Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff: 14U & 15U Saturday standouts
Things started heating up at Day Two of the Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff on Saturday, with teams making big moves into bracket playoffs and new players emerging as prospects to watch.
Here are some players from the 14U and 15U divisions who turned some heads on Saturday:
COLORADO TITANS GOLD 14U
Isaac Jessup, 2020
Jessup knocked down a few deep treys early, earning him the “SHOOTER” title from the Hawks’ bench and fans throughout. Playing primarily against a zone, he moved along the arc to set his feet and knock down shots. Showed to be a committed, active defender as well.
Tyler Turner, 2020
He’s got a crossover made for hoop mixtape and an absolute nightmare in the open floor. He’s got a roster full of shooters around him and loves swinging the ball and playing the angles to get the ball to his scorers.
303 ELITE 15U
Lían Ramiro, 2020
Ramiro is an eighth grader playing on a roster of ninth graders, but you couldn’t tell by the way he leads. He’s constantly talking and getting others involved. He’s a spark plug with the ball with a super quick cross and excellent vision to go with a capable jumper.
COLORADO TITANS 15U BLACK
Kaden Bennett, 2019, Horizon
Bennett has seen no shortage of pressure defense so far, but he hasn’t been fazed. You can tell he’s spent hours in the gym honing his handles. He pounds the rock with both hands and there isn’t a move he doesn’t have in his arsenal. His skill allows him to keep his eyes up and find his teammates in space.
CO ANARCHY 15
Jax Wilke, Mead HS, 2019
Wilke has long arms and knows how to use them. He’s affects a ton of shots in the lane and seeks contact on offense. He’s a brute chasing down loose balls and rebounds.
Curtis Peacock, Berthoud, 2019
Consistently one of the smallest guys on the court, but pulls down rebounds with the best of them. Ultra gritty and always finds himself in the fray and emerging with the ball. He’s the prototypical point guard, loves to get his team into offense and keep them flowing.
CHAOS 15 ELITE
Ricky Stimac, Monarch 2019
It’s becoming the norm to feature a big, athletic point guard and Stimac is just that. He’s got excellent vision and a pass-first approach that compliments his size and strength well. He’s always ready to attack and hit the hoop strong.
Alec Pell, Cherry Creek 2019
There’s not a lot of flash to Pell’s game, but there is a lot of function. He finished their Saturday morning tilt with 15 points and 16 points by fighting hard inside and staying relentless in his effort. Confident with his jumper too, he’s a fun player to watch.
BILLUPS ELITE 15U
Dylan James, Cherokee Trail, 2019
There just aren’t a lot of athletes at the 15u level like James and the guys on Billups Elite 15u. Super long, super bouncy and super active, these guys play at the rim on both ends, swatting shots and snagging boards. They finish above the fray and take the contact well. Impressive group led by Dylan James.
FORCE 15U
Jevaughn Williams, 2019, Sand Creek
Williams is the engine that makes the Force go. He’s relentless on both ends and plays with incredible heart. Saw him sky for a board over a larger player, turn and push in transition, pounding through double teams and scoring on the other end. No matter the score, he’s in all-out attack mode.
Alijah Bates, 2019, Doherty
Bates made his presence known most on the defensive end. Fantastic size for the 15u level, Bates knows how to use his length to bother anyone looking to finish in the paint. Good feet and mobility for his size also. A little refining of his offensive game and Bates will turn into a can’t miss prospect.
COLORADO ELITE 14U
Jake Hassett, 2020
Hassett is already almost 6-6, but he moves with great fluidity for a player who has grown that big at his age. He has good touch around the basket and can also handle the ball. He’s has the early look of a player who could play multiple positions, a definite asset at his size.