Five combo-guards to watch in the 5A Front Range 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 at this time of the year we will have already started with some tournaments 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 it is critical that teams and players get off to hot starts. Here we will focus on a league that should be much improved, and balanced, the 5A Front Range League.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770449" first="Drake" last="Arthur"] – Boulder </strong></h2> <p>Arthur is one of those players whose impact goes beyond the scoreboard but he still has those moments that he could be a stat-stuffer. Arthur is a passionate player whose versatility seperates him. He scores well, sees the floor as and also crashes the boards. As a junior he was one of the important pieces for a Panthers team that was really good. He put up 7.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while also dishing out 2.5 assists a game as well. The ability to do everything is going to be vital for Boulder this season and his work on both ends of the floor as well as being a leader by example will put them in the drivers seat in the conference.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>TJ Williams – Fairview </strong></h2> <p>Williams is one of the most underrated player in the conference and that is saying something. Williams does all that is asked of him and needed and was Fairview’s X-factor a season ago. Williams is a 6’0 combo-guard that runs the floor, cuts and finds gaps in the defense and is a willing passer. Williams seemed to make big plays whenever Fairview needed him to and is a reason that they were winning games. Williams is committed on both ends of the court and has a high IQ on the court and I am expecting a big season for him this year with rises in every category.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918907" first="Coby" last="Jimenez"] -- Horizon </strong></h2> <p>Jiminez is one of the best combo-guards in the entire class with his versatility and he is able to play multiple positions. He can bring the ball up and has great court awareness. He is a high IQ player that is comfortable with the ball in his hands and he also can step out on the wing and play off of the ball as well. Coby’s best basketball is ahead of him and he is starting to step into his body. He rebounds well, scores when needed and hits the big shot when his team needs it. Jiminez is a basketball player and when I say that it is because of how natural the game comes for him. The game has seemed to slow down for him, he can control the pace and this season with so many changes to Horizon I think he has a sensational season where more people start to pay attention. Check out Jiminez this season as I think he shows why he is one of the most complete players in the class. </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965807" first="Grant" last="Page"] – Fairview </strong></h2> <p>Page is one of best perimeter defenders in the state and this elite athlete is the top defense men in the conference this season. Opposing guards are going to have fits trying to get by him and he easily turns defense into offensive buckets. Page uses his strength and speed to overpower guards and scores with ease. He is a natural scorer that cannot be slowed down, finishes well at the rim and also is a great rebounder. Page plays off of instincts as a multi-sport star and started in only his sophomore season. Grant put up a balanced statline of 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game. He also had near two steals a game and was able to play as well as defend multiple positions. His play is contagious and albeit he will only be a junior he will be the most important player this season.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965760" first="Sam" last="Carlson"] – Monarch </strong></h2> <p>Carlson was Monarch’s best player a season ago as this combo guard found ways to to consistenly lead his team to victory. Carlson is a mismatch at 6’3 and is a creative finisher around the rim that scoring comes natural for. Carlson did not shoot the 3-ball much, but when he did he was very efficient from there hitting 46% from deep. With a player that is capable of scoring it from deep, that also gets to the rim, opposing teams had a difficult time slowing him down. Carlson led the team, had the ball in his hands and made plays happen. For the Colorado Titans this summer it was much of the same for him. Being able to create off of the dribble and putting him in spots to shine is where he stood out at. If he can put that balance in for the season and become a more all-around player then Carlson will be one of the players to watch this season.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918906" first="Aidan" last="Kuhl"] – Rocky Mountain </strong></h2> <p>Kuhl was the summer darling and one of the very best players in the class this grassroots season. He is one of the best all-around players in the class that scores with ease, is extremely fast and is a offensive weapon as soon as he crosses halfcourt. Kuhl cannot be stopped in man with a quick first step, can shoot a team out of a zone with a much-improved jumper and also is a workhorse on defense. Kuhl has a high IQ, has incredible court awareness and a natural feel. Kuhl was No.7 in the class as far as scoring at 17.6 points a game in his sophomore season but I will go out on a limb and say that he raises those numbers and becomes a player that schools are gravitating towards by the end of the summer. Kuhl is a player and one of my personal favorites in the class.</p>