Small School Stat Stuffers 2017-2018
photo credit: www.idahostatesman.com
As we inch closer to the start of the prep hoops season in Idaho, our continued season preview coverage takes a look at the smaller school stat stuffers in the Gem State. Sure, there are the prospects who can do the same on the larger stages in the state, but who are the kids putting up huge numbers in the smaller settings? Better yet, who are the talented hoopers that will likely ball out on any given night in the smaller towns within the state?
Of course, just because a youngster is putting up numbers in a smaller conference doesn’t mean he should go unnoticed, that is what this list will hopefully help with. A starting point for names in which Prep Hoops Idaho readers can lean on as the season approaches.
Here is a look at our Small School Stat Stuffers to kick off the 2017-2018 season…
Clancy Thomas, Snake River, Forward
Thomas spends his grassroots court time with Idaho Select and is certainly a standout in the entire state hailing from Blackfoot, Idaho. Thomas led his team to a runner-up finish at the state tournament behind eye-popping averages of 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. What’s more is his knack for efficient shooting as he shot 63 percent from inside the three point line.
Thomas will likely put similar numbers and be a catalyst for his Snake River squad this upcoming 2017-2018 season. Thomas currently sits as the 9th overall ranked 2018 player in our Prep Hoops Idaho 2018 rankings.
Chase Jerome, Kellogg, Guard
For a guard, Jerome’s rebounding numbers are what really stick out as he hauled in an impressive 6.2 rebound per game last season on top of 14.0 points per game at Kellogg. Entering his senior season, the 3A All-Idaho Second Team honoree hits our radar for the 3A level of Small School Stat Stuffers, and will be one to keep tabs on this season.
Jake Hall, Aberdeen, Guard
Hall will be a senior this season for Aberdeen, but as a junior last year he dominated the stat sheet. Hall averaged just under a double-double with 14.1 points per game and 7.0 rebounds while adding 4.3 assists a contest. Hall earned Second Team 2A All-Idaho honors last season for his dominance at the 2A level, and will surely earn similar recognition, or better in 2017-2018.
Garrett Hawkes, North Fremont, Guard
One of the leading scorers at the 2A level last season, Hawkes put up 17.8 points per game in addition to 5.9 rebounds and an impressive 3.6 steals per game. His defensive prowess is one to make note for sure, and Hawkes’ ability to find buckets will keep his name on plenty of observer’s radars this upcoming year. A 2019 prospect, expect to see Hawkes’ name for seasons to come as a standout in the box scores.
Keegan Duncan, Declo, Guard
Another 2019 standout at the 2A level, Duncan nearly averaged a couple blocks per contest (1.7 bpg) as a guard. Playing hard at both ends of the floor, Duncan’s offensive output was noticeable as well. Duncan averaged 15.7 points, and 5.1 rebounds. Similar to Garrett Hawkes at North Fremont, Duncan will be a name to keep track of at this level in terms of statistical studs.
Michael Ure, Ririe, Forward
Part of a potent attack at Ririe last season, Ure (2019) put up impressive numbers on top of his 12.5 points per game. Where Ure shined most was grabbing an appealing 6.5 rebounds per contest while swatting 1.8 shots per game. Ure’s ability to cover nearly every part of the court while he’s playing for Ririe, gives him an advantage to keep stockpiling numbers at the smaller school stage in the state.
Emmit Taylor III, Lapwai, Guard
Taylor III is as good of a scorer as anyone in the state and his numbers proved that last season as he put up 20.2 points per game for Lapwai and also shot a mind numbing 43 percent from beyond the arc. Inside the three point line, Taylor III was stellar as well shooting 51 percent. Taylor III has earned First Team 1A Division I All-Idaho honors in back to back seasons.
Ethan Christianson, Ambrose, Guard
Right behind Taylor III at this level is Christianson in terms of scoring. The Seattle University commit (for baseball) put up staggering numbers such as 19.9 points, 5.4 steals, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. In fact, Christianson set his school’s all-time steals in a season record with 141. Despite his love for the diamond, Christianson is an all-around athlete and brings it on the basketball court as well.
Brennon Costello, Logos, Guard
Costello made it evident last season that he can score the ball, as he posted 24.0 points per game on top of 4.3 assists and 3.3 steals. Costello earned Second Team 1A Division II All-Idaho honors last season and if he continues to put up digits like he did a season ago, his name will grace the list once again.
Slade Dill, Dietrich, Forward
Crashing the glass is Dill’s specialty as he made it well known last season going for 9.7 rebounds per game combined with 12.2 points and 2.2 blocks per game. Another Second Team 1A Division II honoree, Dill uses his size very well and will be a force for Dietrich yet again in the upcoming 2017-2018 season.
Spencer Permann, Rockland, Guard
Another glass cleaner, but in a smaller fashion. At 6’2, Permann’s 7.0 rebounds a game sticks out and when you add 11.7 points, and 2.1 assists per game, Rockland has themselves a gamer in Permann. We will see if Permann can keep those totals up, but right now there is no reason to think that he won’t. If anything, Permann will be a name on the First Team All 1A Division II rather than the Second Team once the 2017-2018 season wraps up.
Jonny Hillman, Genesis Prep, Guard
Hillman, a 2020 prospect, lands on our rundown for good reason as he has established his name as one of the top performers at this level in the entire state. His numbers are not outrageous by any means, but perhaps it is his ceiling that is more intriguing? These totals from a season ago (16.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals) are likely to inflate in 2017-2018. Keep an eye on Hillman and his Jaguars.