Top of the Rockies: 17U Stock Risers
The Top of the Rockies brought together some of the state’s top talent over the weekend, and Prep Hoops Colorado was on hand Saturday morning and afternoon to take in the 17U competition.
Yesterday we posted the major highlights of Saturday’s 17U action, which you can find HERE.
Today we are taking a look at the 17U players who upped their stock with their play in front of more than a dozen college coaches over the weekend:
Blake Williams, 6-6 2018 guard/forward, Colorado Premier
Williams during the high school season for Rock Canyon last year was a player who would willingly do all the little things necessary to help his team win, and he played a big role in the Jaguars reaching the 5A state semifinals. Williams on Saturday impressed in his role as a lead guard off the ball. He was authoritative without forcing, continually attacking downhill and making plays. He’s also really worked on his outside shot and was knocking it down with consistency over the weekend. It’s not hard to imagine Williams sliding into the starting spot vacated by do-it-all guard Colin Rardin and becoming a big part of next season’s Rock Canyon squad, which figures to contend for the title once again. Divison II, III and NAIA programs should be keeping a close eye on Williams as he enters the summer. There’s a lot to like about his versatile game on both ends.
Yet another tough finish for @rockcanyon23, who has been in attack mode all morning. pic.twitter.com/zGuQv52z8i
— Prep Hoops Colorado (@PrepHoopsCO) May 6, 2017
Chase Rogers, 6-0 2018 guard, B&B Academy
Several coaches in the gym at Bear Creek on Saturday were buzzing about the play of Rogers, who was a knockdown shooter all weekend. Rogers has a quick release, sets himself well and is consistent coming off screens. The best part of his game is that he is simply an intelligent player who always seems to be in the position to make winning plays. We chronicled the growth Rogers made during his junior season at Evergreen, which you can read HERE. Small-college programs should be keeping a close eye on this talented guard.
Jeremy Randle, 6-2 2018 guard, Colorado Cardinals
Randle was one of several Cardinals players who had a strong showing over the weekend. The fluid combo guard has good range and is long defensively. He moves well without the basketball and has strong vision. As he continues to work on his ball-handling and beating defenders off the dribble, he could mold into an efficient point guard or two-guard at the small-college level.
Bodie Hume, 6-6 2018 guard, Colorado Hawks Nations
Few players have splashed onto the scene in a bigger way over the last few months than Hume, who has carried the momentum of leading Sterling to the 3A state championship in March into an impressive club spring that has helped him garner attention from college programs at various levels. Hume’s length and athleticism allows him to be a difference maker on both ends, and when his shot is falling like it was in the 17U title game Saturday, when he hit six 3-pointers and scored 26 points, he can be a problem for opponents. Look for a big July out of Hume, who Division II and low-Division I programs need to monitoring closely.
Tylor Trinh, 5-11 2018 guard, Colorado Chaos
Trinh turned heads last spring and summer at the 16U level with his ability to be a knockdown outside shooter. What we saw this weekend was a player who has clearly worked hard to add more elements to his game. Trinh has put in noticeable work in the weight room. He’s stronger, and it’s helped him become a better defender on the perimeter. He’s active with his hands, plays strong help defense and rebounds it well for his position. The shot, which he can create off the dribble or coming off screens, is still there, but kudos to Trinh for the clear work he has put in to expand his game further. The high-academic guard could be a real steal for a Division III program.