Underclass wings 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.    Coleman didn't just have an impressive month for a freshman; he had arguably the best month in the entire state. Vanguard had 8 games in January, and he scorched whoever dared to guard him for 8 games. He finished with 25 points or more in 7 of those games, and he also had a career high of 47 points in a 5-point win, which is unheard of. He's shooting the 3-ball, averaged over 6 assists a game in that stretch, and is boarding heavily too. He had himself a month and is a prospect that needs to be talked about more.     Williams continues on his breakout year as a sophomore who is playing at a high level. He appears to be one of the biggest stock boosters in 2028 and makes a jump to the No.2 scorer in the sophomore class. He averaged 22.8 points a game in January and led his team to a 4-1 record. Pueblo South looks like a team ready to make a playoff push behind their young wing. He's a versatile player who can play and defend multiple positions, he rebounds at a high level and locks down defensively when called upon. He's been a player who has been on a mission, and we've taken notice. Solid January from him.     The 6'5 sophomore wing came into the season as one of the unknown commodities, but with his play this year, that quickly changed. Right now, he's playing some of the best basketball out of anybody in the class to begin the new year, and he has his team sitting at 6-1 on the year. He's averaging 17.7 points a game, which is on par with his season average, but a deeper look shows him in the best stretch of the season. He's put up 20+ points in three straight games with an efficient explosion of 30 points on 10-12 shooting from the field. He's dominating teams with inside and out, finishing on double teams, and playing the right way. He's a player we're still curious about, but his play to start the new year has to be discussed. We're curious to see more.     Stump is a small forward who steps out on the wing and delivers. He actually does a bit of it all, but he's best known for his scoring. He was one a top 3 scorer in the class as a freshman a year ago, and this year picked right up with 15.2 points a game. In the month of January, however, he has his team playing very good basketball as they're currently on a 5-game winning streak, which ties a season high, and he is also coming off of a season-high 27 points. He's a sniper from deep, not afraid to shoot, and his teammates make sure they give him the ball. He has Pueblo West sitting at 11-4 on the year and coming into their own. Stump is a solid player who we hope to get out to events this Summer/Fall. Solid January for him.     Noah is a 6'5 wing with upside who is having a solid individual season from an offensive standpoint. He's scoring 12.2 points a game, is starting to show that he can be a big-time shooter and floor spacer with his long-distance shots finally dropping, and that has been a welcome sight for his team. He averaged 13.2 points in January. Once that turns into him being a more complete prospect with the rebounding and sound defensive option, that will make him even more of a weapon. His challenge should be on improving that aspect of that game because with that, the sky becomes the limit for a talented player.

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.