Wing Watch – Preseason Outlook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1360566' first='Tommy' last='Wight'] - Thunderridge - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1281536,"width":285,"height":190,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/169-Tommy-Wight.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/169-Tommy-Wight-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1281536" width="285" height="190"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wight is likely the tallest sharpshooter in the state, at 6'7 he is a deadeye off the catch. Already garnering significant interest from local division 2 programs, Wight's skillset allows him to easily slide into lineups ranging from the 2 through 4. Another aspect of Wight's elite shooting stems from his range, where he able to consistently drain shots out to NBA range. While Wight already brings an NCAA ready skillset, he still has plenty more room to grow. The two biggest x-factors reside in his shooting consistency off the bounce along with becoming even more willing as a weakside shot blocker. The junior wing currently sits at 11th overall and 3rd among power forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369821' first='Ethan' last='Berninger'] - Dakota Ridge - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berninger is poised to make waves this season as a second year varsity rotational piece while only an incoming sophomore. Standing roughly 6'3, Berninger is already excellent hitting jumpers off the catch, where he has shown the ability to heat up quickly. The wing showed noticeable improvements with his vertical bounce, where he caught multiple bodies on transition dunks. Keys for Berninger reside in his willingness drawing fouls and solidifying himself as one of the conferences premier shooters. The small forward currently sits at 20th in the class and 1st in his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420177' first='Jasper' last='Padia'] - Arvada West - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1428926,"width":266,"height":252,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG-4140-rotated-e1649893808837.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG-4140-rotated-e1649893808837-1024x973.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1428926" width="266" height="252"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padia will play a key role with Arvada West, where he will look to solidify his efficiency as a three level scorer. At roughly 6'4, Padia led his school in scoring per game (16.5) and field goal percentage given at least 100 shot attempts (49%). While he took on a much larger role scoring the ball, Padia will look to become more efficient as a shooter, where he only contributed 31% of his three pointers. Throughout the summer, Padia showed improved footwork as a mid-range scorer while using that shooting gravity to create more opportunities around the rim. Padia currently sits at 29th in the class and 3rd among small forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284416' first='Ben' last='Rau'] - Rock Canyon - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1221307,"width":251,"height":188,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/IMG_0558.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/IMG_0558.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1221307" width="251" height="188"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior wing will help solidify Rock Canyon's offensive upside as a floor spacer and mid-post passer. Standing roughly 6'4, Rau brings significant strength as a rebounder and post playmaker. He does well keeping his eyes up, where he stays assertive hitting cutters out of the post. Another strength of Rau's comes from his mid-range scoring, where he is rarely run off the line given his strength. Big keys for the senior small forward come from his passing vision when attacking from the perimeter along with becoming quicker laterally. The Rock Canyon forward currently ranks 148th in the class and 26th among small forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cole Holloway - Dakota Ridge - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1428679,"width":308,"height":205,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Holloway-Cole-2.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Holloway-Cole-2-1024x685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1428679" width="308" height="205"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holloway has been a steady presence this summer, through his high level footwork and passing vision. Standing roughly 6'4, Holloway will play a key role for Dakota Ridge, as the offensive stabilizer. Holloway will be a key playmaker as he will be sharing the floor with five elite perimeter scoring threats in [player_tooltip player_id='1194780' first='Alex' last='Rodriguez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1159005' first='Trevor' last='Fuller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1427090' first='Carson' last='Evans'], [player_tooltip player_id='1369821' first='Ethan' last='Berninger'], and Steffen Schattinger. Holloway has steadily changed his skillset from a post creator to more of perimeter threat, as a live dribble passer and spot up shooter. Although Holloway is currently unranked, I imagine the senior wing will find a way onto the 2023 board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->