Colorado Top 250 Expo: 2018 and 2019 Stock Risers (Part I)
Below is a list of players who may have been flying a bit under the radar when they arrived at Gold Crown Fieldhouse on Sunday before making some noise with their play at the event.
Ja’Shawn Chisel, 6-4 2018 guard, Denver East
No player did more for their stock Sunday than Chisel, who may be one of the most athletic players in the state. Chisel had to have had nearly a dozen dunks during games, including an absolute poster on a defender after he went up just a few steps in front of the free throw line. Chisel oozes athleticism, and though elements of his game are still raw, he’s making strides in his overall awareness. Plus, you simply can’t teach some of the athletic gifts he has. We are eager to see Chisel keep working at his game, honing his ball-handling and shooting. But colleges should certainly be on notice as he prepares for his senior season.
Caleb Davis, 6-5 2019 forward, Grand Junction Central
Davis was particularly strong during drill work, showing he can handle it well for his size, knock down shots with consistency and move with some agility on the defensive end. Davis has some nice physical tools and could really take off with some improved confidence. After seeing some spot minutes on varsity as a sophomore on a 16-8 team, expect Davis to be a force for the Warriors this season.
Sebastian Zehnder, 6-2 2018 guard, Platte Valley
Zehnder was one of the most consistent players throughout the event. He rarely takes plays off and finds a way to be involved in virtually every possession, even if he didn’t have the ball. When he did have the ball, Zehnder exhibited good pace. He’s particularly good when using a hesitation dribble to freeze his defender.
Payton White, 6-3 2019 guard/forward, Coal Ridge
White stood out with his aggressiveness. He just seemed to be around the ball all day, was active on defense and hustled for loose balls. He’s got a lot of the intangibles coaches like to see, and he has a good natural shooting touch. He averaged 4.1 points and 4.4 rebounds on a talented 18-6 team as a sophomore, and White has a high ceiling.
Isaiah Robinson, 6-0 2019 guard, Palmer High
Whether he had the ball in his hands or was sprinting back on defense, Robinson excelled in the open court Sunday. He has a smooth shooting release and looks to make plays when he gets the ball in his hands.
Justin Nitura, 5-7 2018 guard, Horizon
Nitura, though undersized, made his presence felt by being aggressive throughout the event. He’s got a high motor and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Has a quick burst. Needs to work on honing some of his footwork, but flashes strong potential as a small-school type prospect.