Scouting Report: Thompson Valley Eagles
Thompson Valley can be a dangerous team offensively, especially as senior guard Cole Robinson continues to get into rhythm. Coming off a 60-48 cross-town home win over Loveland on Saturday, the Eagles are averaging 61.8 points on 45 percent shooting…
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Continue ReadingThompson Valley can be a dangerous team offensively, especially as senior guard Cole Robinson continues to get into rhythm.
Coming off a 60-48 cross-town home win over Loveland on Saturday, the Eagles are averaging 61.8 points on 45 percent shooting from the field. They’ve also buried 45 three-pointers in starting with a 6-4 record.
Thompson Valley has a legitimate chance of finishing in the top two of the 4A Northern Conference for the fourth consecutive time. They were the runner-up two of those times and the conference champion two seasons ago. Here’s a breakdown of the Eagles, a team featuring three players currently ranked in the top 100 of their respective classes:
Jake Hornick, 6-1 senior guard
Hornick, an NAIA recruit who signed with Concordia University (NE), is the only Thompson Valley player averaging double figures in points at 18 per clip. Against the Indians, the guard had 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. He played sound throughout and helped TV keep Loveland at bay after a close first quarter. Hornick is 13th in 4A in scoring and is also averaging 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The senior could be a major player at the NAIA level as he has the talent to be an impact recruit in Division II, as well. Hornick is ranked No. 31 in the 2016 class.
Cole Robinson, 6-1 senior guard
Robinson, who was cleared to return to game action in mid-December after suffering a knee injury about four and a half months ago, had a team-high 16 points. In only his fifth game back, the senior shook off the recent rust by making five-of-nine shots and, at one point bridging the second and third quarters, cashed four three-pointers in a row. He poured in 15 points per game as a junior and has continued to receive plenty of NAIA and Division III interest. The son of coach Josh Robinson, Cole is a top 75 prospect in 2016. He has played a ton of basketball over the years and it shows with his intelligence on the court.
Jacob Bosse, 6-1 senior guard
Bosse, a built guard with slashing ability, has provided scoring punch for the Eagles. He accounted for 10 points, six rebounds and three assists against Loveland and is averaging 9.2 points on the season. He gets his points around the basket, from mid-range and from the free throw stripe. Bosse is a solid player for Thompson Valley, a guard who is an NAIA/D-III prospect.
Julian Espinoza, 5-8 junior guard
Espinoza is undersized at only 5-foot-8 and 125 pounds, but he can knock down shots pretty well. The junior was quiet against Loveland with only four points. He is averaging eight a game and, despite his size, could be an NAIA/D-III prospect with his solid skill-set. He shot 45 percent from beyond the arc last season and is a top 100 prospect in 2017.
Charlie Brunner, 6-4 sophomore forward
Brunner has the look of a future college basketball player. Physically he’s rangy and, as evidenced by his track and field credentials, is fast and very coordinated. Mentally he plays with a calm, confident demeanor. Against Loveland, Brunner had a fairly loud 13 points, going seven-for-nine from the line and making several timely baskets. He also grabbed nine rebounds in the game and is averaging 7.1 points and 4.8 boards. Brunner looks like he might grow at least one more inch. His mobility, length and activity around the basket give him upside. If he develops his perimeter skills, he could be a nice looking prospect. He did have a feathery touch from the line against Loveland. While his collegiate potential, the level of it, is yet to be determined, Brunner definitely has some potential. He will be at least a top 100 prospect in his class.
Jared Kasprzak, 6-6 sophomore forward
The sophomore, a true post player, has a fairly massive frame for being so young. He had four points and two rebounds against Loveland and comes off the bench as a paint presence. Kasprzak is another small-school prospect for Thompson Valley.