Monday’s top standouts across the state

<p>On Monday, we took a look at the top performances across the state. These five players stood out for us. </p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965778" first="Assane" last="Diop"] – Belleview Christian </strong></h2> <p>Diop is a skilled 6’10 point-forward that is a unicorn in a small classification. He can do whatever it is he wants with that size, but it is the fact that he also makes it a point to get others involved that intrigues me. Diop continues to rise up the record books. He is the only active player in the state with a quadruple-double and has moved to No.1 All-time in CHSAA history, and after their game on Monday, this is his third -- on the season. Diop finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and 13 rebounds in the game. He got others involved, protected the paint, and was efficient on the night. Diop is only a sophomore, so if he continues on this pace, he will have a record in CHSAA history that might never, ever be broken. A special player over there.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1137379" first="Konner" last="Morgan"] – Sand Creek</strong></h2> <p>The last week for Sand Creek has been a doozy, but what a relentless bunch they have over there. Sand Creek has had plenty of distractions but locked in and stayed the court and got a conference win in against Falcon. The player that stood out in the game is 6’7 Senior big man [player_tooltip player_id="1137379" first="Konner" last="Morgan"]. Morgan scored a game-high 21-points in his first game back this season, and it was exactly what the Scorpions needed. Morgan scored on the post, protected the paint with three blocks, and had seven boards in the game. Sand Creek was able to block out the white noise and still execute late in the game, and it was behind their senior big.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916965" first="Treyvaughn" last="Williams"] – Columbine</strong></h2> <p>Williams was not the leading scorer on the day, but his play was certainly the most impactful. Columbine won a dogfight type of game against a Highlands Ranch team that has not quit in them, and their senior guard is why. Williams is a player with one of the most bizarre stories in CHSAA history with all of the injures that have derailed his career, and it feels good to have him back. The 6’4 combo-guard is the epitome of resiliency and resolve. Williams finished with a near triple-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He was everyone on the court and moving comfortably. He is an explosive athlete still after so many injuries, is impactful on both ends of the floor, and makes the right play. If Columbine can make a bit of a run and go into the postseason with a clean bill of health, that is a team that I would not want to face-off against. I love that Williams is back and playing well.</p> <h2><strong>Kevin McMahon – Broomfield</strong></h2> <p>McMahon’s big game came in defeat, but all season long, McMahon is a player that has FORCED us to take a deeper look at him, and he has not disappointed. McMahon has been a consistent scorer on the year and has been willing his team to victory after victory, only this time his efforts came up a bit short. Still, he was lethal and very effective. McMahon finished with a game-high 32-points, which led the entire day. McMahon hit two 3-pointers, made it a point to be aggressive and get to the FT line, and was who the team went through after a sluggish third quarter. He does not turn down open shots and forced the issue, and you have to admire that. He’s a player that will certainly be on our rankings update in a week.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050952" first="Brayden" last="Maldonado"] – Smoky Hill</strong></h2> <p>I wonder if Maldonado planned to have track meet type of games when he stepped into Colorado. Smoky Hill has been putting up massive numbers to begin the season as they are a team that pushes the tempo and forces teams to play out of their comfort zone, and that was on display as the Buffaloes outlasted Arapahoe on Monday evening. Maldonado was the teams leading scorer as the junior guard put up 29 points in the game. Smoky Hill got off to a sluggish start before leaning on their junior guard, and he exploded from there and led the team to an OT victory. Maldonado hit four 3-pointers, scored on easy outlet passes, and created for himself inside as well. He remains in attack-mode throughout the game and wears defenders down, and he was able to lead the way in a conference game.</p>