Colorado June Stock Risers: Guards, Part I
It’s been a big month of June for high school teams around the state. We’ve made our way to a number of summer events to evaluate players as they compete ahead of July’s live periods.
And while we can’t be everywhere, we’ve seen a good deal of prospects take the court this month. Here’s some of the guards who have elevated their stock in our eyes over the past month:
Quinten Rock, 5-11 2020 PG, Smoky Hill
The rising sophomore shot better than 50 percent from 3-point range as a freshman, and while that has certainly been a part of his game while leading the Buffs to a 15-3 June, it’s his increased confidence as an attacking guard that has stood out.
Kobe Sanders, 5-11 2020 PG, Chaparral
Much like his counterpart Rock, Sanders has simply elevated the confidence he’s playing with. He’s sure of himself with the ball, is limiting his mistakes and is absolutely shooting the heck of it right now.
Devin Carter, 6-0 2020 PG, George Washington
Something has gotten into this class. Carter has a sweet, high-arching stroke that been finding the bottom of the net all month. What I like most is how he’s been active on the defensive end and is looking for opportunities to create turnovers. He plays longer than his height and is still growing.
Josh Kavalec, 6-1 2018 PG, Rampart
Kavalec will be handling the ball a lot more now that primary ball-handler Cal Zeb Roberson has graduated. It was clear watching him at the Metro State Team Camp earlier this month that he has worked on creating with the ball in his hand. He has the ability to pull up quick off the dribble and can be decisive at times with the ball moving downhill. A good summer heading into his senior year should help this small-college prospect gain some exposure.
Duke Carey, 5-10 2018 PG, Doherty
Gone is one of the school’s all-time great players, Brevin Brimble. That has created a hole to be filled for Doherty, and Carey looks eager to step up. He has a tough streak in him and gets coming at you. He plays with good tenacity on the defensive end and has good overall athleticism. With a larger role as a senior, he should really elevate his game. Carey averaged 5.1 points in a limited role as a junior behind an experienced backcourt. Expect him to take a leap this year and develop into a D-II type prospect.