Sophomores To Watch: Centennial League
Their freshmen seasons were about getting a feel for the high school game. Now, the class of 2019 is ready to make a big impact heading into this season. As sophomores, this is a group that could mix it up…
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Continue ReadingTheir freshmen seasons were about getting a feel for the high school game. Now, the class of 2019 is ready to make a big impact heading into this season. As sophomores, this is a group that could mix it up in a number of league title and playoff races this winter.
With that, we’re breaking down some of the promising sophomores to watch in various leagues across the state. We continue today with the Centennial League.
Kenny Foster, 6-4 guard, Smoky Hill
Foster is not only one of the best sophomores in the league, he’s one of its best players — period. Foster averaged 18.9 points per game last season as a freshman. He might not have to carry that kind of scoring load this season given how much talent the Buffs should have to help him. But make no mistake, Foster is a big-time player who will be gunning for an all-league spot.
Stephen Hayes, 6-4 guard, Overland
Hayes got a taste of high-level high school basketball last season, even earning some minutes at the end of Overland’s 5A title-game victory over Eaglecrest. Now, Hayes will be looked to as a contributor for a program that is reloading after losing most of the core players from its back-to-back state title teams. We got a good look at Hayes during the spring and were really impressed with his growth as a guard. He’s a step quicker and more athletic than he was as a freshman and he’s playing with good confidence. Expect him to make a splash for the Blazers this season.
Vaughn Stitt, 6-2 guard, Mullen
We first saw Stitt play during a non-league game against Westminster last season and he was impressive. He has good, compact size for a player his age at 180 pounds, and he’s quick and strong. Stitt is still developing his game but has show a nice jumper and a willingness and confidence to attack the basket.
Levi Dombro, 6-1 guard, Grandview
Dombro is at Grandview after transferring from Regis Jesuit and could add some punch for the Wolves in the backcourt. He’s got a great long-range shot that he can get off quickly and on the move. He was an impressive performer at our Top 250 Expo on Sept. 10, showing he can find ways to make plays with the ball in his hands.
Jeordon Holmes, 6-4 guard/forward, Mullen
Holmes is another player like Stitt who saw some action for the Mustangs last season and has a good build. It may be too early to say how much he’ll factor into the rotation for Mullen, but he has the athleticism to make a difference when he’s on the court.
Alec Pell, 6-4 guard, Cherry Creek
Pell moved in from Dallas this year and made a strong early impression this spring. He’s got good fundamentals, good size and his strong. He can rebound his position very well, attacks the offensive glass and is a good outside shooter. Pell is currently making an impact as the second-leading rusher through games for the vaunted Cherry Creek football team, and we’d expect he’ll make a similar contribution for a Bruins basketball team that is losing a good deal from last year’s 5A state quarterfinal team.
Aaron Bokol, 6-0 guard, Eaglecrest
Bokol, another player from the talented Colorado Hawks 15U team this past summer, was a standout for Eaglecrest’s junior-varsity team as a freshman last season, along with Jalen Talbot. Bokol is a song outside shooter, but he’s also got a quick step to the basket. Eaglecrest is loaded with talent and upperclassmen experience as it begins a season with title hopes, so it’s still too early to tell what kind of impact underclassmen like Bokol will be able to make. But he’s got a bright future in the program.
Tyler Unger, 6-2 guard, Grandview
We had heard a good deal about Unger’s strong summer with the Elevation Flyers, and he showed that skill at the Top 250 Expo, where he was one of the top underclassmen performers. Grandview has most of its firepower back from a team that took a big step in the Centennial League last year, but don’t be surprised if Unger makes his mark.