Underclass 6A/5A Forwards who stepped up in January

January was a massive month for some of the state's top young backcourt talent. While upperclass players often lead the headlines, these five underclass combo guards stole the show with their scoring, playmaking and leadership. From huge scoring nights to lockdown defense, here is a look at the young wings who stood out and dominated the court this past month.    Rich is a high upside sophomore who had a solid freshman campaign, which turned heads, but what he's doing as a sophomore has shown that he's elevated his game. The 6'4 small forward is averaging 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds a game to start the year, but he was exceptionally good in January as he averaged 24.2 points and 12.2 rebounds a game to begin the new year, and the team went 4-1 on the month. He's a 3-level scorer who demands double teams and still scores. He can play as well as defend multiple positions, and that versatility separates him. He's a prospect who seems to get better each time we've seen him, and he had himself a month.      Leaf is a 2028 who is improving his stock each time out. In January, the 6'4 forward was in a groove and gaining some momentum. While the team is trying to find its footing, he has been the focal point of the offense. He's finished with double figures in every game in January, including starting the month with 22 points and 21 points against two competitive teams. He's forcing the issue and showing he can be a scorer. He is also starting to be a reliable rebounder who is starting to understand how to be impactful in games. He's having a strong start to the year, and we wanted to get that on our radar.     Malachi's sophomore season got off to a bit of a rocky start as he adjusted to being a forward and not the sole big man for Fossil Ridge, but fast forward to now, and he's playing extremely well. He's averaging 13.2 points a game on the season, but he got up to 16 a game in January and looked consistent and like his usual self. He has been efficient, run the floor for dunks and finishes in transition, and has been a force on the boards. They have a formidable front-court duo that has found some chemistry, and it has opened up his game. He's certainly a player to keep an eye on, and he excelled in January.     Gus is a player who saw a big rise in the last ranking due to his play. He's a 6'5 forward who can also put the ball on the floor and expand the defense with his 3-point shooting at times. He got off to an incredible start to the season, went through a tough patch right after the break, but looks to be back in a rhythm and playing well. He's finished with double figures in the last 5 games, has been a force on the boards, who is grabbing the boards and starting the break, getting out in transition and finishing, and forcing defenses to pay attention to him. We do want to see him hold that consistency and continue being a force on both ends of the floor. He has a high ceiling; we want to see him reach it, but it was not a bad month for him.     With Jensen, you see flashes, but it's about putting it all together. In January, he had some very solid games as the team went 7-1 on the month. Chaparral is the top team in the state, and they look set for now and the future. Jensen has worked for more minutes and has made the most out of those minutes. He's been efficient, he's improved as a rebounder who looks comfortable battling on the boards, and also the ball doesn't get sticky with him. He's a young player who stars in his role and it was a solid month for him where he showed that he belonged.

January was a massive month for some of the state's top young backcourt talent. While upperclass players often lead the headlines, these five underclass combo guards stole the show with their scoring, playmaking and leadership. From huge scoring nights to lockdown defense, here is a look at the young wings who stood out and dominated the court this past month.