Five 2021 scorers 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 class’s top scorers from a very entertaining season. </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770447" first="Greyson" last="Carter"] – Fairview</strong></span></h2> <p>Carter came into this season on a personal mission to prove that he is not only still passionate about the game of basketball but that he is still one of the very best in the entire state and is capable of playing at a high level. Carter had an impressive junior campaign in which he should’ve been named the Front Range player of the year after leading Fairview to the Final 4 before the season was called with a chance to win it all. The 6’4 forward scored then, the 6’4 forward scores now. The future Division I baseball star is putting up 23.1 points a game to lead all of 5A in scoring and also is no.2 in rebounding at 8.8 boards a game. Carter scores with ease from deep and uses his size inside, and opposing teams have had a difficult time slowing him down over the years. He’s been an impressive player to watch.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770437" first="Colton" last="Gillingham"] – Greeley West</strong></span></h2> <p>I will go out on a limb and say it; nobody in the state plays as hard as [player_tooltip player_id="770437" first="Colton" last="Gillingham"], and not often is the team’s best player and the team’s hardest worker. Gillingham gets it. He is an explosive player that plays well above his size and is productive on the court. He gets to his spots, powers through defenders, and uses his speed and quickness for blow-by opportunities. Gillingham is not a guard that avoids contact, and he also seems to be matchup proof. The 6’0 guard is averaging 23 points a game, and that is with a game where he exploded for 40 and 39 points, respectively. He has put up double figures in every single game, is not afraid to take shots, and is a volume shooter who can help a small school at the next level. Gillingham is a player with contagious energy, can step up into the lead role, and has had an incredible season. His Greeley West team will not make the playoffs, but that does not take away from a season that was.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="759261" first="Isaiah" last="Thompson"] – Fountain Fort-Carson</strong></span></h2> <p>Thompson is a player that we were high on heading into the season as he has a stellar summer with Pluto Prospects and brought that play into the season where he continued to be a dominant force. Instead of surprising teams as the second option, he is now the focal point of the offense, and all that did was push the Trojans into being named Colorado Springs No.1 team in the 2021 season. The 6’7 forward is one of the few players in the class averaging a double-double of 20.9 ppg (3^rd overall in 5A) and also 12.2 rebounds a game (1^st overall in 5A). He has been an undeniable presence inside, and that is while sharing the backcourt with another upcoming and talented big man. Thompson will be playing at CSU-Pueblo next season, but before that, he is ready to finish off the season strong and get ready for a deep playoff push.  </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="608058" first="Julian" last="Hammond"] – Cherry Creek</strong></span></h2> <p>Hammond is one of the most consistent players in the entire state, as you can just go ahead and pencil in the University of Colorado commit for 20 points every night. He has been putting up those exact numbers ever since his sophomore season, and this year his Bruins squad will likely head into the playoffs as the No.1 team as they look to be undefeated on the season. Cherry Creek cruised to another league title, and their 6’2 combo-guard is the reason why. The No.1 player in the 2021 class averaged 20.8 points a game in his senior season. He has continued to work on his game, add pieces to his game, and did just enough to keep the Creek offense flowing in the condense season. In the playoffs, I expect to see a more concerted effort where he locks in and gets the team ready to defend the fort. Hammond has been a great player to watch night in and night out and had a stellar senior season.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916959" first="Jordan" last="Whitaker"] – Smoky Hill</strong></span></h2> <p>Whitaker was 5A’s surprise player to watch this season as the 6’2 senior wing made one of the biggest jumps out of anybody in the state from his junior to senior year. Whitaker averaged 7.4 points a game as a junior, and was in a role-playing position that occasionally broke out. In his senior year, he was the teams’ top option and filled the role of top scorer. Whitaker has continued to redefine his game, which has led to him being a more complete player. He is shooting the 3-ball well, plays at his own pace, controls the tempo, and is dangerous in the open court as he has sneaky athleticism. Whitaker has upped his game, and Smoky Hill will be a tough out for a team as their senior leader will have them ready to play some meaningful ball. A solid season for him.</p>