Five 5A junior scorers that stood out this season
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We are less than a week away from the end of the season. Some solid performers in the 5A class have led their teams to victory, and some that have come up just a bit short. Nonetheless, we acknowledge some…
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Continue ReadingWe are less than a week away from the end of the season. Some solid performers in the 5A class have led their teams to victory, and some that have come up just a bit short. Nonetheless, we acknowledge some of the class’s top scorers from a very entertaining regular season.
Jordan McKay Jordan McKay 6'3" | SF Liberty | 2022 State CO – Liberty
McKay led the 5A 2022 class in scoring in this condensed season and continues to be a player that opposing teams have trouble slowing down. Rather the team is winning or losing, he is a player that is going to do everything that he can to put his teammates in positions to win, and the Lancers understand that they have a player that is going to give his all. McKay is a versatile and consistent scorer that can play as well as defend multiple positions. He has a college-ready body and the strength and athleticism to force mismatches which makes him a difficult player to defend. For a player to lead the class in scoring at 21.7 points a game, what stands out about McKay is that is his second-best quality. He is an elite rebounder at 10.7 boards a game which is also the top of the 2022 class, and his ability to average a double-double for the entire season should not go unnoticed. McKay is one of the state’s most versatile players and certainly opened many eyes during this bizarre season. Keep him on your radars.
Aidan Kuhl Aidan Kuhl 6'0" | SG Rocky Mountain | 2022 State #245 Nation CO – Rocky Mountain
Kuhl might be one of the most improved players in the state, and that is saying something as the 6’1 combo-guard averaged 17.1 points a game as a sophomore. He upped those numbers to 21.7 a game in his junior campaign and willed Rocky Mountain to wins which was impressive, but it was the way that he was doing it that stood out most. Kuhl is a player who can take over games while being keyed in on and double-teamed. He easily breaks the press, has a great handle on the ball, which goes to show you that he works on his game out of designed practice time, and while he is in a position to force the issue on some nights, he makes sure to get others involved as well. Kuhl is a leader on the floor that understands the moment and is never sped up, scores in bunches and in consistent fashion, and only looks to continue getting better. Kuhl was one of my favorite players to watch this season, and he put up some huge numbers in doing so.
Brock Mishak Brock Mishak 6'3" | CG Fossil Ridge | 2022 State CO – Fossil Ridge
Mishak was a player that turned many heads during the summer as he played up and not only fit in, but stood out and brought his stellar play into his junior season, where he was one of the more entertaining players to watch on a nightly basis. That Fossil Ridge teams were among the most improved teams in the state as they had a dynamic duo, and Mishak led the way. Mishak has a great feel for the game and is a natural scorer that shows up no matter who the competition is. He is an aggressive scorer that does not turn down open looks, makes smart plays with the ball in his hands, and moves without the ball if that means making the right play. Mishak has a game that translates to the next level and is a high IQ player with a high ceiling. He still has a few things to work on and tweak but is near a complete player, and his 19.4 points a game while shooting near 40% from beyond the arc back it up. He is an elite scorer that stood out this season.
Brayden Maldonado Brayden Maldonado 6'0" | PG Smoky Hill | 2022 State CO – Smoky Hill
Maldonado is on one of the most entertaining teams the state has to offer, and every single night, it is a track meet. The Alaska-transfer has fit seamlessly as he chose the right fit for a game-coach that perfectly fits him. Maldonado has the freedom to be himself on the court and is one of the most creative guards in the state. He is a tough shot-taker and maker that excels in iso situations but is lethal in the pick and roll game. Maldonado is not afraid to take chances as an elite passer with an excellent handle on the ball and impressive court vision. He puts his teammates in positions to score while also maintaining his own scoring acumen. In his first CHSAA season, he put up 19.3 points a game which was No.4 in the 2022 class, including plenty of outlet run-outs, steal, and finishes in the open court, as well as unlimited range 3-pointers that most other guards would not dare to take. Maldonado certainly does not lack confidence nor talent and was one of the top guards to watch this season.
Taveon Long Taveon Long 6'1" | CG Overland | 2022 State CO – Hinkley
We expected a jump from Long as he fought back through injury a season ago, but we were not expecting this kind of season. Long had an incredible off-season as he made multiple All-Tourney teams out of state for Knights Elite, and stepped into the season, and picked up right where he left off at – scoring buckets. The Thunderbirds did not live up to expectations this season with an injury to their best player, and Long not only filled that role but showed he is a player to take seriously as well. Long is one of the few players in the state averaging a double-double on the season, and his comes at a tune of 18.0 points and 10.9 rebounds a game. Long is a downhill runner that can put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. He also can snag boards and either go straight up with it or start the break himself. Opposing teams keyed in on him, and he was able to capitalize and stepped up in games where Hinkley looked outmatched as well. He was a consistent force every night and one of the top players in the East Metro League.