Season Recap: Denver Freshman Scorers

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="1369809" first="Dominic" last="Rhoades-Martinez"] - South</p> <p>The steady hand of Rhoades-Martinez has helped lead South to a 15-7 record through a swath of injuries. On the season, the point guard is averaging 17.1 points, 6.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and an absurd 5.3 steals which leads all 5A athletes. He is a true point guard, capable of controlling the pace at all times. Defensively, Martinez is not only incredibly aware of passing but has quick hands allowing him to capitalize on the opponents errors. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1369805" first="Jayden" last="Kelsey"] - Overland</p> [caption id="attachment_1203946" align="alignright" width="276"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Kelsey-crop-2480x1628-1622414993.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1203946" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Kelsey-crop-2480x1628-1622414993-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="276" height="181" /></a> Kelsey on Defense[/caption] <p>Already standing at 6’5, [player_tooltip player_id="1369805" first="Jayden" last="Kelsey"] has already solidified himself as a knockdown shooter while consistently improving upon his ability to drive and kick. On the year, Kelsey is putting up 7.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while contributing 39% of his three pointers.  The lefty has a quick, one-motion jumper that is already excellent off the catch and continues to improve off the dribble. As Kelsey becomes more comfortable creating opportunities out of the pick and roll, his production will skyrocket. One thing Kelsey has to master is his right hand consistency, which will allow the floor to open up while also allowing him more angles around the rim.</p> <p>Tanner Braketa - Ralston Valley</p> <p>Leading in scoring among all freshman, Braketa is a pure scoring guard who uses his shooting gravity to reel out opponents beyond the three-point line. Through the season, the 6’1 guard is averaging 19.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while posting experienced shooting splits 44/41/88. Braketa lead his team in scoring, made threes, and made free throws. Simply put, the guard is more than capable of getting to his spots and you can only hope to block the shot.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1369810" first="Cole" last="Scherer"] - Valor </p> <p>Scherer made waves this past summer due to his high IQ and capable ballhandling ability. Through the year, Scherer is averaging 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game while posting shooting splits of 41/34/65. Scherer is capable of pulling up in space, while also taking a step back as a dependable spot up guy. Valor has an incredibly young group in the backcourt and wings, as this group ages they have all the potential to compete for the next few years. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1369808" first="LaDavian" last="King"] - Eaglecrest (pictured at beginning)</p> <p>The shooting guard made an instant impact for number six Eaglecrest, thanks to his confident shooting stroke from distance. On the year, King is putting up 7.2 points, 1.3 assists, and 2 rebounds per game while having shooting splits of 33/31/69. King needs to improve his overall consistency, as do most freshman, however his multi-game peaks were invaluable for the program. Between December 18th to 21st, the shooting guard put up 14.3 points on 51.5% from the floor.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="1369811" first="Anthony" last="Nettles"] - Douglas County</span></p> <p>Nettles may not be the biggest guard, however he is incredibly quick and already possesses a consistent jumper off the catch. Standing at roughly 5’10, Nettles has put up 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals while posting splits of 41/34/72. Nettles should be a surprise to many this summer given he must compete with an incredible backcourt of Black Hills State commit [player_tooltip player_id="1284473" first="Jaeton" last="Hackley"] and older brother [player_tooltip player_id="1143879" first="Ty" last="Nettles"]. [player_tooltip player_id="1369811" first="Anthony" last="Nettles"] brings immediate defensive intensity, allowing the team to create more opporunities on the break where he thrives.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>