Biggest Risers in New 2018 Rankings

<p> </p><p><strong>John Harge </strong>(up 17 spots)</p> <p>A transfer from Valor Christian to Smoky Hill, the 6-foot-7 forward has three Division I offers from North Dakota, Utah State, and Kent State. Harge can open up the floor from the power forward position with his shooting touch and, even if he adds a couple more inches and several more pounds to his frame, he should continue to be a mobile big man. Harge is our top ranked non-guard in these quarterly rankings and will be counted on as one of the best players for the Buffaloes this winter. </p> <p><strong>Tyson Gilbert </strong>(up 10 spots)</p> <p>Gilbert, who started the last eight games of the season for the Highlands Ranch varsity as a first-year, is one of the premier young point guards in Colorado. In a guard heavy class, the 5-foot-10 talent stands out with his creativity with the ball and scoring touch. With Bob Caton now retired, the Falcons move into a new era under Mike Gibbs. Gilbert will be a cornerstone piece for the future.</p> <p><strong>Trey Morrill </strong>(up 7 spots)</p> <p>Morrill has a counterpart who is more well-known around the state. Morrill has some similar strengths, but the other plays for the Colorado Hawks and at Smoky Hill, a rising power, in Aurora. Certainly <strong>Will Becker </strong>deserves the attention he’s received. The 6-foot-6 forward is an excellent defender in the paint and is extremely athletic and intriguing at both ends. But Morrill, who suits up for Fruita Monument, far outside the Denver area, is also talented. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.6 steals as a freshman. The 6-foot-6 big man might earn praise in time. Right now he’s still under-the-radar. </p> <h2>Notable Addition</h2><p><strong>Jaylen Harden </strong>(unranked to #25)</p> <p>Harden is a crafty left-handed 6-foot-5 small forward who has solid court awareness. He is an excellent scorer from short-range and a pretty good athlete. Overall, Harden is just too talented to not be in our latest rankings. Harden already appeared in 17 varsity games for Columbine as a freshman and could grow into one of the Jefferson County League’s best players, and maybe more, in time.</p> <p>Others:  <strong>Will Becker </strong>(up 6 spots), <strong>Jon’il Fugett</strong> (up 4 spots), <strong>Dimitri Stanley </strong>(up 4 spots), <strong>Jahwan Phillips </strong>(unranked to #32)</p>