Mr. Colorado Basketball Race: The Final Four
As we prepare for this weekend’s final four of the state tournaments in all classification’s, we felt it was the perfect time to reveal our own final four in the race for the first annual Prep Hoops Mr. Colorado Basketball award.
Whittling down the field to four candidates during an exciting season full of standout performances, was certainly no easy task. But the four players represented here, all of whom are still fighting for the ultimate prize of a state championship, were good enough to edge out the rest.
Without further ado, in no particular order, The Final Four.
De’Ron Davis, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Overland
Everything you need to know about why Davis is a candidate for this award played out Saturday afternoon at the Denver Coliseum, when his tour-de-force of dunks, spinning post moves, 3-pointers, blocked shots and dominance on the glass propelled the Trailblazers to a rout of Doherty. And while Davis’ numbers — 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game — are impressive, it’s the the way he completely alters to game plans of opponents that speaks to his dominance.
Jalen Sanders, 6-5 junior wing, Valor Christian
Sanders has been the ultimate whatever-you-need player for the Eagles this season during a special season that has reached the Final Four in Boulder. Sanders has averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Further, he has the ability to effectively guard almost every position on the floor. Sanders’ unique blend of athleticism, versatility and toughness have made him one of the state’s best players.
Justinian Jessup, 6-5 senior wing, Longmont
What a treat basketball fans will be in for on Friday when Sanders matches up with Jessup during the teams’ Final Four matchup. Like Sanders, Jessup, a Boise State signee, has the ability to affect the games in multiple ways, averaging 18.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.6 steals. His harassing defense sets the tone that the rest of the Trojans rise to. Most importantly, Jessup wins. In the last two seasons combined, Jessup’s Trojans have lost only twice — once in last year’s state title game and once this season to 5A FNE Warriors.
Colbey Ross, 6-1 junior point guard, Eaglecrest
Eaglecrest is a team that many have wanted to count out at various points in the season, but Ross simply won’t allow that. He has been a phenomenal leader for a team that feeds off his competitiveness. Ross can get to the basket as well as anyone in the state, and the growth of his perimeter game has made him almost impossible to stop this season. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game. And, like the rest of the players on this list, he’s only two wins away from a state championship.