Season Preview: 10 Class Of 2017 Breakout Candidates
We have previewed the bulk of the major divisions in Colorado (still a few coming) and written profiles of a handful of player of the year candidates (more of those, too) as we get you ready for a 2016-17 high…
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Continue ReadingWe have previewed the bulk of the major divisions in Colorado (still a few coming) and written profiles of a handful of player of the year candidates (more of those, too) as we get you ready for a 2016-17 high school basketball season that is now just nine days away.
We’ve got plenty more to come over the final week. And we continue today with 10 breakout candidates for the 2017 class. These are players who, after watching a lot of basketball the past spring, summer and fall, we believe are poised to take big jumps.
Maybe these are players who weren’t on the radar at all and are now going to make a little noise. Maybe they were players who we knew about but are now going to take major leaps forward. There are plenty of good candidates for this list.
Here are 10:
Jayme Rich, 6-0 guard, Eaglecrest
Rich is a very capable shooter who should be able to crack the rotation for the Raptors this season and put up some nice numbers by virtue of the way the team shares the basketball. Rich has been a lot of work in to improve his game and could play a nice role on a team with championship aspirations.
Jeffrey Gary, 6-4 senior guard, Sand Creek
Moving into the state from Austin, Texas, the versatile, skilled and good-sized guard will play alongside the state’s top prospect in D’Shawn Schwartz on a team that could have what it takes to compete for a Class 4A championship. Gary can affect the game in multiple ways, and will be able to fill in at multiple spots. If the Scorpions climb like we think they can, Gary will play a big role.
Gunner Rigsby, 5-11 guard, Fruita Monument
Rigsby managed to fly under the radar by virtue of playing at the 3A level during his first three seasons. Now that he’s on the 5A stage, the state will have a chance to get a look at a guard who is a fearless attacker of the rim and is a shooter who can fill it up in a hurry when he gets hot from long range. Here’s guessing the transition will be a successful one for Rigsby.
Josh Walton, 6-5 forward, Eaglecrest
Walton was a key role player on an Eaglecrest team that came within one victory of a state championship last season, and his play during the playoffs raised a few eyebrows. Look for Walton to take the next step this season as a high-IQ forward who can handle it, has shooting touch and isn’t afraid to battle inside.
Cameron DeHart, 6-7 forward, Fossil Ridge
DeHart has the chance to become a nice stretch-four player at the Division II or III level. He’s got really nice outside shooting touch, runs the floor well and can handle the basketball a big, and he’s able to guard a couple different positions. He should be a nice complementary player to Fossil Ridge sharpshooter Braxton Bertolette this season as he continues to grow his game.
Noah Beatty, 5-11 guard, Vista Ridge
With the experience of a state final four run at his back, Beatty’s confidence level should help his game take another big jump this season. He was excellent at our expo back in September, perhaps the most consistent point guard at the event. He’s strong and smart with the ball, has a nice burst and doesn’t get sped up.
Michael Vrabel, 6-2 guard, Chatfield
Vrabel played the role of do-it-all guy very well last season for a Chargers team that ran through the JeffCo League with an undefeated record and advanced all the way to Boulder. Vrabel was the guy to grab you a loose ball, making a big defensive stop, battle bigger guys for rebounds and knock down a shot. This season he’ll be asked to do more after a mass exodus of seniors, but if his performance over the summer was any indication, Vrabel will be up for the challenge.
Devin Jones, 5-11 guard, Doherty
Jones is a tough-nosed defender who we saw improve his overall ball skills while playing for The Force this summer. He’s a nice piece of Doherty’s backcourt that also includes standout point guard Brevin Brimble and defensive stalwart Emmanuel Burleson. We look for Jones to capitalize on some of the attention paid to those two this season as he continues in an important role.
David Jabedo, 6-3 guard/forward, Sand Creek
Jabedo was a big-time standout at the WCE camp last month, and with Jordan Phillips moving on to the Division I ranks, Jabedo should have a bigger role alongside Schwartz at Sand Creek. He has the strength, speed and athleticism to affect the game in multiple ways.
Ryan Holt, 6-4 guard/forward, ThunderRidge
The Grizzlies always have new players ready to step up each season and Holt appears to be that kind of guy this season. His game comes with a lot of energy and toughness, and those traits should help him contribute well for T-Ridge this season.