Season Preview: Class of 2019 Breakout Candidates
Freshman season is the time to get the feet wet for most players. For those good enough to reach the varsity level at that stage, the sophomore season becomes a time to let the early lessons learned take over. Here…
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Continue ReadingFreshman season is the time to get the feet wet for most players. For those good enough to reach the varsity level at that stage, the sophomore season becomes a time to let the early lessons learned take over.
Here are five players we believe are in for big sophomore seasons:
Jackson Lamb, 6-1 guard, Dakota Ridge
Though Dakota Ridge loses every contributing member of its varsity roster from its second-round playoff team last year, we’re not yet sure what Lamb’s role will be this season. When he does hit the court, he’ll bring the kind of energy that has come to define coach Curi Yutzy’s program. Lamb was really good at the West Coast Elite Colorado All-Star Camp last month, particularly in his ability to defend the ball.
Christian Davis, 5-10 guard, Mullen
His brother Nate Davis, a former Mullen standout, reached 6-7, so it’s fair to believe that Christian will sprout up soon. But he’s already a fantastic shooter who can hit shots in a variety of ways. He’s very fluid in his release, which he gets off quickly. Davis has a strong natural feel and good IQ. He should contribute for the Mustangs this season, and it won’t take long until he shows up on scouting reports.
Samba Kane, 6-10 forward, Regis Jesuit
Kane has only been the U.S. for several months after arriving from Senegal, but he’s already shown impressive flashes. Kane has oodles of potential, surely of the Division I level. In our first look at him last month, he beat guards down the floor, finished with authority above the rim, blocked shots and handled the ball in transition. There are still many raw elements of Kane’s game, but he’s playing for a tremendous coach in Ken Shaw who will help with that development. Kane is one to keep a close eye on.
Stephen Hayes, 6-3 guard, Overland
There is no doubt that Hayes will take on a much larger role for the Blazers this season as the two-time defending champs aim to replace the large majority of one of the most dominant Colorado high school teams in the state’s recent history. Hayes has become a sure-handed playmaker who is so strong and decisive in getting to the basket. He got experience with the Blazers during their title run as a freshman, even receiving some time in the championship game. He’s ready and should be one to watch in the vaunted Centennial League.
Malik Patton, 6-8 forward, George Washington
His size is a good place to start in predicting the kind of impact Patton can make. At the WCE event he showed good footwork, decent athleticism and good motor. If Patton can prove to be a solid rim protector and rebounder for a team with excellent perimeter defense, he could find playing time.