5A Small Forwards Ready for a Bigger Stage

The wing position is one of the most interesting spots to evaluate because so much is asked of them. They have to score, defend, rebound, make plays, and often fill whatever role their team needs on a given night. A lot of the players on this list put together solid seasons and did enough to get our attention, even if we haven't seen all of them as much as some of the bigger names around the state. What keeps bringing me back to this group is the feeling that there's still more there. Some are stepping into expanded opportunities, some are taking on leadership roles, and others are simply in line for more touches and responsibility. They've already shown they can help teams win. Now comes the opportunity to separate themselves and become players people across Colorado are talking about throughout the season.   Use code dev30 for 30% off and secure access as we're going through rankings and got you covered for the grassroots season. You don't want to miss any of our scouting.     Feels weird saying a player who averages 18.6 ppg is an underrated player. But here we are. He had some HUGE games this year, including exploding for 44 points against Hinkley earlier in the year. He also had 6.2 rebounds to go along with it. He's 6'1 and talented, and that was on display in his junior seasona and the only thing he's missing is playing in the summer, getting out to showcases and showing what type of player he is. He also needs to win. He's a player we hope to see soon as he put up stats that should not have him under the radar and this might be the year that that changes.     Phipps is a do-it-all guard/wing for Palmer who has fallen a bit under the radar, but we have seen him have his moments in both club as well as the HS season of being one of the most dangerous players on the court. He's explosive, he fills in the gap, and gets downhill in a hurry. Palmer is going to be one of my dark horse teams for a team that's going to make some noise this season, and Phipps is a reason for that. He put up 11.7 points a game as an aggressive inside scorer as a sophomore, and I feel that they'll look for him to be more impactful this year. Phipps has soft touch around the rim, hits the mid-range, and also has a good feel. He can score in iso situations and also be used from the slashers spot as a scorer as well. With a talented young group around him, he'll be a leader on the floor come junior season and will be the barometer for how the season goes. A good season by Phipps means a good season for Palmer, so he will certainly have to continue elevating his game. We're excited to see how he looks for the rest of the summer and Fall. I'm sure we'll see him a few times by then.     We saw Portillo come down and compete in the Spring at the Rocky Mountain Mayhem, and we're curious to see more of what he brings to the table. He's an under-the-radar wing who had a solid stretch to finish off the season as a scorer and rebounder. If he keys in on the defensive plays and owns the boards, I feel as if Glenwood Springs can make some noise this season. They have size, and he shows versatility out on the wing. He cuts at the right time, plays off-ball, and can also score from the high post. He put up just under 9 points a game as a sophomore. Portillo is aggressive, a glue guy, and physical, and can be a difference maker for them. I am expecting a big season for him and for him to turn some heads this season.     Fleming is still young, so of course, he's still a bit under the radar, but I feel as though he's on the brink of having a breakout season. Fleming got to experience varsity as a freshman and had some solid moments that make you think that there's something there. He's a knockdown shooter, handles pressure well when getting switched onto and guarded closely, and also rebounds well. Fleming will be a player who can use his defense to get himself going, as he has quick hands and is instinctive. We did not get to see him this summer, but we will see him for Colorado Live and during showcase season, where he can show the type of player that he is.     Foot is the team's glue guy, who is a team-first guy. You do not have to run the offense around him; he doesn't have to score to be effective, and he does what is asked of him. He's consistent, and every team needs those kinds of guys. Foot had his moments this year where he was able to score, however. He finished with 12 points against Centaurus, 11 points against Holy Family, and erupted for a career high 28 points against Greeley Central when he went a perfect 14-14 from the FT line. Foot crashes the boards and keeps plays alive, and can be a player who jumps on more radars with a big junior season.

The wing position is one of the most interesting spots to evaluate because so much is asked of them. They have to score, defend, rebound, make plays, and often fill whatever role their team needs on a given night. A lot of the players on this list put together solid seasons and did enough to get our attention, even if we haven't seen all of them as much as some of the bigger names around the state. What keeps bringing me back to this group is the feeling that there's still more there. Some are stepping into expanded opportunities, some are taking on leadership roles, and others are simply in line for more touches and responsibility. They've already shown they can help teams win. Now comes the opportunity to separate themselves and become players people across Colorado are talking about throughout the season.