Top 5A Bounce-Back Candidates In 2016-17
With the high school basketball season only a couple months away, optimism is all around for programs with high expectations. That includes a number of teams whose seasons didn’t go the way as planned last year. With that, let’s take…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school basketball season only a couple months away, optimism is all around for programs with high expectations.
That includes a number of teams whose seasons didn’t go the way as planned last year. With that, let’s take a look at three of biggest bounce-back candidates heading into a new season, teams that have reason to believe they will have big turnarounds:
Smoky Hill
Last season: 4-19, missed playoffs
What happened: The Buffs were young — and injured. Two of the team’s best players — sophomores Will Becker and John Harge — missed most of the season due to injury, and numerous other players missed time as well.
Why there’s optimism: The 6-8 Becker and 6-7 Harge, coming off great grassroots summers, should enter the season healthy. The Buffs have a intriguing freshman point guard in Quentin Rock and great backcourt depth with the likes of Mue Muwwakkil, Kyle Cabs and Jahwan Phillips. Oh, and they have the top 2019 player in the state in Kenny Foster, who averaged nearly 20 points per game as a freshman.
Outlook: Expect Smoky Hill to contend for a top-three finish in the Centennial League and win several playoff games.
Chaparral
Last season: 9-16, lost in second round of playoffs to Rangeview
What happened: One season after a state quarterfinal appearance, the Wolverines were very young. They started three freshman and simply had to learn as they went along.
Why there’s optimism: Those young players coach Tellus Truesdale threw into the fire were highly talented. And now Ronnie DeGray, Bryce Matthews have some varsity experience to go with the skill. And they have a promising freshman point guard in Kobe Sanders, and a number of intriguing role players. Plus, a first-round playoff win showed Chaparral it has what it takes to win.
Outlook: We think the Wolverines have the chance to finish several games over .500 and reach the third or fourth round of the playoffs.
Douglas County
Last season: 8-16, lost in first round of playoffs to Greeley West
What happened: Building a culture takes time, and the Huskies finished without a victory in league play in 2015. Last year, they won two such games but still had to deal with the pitfalls of youth and inexperience, while Boykins attempted to build skills and basketball IQ on his roster.
Why there’s optimism: Boykins is tutoring one of the best young point guards in the state in Davon Walker, who had a great spring and summer. TJ Boykins, Earl’s son, has also made big jumps after helping Bokyins Academy win a national grassroots tournament this summer. The Huskies have also added a talented backcourt transfer from Texas in Cam’ron Dunfee, who is expected to make an immediate impact. Plus, senior Solomon Stark provides leadership and experience.
Outlook: The Huskies should finish near .500 and earn the first playoff victory of the Boykins era.