that takes advantage of mismatches. Gillingham had a game-high 29 points out of Greeley West’s 59. He got to where he wanted, never gave up hope despite his team being down, and continued to attack. I enjoy watching him, and his willingness to compete intrigues me. Small schools should be all over him.
This was the best slate of games since the season began, and we were there to watch most all of the games. Having the ability to be at multiple places at once and going back and rewatching has been rewarding as we can see these big-time performances. Here is who caught my eye on Wednesday evening.
Colton Gillingham
ColtonGillingham6'0" | CGGreeley West | 2021StateCO – Greeley West
Gillingham’s big game came in defeat, so we might as well get it out of the way, but that should not undermine the type of performance that he had against the No.1 team in all of 4A. Gillingham is one of the hardest-working players in the state, and he shows up. He plays above his size, he gives his all on both ends of the floor, and he is a man-child that takes advantage of mismatches. Gillingham had a game-high 29 points out of Greeley West’s 59. He got to where he wanted, never gave up hope despite his team being down, and continued to attack. I enjoy watching him, and his willingness to compete intrigues me. Small schools should be all over him.
Elijah KnudsenElijahKnudsen5'9" | CGMead | 2022StateCO – Mead
Knudsen has been having a season within a season. Not only is he trying to lead the No.1 Mead to a state championship while being public enemy No.1, but he is also learning on the fly. He is stepping into a leadership role as a quiet and reserved kid and transitioning into a more lead guard role with a ratchet. Knudsen is improving with each game as he continues to grow. His court awareness is increasing, chemistry with teammates is expanding, and as a result, his numbers are not what they could be – which is fine. But make no mistake about it; when he wants to have a big scoring night, he can. Wednesday night, he felt like going off. Knudsen erupted for a team-high 28 points and showed why he is regarded as a top-5 shooter in the state. Knudsen hit SEVEN 3-pointers in the game, easily broke Greeley West traps, and opened the game up. When it all comes together for him, he will be a nightmare assignment for opposing guards.
Jaeton HackleyJaetonHackley6'0" | PGDouglas County | 2022StateCO – Douglas County
I have been screaming it from the mountain tops and to anybody that would listen to me. I think that
Jaeton HackleyJaetonHackley6'0" | PGDouglas County | 2022StateCO is the best point guard in the state no matter the class and when he goes out and has a monster game like he did on Wednesday evening, who is to say no? Hackley had an incredible game against a Top-10 team in George Washington who is a team that is centered around their defense, and for him to go out and put up 32 points, (16-20 FT), 8 assists, 6 rebounds and recorded five steals, it is saying something. Hackley is the most aggressive guard in the state, and this was a game that he refused to lose. He plays with such a chip on his shoulder and is geared for an up and down game where he can prove his worth. This was a classic showing and a moment that many should go back and rewatch. Hackley is the real deal.
Aidan KuhlAidanKuhl6'0" | SGRocky Mountain | 2022StateCO – Rocky Mountain
More like,” Aidan Cool” Amirite!?!? Okay, that was a bad one, but his game on Wednesday night was not. Kuhl came into the season as one of the biggest stock risers in the entire state, and he has proved to be a promising riser as it is evident that he continues to work on his game. Kuhl is putting up 21.3 points a game and last night had his highest-scoring performance of the season in a 66-64 win over Broomfield. Kuhl put up an explosive 29-points and had seven rebounds to go along with it. His shot was falling as the junior guard hit four 3-pointers, dissected the traps and presses that Broomfield tried to send his way, and did whatever it is he wanted. He means so much to that Lobos team, so for their best player to continue being a consistent force has led them to wins, and with the wins – more eyes his way. Kuhl is one of my personal favorites and will be the perfect addition for a college to be on NOW. Buy stock.
Tyce BaldwinTyceBaldwin6'4" | CGFossil Ridge | 2021StateCO – Fossil Ridge
The uber-athletic combo-guard at Fossil Ridge put together not only his best game of the season but had one of the most efficient nights in all of Colorado basketball. In a 30-point win for the Sabercats, they relied heavily on their do-it-all captain to show up big, and he elevated his game. Baldwins shot was falling, he got open looks, and he was dangerous in the open court. He finished with a game-high 24-points on 10-11 from the field. His only miss was a heat-check 3-pointer, and he still managed to knock down two 3-pointers. When he is in a zone and with the pieces that Fossil Ridge has on him, that is a very tough team to beat. You can see the chemistry flowing and them getting better. Big nights from him means blowout wins, and I am sure that Fossil Ridge will take both.
