Scouting Report on Denver East vs. ThunderRidge
In one of the most entertaining and high-level Centennial state rivalries for well over the last decade, the Denver East Angels took out ThunderRidge 63-59 on the road to kick-off January in style. The Angels’ matchup zone limited the Grizzlies’…
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Continue ReadingIn one of the most entertaining and high-level Centennial state rivalries for well over the last decade, the Denver East Angels took out ThunderRidge 63-59 on the road to kick-off January in style. The Angels’ matchup zone limited the Grizzlies’ offense and forced a number of turnovers. East also nailed free-throws, especially late, as they were 23-of-32 from the line. The Angels, ranked No. 9 in our latest Class 5A Rankings from Dec. 21, improved their record to 6-4. The Denver Prep League favorites have played an extremely competitive non-conference schedule. ThunderRidge, our No. 2 team, suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 9-1.
Player of the Game
Jack Buckmelter was equally deserving of our Player of the Game award, but we’ll go with Deron Harrell this time. Both senior guards racked up 19 points and were efficient in doing so, but the way Harrell constantly attacked ThunderRidge’s defense with athletic slashes was one of the keys to victory.
ThunderRidge Grizzlies
Austin Mueller, 6-7 senior forward
Mueller, a future Wyoming Cowboy and our No. 8 ranked prospect in 2016, was the team’s leading scorer in the game with 14 points. He did a little of everything against the Angels, posting up and being an outside threat, Mueller found the most success from the perimeter. He also made solid decisions, for the most part, on when to drive or spot-up. Like all the Grizzlies on this day, he had his share of struggles ever truly getting into rhythm against a stiff defense, but he was probably the best player in the game for the home team. Mueller is an athletic and rugged wing.
Clay Verk, 6-8 senior forward
Verk has one of the most hulking frames in Colorado, a player with serious strength. The Stetson University recruit displayed his power in working for position in the post and attacking the basket aggressively. At times, against Daytone Jennings and Alex May, length and athleticism affected him. Nonetheless, he’s fairly skilled and, as always, played with great energy throughout the contest. He’s one of the elite big men state-wide and can really dominate on the glass, as well.
Corey Seng, 6-4 junior guard
Seng had a day of mixed results as he fouled out and had his share of offensive struggles at times with turnovers and tough shots, but he also put in 12 points and was a presence as a scoring threat and stingy defensive player. Seng’s range defensively is a weapon. He is at least a Division II prospect, with D-I being a possibility.
Troy Brady, 6-0 senior guard
Brady was cold early from downtown, shooting is his forte, but he did nail a couple of late three-pointers that kept pressure on East. He scored 10 points. We’ll soon release an updated recruiting report on Brady, so we’ll wait to talk more about the senior guard until then.
Kaison Hammonds, 6-3 sophomore guard
Hammonds earned all of his points off three-pointers, three of them in fact. Just like Brady, the sophomore was able to have a bit of success, mostly late, against the zone defense of the Angels. Hammonds, who has a lanky young frame and who is a pretty high-level player athletically, is our No. 3 ranked prospect in 2018.
Denver East Angels
Deron Harrell, 6-3 senior guard
On one of the most loaded teams in the state, Harrell (16.3 ppg) is the leading scorer by just a touch over Jennings (15.9) and Buckmelter (14.5). The wing is receiving interest from the Wisconsin Badgers for football, but he’s becoming a better and better basketball prospect, as well. He’s always been a fantastic athlete, against ThunderRidge he had some electric spin moves into clean looks, but he’s also become a more fluid and consistent scoring threat with an improved shot. He has high-Division II to low-Division I potential in hoops right now, in my estimation.
Jack Buckmelter, 6-1 senior guard
Buckmelter had 19 points, five assists and three rebounds, and acted as a creator throughout. He did a fine job of allowing the game to come to him, not forcing anything offensively but still being aggressive. Buckmelter is one of the team’s best distributors, along with Abiakam, and he’s been a versatile perimeter threat for the Angels. Buckmelter may end up at a high-academic Division I school (perhaps Ivy League), a level that could certainly fit him.
Daytone Jennings, 6-8 senior forward
Jennings had two quick fouls in the first quarter, placing him on the bench for a long stretch of the opening half and limiting his ability to play as physical throughout. The 6-foot-8 athletically gifted Jennings was still able to produce 12 points (6-of-6 from the line), eight rebounds and three assists. He was the most impressive player in the game, as far as natural physical talent.
Joe Abiakam, 6-0 junior guard
Abiakam had a game that fits his style—nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals—a style that is based upon versatility. He’s a solid ball-handler and decision maker, he made 7-of-9 free-throws against ThunderRidge, he’s a fast and tough defensive player and he’s difficult to stop when he penetrates. Abiakam played very well against the Grizzlies and is at least a Division II prospect.
Others: Alex May (intriguing 6’8 junior who grabbed five rebounds, played well defensively against Verk); Kwane Marble (6’2 freshman guard who drew two critical fouls against Seng and was solid protecting and moving the ball throughout; one of top few first-year prospects in Colorado)