2023 Rankings Update: Top 5
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Baye Fall Baye Fall 6'11" | C Luthern Christian | 2023 State #13 Nation CO – Lutheran After the year Baye had, I don’t think there is a doubt in anybody’s mind that he is deserving of the number one…
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Continue ReadingBaye Fall Baye Fall 6'11" | C Luthern Christian | 2023 State #13 Nation CO – Lutheran
After the year Baye had, I don’t think there is a doubt in anybody’s mind that he is deserving of the number one spot. In a year that ended with a state championship, Baye’s game took another big step on defense, which is wild considering he is regarded as one of the best shot blockers in the country. We’ve seen how much he changes shots at the rim as an excellent help-side defender, but now he is taking pride in guarding the opposing team’s best player regardless of position. He stays on the ground, forcing guards to try in finish over him, and has the speed to keep up with them on the perimeter. On offense, he has added a mid-range game that has made him unguardable at times. Whether it’s from the block or at the high post, Baye has defenders in constant confusion and, with a huge year, has stayed in the National Top-5 for the 2023 class.
Assane Diop Assane Diop 6'10" | PF Belleview Christian | 2023 State #107 Nation CO – Bellview Christian
Very rarely do you come across a player like Assane that has the IQ and capabilities of a pure point guard but the body of a big man. This past season the point forward was a walking triple-double, recording 4 on the shortened season, which resulted in him hoisting the championship trophy. His most impressive attribute is his ability to see plays develop, which makes him an elite passer out of the double team. Assane has shown little to no weakness in his game during the season; he is efficient around the basket and can take advantage of any matchup. On defense, his length gives him room be to active in passing lanes and recover out of help side. He’s the No.2 player in the class and only gets better.
Kadyn Betts Kadyn Betts 6'7" | PF Huntington Prep | 2023 #90 Nation CO – Pueblo Central
Kadyn improved on a breakout during freshmen year and is a top kid in the class. Pueblo Central went as he allowed them to, and he helped make up a dynamic guard/big set as he found his niche. Betts averaged a team-high 18.1pts, 11.2rebs, and 3.1 blocks a game en route to a 14-3 overall record. The 6’7 big man is a matchup nightmare on offense as he’s able to score on the block, can put the ball on the floor a tad bit, and competes hard. Add all of that along with his shot-changing ability on defense, and he is one of the state’s most elite prospects with room to grow.
Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq 6'7" | SF Accelerated Prep | 2023 State CO – Overland
Marzouq will be a name to remember over the next few years. At 6’6, he can play 1-4 on the court and make an impact at all times. He put up 15pts, 2.7 at, and 6.7 rebs in his lone varsity year in a year where his role was never really defined. Which means we haven’t seen what type of player he will be once he reaches his full potential, yet he keeps adding to his game. Marzouq is an efficientscorer in the post with a variety of different moves he uses against defenders of all sizes. The lengthy forward also has a great understanding of where to be on the defensive side of the ball and takes away strong suits from opposing players. He had to sit it down due to an injury last year, and the team suffered, which defines his impact. Now that he’s healthy, I am looking forward to seeing him take over and find his groove again.
Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'3" | SG Colorado Prep | 2023 #160 Nation CA-S – Cherry Creek
Most players will take what you give them on either side of the ball and will live with the end result, but not Christian. Christian is going to take what he wants every time down the floor and dare you to try and stop him. He’s a skilled offensive juggernaut right now, but what he will become is what scares you most. Hammond has proven he is capable of putting the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court. His play gave Cherry Creek another weapon when teams forced the ball away from the main ball handlers and the ability to score in isolation. He is also starting to show that he can be a facilitator and take pride defensively, which will only open up more to his game.