2022 Rankings Update: Two-Way Threats
Prep Hoops Colorado recently updated its class of 2022 rankings, and this is one of our favorite classes as it is full of gym rats who want to get better, and there will continue to be shifts made to this…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Colorado recently updated its class of 2022 rankings, and this is one of our favorite classes as it is full of gym rats who want to get better, and there will continue to be shifts made to this class.
This is a class that we have seen the most of with tournaments, private workouts, underground runs, and plenty of BallerTV.
Let’s take a look at the classes’ top defensive threat.
Xavier Harris Xavier Harris 6'1" | PG Hillcrest Prep | 2023 CO – Horizon
Harris is one of the best point guards in the entire state that is starting to get more into a facilitating role. He has already shown that he can score with ease and finishes around the basket and any other guard in the state and is putting in the work to progress as a shooter. As stable as he is as a playmaking floor general that can score, he is even better of a defender. In Harris’s sophomore season, the point guard put up 10 points and just under two, and a half steals a game. He pushed the pace, controlled the tempo, and scored or assisted on plays to keep the team flowing. While he still has plenty to work on, one obvious thing was his ability to affect the game on the defensive end. Harris is a disruptor that shakes things up on that end of the floor. This summer, he played on two different teams and provided a spark and defensive identity to both. He makes opposing guards work for everything they get, has excellent footwork, and uses his body. Harris is one of the better two-way players in the class, and being able to defend at a high level separates him from the pack. He comes in at No. 13 in the class.
Dylan Sanders Dylan Sanders 6'4" | CG Colorado Prep | 2022 FL – Colorado Prep
Sanders makes the switch over from Smoky Hill, where he was a starter in only his sophomore season that was used as the defensive specialist. Sanders can defend the opposing team’s best guards as he has excellent footwork and uses his size to stick with defenders. He gets to the lane as easy as any other guard and also can space the floor a bit with his outside shot. For Colorado Prep, he is going to have to be a lockdown defender. Sanders as a 3 & D guy will be interesting as it gives them another option to go to when they implement the press and push the pace. If he can add more offensively while getting bigger and stronger, he can be an exciting player that turns heads. He comes in at No. 18 in the class.
Grant Page Grant Page 6'2" | CG Fairview | 2022 CO – Fairview
Page is one of the most sought after football player in the entire state as he is locking wide receivers up and making plays all over the field. He brings that same tenacity and approach to the hardwood, where he continues to make game-impacting plays. Page is an athletic guard that pushes the pace offensively, runs the passing lanes, and finds ways to score. For Fairview, he averaged 9.6 points and just under two steals a game, which showcases his versatility and gave them a defensive edge. Page adds swagger and toughness to the team that is contagious. He can defend multiple positions and having the ability to switch it up, and both score and lockdown gives his team a different look. He will be playing football at the next level, but that does not mean he is not one of the best two-way options that we have in the state.
KK Stroter KK Stroter 6'4" | PF Rangeview | 2022 State CO – Rangeview
There is always a player at Rangeview that is waiting for his opportunity to step up and stand out. This year, that is Stroter. Stroter is a two-way option that gets out on the break for open floor finishes and showcased his athleticism with occasional dunks. He can step out and hit the 3-ball, gets in the mix inside, and allows teams to have to adjust but what has separated him this summer for Colorado Miners was his work on the other end of the floor. Stroter can defend both bigs and guards. He has excellent foot speed and doesn’t mind getting involved. He bangs down low, rebounds amongst the trees, and also gives a spark on that end of the floor. He’s getting stronger and, with that, is able to add more to his game. I am excited to see how Stroter progresses on all parts of his game for the next to years, but he makes a massive jump with his ability to get after it.
Kijuan Thompson Kijuan Thompson 5'9" | PG George Washington | 2022 State CO – George Washington
There is not a single player as electric as a defender as Thompson in the class. He is animated; he is working hard on the perimeter and causing havoc on the court. Thompson forces guards to speed up and turns them over. He beats guards to the spot, he is active in the passing lane, and his defense ignites the offense. For George, he was used as a spark and gave solid minutes as he plays hard on every possession. He is extremely quick and uses that speed to get to his spots and be a pest on defense. This summer, he kept it up in the tournaments and showcases that we saw him in. He brings a tenacity to the team and boosts the energy and morale when he is on the floor.