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Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 

Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
Duvalier Johnson
Duvalier Johnson December 15, 2025 @ 04:43 PM
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In this article:

Grant Kanuma Russo
Grant Kanuma Russo 6'0" | CG/PG | 2029
CO
Luke Simon
Luke Simon 6'5" | SF | 2027
CO
Wyatt Harlow
Wyatt Harlow 6'2" | SF | 2027
CO
Carter Pierce
Carter Pierce 6'0" | SF | 2026
CO
Karter Nickell
Karter Nickell 6'2" | PF | 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 <strong>6A/5A/4A Northern</strong> league. These under-the-radar standouts have carved out real roles, shifted game plans, and emerged as X-factor pieces teams now have to account for nightly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2406238"],"_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-69408ef72e6a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harlow has come out blazing and looks nothing like a hidden piece anymore. To start the year, he's averaging 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, which is a welcome sign for the team, and he's stretching defenses with 11 made threes. The 6'3 forward is doing damage everywhere, and his team is making sure to feed him. He's not just scoring, but the offense flows through him. One of the big games for him is when he exploded for 24 points against Berthoud, showing his ceiling. His ability to space, attack, and get to the line makes him Loveland's early X-factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399597"],"_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-69408ef72e753"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nickell has quietly set the tone for Greeley West with relentless downhill pressure. The 6'3 senior is putting up 14 points and nearly 9 boards a night by living in transition and attacking the paint. His 20-point outing in a surprise win over Mountain View turned heads. He's physical, aggressive, and constantly on the glass. Nickell has become the motor and X-factor behind their strong start and is a bright spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2987101"],"_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-69408ef72e7db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Russo has wasted no time making varsity impact as a freshman, playing with poise beyond his years. He's averaging 9.3 points while shooting over 40% from deep. He spaces the floor and doesn't force too many shots, but has no problem creating for himself off the dribble. He reads the game, jumps passing lanes, and brings constant energy. His confidence as a shooter and feel for the moment make him an unexpected X-factor and a freshman that defenses already have to respect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2402443"],"_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-69408ef72e85c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In limited action, Pierce has flashed exactly why he's impactful for that Loveland squad. Opening the season with 18 points, he competes, knocks down threes, battles inside, and finishes through contact. He rebounds, moves the ball, and doesn't shy away from physical play. Loveland will need his versatility and edge moving forward. When he's in rhythm, Pierce gives them a tough, physical X-factor that changes matchups on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2532273"],"_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-69408ef72e8d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Simon has been steady and productive as an interior presence, giving Fort Collins consistent value every night. On the season, he's averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds. He scores efficiently around the rim, cleans the glass, and keeps possessions alive. His 18-point performance against Riverdale Ridge showed his upside. Reliable, physical, and smart as a help defender, Simon has emerged as a dependable X-factor anchoring the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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/4A Northern league. These under-the-radar standouts have carved out real roles, shifted game plans, and emerged as X-factor pieces teams now have to account for nightly.

Wyatt Harlow

Wyatt Harlow

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Wyatt
Harlow SF
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
HS
Loveland
|
CO
Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
Harlow has come out blazing and looks nothing like a hidden piece anymore. To start the year, he’s...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Wyatt Harlow

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Loveland
Club: Grind Basketball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Karter Nickell

Karter Nickell

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS PF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Karter
Nickell PF
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
HS
Greeley West Highschool
|
CO
Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
Nickell has quietly set the tone for Greeley West with relentless downhill pressure. The 6’3 senior is putting...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Karter Nickell

State: Colorado
School: Greeley West Highschool
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Grant Kanuma Russo

Grant Kanuma Russo

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS CG/PG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Grant
Kanuma Russo CG/PG
Class
2029
Height
6'0"
HS
Fort Collins
|
CO
Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
Russo has wasted no time making varsity impact as a freshman, playing with poise beyond his years. He’s...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Grant Kanuma Russo

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Fort Collins
Club: NOCO Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Carter Pierce

Carter Pierce

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Carter
Pierce SF
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Loveland
|
CO
Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
In limited action, Pierce has flashed exactly why he’s impactful for that Loveland squad. Opening the season with...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Carter Pierce

State: Colorado
School: Loveland
Club: Grind Basketball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Luke Simon

Luke Simon

CO
SF
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Luke
Simon SF
Class
2027
Height
6'5"
HS
Fort Collins
|
CO
Under the radar standouts from the 6A/5A/4A Northern Conference 
Simon has been steady and productive as an interior presence, giving Fort Collins consistent value every night. On...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Luke Simon

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Fort Collins
Club: State 38 Basketball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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