2019 Ranking Update: Wings/Bigs Part 2 (2019)
Heading into the season there are many players that I would like spotlight. Some are my personal favorites as others are players I would just like to take a closer look at but are players that definitely stand out as…
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Continue ReadingHeading into the season there are many players that I would like spotlight. Some are my personal favorites as others are players I would just like to take a closer look at but are players that definitely stand out as intriguing to me. Here is the second part of the few wings/big men that you may want to keep an eye out for as the season starts.
Austin Holt- ThunderRidge-Rank 23
Austin is that player you hate to play against but absolutely love to play with. Playing against him you have to endure all the damage he causes on both ends on the floor. He puts teams defensive game plans to shame with his all-around style of play as he can run the point, score with his back to the basket or set other guys up it is safe to see that there isn’t much Austin can’t do. Last year we seen his impact after not having that much playing time due to the team being so well rounded but with another year under his belt and work put in in the summer it all changes as he will be able to leave his imprint on every game with more minutes expected his way.
Alijah Bates-Doherty-Rank 26
Alijah is a force to be reckon with in the paint on both ends of the floor and is the heart and soul of his Doherty team. He is a two-sport athlete and his football mentality kicks in as he has the athleticism to shape the game and aggressiveness to succeed. Even with his recent commitment to play football at division I school, Arizona, he still is the clear-cut leader for the Spartans and with them not being able to make it to the Final 4 after being so close the last couple of years it has got to be in the back of this team’s mind to not only get back to the Denver Coliseum, but to finally bring home the gold ball.
Bryson Becker-Platte Valley-Rank 29
Bryson is the latest person from this class to commit to further his education and basketball career for him. He will be continuing his basketball career at Point Loma Nazarene University. Becker is coming off of a standout summer for the Colorado Chaos where he played at a high level with some of the states top talent in his class. He proved that he is able to play with the best of the best and not only blend in but stand out. For Bryson this season is all about polishing his game and making the most of each one of his touches as he can really affect a game.
Bryce Matthews- Chaparral- Rank 32
Bryce Matthews is choosing to play basketball this season which makes Chaparral one of the most dangerous team in the state even without Ronnie DeGray Jr. along side him. Bryce is the ultimate competitor on both ends of the floor and brings a toughness that the team really doesn’t have when he isn’t in the game. With more minutes coming this season it will be interesting to see the jump in number’s he should have as he is one of the most athletic players in the state but he is also one of the toughest.
Jax Wilke-Mead-Rank 33
Jax Wilke seems unguardable at times, especially on the offensive end of the floor. His game is so well balanced that it makes it hard for the average big man to contain him. On defense, there aren’t many brave enough to challenge him in the paint so teams tend to take a lot of outside shots to avoid lost possessions. Wilke can affect the game on that end of the floor and that is what makes him so special.
Bailey Verk-ThunderRidge-Rank 34
Bailey is every coach’s dream player. He is coachable, selfless and understands what needs to be done in order to win games. He scores, rebounds, passes, defends and whatever is needed as he is a Swiss Army knife for the Grizzlies. With how much he is able to do over the course of a single game makes it very difficult to not keep him on the floor the entire game. Bailey isn’t a player that will wow you with his numbers on a stat sheet but within five minutes of watching him play you will see what makes him so special.
Alexander Pena-Avila-Overland- Rank 35
Overlands front-court may be one the best overlooked units in the state. The duo of him alongside Ike Graham will be a duo that will make it extremely difficult for opposing teams in the paint. Alex was able to come in and give the Trailblazers some great minutes last season, especially when having to be guarded by another large big man used to match him in sheer size as he was able to spread the floor and hit is 3-point shot. With the way that Overland’s offense operates, having a big man that can clear out or also go inside will open things up for others and Alex has that ability. With him being one of the seniors on the team he will have to be a player that leads by example and understand that sometimes it’s his night to play big minutes and sometimes he won’t, but he will have to stay ready each night. Expecting big numbers from him this season.