Eli is a player who still has plenty to prove, but he pops at times, and it’s undeniably coming together for him. He has excellent size at 6/7 and a knack for making plays. Eli is a player who works hard for positioning, gets inside and seals, and goes right up for easy baskets. He is also always in motion, and that opens it up for him for easy cut finishes or teammates to fill the lanes around him. We saw him this summer and in Fall league and what stood out was his effort. He bangs with the bigs, steps out onto guards, and can stay in front of them for a bit, and battles on the board. This season, it will be about doing that when it matters. Turning the potential into reality. If he’s able to have it start clicking for him, I truly do think that Grandview becomes the dark-horse favorite in the conference. This is a player to keep on your radar. 

Valencia turned with his dynamic play and exceptional size. His court vision is on point always finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities with precise, timely passes. Offensively he’s a dual threat who’s confident in his shot and explosive with the ball in his hands. His first step is quick, allowing him to blow by defenders and attack the rim with authority. Paired with his speed, Valencia pushes the pace effortlessly, turning defense into fast break opportunities and keeping opponents on their heels. Smart, skilled and relentless, he showcased the combination of quickness, scoring ability, and playmaking that earned him a spot on the rankings list

Eli Valencia Eli Valencia 6'7" | CG/SG Grandview | 2028 State CO was a nightmare to guard throughout the entire sophomore ID camp. Aside from battling hard on offense and earning trips to the foul stripe, Valencia can send shots to the bleachers with his emphatic blocks. Paired alongside knockdown shooter Danny Ortiz Jr, Valencia was able to make precise reads and make his presence known at the sophomore ID camp.

Valencia made a strong impression at the showcase with a well rounded offensive game. He was constantly able to knock down shots from the perimeter and found the open corners, showing a smooth stroke and confidence beyond the arc. His pump fake was effective in getting defenders off balance, allowing him to create space and attack the rim with strength and control. Valencia’s combination of shooting touch, savvy movement, and physicality around the basket made him a real scoring threat and a player who can impact the game in multiple ways