2025 Preview: Southern Front Range Complementary Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479894' first='Christian' last='Bertholf'] - Falcon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bertholf is a strong guard, capable of overpowering smaller opponents for finishes or passing lanes from around the rim. Effective at getting low, minimizing his center of gravity to move around his opponent. Bertholf has continued to utilize his high motor to out maneuver opponents for rebounds and loose balls. There is no doubt the guard brings a valuable playstyle. As he impacts the game in a variety of areas without the ball. Bertholf's growth as a ball handler will be important in determining his upside. As he is already a quick decision maker and high motor prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1816669' first='J'Twane' last='Mike'] - Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike provides immense value on the defensive end, excellent at the point of attack. The guard does well keeping arms out consistently to deflect passes and pressure opposing ball handlers. Mike is especially quick laterally, in fact there are few guards in the Colorado Springs region with his instincts and quickness. Mike is getting more opportunities on the ball, an area of intrigue given his quick burst and twitchy handle. The junior will be among the more impactful two-way backcourt prospects the southern region has to offer, following averages of 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578048' first='Mason' last='Kay'] - Palmer RIdge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bringing a high motor on the defensive glass, Kay looks to add a refined perimeter skill set towards a quickly improving Palmer Ridge group. Effective at quickly getting out on the break, the shooting guard does an excellent job receiving or dishing outlet passes. His continued growth as a spot-up shooter will be intriguing, as he is already quite effective on attempts inside the arc. Capable of rising up into pull-up jumpers, the guard already has quick footwork across the floor. Through his past season at Palmer RIdge, the junior posted 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Although, rounding out his lead guard abilities will be worth watching, as he steps into a larger opportunity than last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1958558' first='Tayvon' last='Evans'] - Pueblo Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stevens is a wiry defensive guard who is adept at blocking shots and hustling for rebounds. Proving dependable as a help side shot blocker, Stevens has excellent anticipation for the opponents' next move. Through his previous season with Pueblo Central, the guard put up 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Given his ability to get up vertically rather quickly, Stevens is an excellent two-way rebounder, active on putbacks. His growth as a playmaker will be one area to track, given his high motor as is.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>forwards/bigs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578019' first='Jonathan' last='Rice'] - Palmer Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice shows value along the wings, effectively attacking closeouts and filling open space. The guard has excellent awareness of when to fill out onto the perimeter, capable stepping out for three point attempts from all over the arc. Boasting good size at 6'3, Rice has a chance to get a notable opportunity with Palmer Ridge. His consistency on the defensive end will be one area to watch, given his positional reach and fluidity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->