Trio of small-college prospects lift Eagle Valley to quick start
(Photo: Arturo Loera has averaged nearly 13 points, five rebounds and four assists during Eagle Valley’s 4-0 start.)
There’s something special brewing on the Western Slope.
Eagle Valley High School is off to a 4-0 start to the season behind a trio of seniors who are eyeing an opportunity to continue their careers at the college level.
Eagle Valley coach Chris Walls took some time this week to share insight on three players he’s convinced can make an impact at the juco, NAIA, Division III or even Division II level:
Arturo Loera, 5-11, guard
This season: 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Has hit 8-of-17 3-pointers (47 percent).
“A blur in the open floor. … Good floor vision. … Muscular and strong, “Flash” is a slasher who can also bury it from deep consistently with a quick release. … Although he recognizes when to set his teammates up and when to take on the load, he can take over a game at any moment.”
Loera was fourth in the Western Slope with 34 3-pointers last season.
We also so Loera perform at our Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo earlier this fall and came away impressed with his control. He has a good natural feel for the game and a toughness that will play well at the next level. He’s not easily intimidated.
Jimmy Murphy, 6-2, shooting guard
This season: 15 points, 3.5 steals and 2.3 assists per game.
Coach’s take: “Shooting guard who is built very much in the mold of Duke’s Grayson Allen. … Deadly range from anywhere on the floor, has great handles, a court vision that is unparalleled and has improved his slashing to the basket drastically … Extremely coachable and great representative of the university he will play for next season.”
Murphy finished second in the 4A Western Slope League last year in 3-pointers made with 36.
Dawson Keller, 6-6, forward
This season: 6.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.
Coach’s take: “Stretch f0ur who doesn’t need the limelight to shine. … Adept as a facilitator as well and automatic deep from the top of the key. … Great leaping ability, playing above the rim. … Great rim protector on defense who excels at timing opponent’s shots. … Outstanding character and high academic standing who is also being looked at for academic scholarships.’
Keller led all of 4A in blocked shots last season at 4.1 per game.
Eagle Valley is off to a good start in a season with big goals. If the Devils get to where they want to go, it will be because a promising senior trio led them there.