2021 wings that stood out in the 3A state playoffs

<p>With the season over, we want to take a look back at a season that was before we head onto the grassroots scene. Here we focus on some senior wings that stood out in 3A during their state-run.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050942" first="Luke" last="Stockelman"] – St. Mary’s</strong></h2> <p>St. Mary’s was arguably the most explosive offense in the state this season as they put up 87.9 points a game and hit the 100 points scored mark a couple of times. They rotate the ball well, get their shots up, and everyone gets a piece of the offense. While they had one of the top guard duos in 3A, they had a player out on the wing in Stockelman that went a bit under the radar, which is a bit shocking because he had some explosive scoring nights and helped the team flow. The 6’4 wing averaged an impressive 19.4 points and 6.7 rebounds a game. It is unfortunate, but he was SIX points away from scoring 1,000 points in his career, which shows the consistency scoring the basketball. He had a solid postseason as he averaged 16.2 points a game with a high of 27 points in a win over Kent Denver. He was a force on the boards as he had a double-double game in the playoffs and was one of the top players in the state championship finishing with a stat-stuffing 17 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and four blocks, although his team came up short. Stockelman had a stellar career and certainly can play at the next level.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139394" first="Caleb" last="Clark"] – Faith Christian</strong></h2> <p>The 6’5 wing and Senior captain was Faith Christian’s best player this season and showed up in every game. Clark leads by example and plays exceptionally hard, and his ability to play and defend multiple positions separated him from other 3A players. Clark had one of the biggest jumps of any player in the state, averaging 11.0 points and 3.8 rpg to 20.8 points and 9.0 rpg. He dedicated his time to work on his game, and it was on display all season long on a very entertaining team. Clark put up 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win over Strasburg as he showed himself as a bigger player with a range from deep hitting 4 3-pointers in the game. In the loss to Aspen, he exploded for 29 points and eight rebounds and did everything he could to keep his team in the game. Clark plays the right way, fills many voids, and has a high IQ. That size and shooting could help a school or two at the next level.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1137144" first="Wade" last="Shields"] – Resurrection Christian</strong></h2> <p>Shields was Resurrection Christian’s best player this season, and the senior combo-guard/wing had some games where he exploded for big points but was the player that the Cougars relied on heavily. Shields had good size and possessed the ability to step out on the wing at moments as a defender as well. In Resurrection Christian’s first win over DSST: Conservatory Green, he had a flawless day as he did not miss a shot, going for 13 points in the game. He did not force the issue, got others involved, and stepped in where he wanted. In the heartbreaking loss to Englewood, he again had 13 points, but his work defensively kept his team in the game. He had five steals and three assists and did all that he could to get his team a win.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1043307" first="Isaiah" last="Thomas"] – Manitou Springs</strong></h2> <p>We were high on Thomas heading into the season as we saw a versatile guard and defender with the size to step out on the wing and dominate from there. Thomas is a big guard that is physical and does the small things like set hard screens, moves without the ball, and shoots the ball from deep. With Manitou, it calls for him to be more on the ball, but we have seen him attack and slash from the deep corner and matchup with opposing wings, and he is just as dangerous. Thomas was Manitou Spring’s best player this year and gave his team a chance to advance in the playoffs. He had two solid games, including a 17 point performance in a close win over Colorado Academy. Against St. Mary’s, he did not have the same kind of success but still was able to cause mismatches with his size. It looks like Thomas will play at Nebraska Wesleyan for the next couple of seasons, and they got themselves a steal.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965757" first="Nate" last="Gravagno"] – Englewood</strong></h2> <p>Gravagno is a three-year standout for Englewood, but his ability to elevate his game in his senior season is why Englewood was one of the surprise teams in 3A this season. The 6’2 wing was the team's best player, and when they looked for an answer offensively, he showed up. Gravagno had some huge scoring nights and, in the playoffs, put together an efficient night to help his team survive a 53-52 win over a talented Resurrection Christian team. Gravagno had a team-high 15 points as he hit a 3-pointer, grabbed boards with the big guys, and also got a block. Against the state runner-ups in St. Mary’s, he was a bit stifled but helped his team compete in other ways. Gravagno had a stellar season that does not need to be overlooked.</p>