2021 Rankings Update: Big-Time Scorers

<p>After the strangest offseason ever, the 2021 rankings have been updated. Given the conditions, PHC made it a point to see as many players as possible rather it be a tournament, small group workout, or showcase –we made it a point to check in with almost every player.</p> <p>For the Class of 2021, having a travel season nearly ripped away, players came out hungry and eager to seize the moment and take full advantage of the stage.</p> <p>Here is our latest rankings update, and here we focus on breakout scorers that will again be asked to put up a ton of points.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965743" first="Eddie" last="Speller Jr."] – Lewis-Palmer</strong></h2> <p>Speller Jr. was a constant force for Lewis-Palmer in his junior season as a 6’5 big man was difficult for teams to figure out all season long. Speller Jr. could not be kept off of the boards, and his persistence on the boards led to extra scoring opportunities for his team. In his junior campaign, he put up 14.1 points a game and had 7.6 boards to go along with it and had times where he looked unstoppable. Once he gets into a zone, with his aggressiveness and ability to score in the paint, it opens things p for teammates. This summer, it appears that he learned to play a bit more without the ball in his hands. He set hard screens, he protected the paint, and when the time called for it, he is who the offense ran through. Speller Jr. is a big-time scorer and moves to No. 49 in the class.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916980" first="Tristan" last="Smith"] – Elizabeth</strong></h2> <p>Smith is a complete player that gives you a bit of everything. He is always on the move and trying to find a way to score the ball. He can take his man off of the dribble and has a good feel around the rim. As a junior, Smith was the second-leading scorer in all of the Colorado Springs Metro League as he put up an impressive 19.3 points a game. He shot the ball well from deep, he beat double teams, and he also used his athleticism to create easy scoring opportunities. Smith is a natural scorer that you do not have to run a play for to score. He has good size at 6’3 and also blends it with strength. He knows where to be on the floor, and he came out and had a solid summer with Colorado Chaos. Smith is a scrappy defender that defends without fouling. He is dangerous in open space and understands how to put the ball in the basket. Smith’s game translates to the next level, and he comes in at No. 53 in the class.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770425" first="Michael" last="Bennett"] – Lakewood</strong></h2> <p>Bennett was the 5^th leading scorer in the 5A Jeffco League last season as a junior as he put up 17.6 points a game and was also the teams leading rebounder (5.7 rpg) and assist man (3.8 apg) as well. He did it all for the Tigers and was a selfless leader who was willing to take shots, find the open man as wel as do the dirty work. Bennett plays extremely hard and does all that he can to make the right play. He sees the floor well, reads the double team, and can shoot lights out from deep. This summer for Pro Skills shined. He was used as a 3-point specialist that put up some high scoring games. There were buzzer-beaters, heat-checks, and also him showing that he could be a lockdown defender when called upon. Expect another big season for Bennett and for him to not only rise but start getting some college attention.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916985" first="Logan" last="Owen"]s – Belleview Christian</strong></h2> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="916985" first="Logan" last="Owen"]s was the Player of the Year for the 1A 5280 League and a unanimous 1^st Team All-League option after putting up 25.5 points a game. Owen was the third-leading scorer in the state regardless of class and was a stat-sheet stuffer as he was able to score in various ways. Owens has put up big numbers since entering high school and should start out the season as a 1,000 points scored member as he only needs nine points.  With being able to score in half-court situations, getting out in open space for dunks, and occasionally shooting the 3-ball, he will continue to be a player to watch. I think that his Belleview Christian team will be the favorites. As long as Owens continues to work on his game and it translates, no matter who he is playing against, he will be a player that continues to rise.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050936" first="Trey" last="Summers"] – Union Colony Preparatory School</strong></h2> <p>Summers is a player that is making our list for the first time and after the season and AAU season that he had is a candidate for the breakout of the summer. Summers proved that it does not matter the classification; he should be on the radar as he is a big-time scorer that can light up scoreboards given the opportunity. For Union Colony, Summers put up a massive stat line of 21.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and three and a half assists a game. There was a game this season where he exploded for 44 points, and that kickstarted a run where he put up double figures in nine straight games. Having the ability to score from all three levels and being a creative finisher around the rim has opposing teams trying to slow him down, but he also proves to be an above-average passer that gets teammates involved. He then played for State38 as well as the Colorado Hawks this summer and turned heads with his ability to fit in and stand out amongst other top players. Summers is a natural scorer but a 3-point specialist in particular. He has unlimited range and is a smooth player that can score in isolation situations. We are excited to see if he can continue to put up big numbers this season and see it translate to more wins as he has proved that he is a player no matter the setting.</p>