Sophomores To Watch: Continental 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 start today with the Continental League.
Davon Walker, 5-8 point guard, Douglas County
Walker was thrown into the fire as Douglas County’s freshman a season ago, and he’s showed nothing but growth in his game over the spring and summer with Boykins Academy. He impressed at the Top 250 Expo last week with his ability to handle the ball in heavy traffic while also keeping his eyes up the court. He’s got a lot of tools and the poise to go with them. Look for a big season out of Walker leading the Huskies.
Ronnie DeGray III, 6-6 forward, Chaparral
DeGray blossomed this spring and summer into one of the very best players in his class. He’s got great size and is constantly growing. It wouldn’t be a stretch to think he’ll reach 6-9 or 6-10 when it’s all said and done. That size combined with the impressive skill set he has — he can handle it in the open floor, score from all three levels, defend multiple spots — makes him a force to be reckoned with this season, especially after getting a good taste of the league as a freshman.
Chase Hettinger, 6-5 wing, Castle View
An 8.5 points-per-game scorer as a freshman, Hettinger had a monster summer for the Colorado Hawks top 15U squad, consistently mentioned as one of the squad’s top performers. Hettinger’s length can cause a lot of problems on defense, and his length really stands out.
Bryce Matthews, 6-4 forward, Chaparral
Matthews may have already committed to play baseball at Arkansas, but here’s guessing he’ll continue to make a big impact on the basketball court the next three seasons. He’s athletic and strong, and coach Tellus Truesdale can use him in a variety of ways.
Joseph Dalton, 6-3 guard, Chaparral
Another of Chaparral’s impressive 2019 trio, this lefty can really play. He’s long and has a great first step going toward the basket. He reminds one a bit of Arapahoe’s 2017 sharpshooter Kyle Lukasiewicz. Dalton is another guy who got good playing time as a freshman and should be ready to take a big jump this season.
Payton Egloff, 6-0 guard, Regis Jesuit
Egloff earned a top-10 spot at the Top 250 Expo on Sept. 10, in large part because his ability to score the basketball in different ways. Egloff’s ball-handling ability has always stuck out, but he is now getting better and using that to get himself and others into scoring position. He’ll be a player to watch for the Raiders this season.
Caleb Tamminga, 6-3 guard, Legend
After swinging JV and varsity last season, Tamminga should have a chance to play a big role for a Titans team that loses all five varsity starters from a season ago. Tamminga has a nice pull-up jumper and has good overall athleticism.
Matt Wheelock, 6-7 forward, Regis Jesuit
Wheelock is a versatile big man who has made some really nice strides since the end of last season, when he was playing for Rock Canyon. A family move has him suiting up for the Raiders this season, and they should be able to use his size after losing Geoff Kelley and Marc Reininger off last season’s 22-4 team.
TJ Boykins, 5-7 guard, Douglas County
Boykins was a swing player as a freshman but should get a chance to help out the Huskies varsity squad from the start this season. He may be undersized, but Boykins exhibits the same kind of fearlessness that a certain player he calls coach and dad during his NBA career. Earl Boykins said a strong summer really boosted his son’s confidence and he’s ready to make his mark.
Bailey Verk, 6-4 forward, ThunderRidge
The Grizzlies have another talented Verk on their hands. Bailey’s older brother Clay Verk is now at Division I Stetson after a strong senior season for the Continental League co-champs. It’s hard to crack the varsity roster as an underclassmen for Joe Ortiz, as the ThunderRidge program is built on experienced depth. So it’s unclear how much Bailey Verk will be able to get into the fray this season. But he’s certainly talented enough, with his ability to bang inside and also take a defender out on the perimeter, to make his presence felt once he does get his chance.