2022 Forwards & Bigs That Stood Out During Live Period
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Anthony Harris Jr. – Knights Elite/Smoky Hill As a state, Colorado basketball has not had a true athlete like Anthony Harris Jr. since, quite possibly ever. The dual sport athlete has been turning heads all summer long with his high…
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Continue ReadingAnthony Harris Jr. – Knights Elite/Smoky Hill
As a state, Colorado basketball has not had a true athlete like Anthony Harris Jr. since, quite possibly ever. The dual sport athlete has been turning heads all summer long with his high flying dunks and acrobatic transition plays. Due to his elite verticality, Harris excels as a rebounder at only 6’5, where he averaged 10.5 per game in 16 5A games at Smokey Hill High School last season. It is clear that he made a significant effort to improve his perimeter shooting, which is by far his biggest swing skill. Down the road, his potential as a two-way wing will be what attracts college coaches. He is not only strong enough to defend a wide range of positions, but has the verticality to make anyone’s shot attempt fly into the backboard.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO – Pro Skills/Thunderridge
Coming into the high school season, Thunderridge will be the team to beat. Headlining their myriad of tall perimeter threats, Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO projects to be an elite shooter off the catch at 6’8. Bilello improved his ballhandling, proving that he is capable bringing the ball up to either set up plays or push on the fast break. While with Pro Skills, he was played as the small ball 5 during certain lineups, which was an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses that had to deal with constant shooting threats. Bilello is not just a shooter either, he works especially hard to grab defensive rebounds that often times lead to fast breaks where he is an active passer.
Zach Keller Zach Keller 6'9" | PF ThunderRidge | 2022 State #81 Nation CO – Utah Prospects/Thunderridge
Coming into the season ranked as a four-star power forward, Keller has been making waves by showcasing his motor and skill at 6’9″. Unlike most bigs, Keller thrives in transition as a play finisher and offensive rebounder. Thanks to the elite backcourt duo of Langston Reynolds Langston Reynolds 6'4" | CG Colorado Prep | 2022 State #172 Nation CO and Collin Chandler, Keller took advantage of the extra spacing where he was consistently able to take advantage of backdoor cuts and improve his three-point shooting consistency. Keller is the epitome of the modern big man, who can take you off the dribble for a bucket and block your shot on a fast break the next possession.
Joel Speckman Joel Speckman 6'8" | PF Chaparral | 2022 State CO – PLUTO Prospects/Chapparal
Speckman is a high IQ player, regardless of his above average stature at 6’8″, he possesses great timing and fundamentals constesting at-rim attempts. He can also push in transition with the ball in his hands, where he displayed his passing vision multiple times a game. In half court situations, Speckman makes a living out of post-ups, where he is confident spinning to finish with either hand. Regardless of him making shots, Speckman’s motor is unquestionable, as he always fights for possessions as if the game were on the line that moment.
Asher Nofziger Asher Nofziger 6'7" | PF Cherry Creek | 2022 State CO – Pro Skills/Cherry Creek
While Nofziger’s entire game is rarely on display, he is incredibly productive at maximizing his strengths as a rebounder and defensive instigator. Standing at 6’7″, he always rotates in time to contest at-rim attempts, along with finding a body to box out time and time again. He possesses a compact frame, well equipped with taking bumps and ultimately holding his own in the post. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how much he stretches out his offensive game to the three point line, where he should be making steady strides over the next year.