2021 new names with the most to prove
The Prep Hoops 250 Expo is this weekend and players should be excited for the opportunity to get out in front of some college coaches and compete. There is a solid list of players that have confirmed that they will…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops 250 Expo is this weekend and players should be excited for the opportunity to get out in front of some college coaches and compete. There is a solid list of players that have confirmed that they will be in attendance which has us at Prep Hoops Colorado ready to see some new players jump onto the scene, already ranked and known players solidify their spots and others make a claim. Here, I introduce names that we have not got an opportunity to see that has a ton to prove.
Vincas Veikalas – Overland (Las Vegas transfer)
If there is ONE player that has the most to prove at the entire event it is Veikalas. Veikalas is coming into Colorado from a prestigious Clark High School in Las Vegas as a forward that can do a bit of everything. At Clark as a sophomore, Veikalas starred in his role. Based on watching a few videos on him I can tell that he is a player that exploits mismatches which will be interesting for him here. He will have the edge on a ton of our smaller guards in which I expect for him to post up a ton, and strength against the bigs. I am excited to see how his game translates at this level with a different playing style and him jumping immediately onto the scene with a good showing. I envision him fitting in seamlessly at Overland this upcoming season alongside Graham Ike and Hezekiah Swanson.
Brayden Carter – Mullen
Carter did not play much at all last season, but a sophomore that is already 6’7 and still growing is a player that stands out. With Isaac Ondekane transferring schools it opens up a lane for Carter to prove himself this year. I am excited to see what his ceiling can be as this is a player that we have not got to see yet so he has plenty to gain from a solid showing at the expo.
Keegan Phillips – Douglas County
Phillips is a 6’5 player with the potential to be whatever he chooses to be. With that size, he is already going to be a player that stands out. Phillips was on the JV team last year and will have to showcase that he belongs. He will surely get more time this year and with a good showing he will jump onto our radars. I am excited to see if he takes the opportunity to prove that he has worked on his game and with a Douglas County team that has big names that left last season can take his play from the event into the start of the season.
Greg Gerhardt – Monarch
Gebhardt is very raw but when he reaches it all he will have a very high ceiling. He will be one o the bigger performers at an event that has a solid group of big men coming in. For a player so young he is a player that is a blank canvas, what he makes of it moving forward will be pivotal in his development. I am thrilled to get to take a look at him in person as he will surely stand out due to size. He has one of the most important days of the year coming up and we are excited to have him there.
Izaye Elize – Frederick
Elize was the 3rd leading scorer for Frederick at 9.8 points a game. Frederick did not have the season that they hoped for but have plenty to build on as a team that should surprise a few people with some hidden gems over there and Elize is one of them. Last season he was in a rhythm to begin the season and had a relatively good season despite only playing in half of the games. Elize is a combo-guard that can do a bit of everything. He can shoot the ball as well as get to the lane and finish. He has also added in some dunks which now showcases his athleticism. If he utilizes the iso situations a bit more I do believe it will up his scoring and this is the chance to work on that in front of some of the state’s best. This is going to be a great opportunity for some of the players at Frederick to get out in front of unfamiliar faces and showcase that they are a team that can turn some things around and with a player like Elize leading the way with a great showcase at our expo he can put the Warriors on the map.
Brad Kerr—Denver East
Kerr played very seldom for East last season, but under future hall of fame coach Rudy Carey and surrounded by a solid bunch, that is expected. This is a year where he will have to step up and showcase his talents. Kerr already has good size at 6’6 so it gives him an advantage. On a fast-paced offense, he has opportunities to excel. This weekend it will be about showing himself off as a player and proving that he needs to be on our radars. He will have to showcase what he has translates and he has worked on a ton in the offseason. I am excited to see how his game has improved.
Alex Hurr—Mountain View
Hurr is a 6’3 guard with range. He can shoot the ball and is confident with the ball in his hands as a playmaker. He is a score first combo-guard that played well for Mountain View last season as he put up 10.3 points a game as a sophomore. Hurr is able to go off for scoring explosions and is a microwave. He has good size for a guard and this weekend it will be about showcasing that he can get his shot off against quicker and more skilled player than he is used to. I would also like to see how the pace translates as well. With a big weekend he will jump onto our radars as he hopefully lets the offense come to him in a role suited to his game.