The Forgotten: Small Schools Players to Watch (Part 1)

<p>In Utah there is always teams and players that are forgotten. Sometimes they are overlooked and sometimes they play in a small school classification and their play is often questioned. Utah has some players scattered across these small schools in rural areas that can really play. Often times these athletes are playing multiple sports which limits them when it comes to club basketball and exposure camps that they can attend because they’re busy playing 2-3 sports. </p> <p><strong>6’7 Shaydon Benson (Parowan)</strong></p> <p>The Class of 2022 young big fella averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds a game. With size, skill and time to improve Shaydon is a player to keep an eye on because he could really make a jump next season in production. He will play in a front court that will not be able to double team. With only 7 three’s made last season this is a point of improvement that will show itself next season as he might see a lot of zone next year. </p> <p><strong>6’8 [player_tooltip player_id="935804" first="Keba" last="Keita"] (American Heritage)</strong></p> <p>Keba is raw but he is a Division 1 talent. He is strong and he can move people on his way to the basket. His athletic ability is by far the best out of all the small schools and he could see the floor on any roster in the state. The Class of 2022 player has a lot of growth and we expect big things from him next year. </p> <p><strong>6’2 [player_tooltip player_id="755638" first="Ky" last="Brown"] (Beaver)</strong></p> <p>Ky is a solid college prospect that can play that CG position. He is a defensive minded player that can pick up full-court. He has a high IQ on both ends of the the floor. He has an unselfish style of play as he makes that extra pas.. Ky was last years 2A Player of the Year and it was well deserved as he knew when to deffer to his teammates and when he should take over. Scoring 15 points and hauling in 6 rebounds was impressive but he still has more growth in his game. Doesn’t rely on the three-point shot but he can hit it. </p> <p><strong>5’11 [player_tooltip player_id="755654" first="Derek" last="Atkinson"] (Draper APA)</strong></p> <p>Derek can score the ball. Don’t be surprised if he is one of the leaders when it comes to scoring next season. He only failed to score in double figures last year twice. Derek will be one of the reasons Draper APA will have a shot at state next year. </p> <p><strong>6’7 Max Topham (Parowan)</strong></p> <p>The Class of 2021 underrated talent is one of those players that could go out and get a triple double. He has great vision to pass out of double’s or simply find the open man and make that extra pass. Max can score inside and out. Last seasons 12, 6 and 5 numbers are an indication of what he can do consistently. Max is a solid NWAC prospect that can help a team right away. Look for Max to push his scoring average up. </p>