Updated Colorado 2018 Rankings: Biggest Risers
We released the new addition of our Prep Hoops Colorado class of 2018 player rankings on Thursday, and there was not shortage of shuffling throughout the list. Today, we take a look at the biggest risers in the class, including…
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Continue ReadingWe released the new addition of our Prep Hoops Colorado class of 2018 player rankings on Thursday, and there was not shortage of shuffling throughout the list.
Today, we take a look at the biggest risers in the class, including a new entry into the top 10 and six new entries into the top 25 of the class.
Subscribers can check out the complete rankings list HERE.
Now, for the big risers:
Sam Bannec, 6-3 guard, Regis Jesuit (Billups). Previous: N/A. New: 6.
Bannec was a player we hadn’t seen play extensively until this April, at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off. He immediately stuck out with his smooth, athletic and skilled game that features good versatility on both sides of the court. A true gym rat, Bannec has continued to improve each month. He has the ability to be a very complete two-way player if he maintains his pace of physical and game growth.
Tray Pierce, 6-8 forward, George Washington (Connect). Previous: N/A. New: 12
Pierce had a monster spring with Colorado Connect under big man coach Metise Moore. He has blossomed into an impressive rim protector, he’s combination of length and athleticism makes the paint a dangerous place to enter for opponents. Offensively, his skill set is still somewhat raw, but he is starting to show consistent touch on his short to mid-range jumper, and when he plays with good energy he can create a lot of offense by crashing the offensive glass.
Goy Wang, 6-5 wing, Overland (Chaos). Previous: N/A. New: 16.
Wang is long, physical and athletic and has demonstrated good toughness. The younger brother of Padiet Wang, who took off with Overland last year and will play at D-II University of Colorado at Colorado Springs next season, Goy Wang has the chance to be the Trailblazers’ next high-flying finisher, who also has the tools to be a defensive stalwart.
Tylor Trinh, 5-10 guard, Monarch (Chaos). Previous: N/A. New: 27.
Trinh has firmly proven himself over the course of the spring and during the early part of the summer that he is one of the top shooters in his class. While a bit undersized, Trinh is shifty enough — and sure enough of a ball-handler — to be able to get his shot off from the dribble and does so as well as just about any player in the class.
Momar Fall, 6-6 forward, Denver East (Hawks). Previous: N/A. New: 28.
Fall is among the strongest players in the class. He’s built like a linebacker and plays with the toughness of one. He is great at using his strong base to box out and thrive on the boards. He’s raw offensively but has great upside and strong motor.
Xavier Johnson, 6-2 guard, Rocky Mountain (Chaos). Previous: 60. New: 31
Johnson was another player who really demonstrated an elevated game this spring, particularly as a finisher in the open floor. He has a well-built frame, coupled with good athleticism, and really uses his strength to shield defenders once he gets to the rim.
Brendan LaRose, 6-8 forward, Rampart (Hawks). Previous: 22. New: 14.
LaRose closed the spring with strong performances at the Top of the Rockies tournament and the KC Classic. LaRose was key cog in helping the Hawks 16U squad win the later, consistently knocking down outside shots to open the floor for the team’s cadre of athletic attackers. LaRose’s game has grown with his confidence. He attacks the glass with good enthusiasm and he can be tough to score against in the paint.
Deon Barfield, 6-2 guard, Cherokee Trail (Billups). Previous 28. New 17.
Barfield may be the most purely athletic player in the class. He often finishes above the rim in transition. He had one of the most jaw-dropping plays of the spring during the Kick Off, catching the ball near the top of the arc, taking to big strides and finishing with a flourish over a defender. If he can continue to improve his outside shot, Barfield’s likely to rise even higher soon.
Adam Thistlewood, 6-5 small forward, Golden (B&B). Previous: 41. New 22.
Thistlewood has demonstrated to handle the ball on the perimeter, able to create shots for himself with pull-ups or by penetration. He has a decent first step, and he’s long at the point of attack, which helps him finish. He plays with a strong motor and always finds away to make positive plays on both sides, many of the intangible variety.
Daijon Smith, 6-2 guard, Overland (Hawks). Previous: 43. New: 31.
Smith is gaining confidence and proving himself as a scorer. He poured in 41 points during a game at the KC Classic a couple weeks ago. He can get hot in a hurry without the perimeter, and he does a good job using his pump fake outside the arc and quickly darting the basket, where he has the awareness to find open teammates if he’s not finishing on his own.