Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff: 16U & 17U Saturday standouts
The action on Saturday during Day Two of the Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff on Saturday was intense and unrelenting.
The pressure was turned up inside Thornton High School, and that included some memorable moments. From a titans clash between Colorado Hawks and Billiups Elite 17U squads, to the final game of the night between The Force and Team B.A.N.G. that went into overtime, there was something for everyone during 13 hours of basketball.
Here are a look at some of the players who stood out who we hadn’t already written about Friday:
Ryan Ongala, 6-6 forward, Colorado Miners 16U Elite
Ongala is set to see his stock rise in a hurry. He is a big, body who isn’t afraid to do dirty work inside. He’s an aggressive rebounder and works hard on the defensive end. He also displayed good short- to mid-range touch on Saturday. The Miners have well-known commodities in talented guards Xavier Cooper and Breon Harper and big man Dawson Carper. Ongala is an under-the-radar piece of the puzzle who could help the Miners make big waves this spring.
Tre Early, 6-1 guard, Team B.A.N.G. 17U
Really, there are numerous players who could make their way on the list from Bang. The group has been one of the surprises of the tournament, crashing the quarterfinals of the 17U Platinum Bracket along with the state’s most established programs. Early, is a strong, physical guard who can really get in the paint and mix it up. The Vista PEAK product also has nice range from the outside.
Keisan Crosby, 5-11 guard, Billups Elite 17U Red
The point guard for the Billups select is fluid in his movement, able to slow and accelerate in a smooth motion. Crosby has a nice pull-up jumper and a solid understanding of how to run the point guard position.
Momar Fall, 6-6 forward, Colorado Hawks 16U Red
This Hawks squad has played some fun-to-watch, ball-sharing basketball that had them cruising in their first three games of the tournament. Fall stood out Saturday with his physicality. He is built like a brick wall and has athleticism to match. He’s a strong, powerful presence inside to add to all the other pieces this team has.
LeChaun Duhart, 5-11 guard, 303 Elite 17s
Duhart’s lights-out shooting nearly helped 303 pull a big-time upset of Billups Elite in the first round of Platinum Bracket play on Saturday. After a big junior season for Grandview, Duhart appears to only be getting better as he prepares for his last circuit. Just a super solid point guard who can be a game-changer offensively.
Alex Sandstrom, 6-6 small forward, Colorado Titans 17U Black
Sandstorm’s stock is on the rise as a lengthy, versatile big who can run the floor well, handle it on the break and defend three or four positions defensively. When he gets into a rhythm with his jumper, he can be a load to handle.
Tate Busse, 6-0 guard, Colorado Chaos 17s Blue
Recently added to the Chaos stable out of small-town Kansas, Busse is a great shooter. He knocked down five 3-pointers in the game we saw him play Saturday, including three in the span of 90 seconds in the second half of a tight game.
Jervay Green, 6-4 guard, Colorado Hawks 17s
There may not be a player in the state whose stock is on the rise quite like Green. He’s a true two-way player, and the Division I attention he gained during his junior season at George Washington should rise multiple times over this spring. He’s a fearless attacker who knows how to creatively finish from all spots around the rim. He wreaks havoc on the perimeter with his athleticism and quickness, and he’s a strong passer. Great range of tools.
Jesus Martinez, 6-8 forward, Colorado Chaos 2017
The unsigned 2016 senior seemed to be blocking shots every time we looked at his court. He’s a fantastic rim protector who is improving his offensive game rapidly.
Tre Pierce, 6-8 forward, Colorado Connect 16U
Speaking of rim protectors, Pierce has the chance to be a special one. He has been blocking shots all weekend, his extreme length matching strong athleticism and a nose for the ball. Pierce’s continued evolution — he’s shown improved offensive footwork — could make George Washington a bona fide title contender next season.
Deaunte Hunt, 6-0 guard, Colorado Fire Elite 16U
Hunt has good athleticism and his a fearless attacker to the rim. He makes quick decisions with the basketball and is a deft passer. Promising young player.
Davis Kang, 5-10 guard, Colorado Titans 16U Gold
Kang is a pure shot maker. He has been knocking down long-range bombs all weekend. His Saturday performance carried over into Sunday morning, when he hit five 3-pointers in a Platinum Bracket quarterfinal against Colorado Chaos, including a go-ahead trey from the top of the key with 14 seconds left. Has rallied for a win of their own.
Ravel Moody, 6-5 wing, Billups Elite 17U
We’ve long known about Moody’s supreme athleticism, but he’s evolving as a playmaker, understanding how to pick his spots and making good decisions on the attack. His jump shot is also improving, and once that is consistent he will be a dangerous, dangerous player.
Deon Barfield, 6-2 guard, Billups Elite 16U
Billups has a strong chance to capture the 16 Platinum title Sunday. We’ve already written players like John Harge and Sam Bannec have been very solid this weekend. Barfield is an X-factor with great athleticism who can play above the rim. His thunderous dunk early Saturday morning was evidence of that. He took on dribble near the top of the key and absolutely flushed the rock over a defender.
Jackson Erhlin, 6-8 forward, The Force 17U
The Colorado Springs big man played very well this weekend. He moves well for his size, demonstrating an ability to get out and guard the perimeter. But his strength is inside, where he has good touch around the rim and battles hard on the glass.