Mr. Basketball Candidates
As the regular season just came to an end and the state tournament finally upon us, we begin to get a clear view on who has had the all-around best season for their team. With that comes the highest reward we have in Colorado, which is Mr. Basketball. In this article Prep Hoops gives you our Top 4 picks at seasons end on who we believe has the chance to win Mr. Basketball. Not only have these four players been bringing it all season, but have placed their team in the position to win a state title.
Daylen Kountz (Denver East)
Kountz is one of the best players in Colorado and one that could’ve arguably been in the Mr. Basketball conversion for the past two years. He also is one of the few players that have averaged 20 points a game over his entire high school career in addition to being a four years starter. In a year where most figured East would be a decent team at best, Kountz has led them to one of the top teams in the state. The University of Colorado commit looks to be on mission to get himself a ring in his final high school season as he averages 22.8 points, 3.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals a game leading his team to a 19-2 record on the season. Daylen has put together one of the best all-around seasons in the state this year and led the state in scoring. He’s who we believe will be in the top two candidates to win the award.
Sam Masten (Rock Canyon)
Being the lone player from the state of Colorado to be considered for the McDonalds All American game in March, the University of Northern Colorado commit has proven time and time again that he is arguably the state’s best player this season. On the season, Rock Canyon has a solid record of 21-2 in a tough league that almost ended in a three-way tie. Sam separated himself from the pack as he was the second leading scorer in the state as he put up 22.5 points a game, but where he really made his argument for the top overall player and maybe solidified himself as Mr. Basketball is he also recorded 8.2 rebounds a game as well. Sam’s the back bone of the team and has been for the past three years. His ability to get to the rim is second to none and his willingness to get on the boards as well shows there aren’t many things the he can’t do. Rock Canyon is on a quest to avenge last year’s state tournament loss in the state tournament, but come out with a championship.
Ronnie DeGray III (Chaparral)
The big man for the Wolverines has had the whole state on alert since the beginning of the season as he has improved every season but this season; incredible. Chaparral’s success this year has caught some by surprise as the core of the team is made up of juniors and sophomores. The junior that has led them to a 17-4 record as well as a top-5 ranking in the state tournament—DeGray. On a well-balanced team, Ronnie has managed to fill the stat sheet with an impressive 19.5 points, 2.1 assists, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, all while shooting close to 60% from the field. Ronnie has only gotten better as he’s felt more comfortable and in his junior year he’s seen an increase in all of his numbers as he’s moved into his leadership role. This season it will be hard for him to pull the award away from our two top seniors but I’m certain his play over the past year will have the attention of some people and he’ll be the favorite for next year.
Adam Thistlewood (Golden)
The 6’7 big in 4A has been a huge part of what the Golden Demons have been able to accomplish this season. At 20-3 and a top 5 seed going into the state tournament this year has already been a success, a state championship would be the icing on the cake. Adam his been the key to this team averaging a team high 22.7 points along with 8.3 rebounds a game. He also recorded 1.5 blocks a game and changed countless shots at the rim. Teams consistently struggle to match up with the big man who can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket with the best of them. A game earlier in the year against D’Evelyn where Golden won it 89-68, Thistlewood put up a monstrous game of 47 points and 10 rebounds which had to be Colorado’s best stat line of the year. This is the type of ceiling he has and at the next level with division 1 coaches and the weight room he’ll be able to come into his own, all while still growing. Adam has had three games where he has scored 30 or more points and with play like this, it’ll be hard for a team to take down the Demons.