High school basketball teams across the state are putting in work with their players who aren’t playing a fall sport. The Uprise Hoops Preseason Showcase is quickly becoming one of the must-play events of the fall. This year, with 24 boys’ teams playing, the action is nonstop at Northfield High School from 8:45 Am through the evening, with the last game starting at 7:45 PM.
The one game I would watch @ 8:45
Liberty vs Individual Showcase Team 1
This will match up 6’11 London Praytor of Liberty and 7’0 Kason Westpahl of Salida. Both have different types of games; Praytor with a little more quickness and bit more of a face up player. While, Wetphal is more of a space eater and can play with his back to the basket. But both will pull the three if given the chance. It should be a good match up.
The guards on Showcase 1 are tough underclassmen Howery, Williams, and Smiley are all about as good as they come. They will test the young Liberty guards Cameron Waithe-Cunningham and Evan Trinidad. Showcase 1 senior guard Hunter Roak will be a glue guy to watch in this one
The one game I would watch at 9:45
Rock Canyon vs. Cherry Creek
Youth will be served again in this one as far as prospects go. Freshman Dylan Betts for the Bruins and sophomore guard Jacob David are just two of the top prospects in their classes. The game over all should be a dandy Rock Canyon runs their stuff well with Kasen Lehman and Andrew Abner. Creek with Hammond a top 26 doesn’t back down from anyone.
The one game I would watch at 10:45
Denver East vs. Eaglecrest
These two get after when they face each other. East has senior James Murray a smooth 6’5 wing to go along with a host of athletic guards. Eaglecrest might not be full strength in this one but it will give plenty of opportunities for young guys like Kris Coleman to shine.
The one game I would watch at 11:45
Smoky Hill vs. Denver South
Two teams that pride themselves on defensive effort and finishing in transition. Smoky Senior Kaylen Graham is one of the more dynamic players in the 25 class and will have the opportunity to have more impact on games with a couple of players leaving over the summer. South’s Dom and Matt Rhoads-Martinez are as tough as they come and Dom is a bit of a scoring wizard.
The one game I would watch at 12:45
Eaglecrest vs. George Washington
George doesn’t look exactly like they did in the summer but they are still long and athletic. Junior Jeremiah Trimm is a top player in the 26 class and can take over games. A match up between him and Coleman should be fun.
The one game I would watch at 1:45
Smoky Hill vs. Mountain Vista
Carter Basquez vs. Cal Baskind? Yes, please! Two of the top guards in the state regardless of class in the state. The question for Smoky will be who get to try and slow down Mtn Vista big Oliver Junker.
The one game I would watch at 2:45
Denver South vs. Rock Canyon
This could be a game to 90 or game to 40. These two teams are tough defensively and can score the ball. Christian Cobb will be a good test for RC.
The one game I would watch at 3:45
Fruita vs Mountain Vista
Love that Fruita is coming over and getting after it going up against Mountain Vista to start off their day. Fruita has been the class of the Western Slope the past couple of years and we expect nothing different this season. Daniel Thomason and Jhett Wells are legit good and are college bound type players. Wells and Thomason vs. Junker and Baskind will be sweet to watch. The bigger question for the Wildcats will be who can produce at high level with Mtn Vista.
The one game I would watch at 4:45
Rock Canyon vs. Palmer
I picked this one because of Palmers J’twane Mike. A talented athletic guard that is always in the lanes, getting steals, and creating points. If any team has a physical style to slow down Mike, it is Rock Canyon.
The one game I would watch at 5:45
Denver East vs. Columbine
Columbine’s Boykin brothers are the real deal and will have the Rebels competing at the top of 6A Jeffco with Valor and Ralston Valley. They will get tested by East’s pressure and length. This will be physical and fast paced.
Oh East has a freshman guard coming in that will run the show. Daysun Collier you heard it here first. 4 year starter.
The one game I would watch at 6:45
Vista Peak vs. Denver South
VP has a new coach and a all new team. Early returns have the Bison playing tough and aggressive. Which should make this late day game with South a ton of fun.
The one game I would watch at 7:45
Palmer vs. Mead
Two college-bound players with Mike going up against recent Jamestown U commit Matthew Angelo. Mead has been a power in 4A/5A basketball recently and will be tough again this year.
Players to watch
A couple of players to keep an eye out for on the Showcase 2 team are senior guard Elijah Mack(Doherty) and forwards Aidan Perez (Rangeview), Lucas Dickinson (Regis Jesuit) and Luke Williams ( Chaparral). Mack was really good over the summer and is a true lead guard that understands how to play. All of the forwards mentioned above can produce each in their own way. It will be interesting to see how quickly they gel.