The first night of the DESL Tournament took place at both Denver East and Manual High Schools with no upsets. Many of the teams were missing players due to a basketball camp in Wyoming.
Denver South will be the surprise of the state this upcoming season. South will feature at least four players that will cause opponents issues. Tyson Purifoy, Matisse Moore, Antonio Garcia and Ibrahim Sylla. Purifoy a 6’0 guard can handle the ball well with little wasted motion and doesn’t over dribble. He sees the floor well and can get to the lane and finish. Moore a 6’2 guard is a very capable three point shooter and will stretch defenses. Garcia a 5’6 point guard is strong with ball sees the floor well and puts his teammates in positions to be successful. Sylla is a long 6’6 big that jumps fairly well. He can alter shots on the defensive side of the floor. Still a little raw offensively he has tremendous potential.
JFK’s Alex Coleman had a good night. Which he should have. He spent most of the night being guarded by 5’10 guards. He did show show dribbling skill attacking from the wing and dunking on a Central defender.
The best shooter in the state is Denver East’s Ronnie Harrell. If he isn’t, he is definitely in the conversation. Harrell had at least five 3 pointers and at least 22 points. he showed some ability to get to the lane and finish around the basket. Dominique Collier had a solid game, he is considered by some a top 50 recruit but he doesn’t force the action and lets the game come to him. Tyre Robinson had a good game with at least 5 block shots and 10 points. He has really improved his game in the post but he is only 6’5 and will need to develop his guard skills for the next level.
Handicapping tomorrow nights games
Rangeview over South by 2
Thunder Ridge over JFK by 8
Cherokee trail over highlands Ranch by 6
East over TJ by 15
Rangeview over Thunder Ridge by 4
East over Cherokee Trail by 10
East over Rangeview by 8