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2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look

2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Prephoops Tournament July 16, 2022
Clayton Conover
Clayton Conover
October 31, 2023 @ 06:57 AM
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In this article:

Nicholas Buchenau
Nicholas Buchenau 6'4" | SF | 2024
CO
Nathan Bantock
Nathan Bantock 6'7" | SF | 2024
CO
Brandon Bazan-Torres
Brandon Bazan-Torres 6'3" | SG | 2024
CO
Nico Principato
Nico Principato 6'4" | SF | 2024
CO
Ryan Dixon
Ryan Dixon 6'5" | PF | 2024
CO
Johnathan Lyons
Johnathan Lyons 6'5" | SF | 2024
CO
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Now at Cherry Creek, the seniors will have ample opportunities to showcase their skills within a new environment.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a707"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048293"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Buchenau is another sturdy forward with an especially high motor on either end of the floor. Capable guarding up against taller opponents, the forward does well at getting low to irritate opponents in the paint. As he continues to add athleticism, we could be looking at Buchenau as a legitimate rim protector, particularly at the point of attack. Throughout showcase events, Buchenau has continued to become more comfortable attacking the rim off the bounce. Active attacking smaller matchups in order to get a layup or draw the double.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a767"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1764309"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bazan-Torres was an impactful tall guard from the Uprise Elite 100 Showcase, effective in a variety of areas on offense. Capable of knocking down quick triples off the catch, the tall guard has plenty of gravity out along the perimeter. They showed value attacking closeouts, staying patient to read the defense once help came. Effective getting to his pivot foot for shot fakes and fadeaways, the guard is certainly a bright spot for Lakewood's program.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a7b6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a7d3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1933553"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bantock showed a versatile impact on offense, particularly with his passing vision and perimeter shooting. Capable of sending bounce passes through tight windows, the forward has no trouble attempting a daring pass if available. Possessing intrigue as a spot-up shooter out to the three point line, the forward will play a role in Dakota Ridge's excellent floor spacing. Continuing to add strength will be necessary for Bantock to match up with the bigger forwards the state has to offer, particularly if the Jeffco program makes another playoff run.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a81d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1421260"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"An especially bouncy forward, Dixon was an excellent defender around the rim, effective at guarding up against taller opponents. Both strong and athletic, the guard will be a valuable frontcourt defender with Valor, who is still fairly small among those positions. Their continued growth and increase in volume on spot-up attempts beyond the arc will be important for his offensive upside. Should Dixon be a consistent floor spacer, he will have ample opportunities to attack for above the rim finishes. Valor will feature three above average three point shooters in the majority of their projected lineups, allowing ample space for the senior forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a86a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Prinicipato will step into a much larger role this season, following the departure of seven seniors from the formerly 17-7 program. The guard is effective off the ball, maneuvering into position to effectively space the floor or get downhill on a cut. Interesting season ahead, especially considering the significant growth in opportunity for the wing.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653eba639a8b0"} /-->
Johnathan Lyons

Johnathan Lyons

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS SF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Johnathan
Lyons SF
Class
2024
Height
6'5"
HS
Cherry Creek
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Lyons is a two-way forward worth watching thanks to his defensive versatility and willingness to stay physical. Capable...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Johnathan Lyons

State: Colorado
School: Cherry Creek
Club: Colorado Collective
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Nicholas Buchenau

Nicholas Buchenau

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Nicholas
Buchenau SF
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
HS
Kent Denver
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Buchenau is another sturdy forward with an especially high motor on either end of the floor. Capable guarding...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Nicholas Buchenau

State: Colorado
School: Kent Denver
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Brandon Bazan-Torres

Brandon Bazan-Torres

CO
SG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Brandon
Bazan-Torres SG
Class
2024
Height
6'3"
HS
Lakewood
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Bazan-Torres was an impactful tall guard from the Uprise Elite 100 Showcase, effective in a variety of areas...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Brandon Bazan-Torres

State: Colorado
School: Lakewood
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Nathan Bantock

Nathan Bantock

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'7"
POS SF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Nathan
Bantock SF
Class
2024
Height
6'7"
HS
Dakota Ridge
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Bantock showed a versatile impact on offense, particularly with his passing vision and perimeter shooting. Capable of sending...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Nathan Bantock

State: Colorado
School: Dakota Ridge
Club: Hoops Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ryan Dixon

Ryan Dixon

CO
PF
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS PF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Ryan
Dixon PF
Class
2024
Height
6'5"
HS
Valor Christian
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
An especially bouncy forward, Dixon was an excellent defender around the rim, effective at guarding up against taller...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Ryan Dixon

State: Colorado
School: Valor Christian
Club: Colorado Collective - Gibson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Nico Principato

Nico Principato

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Nico
Principato SF
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
HS
Highlands Ranch
|
CO
2024 Preview: Denver Based Forwards Worth Another Look
Prinicipato will step into a much larger role this season, following the departure of seven seniors from the...
Written by Clayton Conover
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Nico Principato

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Highlands Ranch
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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