Five combo-guards to watch in the 5A/4A Pikes Peak League

<p>There has been changes to the world as we know it, and the Colorado high school basketball scene has taken its fair share of changes as well. Typically, we will have already started with some tournaments at this time of the year to get things kicked off, but there has to be a compromise on both ends. Not only will the season start late, but it will be a condensed season, so teams and players must get off to hot starts. Here we will focus on the 5A/4A Pikes Peak League, which will be much improved and has some really talented players.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="917014" first="Brad" last="Helton"] – Cheyenne Mountain</strong></h2> <p>Cheyenne Mountain had a solid season, and even though it did not end the way they wanted, there is no reason to take away from what they accomplished. The Indians went 21-3 on the season and had a top-3 player in the state graduate. With that, opportunities open up, and one of those players that will be given the opportunity is [player_tooltip player_id="917014" first="Brad" last="Helton"]. Helton is a 6’2 combo guard that is athletic, lean, and ready to make plays. He can score in bunches and plays well off the ball. Helton starred in his role last season and stood out when needed. Helton averaged 8.0 points and 2.2 assists a game, which showed that you could put the ball in his hands and make plays. This upcoming season he will have to up his game in every way while also being a senior leader who gets the job done. He will have to score, defend, and set up others and will be a player to watch as a big X-factor.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="969432" first="Colin" last="Hawkins"] – Sand Creek</strong></h2> <p>Hawkins is a 2023 standout that is ranked on our list as he had a solid freshman season. Hawkins will build on a year that he was an important piece that the Scorpions went through. As only a freshman, Hawkins made his impact felt. He put up 8.0 points and was a force on the boards with just under four rebounds a game. He uses his 6’2 frame to score on smaller defenders, has a bit of athleticism, and works extremely hard on both ends of the floor. Hawkins took that solid play into the summer and was one of the young standouts in a weekly showcase with some of the state’s top players and held his own. Hawkins will only continue to get better and has the work ethic to improve. Hawkins will be one of the go-to guys for Sand Creek this season, and if he can build on a big year has room to move up our list.</p> <h2><strong>Mason Hamlin – Falcon</strong></h2> <p>Falcon wants nothing more than a fresh slate as they had an underwhelming season. Two of their best players were only sophomores and return looking to turn things around. Mason Hamlin was their point guard that was thrown into the fire, but with how many different looks that he was given, he had a decent season, all things considering. Hamlin is a big guard that can set out on the wing and put the ball on the floor. He can score in bunches, is a great rebounder, and also applies himself defensively as well. He was one of the players that was comfortable with the ball in his hands and will want to bounceback after putting up 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds a game.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965808" first="Mason" last="Black"] – Falcon</strong></h2> <p>Falcon is looking to turn the page on a very tough season where they did not perform up to expectation. Falcon had one bright spot last season, and that was the growth of [player_tooltip player_id="965808" first="Mason" last="Black"]. Black was one of the best sophomores in the state from a statistical standpoint, and it was overlooked by a disappointing season. Black was consistent while seeing double teams and different looks and still managed to put up 19.4 points a game, one of the tops of anyone in the class. Black scored in every way as a knockdown shooter that could step out and hit the 3-pointer, has one of the best mid-range jump-shots, and also gets to the rim and finishes. Black has an inside and out game, and while he is a pure shooter, he is comfortable with the ball in his hands. He can break down traps, move without the ball, and also is engaged defensively. This summer, Black was one of the states best with Pluto Prospects. Pluto competed well both in and out of state, and it was no surprise that they leaned on their sniper. This summer, Black re-enforced the notion that he is one of the class’s best scorers as he competed in underground runs, tournaments, scrimmages, and is a workout junkie. Black is a gym rat that understands how to put the ball in the basket, and you don’t get much of that these days. Black is one of the best players in the conference and will likely be the top dog this upcoming season. Someone go and catch him.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965754" first="Colin" last="Westfall"] – Lewis-Palmer</strong></h2> <p>Westfall watched from the sidelines as his team went undefeated for a state championship in his sophomore season and wanted to be a big part of their success moving forward. The state champ had his hands all over the league in his junior season as he was the leading scorer for Lewis-Palmer and was their best all-around player on the year. He showcased his versatility as a combo-guard that put up 14.8 points a game, and that was while catching a flow and Lewis-Palmer finally finding their footing to conclude the season. Westfall shot 42% from beyond the arc and got inside as well, and was willing to do the dirty work as well. The 6-foot combo-guard put up a balanced stat line where he also put up just under four rebounds and assists a game. The Rangers put the ball in his hands and let him score, distribute, and ultimately create. He rebounds well for his size, starts the break, and makes plays happen. He attacks off of the dribble, makes the right play, and competes at a high level, and that’s what you like to see. I wish I got to see more of him this summer, but I am sure that he worked on his game and will be ready to put Lewis-Palmer back in the position to compete for a title. They are my favorite for the conference champions, and it starts with their leading scorer leading the way. Expect another big season from him.</p>