Prep Hoops Colorado Top 250 Expo Preview: 2017 Wings & Forwards
The official start of the 2016-17 high school basketball season in Colorado is still more than two months away, but we can go ahead and call Saturday it’s unofficial start.
That’s because you won’t find a better event in the state to get you ready for the season than the Prep Hoops Colorado Top 250 Expo, which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Gold Crown Fieldhouse in Lakewood.
There are more than 200 players who will be in attendance at the event, with great coaches putting them through skill work before having the chance to compete in games against their talented peers. There is simply no better stage for players to grow their game, face stern competition and get exposure in front of the Prep Hoops staff.
With that, we begin our preview of the Top 250, starting today with the 2017 class, which, through Sunday had 64 players registered. Below are some players who we expect to make noise at the event. If you’re not on the list, you’re still in the right place, with a chance to show us what you’ve got come Saturday!
Wings & Forwards
Cameron DeHart is a player we profiled the other day. At 6-7 with the ability to shoot from the perimeter, he projects as a potential small-college stretch-four. He’s put in a lot of work in the offseason to improve his strength and explosiveness.
Kayle Knuckles, a 6-6 forward out of Valor Christian, only started playing organized basketball in eighth grade. He’s made big leaps since then, flourishing in the Eagles’ program last year under coach Troy Pachner. Knuckles always seems to be around the ball, and he’s got good size and quickness. And don’t leave him open from the corner.
Emmanuel N’Tula is a 6-4 player out of Wyoming who played with the top Colorado Chaos 17U team this season. He can line up at multiple positions, small forward included. His athleticism turned heads at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off back in April, when he had a vicious putback dunk. He’s got a lot of tools.
Mike Vrabel is another player who could fit into multiple spots. He first caught our eye at our first expo last fall. when he tested well and also showed his mettle in team competition. He had a strong June when we caught him playing with Chatfield at the University of Denver team camp. Strong with the ball, battles on the board.
Josh Walton was a key glue piece for an Eaglecrest team that made a run to the state title game this year. At 6-5 he’s got soft hands, catches the ball well, can knock down from mid-range and is active defensively.