Standouts from 4A Western Slope

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quite a few talented athletes reside outside of the Front Range, however those rural programs deserve praise. Although not covered to the same degree, these athletes and schools can still be recognized for their play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Bryant Carlson - Moffat County - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlson currently leads the 4A Western Slope league in points per game, providing dependable playmaking for Moffat County all season. Through his season, the 5'10 guard has posted 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Carlson enjoys driving deep into the paint, making the defense react. Either with a kick out pass or short floater, Carlson is prepared for what's next. One area of recognition has to be his effort on the offensive glass, fearing nobody. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1799629' first='Elias' last='Schendler'] - Basalt - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schendler is easily one of the most physical athletes in the Western Slope league, posting 14.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Basalt truly plays physical on both ends, eccentuated by Schendler's fearlessness. The youthful program will be matched up with another influential Western Slope opponent on the 31st, Moffat County. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Andres Mendoza - Coal Ridge - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although battling injuries throughout the bulk of his season, Mendoza has been back for the majority of January. The 6'1 guard is putting up well rounded numbers across the board, along with encouraging shot efficiency. Through his six games, Mendoza has posted 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while converting 42% of triples. Coal Ridge is currently sitting at second place in their league, at 4-2 on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1792207' first='Hayes' last='Gatlin'] - Basalt - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently broke down Gatlin's game as part of the 4A sharpshooters <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/01/2025-three-point-leaders-from-4a/">article</a>. Through his sophomore season with 7-9 Basalt, Gatlin has posted 13.5 points and 4.1 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Wyatt Loomis - Basalt - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loomis currently leads the Western Slope 4A league in assists per game. Loomis is a vocal component to Basalt's halfcourt offense, consistently directing actions and facilitating movement. On the season the 5'11 guard is posting 7.2 points and 4.1 assists per game. His trust in teammates helps faciliatate their offense, proving capable creating looks from skip passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ethan Hoy - Steamboat Springs - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoy simply provides value when needed. The 5'11 guard possesses a high release point and even higher confidence level, allowing him to get off shots under tights windows. Hoy does not mind taking lengthy passing angles either, finding weak side shooters on multiple occassions versus Basalt. Steamboat Springs is currently undefeated, going 7-0 on the season. Through Hoy's senior year, he has posted averages of 8.9 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. Although undersized, Hoy is always lurking on the offensive glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1578222' first='Tomas' last='Franceschi'] - Aspen - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franceschi is a lengthy 6'2 guard who shows very intriguing flashes as a playmaker. Possessing a plus reach, the guard can see over the defense and impact passing lanes a bit more than most athletes at his height. Continuing to get more comfortable driving and finishing with the opposite hand will be valuable for the sophomore guard. Franceschi is already capable attacking closeouts and getting to a short range pull-up, possessing a high release point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->