Prep Hoops Idaho: 5 In 5A Breakdown
photo credit: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6944774/paul-pennington As we look ahead to the 2017-2018 Idaho prep hoops season we are spotlighting five players in 5A to know about, as each player stands to follow up their impressive high school careers thus far, and help their…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Readingphoto credit: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6944774/paul-pennington
As we look ahead to the 2017-2018 Idaho prep hoops season we are spotlighting five players in 5A to know about, as each player stands to follow up their impressive high school careers thus far, and help their teams find success while raising the level of their game even more so in the upcoming campaign.
The players highlighted below have all excelled in their prep careers thus far, earning various honors and leading their teams both in statistical categories as well as on and off the court. Each prospect has a tremendous opportunity to carry on the positive momentum in which they have created for themselves already, as the high school hoops season in Idaho looms just around the corner.
Here are our five to watch in 5A this season, be sure to keep these youngsters on your radars all year long as their level of play continues to rise.
Paul Pennington, 5’10, Guard, Boise High
The leading scorer in 5A last season for the state of Idaho, Pennington nearly averaged 20 points per game as he led his team to the state tournament, yet fell early to Post Falls and also in the consolation to Madison. Despite the early defeats in the state basketball finale, Pennington remains one of the top guards in the entire state and is surely one to keep an eye on yet again heading into his senior season.
In terms of points guards you can’t ask for much more as Pennington thrives in tough situations on the court and has demonstrated leadership time and time again for his team. An excellent passer, Pennington averaged 5.3 assists per game last season as well, while seemingly having a constant nose for the ball on the defensive end.
Pennington earned a second team All-Idaho honor from the Idaho Statesman and first team honors from the Idaho Press Tribune. The accolades are extremely worthy as this talented guard who has played his travel ball with Idaho Select, looks to take the next step in his final high school season.
Jalen Galloway, 6’6, Forward, Mountain View
Galloway enters the 17-18 season with plenty to showcase as his talents, on top of his length, make him a very interesting prospect at the prep level in Idaho. Another Idaho Select travel ball player that garnered second team All-Idaho honors from the Idaho Press Tribune last season.
Similar to Pennington, Galloway and his Mountain View team did not find success at the state tournament, so there will be extra motivation there to achieve a greater result which could lead to even more impressive stats from this bouncy forward.
Defensively, Galloway causes fits for his opponents with his shot blocking abilities as well as his knack to pound the glass, averaging an impressive 8.5 boards per game last season. Currently undecided, but Galloway will surely have options if not already to continue his career at the next level.
Daxton Carr, 6’6, Forward, Highland
Carr recently committed to Cal Poly, an announcement his posted via Twitter recently after thanking his family and his club team Exum Elite. Carr is no doubt a Division 1 talent and also held known offers from Idaho State and Utah State.
A superb athlete for his size, but will continue to come into his frame with time and hard work off the court. An excellent student boasting a 4.0 GPA, Carr also has a 6’11 wingspan which helps him thrive in defensive sets. Cal Poly has nabbed one of Idaho’s best prospects for sure here and this talent will shine yet again this upcoming season for his team in Pocatello, Idaho. The ceiling remains very high for Carr.
Jake Pfennigs, 6’7, Forward, Post Falls
An athlete in every sense of the word, Pfennigs has actually committed to play baseball at Arizona State following his senior season this upcoming year. Pfennings and Post Falls knocked off Boise High in the state tournament last season, as the skilled forward averaged 17.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last year.
Obviously, with the commitment to the diamond, Pfennigs is not as intriguing to hoop fans in Idaho and for those tracking talent for the next level, however, he simply can’t be ignored when it comes to highlighting some of top basketball players in the state. Perhaps his talents can take Post Falls even further in the state tournament as he fills into his intimidating 6’7 frame.
Ellis Magnuson, 6’0, Guard, Borah
Our lone 2019 class player in this list, but no question is worth mentioning. Magnuson has played his travel ball with Hoop Dreams and carries impressive averages from last season of 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game into his junior year.
Selected as a second team All-Idaho honor player last season, Magnuson is sure to keep his name in the conversation as a top player in the state this upcoming season. A skilled three point shooter, Magnuson is a team leader for Borah and will look to continue in that role. If he can develop even more parts of his game, Magnuson will further add to his already high profile within the state at the 5A level.