Predicting top 10 scorers in 5A

<p>As we continue to look ahead in anticipation to the start of the high school season on Dec. 1, we march on with our preview series looking at players, teams, leagues and trends. Today we are providing a prediction of the top 10 scorers in Class 5A this season -- players who are in the position to put up big points across the state. It will be fun to look back come February to see just how close -- or far off! -- we were.</p><p><strong>1. Kolton Peterson, 6-foot-2 guard, Lakewood, 2017:</strong> Peterson has a couple main ingredients every scorer needs: A green light and an ability to hit the gas when that light is green. Peterson averaged 23 points per game as a sophomore last season, including a 40-point output against Hinkley on Jan. 13. Peterson has an ability to get his shot off at any time thanks to a quick release and great ball-handling form that allows him to get from dribble to shot in one, rapid motion.</p> <p><strong>2. Colbey Ross, 6-foot guard, Eaglecrest, 2017:</strong> On a loaded Raptors team last season, the dynamic point guard led the team in scoring as a sophomore at 17.3 points per game. He has only made strides offensively since the end of that season, and with many key pieces of that talented Eaglecrest team having graduated, Ross will have even more scoring opportunities in front of him.</p> <p><strong>3. Nathan Davis, 6-foot-6 wing, Mullen, 2016: </strong>Davis has been diligent in his rehab as he returns from an ACL tear he suffered during the spring grassroots season. This dynamic wing was playing some of his best basketball at the time of the injury, and his work ethic would indicate he can find that same form upon his return. Davis averaged 20.4 points per game last season.</p> <p><strong>4. De’Ron Davis, 6-foot-9 forward, Overland, 2016:</strong> In the face of constant double- and triple-teams last season, Davis still put up 16.3 points per game. That constant pressure won’t be going anywhere this season, but an improved jump shot has given Davis even more weapons against whatever a defense can throw at him.</p> <p><strong>5. Tyler Converse, 6-foot-2 guard, Legacy, 2016:</strong> Converse was one of the state’s leading scorers last season on a young Lightning team. That squad is loaded with seniors now (though it does lose Matt Lynch, who will head to UCLA early to get a jump on his football career there), but Converse will still no doubt be the go-to option, giving him a chance to improve upon his 17.3 points per game mark from a season ago.</p> <p><strong>6. LaDarius Thomas, 6-foot-2 guard, Aurora Central, 2016:</strong> After logging 16.1 points per game as a junior, Thomas should be in for a breakout season alongside talented backcourt mate Elijah Coleman. Aurora Central has gone from young team to a group of veterans who know how to get to the basket, and Thomas could be in for a breakout season.</p> <p><strong>7. Cordell Gillingham, 6-foot-2 guard, Greeley West, 2016:</strong> Gillingham, who recently announced his commitment to play at Concordia in Seward, Neb., next season, is a great attacker who has further refined his jump shot, leaving him with a multitude of ways to attack defenses. Gillingham averaged 16.7 points per game last season and has expanded his offensive arsenal since.</p> <p><strong>8. Dalven Brushier, 6-foot-2 guard, Doherty, 2016:</strong> Brushier is coming off a breakout summer with The Force, and he earned co-MVP honors in the Senior Game at the Rocky Mountain Fall Showcase earlier this month. With Tynan Velasquez having transferred to Palmer, look for Brushier, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season, to take on an expanded scoring role.</p> <p><strong>9. Daytone Jennings, 6-foot-7 wing, Denver East, 2016:</strong> After averaging 15.4 points per game at Aurora Central last season, Jennings transfers to East, where he will be counted upon -- along with rising senior Jack Buckmelter -- to fill in the big shoes of last season’s 5A scoring champ Brian Carey, who is now at Texas Southern. Jennings is a versatile scoring threat, who should thrive in the Angels’ up-tempo system.</p> <p><strong>10. Elijah Coleman, 6-foot-2 guard, Aurora Central, 2016:</strong> There is a reason Division II schools are recruiting Coleman and Thomas as a pair. The two longtime backcourt mates feed off each other and each opens scoring chances for the other. Expect more of the same this season, with the two stepping up the scoring even more to offset the departure of Jennings.</p>