2018 Top Centers
With the 2018 rankings release, we’re taking a look at the top-4 centers for the senior class. Prep Hoops Colorado takes an in-depth look at each player, says what makes them special and what the state tournament holds for them.
1) D’Auntray (Tray) Pierce-George Washington-Overall Class Rank #6
Pierce is of the best rim protectors we’ve had for the past two years and he’s only getting better. On the season, he’s averaging 3.6 blocks a game, good for 3rd in all of 5A and has changed countless of other shots during the course of the year. Along with his 3.6 blocks he also averages 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds and has shown the ability to be able to knock down the elbow jumper consistently when put in the position to. The way that he changes the game on the defensive end makes him one of the best players in the state and his progress. On the offensive end has allowed the Patriots to reach new heights. Whatever college is able to get him is getting a game changer.
2) Ryan Ongala-Rangeview-Overall Class Rank #14
The Emporia State commit has been the engine for the Rangeview Raiders. You could always tell what type of game they’ll have based off of his defensive intensity and he brings it for the entirety of the game no matter who the opposition is. This is a fearless leader that takes over the game with sheer strength. He can affect the game with his defense but his willingness to work on his offensive game and open up the defense with improved most moves or an easy dunk has really opened him up and made him one of the better big men in the state. He’s the leader on a young team and it’s only prepared him for the next level where he’ll go in and be asked to play major minutes as a freshman. We’ve seen him take over the load this year and end his Rangeview Raiders stint on a positive note as he had an incredible year.
3) Brendan LaRose-Falcon-Overall Class Rank #20
Brendan LaRose is one of the best big men we have in the state and if he wasn’t playing in 4A I truly believe that he’d be in our top 10. He’s having an incredible senior season as he’s putting up 15.9pts, 12rebs and a league leading 3.4blks a game while leading his team to win after win. Brendan has turned heads this year with the improvements he made over the summer. On the season, he’s posted 14 double-doubles and proved he’s a force to be reckoned. He’s lead his team to the No.4 overall seed in the state tournament and they actually have what it takes to win the whole thing if he can take his game to the next level and finish off strong. It’s going to be an interesting week of playoff basketball for Falcon and a player to keep an eye on in all of the state games is their big man.
4) Morgan Brown-Eaglecrest-Overall Class Rank #62
With extended time this season, Morgan has proved to be a big part of what Eaglecrest is defensively as he’s long with a high motor that just never seems to gives up. Brown has so many intangibles that don’t show up on the stat sheet but makes him a player that his teammates love to play with and fans love to watch as he’s going to give his all no matter what each game. On the year he’s averaging only 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds a game and those numbers don’t really stand out much but his work ethic mixed with the way that he plays the game with his all makes him a player that