Dynamic Backcourt Duos: Part 2
In part two of looking at some of the most dynamic backcourts in the state, this one will feature a couple of teams that you could make the argument they have more than two major threats in the backcourt. It…
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Continue ReadingIn part two of looking at some of the most dynamic backcourts in the state, this one will feature a couple of teams that you could make the argument they have more than two major threats in the backcourt. It will be exciting to watch these teams compete come playoff time. There could be several key matchups as well depending how things unfold in the playoffs. One thing is for sure, strong guard play is a major factor in making a deep run.
Denver East – Langston Reynolds & Zy’Quis Davis
These are two of the top sophomores in the state currently and have had great seasons so far. Reynolds comes in at number one in our 2022 rankings and Davis comes in at the top ten as well at number eight. Both these underclassmen will be major factors in their playoff push. Reynolds is averaging: 18.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.6 SPG, he is a player with a very high ceiling going forward these next two years. He is an aggressive, downhill, attacking guard who is extremely athletic that causes problems all over the floor. Davis, has a true point guard IQ for the game and is a player that can get it done in a number of different ways. He is averaging: 10.3 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.8 RPG, 3.2 SPG, his 6.6 assists per game currently ranks him seventh in the state according to MaxPreps. East also has upper-class leadership in the backcourt with Boston Stanton who is having a great junior year and Patrick Steed who is the senior veteran on the team that keeps them poise. Steed is currently averaging: 12.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.3 SPG having his best year yet for the Angels. Stanton leads the team in scoring this year at 21.3 PPG which ranks him fourth in the Denver Prep league this year. He is also averaging: 5.8 RPG, 2.8 APG and is shooting it well from behind the arc at 37% on the year (51/137). He is a player that can score from all three levels on the court and has a great feel for the game.
Cherry Creek – Myles Purchase & Sebastian Cole
Purchase and Cole make up the primary ball handlers for Cherry Creek in the backcourt, Purchase is currently averaging: 13.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 3.2 SPG and Cole is the senior leader of the group averaging: 10.4 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.0 RPG, 2.1 SPG. Both of these guards are very dynamic in their own right, what they both have in common is their relentless effort on the defensive side of the ball, causing all sorts of issues for opposing guards on a nightly basis. Purchase is an unbelievable athlete with his speed and athleticism, and has a great sense for the ball defensively. He is starting to shoot the ball better as of late too which creates another threat to his game. Cole is a high IQ guard that plays with great pace and control, he is a good ball handler going both ways and has one of the smoothest mid-range games in the state. He is also athletic for his size and that is displayed several times throughout the game, both on defense, and flying above the rim. Creek also has the second ranked player in the 2021 class in Julian Hammond who is a joy to watch each time out. He is averaging: 22.5 PPG. 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG and is shooting the ball at a high percentage from deep. He is currently (46/105) for 44% on the season from deep and 55% from inside the arc.
Manual – Jordan Reed & Jaden Stoffell
Stoffell is the senior leader of the group and currently ranks ninth in scoring in the state at 24.7 points per game. He is a guard with good size, at 6’3 and is able to score from all three levels on the court, he is shooting 39% from deep (62/160) on the year as well as an impressive 61% from inside the arc. He is a player that is able to get to his spots on the floor and make the defense pay. Every team is focused on Stoffell each night but he is still able to put up big numbers on a nightly basis. Reed is a sophomore guard who is learning from one of the best in the state, he is averaging: 15.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.1 APG as an underclassmen. He did see time in sixteen games as a freshmen so its no surprise that he is performing at a high level. He has a great sense for the game and plays smart and under control.
Rangeview – Christopher Speller & Obi Agbim
Rangeview is another team that you could make the argument they have a number of different pieces in the backcourt that make them special at a group. Speller is averaging: 10.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG and Agbim is averaging: 12.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG for the Raiders as they look to repeat as 5A State Champions. Agbim is another strong athlete at the guard position that can make highlight plays happen in a blink of an eye. He can score from all three levels, shooting 43% from deep on the year (37/87) and 55% from two-point range where he is a high flyer above the rim. Speller has a great sense for the game and will do a little bit of everything to help his team win. He is a strong passer who has great vision and plays the game unselfishly. Cade Palmer is also another nice piece to this backcourt who can shoot the ball lights out from deep. He is averaging 10.9 points per game and is shooting 45% from deep on the year (62/138).