Chaz Connors Chaz Connors 6'3" | SG/CG Palmer Ridge | 2027 State CO can really shoot it, and whenever he got an open look it cashed. He was quietly getting about 15 a game just by letting it fly, getting to the mid-range pull-up, and being a floor spacer. With Premier, however, he has to play more of the PG role, despite being an off-ball mover who’s a microwave hot scorer, and that will only help him during the season find ways to score in various ways. He was able to score off the dribble, made passes, and moved away to find it in different ways, and also read what the defense gave him. I like how his game is coming along as a player who shows he can play as the focal point of the offense and also alongside other solid players as well and he’s a competitor. Connors excels in these settings. 

Connors proved all season why he was so highly regarded, putting together a year that matched expectations and then some. An elite shooter, he consistently found ways to get open with his constant movement and effort, and still knocked down shots with defenders contesting. His confidence and shot making ability were on full display, leading to a record setting season with new marks for points, three pointers and free throws made. That level of production, combined with his consistency in big moments, made it impossible to ignore his impact, ultimately earning him a well deserved jump in the rankings

Palmer Ridge has leaned on Connors all season as its offensive catalyst. Averaging 18.8 points per game, he can get to 20 in a hurry and flip a game in just a few possessions. He’s a confident shooter who can bury shots from anywhere on the floor, especially from deep range. If he catches fire, defenses are forced to extend and scramble. In tight games, his shot making ability can instantly swing momentum in Palmer Ridge’s favor during postseason play

Connors has been the constant for 7-8 Palmer, keeping them competitive night after night with his scoring punch and floor spacing ability. Averaging 18.4 points per game, he’s hitting his stride at the right time, coming off his best stretch of the season with two 30 point performances in his last four outings. He’s a pure shooter who never hesitates, confident letting it fly from anywhere on the floor. Deadly from deep, Connors also uses a sharp pump fake to lift defenders and create clean looks from his favorite spots. That shooting gravity changes the game as defenses have to stay attached, opening lanes and opportunities for teammates and allowing Palmer to operate with much better flow offensively

Connors rose quite a bit in the rankings after a summer that showcased him as one of the state’s most dangerous shooters. I think he has a case for one of the top shooters in the class, and he can also get inside and finish as well. His size, poise, and ability to move without the ball make him a tough cover. He consistently knocked down threes, played with rhythm, and opened eyes with his consistency. Connors’ shooting touch and confidence have elevated his stock heading into the new season, and he makes a big jump in the rankings as a result.

Connors showcased his scoring ability all day at The Expo. Knocking down shots from deep with confidence and range that stretched defenses well beyond the arc. He was consistent from three, proving to be a reliable shooter who could heat up quickly and shift the flow of a game. When defenders closed out hard Connors showed he could put the ball on the floor, create space and score off the dribble which added another layer to his offensive game. He ran the floor with purpose in transition, constantly putting himself in scoring position. He also battled on the boards, boxing out effectively and securing rebounds to give his team valuable extra possessions. His blend of shooting, off the dribble ability, hustle and rebounding made him a steady and impactful contributor throughout the event

Connors is a player that we did not know too much about, but watching film from him last year and his continued growth and wanting to compete with the state’s best this summer, it is evident that he’s a true competitor who belongs. He averaged 12.5 points per game as a sophomore. He shot 36 percent from behind the arc and showed that he could pick up the scoring load. This summer, it was about showcasing the rest of his game as he stood out as a two-way defender who could be a playmaker, defend at a high level, and shoot the ball well, which he did. He was ranked 45 in the class last go-round, but jumps 10 spots higher. If he’s able to show that this summer wasn’t a fluke and take it into the year, he’ll undoubtedly continue to rise. 

Connors is an athletic 6’2 guard who averaged 12.5 PPG last season. Connors had a stretch last season where he ranked among the top scorers in the class and will look to build on that with consistency. He’s a confident three-point shooter with a quick release, but he he also creates in isolation, attacks closeouts, and finishes in transition. As Palmer Ridge’s offensive focal point this season, increased consistency could elevate his stock. Expect him to draw some attention at the Colorado Live showcase as he looks to contribute on one of the talented individual teams.

Connors will have an ever growing role at Palmer Ridge through the coming seasons, bringing knockdown shooting and quick instincts for an underclassman at the varsity level. As well as bringing good length within the backcourt, he can defend both backcourt positions thanks to his ability to contest shots to a greater degree than most at his age. 

Connors has leapt into Palmer Ridge’s rotation in the early stages of the season, providing efficient scoring from distance alongside some playmaking chops out of ball screens. Bringing the reach necessary to compete at the varsity stage, Connors has repeatedly shown he can hold up on help side rotations at the rim or along the perimeter. There is no doubt he is a pure shooter, converting 91% of free throw attempts and up above 40% from distance. Although still adding the strength to dish out contact at the varsity level, he has adapted well with finesse scoring opportunities around opponent contests.