Colorado 2017 Rankings: Biggest Risers
With the release of our new class of 2017 rankings, which you can view here, we will further break down the list. We start with a look at the biggest risers in the class, players who made it clear with…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the release of our new class of 2017 rankings, which you can view here, we will further break down the list.
We start with a look at the biggest risers in the class, players who made it clear with their performances on the court that they needed to be pushed up the rankings.
Oscar Maldonado, 6-3 guard, Northridge, Colorado Titans. Old Rank: 100. New Rank: 25.
Maldonado is a player who had a big-time spring with the Colorado Titans, playing with that club for the first time. He’s long and skilled and has a strong feel for the game. As he grows physically, his game has matured with him on both ends. He’s just a guy who always seems to be in the mix. He profiles right now as a guy who could be an impact Division II player.
Mike Dillon, 6-5 forward, Evergreen, Shining Stars. Old Rank: 59. New Rank: 36.
Dillon has displayed a want-to on the glass, a consistent jump shot from mid-range and beyond and the athleticism to guard in the post and on the perimeter. He had a strong spring and is due for a big senior season at Evergreen. He has the look of the guy who could be productive in the RMAC.
CJ Jennings, 6-2 guard, Sierra, Colorado Miners. Old Rank: 14. New Rank: 6.
Jennings made the biggest jump in the rankings among players in the top 20, and for good reason. He has shown that there are very few holes in his game, on either end. He’s become a knockdown mid-range shooter who also strokes it a good clip from long range. He’s among the most athletic players in his class and he competes on the defensive end. Don’t be surprised if Jennings gets several D-I offers this summer.
Michael Ward, 6-1 guard, Mead, Colorado Titans. Old Rank: 23. New Rank: 19.
Among the top 25 players in a talented class, it’s not easy to make any move up the board, let alone four spots. Ward proved he deserved to by demonstrating a wealth of skills that make him a sound D-II prospect. He’s a great shooter, but more than that he is a player who you can trust in the point guard spot.
Kayden Sund, 6-5 small forward, Golden, Colorado Chaos. Old Rank: 36. New Rank: 28.
Sund is a versatile player who does a lot of things well. He’s got good length on defense he uses to guard multiple positions. He’s a strong shooter and has good court awareness. He’s a player who continues to make marked improvements each time we see him play. Another player who profiles as a solid D-II prospect.
Will Willis, 6-5 small forward, Lutheran, Denver Elite. Old Rank: Unranked. New Rank: 59.
We first caught a glimpse of Willis in last year’s Class 3A quarterfinals, shortly after we had published our last rankings, and we saw him play several times during the spring with Denver Elite. He’s got good length and decent athleticism. He displays sound footwork, both on the post and on the perimeter, and he guards well.
Gunner Rigsby, 5-11 guard, Grand Valley. Old Rank: Unranked. New Rank: 67.
Gunner is a good name for this small-town guard who is not afraid to shoot it. What we like most about Rigby is the toughness he plays with. He’s undersized but isn’t afraid to mix it up in the lane and attack the basket. Has the chance to be a solid D-III, NAIA prospect in our estimation.