[player_tooltip player_id="973158" first="UK" last="Onyenwere"] - Grandview - 2023 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0535.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1510711 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0535-e1657762547339-216x300.jpg" alt="" width="158" height="219" /></a>
Onyenwere brings toughness that simply cannot be taught, given his will to dive for loose balls and clash on the glass. He is another swiss army knife who affects the game in a lot of ways. He posted 4+ assists in seven games, a 19 rebound game versus Mullen, and 2+ steals in six games. One aspect that is especially terrifying with him has been his speed and aggression trapping opponents, given his length and lateral mobility. In this upcoming season, we could be looking at Onyenwere as a true positionless defender, due to his quick hands and lateral speed.
[player_tooltip player_id="1438763" first="Alex" last="Riddick"] - Grandview - 2024<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0533.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1510712 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0533-e1657762681391-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="198" /></a>
Riddick was impressive at University of Denver's team camps due to his shot blocking intensity and gritty mindset against opposing bigs. Standing roughly 6'7, the forward shows a lot of promise due to his defensive instincts along with the budding perimeter skills. For someone who did not take many shots outside the paint, he proved to have a smooth and dependable free throw form, leading one to believe what is in store down the road. It is not often you find guys at his size with his fluidity and natural touch.
[player_tooltip player_id='1979721' first='Marcus' last='McFadden'] - Prairie View - 2024
While only standing about 6' tall, McFadden's low center of gravity and physicality allowed him to be a major contributor on the glass. The wing is a brick wall on defense and an overpowering physical presence in the post. Although undersized for his interior playstyle, McFadden shies away from nobody, always looking for contact. Keep eyes on McFadden, as he is playing out in northeast Denver.
[player_tooltip player_id="1453520" first="Dominic" last="Cesario-Scott"] - Cherry Creek - 2023<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0541.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1510710 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0541-e1657762468394-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="161" height="215" /></a>
A composed interior finisher and screen setter, Cesario-Scott will play a key role for Cherry Creek's front court presence. At roughly 6'6, the forward is adept finishing with either hand, coming off of put backs or interior passes. A major influence he brings into half court offense is the brick wall screen setting. On multiple occassions opponents have fumbled under his physicality. Lets not forget that the forward is a dual sport athlete, playing tight end.
[player_tooltip player_id="1270872" first="Zachariah" last="Smith"] - Thunderridge - 2024
A dual sport athlete, Smith is a big bodied bruiser at 6'7 240 lbs. He brings physicality to a team full of 6'5+ athletes looking to assert themselves in another 5A playoff run. He will be a tough opponent to back down one on one given his frame. While I have only seen him in spurts, tracking Smith's defensive rebounding metrics and ability to draw fouls will have an immense impact on his effectiveness down low.
[player_tooltip player_id="1159134" first="Kayin" last="Scott"] - Thunderridge - 2023
[caption id="attachment_1510726" align="alignleft" width="152"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/RenderedImage.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1510726 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/RenderedImage-e1657764398312-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="228" /></a> @photographyfromsophia Instagram[/caption]
A fundamental defender at roughly 6'7, Scott should make waves as an interior defender and budding scorer. What makes Scott's defense so stifling is that he consistently keeps both arms up high even when taking a bump to the chest. A dependable defensive rebounder, Scott's quick processing speeds makes him dynamic in transition. Coming out of those rebounds, he is capable as an outlet passer going half or near full court. The x-factor for Scott will be his three point shooting volume, as another way to bring shot versatility. Scott will be an intriguing addition to the team, as he is coming from Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.
