Mr. Colorado Basketball Candidate: Michael Ranson

<p><em>Editor’s note: Once per week, from now until the start of the high school season, Prep Hoops Colorado will profile a preseason candidate for our Mr. Colorado Basketball award to be given at the end of the state tournaments in February. Important to note: Just because a player doesn’t appear in a profile, it certainly doesn’t mean he can’t be chose as Mr. Colorado Basketball. Players profiled in the preseason have simply compiled the kind of prep career resumes that makes them intriguing candidates for the award. Today: Mike Ranson.</em></p> <p><em>(Photo courtesy of Canon City Daily Record)</em></p> <p>Nobody in the state of Colorado put the ball in the hoop more last season than <strong>Michael Ranson</strong>.</p> <p>The Pueblo Central guard averaged 25.6 points per game, tops in the state across all classifications.</p> <p>Taking in a game Ranson plays, it’s easy to see why he’s had such a prolific knack for scoring the basketball. In short, the 6-foot-3 right-hander can get a shot almost anytime he wants. Yes, he’s a great shooter who can bury jumpers off the catch, off the dribble, from near and far.</p> <p>What is most impressive about Ranson, who has committed to play beginning in 2016 for coach B.J. Hill and Northern Colorado, is the ability he has to create his own shot. Ranson is able to hang in the air for seemingly minutes before releasing his jumper over the outstretched hand of defender unable to defy gravity as long. Ranson has great leaping ability, so even when he appears trapped, he is able to create a shot for himself simply by elevating far above his opponent.</p> <p>Ranson also has the confidence every great scorer must have. There isn’t a shot he is afraid to take, and even when he goes through cold spells, as all great shooters do, Ranson doesn’t hide from the pressure.</p> <p>Pueblo Central advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, where they fell to eventual state champion Air Academy.</p> <p>With Ranson and fellow 2016 backcourt mate <strong>Kobi Betts</strong> ready for another big season, there could be big things in store for the state’s scoring champion.</p>