Mid Season 5A Rankings (Part 2)

<p><strong>6. Chaparral (8-1)</strong></p> <p>Chaparral is another top team that has a great big man-point guard duo. Leading that duo is 6’8 forward [player_tooltip player_id="1080835" first="Joel" last="Speckman"], he has shown once again that he is a do it all player who gets it done on both ends of the floor. For his size, Joel is an exceptional passer and perimeter defender this makes him so hard to play against. Then at the point guard spot is [player_tooltip player_id="1284421" first="Luke" last="Williams"] who is leading the team in scoring. Luke is a high IQ player with and without the ball in his hands and is one of the better finishers at the rim in the state. They are also complemented by Bennet Pegues and [player_tooltip player_id="1047507" first="Chris" last="Brest"]. Bennet is a floaty guard who is at his best near the basket and Chris is a knockdown shooter from the outside who is hard to stop when he gets hot. This team is well-coached and poised for a good run this year.</p> <p><strong>7. Smoky Hill (5-4)</strong></p> <p>Smoky Hill had a bit of a rebuilding year last year and has come out looking like the super talented teams that we have gotten used to. [player_tooltip player_id="1284577" first="Brayden" last="Maldonado"] has been Smoky’s primary guard and has been lighting up the Colorado basketball scene ever since moving out here. He is a great shooter from the outside, crafty near the rim, and knows how to get his teammates involved. If you have seen Smoky Hill basketball or football recently you definitely know the name Anthony Harris and for good reason. Anthony is the most athletic player in the state and is a human highlight reel, this year he is still making those exciting plays and putting up a double-double. This year junior [player_tooltip player_id="972419" first="Rickey" last="Mitchell"] has been very impressive due to his ability to score the ball and make it look easy. This team has been the only team to challenge ThunderRidge in an overtime thriller, their other losses come from out of state and from Chaparral. Smoky Hill is super talented and has great senior leadership, they can make some noise this year.</p> <p><strong>8. Eaglecrest (6-3)</strong></p> <p>Eaglecrest had arguably the best showing for Colorado teams playing out of state winning three out of their four games. Eaglecrest is one of the most long and athletic teams in the state. They are led by 6’6 senior wing Mustapha Elmoutaouakkil who has yet to face a team/defender who can slow him down on the offensive end. His classmate also 6’6, [player_tooltip player_id="1047502" first="Jayden" last="Washington"] is a combo forward who can spread the floor and finish nicely at the rim, he also uses his height to lead the team in rebounding. This duo combined with their deep roster of really good role guys easily makes them a top 10 team in 5A.</p> <p><strong>9. Horizon (7-2)</strong></p> <p>Horizon despite losing their top two prospects to prep schools is still one of the better teams in 5A. Horizon has some of the best energy if not the best energy in the state, the bench is always loud and involved. Horizon does not have the biggest team but they have four hard-working senior guards averaging above 10 points a game. The biggest of the guards is Colby Jimenez who has found his production due to exquisite off-ball movement and willingness to grab rebounds. Then there is the speed demon [player_tooltip player_id="618866" first="Esmond" last="Griffin"], Esmond uses his speed and shiftiness to shake defenders, he is also a good passer and shooter from three-point range. Tabor Robinson and Kyle Northrup have been great as well, Tabor is a very good defender and Kyle Northrup has been a great three shooter. This team is very well-coached and just plays the game right moving the ball around getting everyone involved, most definitely a team to watch.</p> <p><strong>10. Douglas County (8-1)</strong></p> <p>Douglas County is a team led by one of the best guards in the state, [player_tooltip player_id="1284473" first="Jaeton" last="Hackley"]. The Black Hills State commit is a score first point guard who is absolute bucket, he has one of the smoothest players in the state when the ball is in his hands. Surrounding him are the Nettle brothers, Ty and Anthony, who are two of the most competitive players in the state. On the defensive end they are both pest who bother opposing guards. This team will have there hands full playing in the continental league but are a team who will give other top teams in the state problems due to their great guards.</p>