WCE Colorado All-Star Camp: Sand Creek Senior Trio Impresses
The West Coast Elite Colorado All-Star Camp at Manual High School last Saturday gave us a sneak peak at the core of what might be one of the state’s most surprising teams this season: Sand Creek. Sure, it’s hard to…
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Continue ReadingThe West Coast Elite Colorado All-Star Camp at Manual High School last Saturday gave us a sneak peak at the core of what might be one of the state’s most surprising teams this season: Sand Creek.
Sure, it’s hard to call a team with the state’s top player — 6-6 2017 wing D’Shawn Schwartz — an under-the-radar squad, but the Scorpions also were ousted in the first round of last year’s Class 4A playoffs.
Under new coach Rob Hawkins, Sand Creek enters this year with a chip on its shoulder and the requisite talent to make good on its goals of reaching the top. Three of Sand Creek’s players stood out at the camp on Saturday.
A closer look:
D’Shawn Schwartz, 6-6 senior wing
We all know that Schwartz, who signed his letter of intent with the University of Colorado on Wednesday, is the kind of player who automatically makes a team a contender. And he’s improved his game so much in the last year that it’s even more true this season.
Schwartz is leaner and more powerful. He’s got better footwork on the defensive end. His mid-range jump shot — already a great weapon — is becoming almost automatic. Now Schwartz’s challenge is to be the leader his squad needs, which he is certainly capable of. He can’t be afraid to rattle cages and let teammates know where they need to be.
Jeffrey Gary, 6-4 senior guard
Gary joins the Scorpions after three seasons at Austin High School in Texas. Gary relocated as his father took a job in Colorado Springs, and he is a big-time addition for SC. He does a great job handling the ball at his size, creating mismatches. He’s a strong shooter and understands how to attack angles and position his body to get to the basket.
Gary is also a deft passer who senses where teammates are going to be on the floor, and he does a real nice job not being sped up with the ball in his hands. He’s calm and steady in transition and demonstrates sound decision-making.
Gary has received offers from a number of low Division I and Division II schools. The high-academic player said he’d like to play for an Ivy League program.
David Jabedo, 6-4 senior guard/small forward
Jabedo averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season and will make a big jump with those numbers if Saturday’s performance was any indication. Jabedo showed strong athleticism and some good explosiveness. Both of those attributes came through on a monster dunk he had in transition during one of the morning games.
Just as importantly, Jabedo demonstrates good toughness. He has the look a player who won’t back down from contact inside and is willing to do the dirty work for his team. He has the look of a solid small-college prospect.
Jabedo earned an appearance in the top-60 game at the camp.