3A Tri-Peaks 2022 Standouts
The Tri-Peaks conference has quite a few incredible athletes who have earned themselves some recognition. Saint Mary’s high school has proven themselves to be the premier team going 9-0 so far, while a variety smaller schools in the southern region have begun to creep into the mix.
Sam Howery
Sam
Howery
6'1" | PG
St. Mary’s | 2022
State
CO
- Saint Mary’s (pictured above)
A consistently covered athlete on here, Howery has set the tone as one of the best playmakers in the state regardless of class. This season has been just as incredible, the senior guard is posting 24.1 points, 7 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game while converting 60% of his two point attempts. Given his ability to get downhill, Howery is able to probe inside, allowing him to make kick-outs to the perimeter creating easy looks for his teammates. The next step for him will be improving his perimeter shooting off-the-catch while also getting his free throw percentage up into the high 70s. The point guard is currently ranked 7th on our 2022 board as well as the top point guard in the state.
Trent Johnston
Trent
Johnston
6'5" | C
La Junta | 2022
State
CO
- La Junta
Johnston has made steady increases in scoring every season with La Junta, while maintaining himself as one of the top rebounders in the conference. This season Johnston is putting up 21 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on 56% shooting from the field and 78% from the free throw line. Standing at 6’5, Johnston plays to his strengths scoring around the rim by taking advantage of smaller matchups. He maintains a high level of awareness down low, shifting to help on weakside rotations, where he is especially keen on using his hips to dig into opponents on shot attempts.
Andon Mindrup - Saint Mary’s
The big bodied, 200-pound guard is the second statistical standout hailing from Saint Mary’s High School. Mindrup 18.8 points per game, 12.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 5.2 steals per game while shooting 53% from the field. Mindrup brings constant defensive intensity by keeping his head on a swivel while also prioritizing communication between himself and teammates. The most eye-opening statistic has been Mindrup’s rebounding numbers, as he is currently averaging a well balanced dose of 6.9 defensive boards and 6 offensive rebounds per game. As well, Mindrup leads the conference in rebounds per game. One area of improvement will be his three point shooting, as he has only taken six attempts on the season. It should be noted that Mindrup lead the team in three point percentage last season at 40% on 35 attempts. There are few guards at the 3A level bringing as much energy as him.
Kaleb Mondragon - Ellicot
Serving as the lead shot creator for Ellicot, Mondragon has kept his production consistent since joining the varsity roster in his sophomore season. Averaging 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while converting 36% of his threes and 83% of his free throws. Standing at 6’3 Mondragon has the ability to rise over opponents for pull-up jumpers with ease.
Cyrus Hernandez - Saint Mary’s
Hernandez has been the perfect compliment to the playmaking duo of Mindrup and Howery, acting as the flamethrower from the three point line. When we talk about volume shooters, Hernandez is that, taking already 108 three pointers totaling more than the next three guys on Saint Mary’s combined. Not to mention he is shooting a dependable 39% on those threes. Hernandez makes his living from shots off-the-catch, although he can score from self created shots from time to time.
