All Basketball Colorado and Player of the Year
This is our first attempt and possibly last at an All Basketball Colorado team and Player of the Year. The Player of the Year was not a hard choice and frankly was the only choice to make. All Basketball Colorado Team, on the other hand, is a different story, there was a lot of parity this year and few players separated themselves from the pack. Therefore with the limitations of only 12 players from across all classes, there will be a few players left off that will have a legitimate claim to being on the team.
Basketball Colorado’s Inaugural Player of the Year
DeRon Davis the 6’10 forward/center from Overland was simply the most dominant player in the state this year. Davis, the Indiana signee, may not have had the flashiest overall offensive stats that many expect out of a P.O.Y. with 13.8 ppg and 8.9 rpg. Davis was an effective shot blocker, but what the stat sheet doesn’t show is how many shots he altered just by being in the game. The stat sheet also does not point out how many players went to block him out leaving other Trailblazers to pick up the rebounds. Davis faced double and sometimes triple teams while on offense and instead of bullying through to the rim Davis used his unique passing ability to get the ball to the open man. Once Davis left the game there was a noticeable difference for both Overland and the opposing team.
Listed by last name alphabetically
6’4 Sr. Justin Bassey – Colorado Academy (3A) – One of the most physically gifted players in all of Colorado. Bassey handled the ball well and could as easily pull up three feet from behind the three-point line as blow by his defender for a massive dunk.
6’10 Sr. DeRon Davis – Overland (5A)- See Above
6’5 Sr. Justinian Jessup – Longmont (4A) – The 6’5 point guard is the furthest thing from a flashy player. Jessup could have easily averaged more points per game if he had chosen but he likes playing within the system and getting his teammates involved. Jessup however, could take over the game at a moments notice.
6’2 So. Sam Masten – Rock Canyon (5A) – Only a sophomore and has already won the league player of the year in one of the tougher leagues in class 5A. Masten showed that he has the ability to take over the game or he can read a defense and simply be a facilitator.
6’5 Sr. Tyrie Randall – Rangeview (5A) – Randall was a vital cog in the Rangeview machine as it marched to Boulder. In Rangeview’s first five games back from Christmas break, all against top10 teams, Randall averaged just over 18 points a game. Randall was the most consistent threat behind the three-point line for the Raiders.
6’1 Sr. Michael Ranson – Pueblo Central (4A) – Led the state in scoring and had the green light as soon as he stepped off the bus. Even though Ranson scored the bulk of the points for the Wildcats he also led them in rebounding. Ranson’s scoring prowess was so great that he would be face-guarded and then double teamed off pick n roll situations which were followed with a spy in the paint shadowing his every move. I’d had never seen anything like it.
6’2 Sr. Jervae Robinson – Overland (5A) – When Davis wasn’t in the game or when Overland needed a big bucket Robinson usually came through. Robinson’s best games came when Overland was facing it’s toughest opponents like the Bishop Gorman tournament, big league games down the stretch or in the last three games of the state tournament.
6’1 Jr. Colbey Ross – Eaglecrest (5A) – Ross almost single handily led the Raptors back the 5A championship game. Ross had to balance the responsibility of scoring while also keeping his teammates involved on the offensive end of the floor. Ross ‘s use of angles and change of pace is second to none.
6’7 Jr. D’shawn Schwartz – Sand Creek (4A) Schwartz tallied a total of eight double-doubles on the season and nearly had eight more. Scored 30 or more points three times and was frankly a nightmare to guard. His size and strength and ability to shoot and handle the ball are nearly unmatched in the state.
6’1 Sr. Ladarius Thomas – Aurora Central (5A) – One of the few players that were as able to tally a triple-double this season and flirted with the accomplishment more than once. Thomas led the Trojans to its first state tournament win in the last five years.
6’5 Sr. David Thornton – Cherokee Trail (5A) – Thornton was darn near automatic when he would get the ball deep in the paint. Thornton was also solid from behind the three point line and at free throw line. He was too quick for post players and too big for guards to handle.
6’8 Sr. Clay Verk – ThunderRidge (5A) – There aren’t many teams that could handle Verk this season. Verk was excellent in the paint and even three-pointer here or there. Verk was a big reason for the success of the Grizzlies this past season.
