2017 Colorado Player Rankings: Biggest Risers In Top 50
As we continue to the breakdown of our updated Prep Hoops Colorado 2017 Player Rankings, today we take a look at the players who have made the biggest leap since the time the last rankings came out. The first part…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue to the breakdown of our updated Prep Hoops Colorado 2017 Player Rankings, today we take a look at the players who have made the biggest leap since the time the last rankings came out.
The first part of this breakdown takes a look at the players who made the biggest jumps within the top 50 spots in the rankings. On Monday we’ll take a closer look at the players who jumped up into spots after No. 50, a list that includes plenty of talented small-school prospects.
With that said, here’s a look at the players who climbed the ladder in the new rankings:
Corey Seng, 6-4 guard, ThunderRidge
Old Ranking: No. 17
New Ranking: No. 7
Why He Jumped: While guiding the No. 1 team in the state to a season that has thus far included zero losses against in-state teams, Seng has proven himself to be the among the state’s most capable two-way players. He’s a high-motor defender who combines the long wingspan off his 6-foot-4 from with high basketball intelligence to be one of the state’s premier perimeter defender. That, coupled with his shotmaking and playmaking ability offensively make him a low-Division I prospect, one who has made big improvements to his game over the last season-plus.
Jackson Ehrlin, 6-9 forward, Rampart
Old Ranking: No. 26
New Ranking: No. 19
Why He Jumped: Ehrlin is a unique player at 6-foot-9 who can shoot it well from 3-point range, handle the ball in the open court and protect the rim. His growth over the summer while playing for The Force helped him earn a Division II scholarship to Black Hills State in South Dakota. There he’ll join 2016 Colorado prep graduates Antonio Capley, Elijah Coleman and LaDarius Coleman. Ehrlin has grown in our eyes because of how many ways he can affect a game.
Kayle Knuckles, 6-6 forward, Valor Christian
Old Ranking: No. 27
New Rankings: No. 20
Why He Jumped: The 6-6 senior at Valor Christian has risen in the rankings with each new release. That’s a signal of a high ceiling he continues to approach after only beginning to play organized basketball as a freshman in high school. Since then he’s continued to grow as a rebounder, a tough finisher inside and one of the sharpest shooters for his size you’ll find. Knuckles has the look of a impactful Division II product given his continued growth.
Jeffrey Gary, 6-4 guard, Sand Creek
Old Ranking: None
New Ranking: No. 24
Why He Jumped: Gary was still hooping in Austin, Texas the last time we made our rankings, but it has not taken long to prove himself since moving to Colorado and joining talented Sand Creek. Gary is a diverse scorer who can shoot it effectively off the dribble and off the catch, gets to the basket and distributes. He’s averaged 20 points and four assists this season for a team that is a favorite to reach the 4A Final Four.
Matthew Johnson, 6-2 guard, Rangeview
Old Ranking: No. 33
New Ranking: No. 29
Why He Jumped: Given the chance to step into a leadership role for the Raiders this season, Johnson has shined. He’s among the state’s leading scorers at 20.6 points per game to go with 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 steals. Johnson is long and athletic and is a sound shooter from the outside. He’s hit at least two 3-pointers in all but three games this season and has scored double digits in all but one. Johnson has also impressed on the defensive end, where his length and quickness can cause problems.
Trey Marble, 5-11 guard, Prairie View
Old Ranking: No. 76
New Ranking: No. 40
Why He Jumped: In more opportunities to view Marble, we’ve seen a player who can score at volume while also being efficient. He’s a crafty attacker of the basket and knows how to finish. He’s averaging 22.7 points and six assists per game this season, among the 5A leaders in both categories.
Titus Reed, 6-5 forward, Chatfield
Old Ranking: None
New Ranking: No. 48
Why He Jumped: For one reason or another, good players here and there fall through the cracks. Reed is most certainly a player who should have been in our rankings before, and he’s certainly made a big debut. The thing that sticks out about the versatile small forward is his energy and his ability to always be around the basketball. He is quick inside the paint, both as a finisher and a rebounder. He’s constantly cutting and moving and has a good feel for the game. He’s a player who could certainly help a Division II, III or NAIA school soon.