Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off: Sunday Standouts (Part II)
The 2016 Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off wrapped up with a bang on Sunday with champions crowned in all four age divisions.
It was an entire weekend of dunkers catching bodies, shooters splashing threes and everyone bring impressive energy to the floor each of the three days of the tournament.
We will be coming back early this week with the Spring Kick Off All-Tournament teams, with an MVP, in each age division. But first, here’s the second of a two-part look at some of the new standouts from Sunday’s action:
Xavier Cooper, 6-3 guard, Colorado Miners 16s Elite
Cooper plays the game with a refreshing amount of toughness. He has a strong frame and his strength allows him to finish at a high rate on the attack. On top of all that, Cooper demonstrates strong leadership on the court, elevating the play of those around him.
Ronnie DeGray, 6-4 guard, Billups Elite 15s
DeGray played like a poised veteran in the 15s title game. His unique combination of size, skill and athleticism creates constant problems for defenders. On the other end of the floor he hits the glass hard and can harass players on defense at multiple positions. His stock is on the rise in a big way.
Garrett Arnold, 2021, Colorado Elite 14U
Arnold helped Elite storm back from a huge deficit with his impressive shotmaking ability. He made 3-pointers in the clutch. He’s quick off the bounce and is quick into the lane. He’s very sure with the ball in his hands and knows how to get others involved.
Jordan Whitaker, 2021, Colorado Hawks 13U
Whitaker was the Hawks’ most consistent player all weekend long. He saved his best performance for the 14U Division title game, tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in his teams’ hard-fought victory. His athleticism stood out throughout the tournament.
Mue Muwwakkil, 6-1 guard, Colorado Miners 16s Elite
Muwwakkil was excellent on Sunday, scoring 20 points in both of the Miners’ games — a semifinal victory over Iowa Elite and narrow loss to Billups 16s in the title game. Muwwakkil has a great first step, often able to get by his defender with ease. He’s really made strides as a finisher at the rim. The Smoky Hill guard is certainly on the rise.
Kayle Knuckles, 6-6 forward, Billups Elite 17s
Knuckles led Billups with 20 points in its semifinal victory over the Miners. With Billups suiting up only seven players during their five games in three days, Knuckles displayed his endurance, able to compete tooth and nail in every game. He scored in multiple ways, crashing the glass and scoring on offensive rebounds while also getting to the line, where he was nearly perfect. He’s also made big strides with his mid-range and 3-point shot. Knuckles is due for a big spring on the Adidas Gauntlet.
Kolton Peterson, 6-2 guard, Shining Stars 17s Elite
We saw just how quickly Peterson can heat up in the Stars’ quarterfinal game Sunday against Billups. He had four 3-pointers in the first half on the way to a game-high 23 points. Peterson simply needs very little space or time to get his shot off. After a tough outing in his team’s first game Saturday against the Hawks 16 Elite and superb perimeter defender Jon’il Fugett, Peterson really found his groove and showed why he is a Division I prospect and one of the state’s top shooters.
Kaison Hammonds, 6-3 guard, Billups Elite 16s
The lengthy Hammonds really had his shot working on Sunday. He’s long and versatile and knows how to get himself into strong scoring position. He had 19 points in the quarterfinals, knocking down four 3-pointers. Hammonds is also a strong defender who can crash the glass very well for his position.
Tyrei Randall, 6-5 wing, Colorado Hawks 17U Elite
Randall could not miss in the 17s semifinals against the Hawks dynamic 16U squad. He knocked down three of his four 3-pointers in the second half to help his squad hold on. Randall is long and highly athletic, and if he can grow into a knockdown outside shooter, the sky is the limit for the unsigned senior.