Prep Hoops Colorado 2022 1st Team All-State
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The high school basketball season came to an end, and we’re close to turning the chapter on the 2021 season. It was a condensed season, but a successful season nonetheless. It is now time for PrepHoopsColorado to unveil our All-State…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season came to an end, and we’re close to turning the chapter on the 2021 season. It was a condensed season, but a successful season nonetheless. It is now time for PrepHoopsColorado to unveil our All-State Teams. Here are your Class of 2022 All-State Teams!
Sam Howery Sam Howery 6'1" | PG St. Mary’s | 2022 State CO – St. Mary’s
The way that Howery was able to take over in games and lead his team to victory-after-victory in a way that he affected the game in every conceivable way was one of the most impressive feats regardless of class. St. Mary’s went into the season as the No. 1 seed in 3A as he led them to an undefeated regular season and all the way to the state championship before falling to the No.3 ranked player nationally. Howery upped his game and had a sensational season that not many in state history have ever been able to do. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.2 assists (No.1 in the nation according to maxpreps.com), 7.9 rebounds, and 4.5 steals a game. Unreal season for an unreal player and the easiest decision to make when it came to 1st Team All-State.
Tarrance Austin Tarrance Austin 5'10" | PG Pueblo South | 2022 State CO – Pueblo South
Austin is the player that might’ve proved the most people wrong along the way as the small guard had a monster season. Austin put up an incredible 23.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.9 steals a game while showcasing that Pueblo teams still know how to win when it comes to the playoffs. The Colts went 15-3 on the year and had a Cinderella type of run in the playoffs as they won a couple of games, including a buzzer-beating game-winner from Austin that sent them into the next round. He is a creative scorer that plays the right way, plays well above his size, gets the best out of teammates, and has no quit in him. He’s a player that turned many heads this season and will head into his senior season with a target on his back.
Elijah Knudsen Elijah Knudsen 5'10" | CG Mead | 2022 State CO – Mead
Knudsen is one of the most electric players in the entire state and just might be the toughest cover. He uses his incredible quickness, has the ability to create for himself off of the dribble with one of the quickest releases and deadliest shots from beyond the arc, and finishes with either hand inside. Knudsen went from a role-playing role a season ago on a team that went on one of the longest runs in state history to being in the history books as the state leader in points in the playoffs. Knudsen scored 130 points in his state title run and quieted doubter, after doubter. Knudsen is a small guard but epitomizes the saying,” heart has no height.” He was named the 4A player of the year and was an easy player to put on the 1st Team All-State for this class.
Joel Speckman Joel Speckman 6'8" | PF Chaparral | 2022 State CO – Chaparral
Speckman is the most skilled big man in the entire state, and the way that he was able to dominate games and showcase his versatility as a 6’7 do-it-all star separated him from the bunch. Speckman is a glass cleaner with the ability to put the ball on the floor and start the break himself. He makes players around him better and helped his team rack up wins. He feels when double teams are coming, plays within the flow of the offense, and refuses to be scored on down on the block. Speckman averaged 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds a game while leading the Wolverines to a 12-4 record, including two wins in the playoff before falling to the eventual state champs. Speckman is receiving DI interest, for a good reason and had himself a year.
James Shiers James Shiers 7'1" | C Mead | 2022 State CO – Mead
Shiers was the difference-maker for the 4A state champs this year and had a season where the production matched up with the height and hype. When Shiers is locked in on both ends of the floor like he was in the playoffs, he is a game-changing prospect that opposing teams have no answer for. He protected the paint as well as anybody in the state, ran in transition, and finished with dunks and finishes around the basket, and also grabbed essentially every board that came his way. Shiers put up 11.4 points and 9.4 rebounds a game while also being one of the state leaders in blocks at just over four a game. He alters the game with his 7-foot frame, has an excellent motor, and his team utilized him to the best of their abilities as they were named state champs. When the consistency matches the upside, Shiers will be one of the state’s top players, and he had himself a season.