Northern Colorado Preview: Premier Shooters of 2025

These names space the floor or create scoring looks with confidence, holding large roles within their respective programs. Either as off-ball shooters or complementary playmakers, these names are among the most dependable backcourt options in this region.    A dynamic shooter from distance, Sturges can fill up the stat sheet with ease. Following a terrific season with 13-11 Steamboat Springs, the guard put up 17.3 points and 3.3 assists per game while contributing over 60 threes on the season. Confident from the corners, incoming contests do not faze the guard. Part of how he gets such clean looks is from his willingness to fill open space without the ball, proactive spacing the floor.      Shields is a name who can handle the pressure of opposing defenses, a dependable playmaker with the ball. Although not flashy, he is deliberate in the halfcourt, looking to attack openings. What allowed the guard routine openings was from his sharpshooting, hitting 39% of threes last year while remaining a valuable floor spacer throughout this past summer. With Fossil Ridge, the guard put up 10.5 points and 2.2 assists per game.      Backhaus is still a productive asset for Windsor, boasting size and a smooth release from distance. Capable spacing the floor off the catch, he is a troublesome opponent with his feet set. Likely tasked with bigger matchups given his wide reach, the wing is set up for another pivotal season with the former 5A juggernaut. Backhaus follows last season's success of 10.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.     Keyworth brings value handling the ball as a playmaker, capable of stepping into quick shot attempts from the pull-up. Windsor features plenty of backcourt depth within their upperclassmen group, although Keyworth brings about as much scoring upside as anyone on this group. The guard steps into another important season at Windsor, following averages of 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Keyworth could be tasked with a decent portion of ball handling responsibilities, given his handle and scoring abilities.     Herrera brings great size on the wing, a capable floor spacer who has the physical tools to impact the glass. Stepping into a new look Fort Collins program, the guard should get ample opportunities as a shot maker. Additionally a high motor name on the defensive glass, he works to kickstart fast breaks off the initial rebound. Herrera will have a great opportunity to showcase his abilities, following steady production of 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while converting 39% of threes. Not many wings at his size up in that part of the state, certainly a name set to rise significantly in the next update.     Thyne brings both a high motor and immense confidence behind the arc. The talented perimeter shooter can score in waves, comfortable letting it fly from behind the arc. Following a productive season for 16-8 Sterling, Thyne put up 14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Few names up in the Northeast corner have Thyne's knack for rebounding, always in play once the shot goes up.

These names space the floor or create scoring looks with confidence, holding large roles within their respective programs. Either as off-ball shooters or complementary playmakers, these names are among the most dependable backcourt options in this region.