Small School Standouts from Week One
As high school basketball in Colorado returns this week, we take a look at some of the top performers from smaller schools. These 3A-1A players are coming in with chips on their shoulders in hopes to get as much if…
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Continue ReadingAs high school basketball in Colorado returns this week, we take a look at some of the top performers from smaller schools. These 3A-1A players are coming in with chips on their shoulders in hopes to get as much if not more recognition than players at bigger schools. These players are this week’s small school standouts in the open week of the 21-22 season.
Alejandro Wright | 6’2 SG/SF | Bruce Randolph High School
A familiar name to those who have read my articles in the past, Alejandro Wright may be the best basketball player in 3A. Wright struggled shooting the ball from the field in his season opener which was surprising, however, he made up for his poor shooting performance by making 21 free throws. Securing a double-double by way of points and rebounds, no one should be shocked that he did so along with aiding his team by scoring 34 points. This one-game shooting slump should not carry over into the next couple of games and if it does just know he contributes for his team in all areas of the game. Alejandro is expected to make this list numerous times this year and should be a player all scouts keep their eyes on.
Zac Grable | 6’3 SF | Eaton High School
Near-perfect games are rare to come by in this sport and luckily the Reds were able to experience one on Thursday. This is one of the rare occasions where you look at a player’s performance and have no negative comments or suggest ideas on how they can improve for the next game. Bringing home the win of 92-58, Zac posted an impressive stat line of 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and a block. What is even more dumbfounding about those stats is he did not foul or turn the ball over once the entire time he was on the court. A game like this is not to be expected every week by almost any player, but by doing so flashes signs that this young player can be a real problem for everyone this year and next.
Landon Church | 6’5 PF | Addenbrooke Classical Academy
One rebound more in his opening game and Landon Church would be averaging a double in his first two games of the season. This should not take catch anyone off guard as he averaged a double-double a year ago. He is shooting 50% from inside the arc and grabbing 4.5 offense rebounds a game proving he uses his height and positions himself on the court to be successful. Addenbrooke is unfortunately 0-3 to start their season due to starting the first quarter slow and picking it up as the game progresses. If Landon continues to play as he does, this slump Addenbrooke has found itself in shouldn’t last much longer.
Andon Mindrup | 6’2 Combo Guard | St. Mary’s High School
With the likes of Sam Howery Sam Howery 6'1" | PG St. Mary’s | 2022 State CO and Max Howery Max Howery 6'0" | PG Air Academy | 2024 State CO being the big names at St. Mary’s, Andon Mindrup may just have inserted himself into the same category as the brothers. Although it is only two games into the season, Andon has already shown huge signs of improvement averaging 21.5 points per game compared to his 9.6 from a year ago. No stranger to grabbing rebounds, this guard is not afraid to battle with bigs for the ball and nags opposing teams on defense as his 5 steals a game would show. He is shooting 0% from three so far, but an insanely high 73% from inside the three-point line. If he finds his shot from deep he could easily take off and be in the conversation for one of the most improved players in Colorado. If not, he is still a scoring threat regardless of whether he makes outside shots or not.
Gavin Foonberg | Point Guard | Denver Jewish Day High School
No better way to start the season with a win and drop 30 points in the same game. Gavin Foonberg is a player that is flying under the radar as of right now which will hopefully change by the time he is a senior. Not the biggest kid on the court but if you give him any bit of free space from behind the arc and this kid will find a way to get the ball through the net. With only 32 minutes in a high school basketball game in which rarely do players play all 32 minutes, Gavin was able to dish out 7 assists in addition to his 30 points. He is such an active player that made a play every time on offense in his first game. Not much is known about him, but at least he should now be on the 1A watch list of players.