Continental League Preview – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quite possibly the deepest conference historically, the Continental League retains a few collegiate prospects from prior years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Castle View</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1479304' first='Evan' last='McKean'], who picked up a UCCS offer earlier this summer, Castle View will linger with any of these teams if allowed. Going as far as McKean takes them, he follows 15.4 PPG averages, as an impressive inside the arc shotmaker who brings the size in the backcourt to compete at the next level. Returners [player_tooltip player_id='1465547' first='Blake' last='Graham'] (5.8 PPG) and [player_tooltip player_id='1577520' first='Mason' last='Orton'] (4.2 PPG) will have an accelerated role, although this will largely be a new look team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Chaparral</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following a productive entrance to the playoffs, second year guards [player_tooltip player_id='1722623' first='Christian' last='Williams'] (15.4 PPG) and [player_tooltip player_id='2048132' first='Luke' last='Howery'] (6.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG) will look to lead this group into a competitive next few seasons. Although they still retain valuable frontcourt contributors in stretch big [player_tooltip player_id='1577197' first='Luke' last='Williams'] and rim protector [player_tooltip player_id='2383766' first='Jackson' last='Jenkins']. [player_tooltip player_id='2402730' first='Devon' last='Brown'] should get an opportunity again, thanks to his high motor and willingness to compete on the glass. Let's not forget about electrifying 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2467733' first='Champ' last='Spears'], who will add another layer of shotmaking prowess for this group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Douglas County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2633210' first='Vaughn' last='Baldwin'] (8.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG) will be a key contributor for Douglas County, although this group will likely have an emphasis on underclassmen. With three of their leading scorers departing either to transfer or graduation, Douglas County similar to Ponderosa will feature a dramatic shift in opportunities. [player_tooltip player_id='2048136' first='James' last='Murdock'] has been a name who has been a steady defender and high motor guard, certainly capable of stepping up this coming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1501189' first='Trystan' last='Rangel'] (10.5 PPG) will propel this group yet again, as one of the most skilled backcourt playmakers within this class. The lefty is a sharpshooter from distance whose gravity will be sorely needed to set up the other shotmakers within Heritage's context. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='1903656' first='Tanner' last='Terch'] (5.1 PPG) and [player_tooltip player_id='2527284' first='Atticus' last='Schroeder'] (8.7 PPG) will help contribute to the offensive load, bringing value as secondary playmakers. Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2527286' first='Brayden' last='Chaney'] will be relied upon again at 6'5 bringing strength, alongside the x-factor of [player_tooltip player_id='1877598' first='Cam' last='Jensen'] at 6'7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Highlands Ranch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlands Ranch will look for their depth from years prior to take a significant step up, aided from the jump by [player_tooltip player_id='1478274' first='Luke' last='Bakken'] (9.1 PPG, 3.1 APG). The returning scoring leader on this team, Bakken brings a high motor and a willingness to attack the paint. [player_tooltip player_id='1799816' first='George' last='West'] III (8.2 PPG) will be tasked with orchestrating plenty of the offense too, bringing a tight handle alongside proactive court vision. Additionally bringing in depth with guards Zane El Bassuni and [player_tooltip player_id='2530492' first='Mason' last='Lane'], this group will look to reinvent themselves under a new head coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Legend&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boasting a few key returning figures, Legend looks to be a competitive group yet again, following a 12-12 record last season. Retaining two of their three leading scorers in guard [player_tooltip player_id='1486738' first='Carson' last='Flowers'] (12.2 PPG) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='1369820' first='Kale' last='Sparks'] (10.4 PPG, 2.7 BPG). Sparks in particular should be set for a big season, following 4th in 6A for blocks per game and recently stretching out his range as a spot-up shooter throughout the summer. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->