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Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League

Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Duvalier Johnson
Duvalier Johnson December 19, 2025 @ 04:46 PM
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In this article:

Brycen Thacker
Brycen Thacker 5'10" | CG/PG | 2029
CO
Caleb Jensen
Caleb Jensen 5'10" | PG | 2026
CO
Clayton Kalimba
Clayton Kalimba 6'2" | CG | 2028
CO
Aleks Birkans
Aleks Birkans 6'4" | SF/PF | 2026
CO
Daniel Boyd
Daniel Boyd 6'2" | CG | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every season, a handful of names force their way into the conversation without the hype, rankings, or preseason buzz. These are not the usual headliners, but players impacting winning early and often. Now is the time to subscribe as we get ready for the season, and I have a 30% off discount. Lock in for the full season so you do not miss anything that our scouts post! Just use code <strong>dev30</strong> at checkout. This deal won't last, so hop on! While you lock that in, take a look at the 6A/5A Centennial conference.  These under-the-radar standouts have begun the season out on a tear and have gotten off to a hot start. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622221"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6945d5dc458e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boyd has been one of the most surprising early-season producers in the conference, stepping into a go-to scoring role for Smoky Hill. To start the season, he's averaging 16.5 points, and he's consistently found ways to score at all three levels. His 27-point outburst against Kent Denver turned heads. When we've seen him, he has had athletic finishes and has made his shots. Smoky Hill has struggled to find its footing, but Boyd has been a bright spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2561851"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6945d5dc45983"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jensen has quietly become a stabilizing force for one of the state's hottest teams right now. To start the year, he's putting up a team-high 13.7 points per game, and he's scoring efficiently while helping lead his team to victories. He thrives when attacking ball screens, he finishes in transition, and creates for others. Add in his defensive activity and decision-making, and Jensen has emerged as a trusted two-way guard who keeps Cherokee Trail dangerous every night. He's been very solid to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2888714"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6945d5dc45a29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thacker is making varsity noise early as a freshman, and his production has been impossible to ignore. As Mullen's second-leading scorer, he's already posted multiple 20-point games while shooting 42% from deep on high volume. His confidence, shot selection, and versatility have translated immediately. Thacker isn't just holding his ow,n but he's the type of prospect to build around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381951"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6945d5dc45aa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kalimba has been a major reason Eaglecrest's guard play has elevated them early on. The sophomore plays with control, has a tight handle, and thrives in the pick-and-roll. He's averaging 11.2 points per game to start the season. He controls tempo, finishes through traffic, and makes smart reads on or off the ball. His consistency has stood out, and Eaglecrest's ceiling rises when he's in a groove. It's been a stock-rising start to the season for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874424"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6945d5dc45b0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Birkans continues to carve out a valuable role through his versatility and effort. Right now he's averaging 7.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists a game. He fills gaps on both ends while keeping the offense flowing. He defends multiple positions, attacks inside using his frame, and makes the extra pass. His ability to impact games without needing plays called for him makes him an important piece for Creek and a player worth watching. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Every season, a handful of names force their way into the conversation without the hype, rankings, or preseason buzz. These are not the usual headliners, but players impacting winning early and often. Now is the time to subscribe as we get ready for the season, and I have a 30% off discount. Lock in for the full season so you do not miss anything that our scouts post! Just use code dev30 at checkout. This deal won't last, so hop on! While you lock that in, take a look at the 6A/5A Centennial conference.  These under-the-radar standouts have begun the season out on a tear and have gotten off to a hot start. 

Daniel Boyd

Daniel Boyd

CO
CG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Daniel
Boyd CG
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
HS
Smoky Hill
|
CO
Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Boyd has been one of the most surprising early-season producers in the conference, stepping into a go-to scoring...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Daniel Boyd

State: Colorado
School: Smoky Hill
Club: Colorado Collective
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Caleb Jensen

Caleb Jensen

CO
PG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Caleb
Jensen PG
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
HS
Cherokee Trail
|
CO
Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Jensen has quietly become a stabilizing force for one of the state’s hottest teams right now. To start...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Caleb Jensen

State: Colorado
School: Cherokee Trail
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brycen Thacker

Brycen Thacker

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS CG/PG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Brycen
Thacker CG/PG
Class
2029
Height
5'10"
HS
Mullen
|
CO
Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Thacker is making varsity noise early as a freshman, and his production has been impossible to ignore. As...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Brycen Thacker

State: Colorado
School: Mullen
Club: Colorado Premier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Clayton Kalimba

Clayton Kalimba

CO
CG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS CG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Clayton
Kalimba CG
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
Eaglecrest
|
CO
Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Kalimba has been a major reason Eaglecrest’s guard play has elevated them early on. The sophomore plays with...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Clayton Kalimba

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Eaglecrest
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aleks Birkans

Aleks Birkans

CO
SF/PF
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SF/PF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aleks
Birkans SF/PF
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
HS
Cherry Creek
|
CO
Hidden Gems Shining Early in the 6A/5A Centennial League
Birkans continues to carve out a valuable role through his versatility and effort. Right now he’s averaging 7.8...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Aleks Birkans

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cherry Creek
Club: Colorado Collective 17U
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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