2022 bigs that stood out in the 5A state playoffs
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With the season over, we want to look back at a season before we head onto the grassroots scene. Here we focus on some junior guards that stood out in 5A during their state-run. Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" |…
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Continue ReadingWith the season over, we want to look back at a season before we head onto the grassroots scene. Here we focus on some junior guards that stood out in 5A during their state-run.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO –ThunderRidge
Bilello is one of those players that can be put into any situation and make the best out of it and fits in no matter the supporting cast. He is not a player that has to have the ball to be effective and has a calmness to his game and maturity that helped T-Ridge be named state champs this season. Bilello came off of the bench but had a starter impact on games. The 6’7 forward spaces the floor with his shooting, battles for boards and keeps plays alive, and keeps the offense flowing when it gets stagnant. With the Grizzlies not having a point guard for a bit of time, he stepped in and took on some ball-handling duties, which speaks to his versatility, and he had it going in the playoffs. Bilello averaged 13.2 points a game in the playoffs as he got T-Ridge off to a hot start with 22 points in the opening round. He went 12-20 from deep in the playoffs, which is an incredible clip, and made it so defenses could not think about zoning the team. Bilello is one of the top fit-in guys in the state, and he showcased that with a strong playoff performance.
Joel Speckman Joel Speckman 6'8" | PF Chaparral | 2022 State CO – Chaparral
Speckman is an extremely talented player who can do anything on the floor, which is why it is so difficult to defend him. Speckman nearly averaged a double-double in his junior campaign and put every team on notice why he is one of the more talented players in the state. Speckman has good size at 6’7 and can put it on the floor and attack off of the dribble or play with a back to the basket and set of moves. In the playoffs, he picked up right where he left off as the junior forward put up 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game while also protecting the paint and defending at a high level. Speckman is a paint beast that can step out, shoot the ball, use his size, finish well at the rim, and compete each time out. He led a Chaparral team that lost a few players from last year’s team to the Sweet 16 and will be one of the sought-after players that plenty of schools will have their eye on this summer.
Kaleb Mitchell Kaleb Mitchell 6'9" | C Denver Prep | 2022 AZ – Fountain Fort-Carson
Mitchell went from an intriguing 6’9 prospect to a dominant force on the block that is a glass-cleaning big that knows his way around the rim. This summer, Mitchell had a coming-out party where we wrote about how he could be in a dominant frontcourt with another talented big to him proving us right. For most of the season, the Trojans were the only team in 5A, with two players averaging a double-double the entire year. Thompson boxed out, used his size to grab boards over smaller defenders, and used his length and athleticism in grind it out half-court offenses. Mitchell put up 13 points in both playoff games and also kept plays alive with his effort and work on the glass. This summer, I expect him to continue turning heads as he fills a void at the next level and has the size that will have him stand out alone. Excited to see him in a role where he can hold down the fort down low alone.
Jayden Washington Jayden Washington 6'5" | PF Eaglecrest | 2022 State CO – Eaglecrest
When engaged, Washington is a double-double machine that benefitted from playing up in summer ball as it prepared him for the season. When in season, after a slow start, he found himself and did not look back. Washington was the bruiser and hard worker for the Raptors as he was aggressively keeping plays alive. What stands out to me about Washington is how he can create baskets and scoring opportunities for himself but also work well alongside another big as he is not outworked. In Eaglecrest’s win over Mountain Vista, Washington put up a monster stat line of 10 points and 14 boards. He came back to life in a tough loss to Cherry Creek to conclude the season but saw what he needed to work on and will be committed to improving his game. I liked what I saw from Washington this year and am ready for the grassroots season.
Anthony Harris Jr – Smoky Hill
AHJ is a known commodity as the best highlight reel in all of Colorado, regardless of the sport, but his dedication to his craft in the last year shows a completely different player. Harris Jr. went on a stretch to conclude the season that showcased him at his peak. An all-around player that can light up the scoreboard and impact the game with his athleticism in more ways than just dunks. AHJ was dominant in the opening round win over Horizon as the 6’5 forward stuffed the stat sheet. He finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Against Cherry Creek, the offense was not there, but he still used his athleticism to impact the game as he finished with eight rebounds in the game and played above the rim. Hopefully, this summer, he remains dedicated to his craft and works to continue improving his game.
Zach Keller Zach Keller 6'9" | PF ThunderRidge | 2022 State #81 Nation CO – ThunderRidge
Keller is a Division I prospect with arguably the highest upside in the class, and when he gets himself going, there are not many answers on how to slow him down. He is an athletically gifted player with excellent size at 6’8 and can move a player on the block and finish or knock down the FT line extended, baseline jumper. Keller runs the floor well, covers ground, and is not afraid to try and dunk on multiple players. In the playoffs, he had his moments on the block with dunks and also protected the paint with his size, which helped the Grizzlies be named state champ.