A look at 30 Colorado high school boys basketball players to keep an eye on during the 2023-24 CHSAA season.*
Siraaj Ali, jr., G, Overland: A volume scorer who’s at his best attacking defenses off the dribble, the 5-foot-10 guard turned in a breakout sophomore campaign with averages of 18.1 points, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game. After anpther offseason of growth, another leap could be next.
Maurice Austin, sr., PG, Pueblo South: The reigning 5A player of the year tilts the court with a seemingly limitless reservoir of energy, blowing up opponents’ sets on one end as a defensive pest (5.3 spg) and picking them apart on the other as a scorer (27.2 ppg) and facilitator (5.3 apg). Already at 1,509 career points entering this season, 2,000 appears inevitable.
Garrett Barger, jr., C, Eaglecrest: A crafty, efficient finisher around the basket, the 6-foot-9 Barger (12.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg) helped lead the Raptors to the Sweet 16 as an underclassman. With fellow junior LaDavian King as a running mate, Eaglecrest is ready to take the next step.
Carter Basquez, so., G/F, Smoky Hill: The 6-foot-6 wing got thrown into the deep end as a freshman last year and thrived for a Great 8 team. Part of a talented, athletic young core that includes juniors Lorenzo Contreras and Kaylan Graham, he’s one of many reasons Smoky remains a 6A contender after the departure of leading scorers Rickey Mitchell and Kai McGrew.
Ethan Berninger, jr., F, Dakota Ridge: A go-to scorer for a Jeffco League title squad as a sophomore (13.1), the 6-foot-4 wing has a deep bag of tricks on the offensive end with the ability to knock down shots from range (41% from 3-point range) and attack the basket off the dribble.
Tanner Braketa, jr., G, Ralston Valley: Among the deadliest shooters in the state, the 6-foot-1 Braketa sank 43% from 3 and 88% from the free-throw line en route to surpassing 1,000 career points by the end of his sophomore year. But as his career averages (20.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 spg) attest, he’s far from one-trick pony.
Hunter Caldwell, sr., C, Lutheran: One half of Lutheran’s formidable twin towers frontcourt — 6-foot-9 sophomore Kade Spechman being the other — the 6-foot-10 Caldwell has the size to finish around the rim and the outside touch to punish opponents who dare leave him open from deep.
Gavin Carter, sr., G, Chaparral: After a breakout junior season that saw him put up averages of 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, the 6-foot-3 guard is the primary reason the Wolverines are expected to rebound after a first-round exit in last year’s state playoffs.
Andrew Crawford, sr., G, ThunderRidge: The consensus No. 1 senior in the state, the 6-foot-6 CU commit leaves no aspect of the game untouched. A high-level scorer (19.7 ppg), rebounder (11.0 rpg) and defender (1.8 bpg, 1.4 spg) with vision (6.3 apg), Crawford is the centerpiece of a long and deep T-Ridge squad that enters the season as the team to beat in 6A.
Elijah Eschmeyer, jr., G/F, Peak to Peak: The Pumas submitted their winningest season in 11 years last winter thanks in large part to the talents of Eschmeyer, a 6-foot-7 wing who pairs elite rim protection (4.0 bpg) with a diverse offensive skillset (13.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) that belies his size.
Torian Gasaway, sr., G, Smoky Hill: A supporting player on the Buffs’ Great 8 squad last year, Gasaway (9.1 ppg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg) and fellow senior Kevin Sylla, a 6-foot-8 post, are ready for bigger roles on a team with even bigger aspirations.
Noah Hellem, sr., G, Air Academy: Hellem’s blend of athleticism and shot-making makes the 5-foot-9 guard a tough cover. With shooting splits of 53% from the field, 49% from 3 and 81% at the free-throw line last year, the 14.8-point-per-game scorer will be counted on to keep last season’s 5A runners-up competitive after the exodus of a strong senior class.
Braydon Jacob, sr., PG, Lutheran: A deadeye shooter (career 39% from 3-point range) capable of creating shots for himself (20.0 ppg) and others (3.5 apg), the 4A all-state returnee is the offensive centerpiece of a Lions team eyeing a state title after last year’s run to the Final Four.
Brady Kennison, sr., G, Thompson Valley: A second-team all-state pick with averages of 20.8 points, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals last season, the 6-foot senior has helped transform TV into a 5A contender as a three-level scorer who’s more than capable of holding his own on the defensive end.
Emilek Jallow, sr., F, Bear Creek: Long, athletic and skilled at 6-foot-4, Jallow can swallow up shots at the rim (2.2 bpg), punish defenders off the dribble or in the paint (13.2 ppg, 1.9 apg) and clean up the glass (8.1) with a well-rounded, two-way game.
Jayce King, sr., G, Fort Collins: After playing second fiddle to all-state big man Luke Wagstaff last winter, the 6-foot-1 King gets center stage for a Lambkins program fresh off a Great 8 trip. If last year’s production is any indication (18.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg), a starring role should suit him just fine.
LaDavian King, jr., G, Eaglecrest: Shifty and decisive with the ball in his hands, the second-team 6A all-state selection (17.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg) enters his third varsity season as a seasoned, capable leader for a Raptors team loaded for a run at the Denver Coliseum.
Jordan Leslie, sr., PG, Mullen: Committed to Dartmouth football as a wide receiver, the 6-foot-1 point guard with a heady all-around game (22.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 6.9 apg, 4.6 spg, 1.1 bpg last winter) could’ve just as easily hooped at the next level, too.
Anthony Nettles, jr., PG, Douglas County: Given a leading role as a sophomore, Nettles proved to be a smooth operator for the Huskies with averages of 18.5 points and 4.3 assists on 44% shooting. Throw in some pesky on-ball defense (3.3 spg) and there’s a lot to like.
Kyree Polk, sr., P, Vista PEAK Prep: The Bison enter the season with great expectations as the No. 2 team in CHSAANow.com 5A coaches poll, thanks in large part to a loaded senior class led by 6-foot-3 guard Alante Monroe-Elazier and the 6-foot-10 Polk.
Dominic Rhoades-Martinez, jr., G, Denver South: Sidelined for the second half of his sophomore year, Rhoades-Martinez returns ready to pick up where he left off. Between playing passing lanes and harassing ball-handlers (5.1 spg) and running the show on the offensive end (16.0 ppg, 5.6 apg), the 6-foot point guard’s two-way impact is immense.
Bryce Riehl, jr., PG, Mesa Ridge: After quarterbacking the Grizzlies football team to the 4A quarterfinals this past fall, the 5-foot-11 all-state selection is back to defend the 5A boys basketball crown he helped win as Mesa Ridge’s unflappable point guard (13.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.5 spg).
Tevin Riehl, sr., G, Mesa Ridge: The other half of Mesa Ridge’s all-Riehl, all-state backcourt, Tevin is an accomplished multi-sport athlete himself. Armed with a feathery outside shooting touch (46% career on 3s), playmaking ability (14.1 ppg. 4.2 apg) and strong defensive instincts (2.5 spg), the elder Riehl complements younger bro’s steady hand perfectly.
Cole Scherer, jr., G, Valor Christian: The leading scorer (15.6 ppg), shot-creator (5.0 apg) and defensive pest (2.2 spg) for last year’s 6A Great 8 team, the 6-foot-2 Scherer enters his third varsity season with 1,000 career points in sight and a chance to make even more noise at Denver Coliseum on the table.
Charlie Spann, sr., G/F, ThunderRidge: Strong, deliberate and instinctual on the ball, the 6-foot-5 left-handed wing is a talented scorer (21.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) who has no problem finishing in traffic, pulling up from deep or using his size to punish defenders in the post.
Damarius Taylor, sr., G, Regis Jesuit: A complementary piece (12.8 ppg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg) opposite TaRea Fulcher in last year’s Raiders backcourt, the 5-foot-11 Taylor will take on a bigger role this winter as Regis looks to reload after a dream run to the 6A Final Four.
Mac Terry, sr., G, Rock Canyon: There will be no step back for Rock Canyon following the graduation of all-everything point guard Gavin Hershberger. Not with the 6-foot-4 Terry (10.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.3 apg) and a deep senior class ready to fill the void.
Daniel Thomason, jr., F, Fruita Monument: Agile, active and skilled at 6-foot-6, Thomason is an all-court menace (13.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.0 bpg) for a Wildcats team that returns every major contributor from last year’s 21-3 squad.
Jordan Wenger, sr., G, The Classical Academy: The 3A triple jump and high jump champ last spring, the 6-foot-2 Wenger is a leaper of the highest order. With a smooth shooting stroke, tight handle and high-energy game, the returning 4A all-state pick (19.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 spg) is no slouch on the basketball court, either.
Ty Yoder, jr., G, Resurrection Christian: From his textbook stroke (41% on 3s, 92% on free throws) to his calm presence and high basketball IQ (3.7 assists to 1.6 turnovers/game), Ty is in many ways a mirror image of his dad, Cougars head coach and former CSU star Ryan Yoder. With 6-foot-11 Metro State commit Jacob Baker manning the paint, and 6-3 junior Cade Crutcher providing another weapon on the wing, he may soon be a state champion, as well.
* All stats taken from Maxpreps.com.
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