Five wings to watch in the Colorado Springs Metro League

<p>There have 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 to get things kicked off at this time of the year, 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 a league that, like every other team, has had a shake-up. In this league, all classifications are combined but still a very middle of the pack group where one team will have to separate themselves in the 5A/4A/3A Colorado Springs Metro League.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965755" first="Seth" last="Newton"] – Canon City </strong></h2> <p>Newton was the top scorer in his conference that not many people knew about. He has great size at 6’5 is strong, and is a natural scorer on the floor. Newton led his teams to wins with his ability to put the ball in the basket and will head into the new conference as my favorite to win the conference player of the year. As a junior, the multi-sport athlete put up an impressive stat line of 18.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game, which was amongst the best in the entire state. He is dedicated on both ends of the court, and his versatility separates him from the pack. We saw Newton play this summer in private runs, and he is a player that you can put into any lineup and expect production. A school will be getting a versatile wing with size who is ultra-athletic and is a two-way standout.  </p> <h2><strong>Gavin Garrett – Canon City </strong></h2> <p>Garrett was the engine for Canon City, and although he didn’t have the huge stats to gauge just got good and needed he was, he was an important piece that the team rallied behind. Garret is 6’0 but plays above his size. He is diving for loose balls; he is the inside presence and is a force on the boards. Garrett is active in the passing lanes and stands his ground defensively. He was the player that defended opposing bigs despite giving up several inches and also scored when needed. Garrett put up 8.5 points in his junior season and snagged 5.8 rebounds to go along with it. In an important senior season that is condensed and concentrated, having a player that is going to lay it all out on the line will go a long way for the Tigers this year.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="917024" first="William" last="White"] – Coronado </strong></h2> <p>White is a player that we have seen in various Prep Hoops events, and he has had his moments. For Coronado, in White’s junior season, he was as steady as they come, and although it was a losing season, it was a season of growth for him. White showcased the ability to contribute still and produce and played hard while being down. White hit open shots, got inside the lane, and made defenses pay, and he also was aggressive on the boards. White did a bit of everything for the Cougars as the 6’2 wing was the ball handler, wing, and big man at times. He can defend multiple positions, and it will be on him to try and turn things around in a critical senior season.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770450" first="Kolben" last="Barney"] – Palmer </strong></h2> <p>Barney is a player that was a bit overlooked in his junior season as the team-captain helped lead his team to a few victories on his back. Palmer was the only team to beat Mead this year in a game that he finished with a game-high 30 points. Barney had a career-high 36 points in a close loss to Liberty and big scoring nights is what the Terrors were used to. Barney was the team's best player and used his 6’3 frame to get to his spots. He is a skilled wing that can step down on the post and spaces the floor with his outside shot while also doing what he wants in the paint as well. His inside-out attack coupled with finding teammates when the defense keys in on him is why he was able to put up 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game. Barney will have to have another big season, work on the efficiency, and have his big-play lead to wins. Barney will be one of the best players in the conference, and if he can get his young players to step up with him should be the darkhorse favorite.</p>