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Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League

Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League
Duvalier Johnson
Duvalier Johnson December 24, 2025 @ 02:16 PM
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In this article:

Trent Bantock
Trent Bantock 6'6" | SF/PF | 2027
CO
Blake Cremeen
Blake Cremeen 6'5" | PF | 2026
CO
Ryan Vervaet
Ryan Vervaet 6'3" | 2027
CO
Cruz Johnson
Cruz Johnson 6'3" | CG | 2027
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 Continental conference.  These unexpected names have turned heads to start the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3258316"],"_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-694c2177da6b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bantock has emerged as a new name that is demanding attention with his early-season plat, and it has Legend as a fun, yet deep team. The 6'6 forward is averaging 11.2 points to begin the season, already posting a double-double, and has a breakout 21-point, 6-block performance to show how he's been impacting games. He rebounds with intent, alters shots, and finishes over defenders. As his confidence grows, his presence around the rim has made Legend harder to score on and tougher to handle inside. We want to see if he can continue this play as he allows Legend to be dynamic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Michael Weyand","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Castleview","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694c2177da782"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weyand has surfaced as Castle View's spark plug and X-factor, providing two-way energy. To start this year, he's been a microwave scorer who can heat up quickly. He spaces the floor while also slashing and that opens up the offense. He moves well without the ball, plays within himself and looks to make his mark with his defense. He's been making the most of his opportunity as his role continues to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2496100"],"_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-694c2177da7d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson has quietly carved out a valuable role as a glue guy for Heritage's balanced attack. The 6'4 forward brings physicality, runs the floor and finishes through contact while protecting the paint defensively. He does the dirty work as a rebounder, screener and he makes sure to contest shots. What stands out about him is his ability to find ways, without needing plays drawn up. His consistency and toughness have helped the offense get going at times and make him a reliable option. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2739840"],"_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-694c2177da824"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cremeen has been a steady force as he's provided balance for a solid ThunderRidge group. The senior forward scores inside and out, spacing the floor when defenses collapse on the post while also running lanes in transition. His ability to read coverage and provide shooting has been pivotal as we know who defenses are keying in on over there. He opens up the offense and is a confident scorer that defenses must account for. He's an X-factor whose gravity has made life easier for teammates and turned him into a valuable asset for the team. They will look for him to continue to that consistency. He's an important piece. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nolan Ripp","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ponderosa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694c2177da8b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ripp has gone from unknown to impactful in a short span, improving each outing and playing a key role in Ponderosa's first few wins. He's stretching defenses with his perimeter shooting while also crashing the glass and moving well without the ball. That has kept the offense afloat. His activity level has stood out, and has forced defenses to keep an eye on him. As he continues to stand out defensively and assert himself, he's becoming a name that can't be ignored in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Michael Martinez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ponderosa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694c2177da93e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martinez is starting to turn heads after a strong recent stretch, highlighted by a 19-point outing in Ponderosa's best performance of the season. The guard has remained aggressive, hunted shots and created opportunities even when efficiency lagged early. With the three-ball beginning to fall and confidence building, he's becoming a trusted option the staff wants attacking. He's trending upward as a scorer and new name to monitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2506227"],"_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-694c2177da9a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vervaet has impressed with his command of the game as a poised lead guard for Mountain Vista. He understands tempo, knows when to attack and when to facilitate, and consistently gets into the teeth of the defense. He's also shown an ability to play off the ball as well as he provides balance, pushes pace and makes smart reads. When he's aggressive and attacking downhill, Mountain Vista elevates into one of the conference's toughest matchups. We want to see if he continues this play as it has MV as one of the state's top teams. </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 Continental conference.  These unexpected names have turned heads to start the season.

Trent Bantock

Trent Bantock

HEIGHT 6'6"
POS SF/PF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Trent
Bantock SF/PF
Class
2027
Height
6'6"
HS
Legend
|
CO
Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League
Bantock has emerged as a new name that is demanding attention with his early-season plat, and it has...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Trent Bantock

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

Highlights

Michael Weyand

Michael Weyand

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SF
CLASS 2027

Michael Weyand

School: Castleview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Cruz Johnson

Cruz Johnson

CO
CG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS CG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Cruz
Johnson CG
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
HS
Heritage
|
CO
Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League
Johnson has quietly carved out a valuable role as a glue guy for Heritage’s balanced attack. The 6’4...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Cruz Johnson

State: Colorado
School: Heritage
Club: Elevation Flyers
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Blake Cremeen

Blake Cremeen

CO
PF
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS PF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Blake
Cremeen PF
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
HS
Thunderridge
|
CO
Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League
Cremeen has been a steady force as he’s provided balance for a solid ThunderRidge group. The senior forward...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Blake Cremeen

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

Highlights

Nolan Ripp

Nolan Ripp

HEIGHT 5'9"
POS PG
CLASS 2026

Nolan Ripp

School: Ponderosa
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG
CLASS 2027

Michael Martinez

School: Ponderosa
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Ryan Vervaet

Ryan Vervaet

CO
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS N/A
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ryan
Vervaet
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
HS
Mountain Vista
|
CO
Unexpected Names Rising Fast in the Continental League
Vervaet has impressed with his command of the game as a poised lead guard for Mountain Vista. He...
Written by Duvalier Johnson
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Ryan Vervaet

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Mountain Vista
Club: Colorado Premier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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