Five senior forwards in 5A that stood out this season

<p>We are less than a week away from the end of the season. There have been some solid performers in the 5A class that have led their teams to victory and some that have come up just a bit short. Nonetheless, we acknowledge some of the classes top scorers from a very entertaining season. </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770427" first="Brayden" last="Carter"] – Mullen</strong></span></h2> <p>Carter has been a player that many eyes were on heading into the summer as he had a stellar junior season and has continued his absurd play during his senior campaign. Carter is a nightmare matchup that has had multiple double doubles, buzzer beaters and plenty of buckets. Carter is committed to play at Regis University and what a steal they got. The 6’8 skilled big man has a face-up game, can score with his back to the basket and if he gets an open look on a island, just get back on defense. Carter uses his size and length to deflect shots and protect the paint on one end and cause mismatches on the other. On the year he is averaging 20.7 points and 8.6 rebounds a game which is amongst the top for seniors. There are two games that the Mustangs have remaining on the schedule and while we can expect for him to show up big in both games, a win would do Mullen some justice. Carter is one of the state’s best and his play backs up our statement.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916964" first="Gino" last="Corridori"] – Dakota Ridge</strong></span></h2> <p>Corridori caught a groove in his senior season and turned some heads along the way. He has proved that he is a player that opposing teams have to prepare for as he scores at will and he also has played into shape after injuring himself last season and appears to be officially back. There have been some highlight plays from the big man as he refuses to be denied at the rim. When he makes up his mind to attack he is a difficult player to defend as he has excellent footwork, soft touch around the rim and a good feel for the game. Corridori is a big man that understands where to be on the floor but also is mobile. He runs the floor, finishes highlight dunks and finishes through contact. He is averaging a career-high 18.2 points a game but also grabbing near seven boards to go along with it. Dakota Ridge will not make the playoffs this season but I expect them to finish off strong and for him to go out with a bang. Great year for him.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770450" first="Kolben" last="Barney"] – Palmer</strong></span></h2> <p>Barney is another player who has been one of the most consistent players in the class, the wins just never followed up to his individual stellar play. Barney has been a solid player for Palmer since his sophomore season and now that he is a senior, he is having a career best year. His game has elevated each year as he has come into the season prepared to lead the way again. He is averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds a game while being the focal point of opposing teams game-plan, can play both inside and out and his ability to space the floor with his jump shot allows teammates room to operate. Barney is a versatile forward that can play and defend multiple positions, scores in various ways and has had a banner career with the Terrors.   </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Devin Philio – Rangeview</strong></span></h2> <p>Philio is a player that went into the season unranked as he was a JV player a season ago but made the jump and became Rangeview’s most important player. Philio is a senior captain that put in the work and what he has been able to accomplish in only a year should not be overlooked. The 6’5 big man has continued to work on his game and now that he has the opportunity, he’s taken advantage. Philio uses his long and slender frame to battle down low as he controls the paint (7.8 rpg) but also is a reliable scoring option as well (8.9 ppg). Philio stars in his role and is efficient as he takes smart shots. He powers up on plays, has great hand-eye coordination as he locates and catches passes and also has an endless motor. Those characteristics has led up to him being a player that his coach and teammates know what theyre getting each game and has helped the Raiders continue their winning ways.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916957" first="Nolan" last="Marold"] – ThunderRidge</strong></span></h2> <p>Marold looks more and more comfortable with his body and this 6’6 four year varsity player has had yet another solid season. Marold is a proven winner that has been a part of four straight Grizzlies winning seasons and this season ThunderRidge will enter the tournament as one of the teams facored to win it all. The Grizzlies have the best frontcourt in the entire state and it is led by the 6’7 big man. He is a bruiser with a soft touch, sets hard screens and rolls with a purpose. When he gets the ball, he makes a quick decision and can either power up or is agile enough to counter. Marold is putting up 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds a game (both are career highs) and has the Grizzlies playing extremely well with his play.</p>