September Feeding Frenzy Pt. 1: D-II, D-III, NAIA, Juco
Kris Hollins, 6-4 guard, Rangeview: The 6-foot-4 guard has great length and a wingspan that makes a big impact on defense. Hollins was one of the biggest standouts at the Continental vs. Centennial tournament in June, attacking the basket with…
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Continue ReadingKris Hollins, 6-4 guard, Rangeview: The 6-foot-4 guard has great length and a wingspan that makes a big impact on defense. Hollins was one of the biggest standouts at the Continental vs. Centennial tournament in June, attacking the basket with consistency and demonstrating an ability to run an offense. Hollins has the ability to play multiple positions and has a strong motor.
Trey Boeyink, 5-foot-11 guard, Mountain Vista: This smooth handling point guard demonstrates great feel for the game, and he surprises with his athleticism and quick burst. Worked hard this summer of improving his court awareness and decision-making, and his jump shot has come along well. A high-energy, under-the-radar player who could play impactful at the D-II, D-III or NAIA level.
Kevin Mitchell, 6-3 guard, Longmont: This highly efficient guard was a standout at the Adidas Uprising Summer Championships in Las Vegas, hitting 18-of-31 shots for a talented Colorado Titans 17U squad, finishing second on the team in scoring. Mitchell was a major catalyst for Longmont’s 27-1 state runner-up team last season. He’s an athletic defender and has a polished all-around offensive game.
Landon Taliaferro, 6-4 guard, Boulder: Has the ability to be a lights-out shooter who can hit from all spots in the floor. Demonstrates great confidence in his shot for good reason. He converted on about 40 percent of a high volume of 3-point attempts throughout the summer. Can shoot it quickly off the catch and also has a strong first step to the basket and solid court vision.
Padiet Wang, 6-4 guard, Overland: This slender, athletic guard has begun to draw more attention of late. One knock is a thin frame, but Wang is strong and able to finish through contact, and he plays with strength defensively on the perimeter. Was a key contributor for Overland during its state championship run last season. He’s a Swiss army knife in that he’s able to contribute in a variety of areas, and plays particularly well in transition, where his length and leaping ability make him a strong finisher.
Tynan Velasquez, 6-0 guard, Doherty: Velasquez has college basketball pedigree with two of his older brothers playing at the small college level. The younger brother is a great ball-handler who can absolutely be trusted in traffic and transition to make the right decision with the ball in his hands. Adept at getting to the basket and finishes well with contact for his size. Good speed and the “it” factor that helps him thrive on the perimeter defensively. Velasquez helped lead The Force basketball club out of Colorado Springs to a championship at the Adidas Invitational in Indianapolis this summer.
Maleek Johnson, 6-1 guard, Pueblo South: Johnson can fill it up from just about anywhere on the court. He’s one of those players who just knows how to score. His jump shot has come a long way this summer, and he runs very well in the open floor. Was one of the top scorers during the Colorado Invitational in early July.
Jack Peck, 6-1 guard, Heritage: Pure shooter who moves very well without the ball to create opportunities for himself. Averaged 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a junior at Heritage last season, shooting 48 percent from the field and 37 percent from the field.
Ronnie Barfield, 6-3 guard, Cherokee Trail: Barfield is a compact guard with strong athleticism, great toughness and a strong overall grasp of the game. He said this summer he had received some interest from several schools in the Big Sky. If he doesn’t reach the Division I level, he’d be a steal for a program at D-II level due to his ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways. This summer he showed an ability to take smaller guards into the post and go to work that way, so he can be a great weapon.
Jake Ellis, 6-3 guard, Castle View: Stuck in between Denver and Colorado Springs, Ellis has flown a bit under the radar, but he is a great shooter with a lightning-quick release who is able to fire off the catch or on the dribble. He has great toughness and a willingness to fight on the defensive end. Perfect guard to fit into a space-and-pace system.
Will Wittman, 6-3, Arvada West: Wittman put himself on the map after a strong summer with B&B Academy. Having been forced to play forward despite being only 6-1 when he began his junior year, Wittman has learned the game at every position, and he has a relentless motor. This summer he was a knockdown outside shooter, filling it up from the perimeter in tournament after tournament. He also excels as tenacious rebounder, particularly on the offensive end, where he has a habit of creating second-chance opportunities.
Anthony Anderson, 6-6 forward, Legend: A transfer from the Memphis area, Anderson has great athleticism that makes you take notice. He stood out during the June summer season with Legend as a guy whose strength and leaping ability at the basket made him a disruptive force on the defensive end. Anderson is a great energy guy who is still polishing his overall offensive game.
Jesus Martinez, 6-8 forward, Pinnacle Charter: Martinez has made great strides as he continues to grown into his long frame. He is already one of the state’s top shot blockers, a product as much of natural instincts for the game as it is his lengthy wingspan. Martinez worked hard on his mid-range jump shot this summer and you could see the work pay off.
CJ Cetta, 6-3 guard, Douglas County: Cetta has a smooth all-around game and is particularly adept at getting to the basket. He has worked hard on his ball-handling after playing down low a lot for a small Douglas County team last season, and the work has paid off. Cetta has good athleticism and gets into it on the defensive end. He’s a kid with a lot of upside.