Colorado Sophomore Showcase: Team 4

Team 4 brought plenty of high level defenders and perimeter playmakers, arguably the most talented group at the event.     Quite possibly the most productive athlete in the gym, Howery was on a heater all afternoon and evening. Getting to the rim at will, he controlled the pace whenever handling the rock. His lengthy frame alongside the improved athleticism has made the guard even more explosive, throwing down quite a few dunks once the lane opened up. In his first matchup, the guard put up 5+ threes, largely from the pull-up if the opponents failed to respect his scoring range.     Wanrow gave us the reminder of his above the rim finishing, a constant highlight reel in transition or off a slip screen. He was particularly impressive passing the ball from the key or elbows, hitting slashers in the pocket over and over. Particularly active as a screen setter and eventual roller, his ambidextrous finishing at the basket was a pain or opponents to defend once he got deep position. Defensively, he swatted away numerous attempts at the rim, either from weak side rotations or while switched onto a perimeter threat.     Austin was a high level perimeter defender, bringing a wide reach and the necessary discipline to wall off the lane. His handle has continued to improve, granting him plenty of opportunities at the rim for layups and drawn fouls. Within the mid-range, the guard hit a few pull-ups through contests, bringing plenty of confidence on both ends. The high motor guard should get some varsity playing time at Northfield next season, given his high floor defensively.     Valencia should get an opportunity this season with Rocky Mountain, bringing a high motor defensively and a budding offensive skillset. Grabbing about as many blocks as any perimeter prospect from the sophomore grouping, he was constantly altering shot attempts from opponents. Offensively, he took what the defense gave him, contributing open threes or attacking opposing closeouts before the defense could set their feet.     Jegede remains a steady contributor thanks to his high motor on the glass, bringing a nose for the ball. Particularly active without the ball, he did well reading his teammates to fill holes in the halfcourt, further pressuring the opposing defense. Active attacking the rim, Jegede drew quite a few fouls, continuing to round out his offensive toolbox. The guard also showed his upside as a floor spacer, capable of relocating for quick attempts behind the arc. Defensively, he matches up against 1 through 3 particularly well, bringing a wide reach and wiry frame to guard up.     Ash hit plenty of perimeter jumpers from this event, knockdown off the catch. Seemingly anywhere around the arc, Ash was a threat with even the smallest margins to work with.     Oyelakin repeatedly knocked down the open shots, adding value to a very talented Team 4. The guard was rarely sped up by the opponents, comfortable making the right reads versus tight pressure.     Turner worked to set up teammates, comfortable making the extra pass to convert good looks into great ones. Most effective while attacking downhill, the guard found repeated success in the paint, looking to draw in pressure.

Team 4 brought plenty of high level defenders and perimeter playmakers, arguably the most talented group at the event.