Mid-season stock risers
We’re a bit past the mid-point to the season and what a season it’s been for Prep Hoops Colorado. From upsets to buzzer beaters, we’ve seen it all, but one thing that’s been for sure is; it’s been exciting. One of the fun things to watch is those players that progress from season to season, from summer circuit to season or even from the beginning of the season to now. Here’s our mid-season stock risers and some of the players who are raising their profile with strong performances through the halfway point of the 2017-2018 season.
Blake Williams, 6’6, G, 2018, Rock Canyon
Rock Canyon is currently 12-0 on the season and unarguably the top team in the state of Colorado. They have a strong team led by Sam Masten and Tyson Gilbert but another player who has made the case for one of the most improved players in the state is Blake Williams. He’s a do-everything type of player that can score, shoot, rebound and finish in traffic exceptionally well. Blake has been counted on numerous times this year and has stepped up to the call. He’s having an incredible senior year and will be a player to watch going forward.
Mohammed Diallo, 6’6, PF, 2018, George Washington
GW is coming off of a game where they upset Top-5 team in the state Chaparral, winning 76-60 and the best player of the night was Mo Diallo. The senior finished with 18 points and changed the outcome of the game with his presence and strong play. Diallo’s been a driving force for the Patriots and has manned the middle, ran the court well and defended at an elite level and he’s a player that not many players are talking about for some reason. With more solid performances in big games I’m sure he’ll be a player that more people are talking about and he should use this game to kick-start him for the rest of the season.
Joseph Dalton, 6’3, G, 2019, Chaparral
Dalton is a well-rounded, versatile guard with an inside-outside game. He can play point guard if called upon and will help set up his teammates. He rebounds well, shoots the three and has played the passing lanes as good as anyone in the state as he averages near two steals a game. When Chaparral took down Top-5 team in the state Denver East it was Dalton who exploded for 28 points and was the primary ball handler for the game that shows his versatility. Dalton is a stand out shooting guard for the class of 2019 but has also seen his stock rise in the process.
Kyrele Benford, 6’4, F, 2018, Doherty
Benford has terrific size and athleticism and combines those attributes with a well-rounded skill set as he’s able to do a lot of different things at a high level. Last year he averaged 9.5 point and six rebounds per game as a junior and vowed to get better in every aspect. Well, he’s held up his end of the bargain as he’s averaging 13.1 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. He’s led this Doherty team as they sit at 9-2 on the year and
Antonio Norton, 6’4, F, Dakota Ridge
Dakota Ridge is a very balanced and experienced bunch as they have three players all averaging double digits and a player that’s close to that, all being seniors, but amongst those standouts is Norton. Norton’s averaging 11.5 points and also holding down the paint as he’s averaging 7.4 rebounds as well. He’s unique as he’s a glue guy that can get it going. He plays a lot bigger than what he truly is and that type of motor and energy is contagious. He’s also a guy that I’d have on my radar.