A look at top collegiate prospects coming up in the Colorado high school ranks. (Information compiled with help of coaches.)
CLASS OF 2007
(Seniors to be)
1. Andrew Hooper, D’Evelyn, 6-feet-9: He came onto the scene as a shot blocker and quickly developed as an all-around player who at times dominates in the paint. Looking at: Nevada, Washington State, Kansas and Front Range schools.
2. Stephen Franklin, Aurora Central, 6-5: Averaged 18 points and six rebounds per game as a junior. Showed type of athleticism that can ignite a gymnasium. Committed to: Colorado.
3. Devin Aguilar, Mullen, 6-1: Fast and fearless, Aguilar is being recruited by a slew of football programs and could go with either football or basketball. He can drive to the basket or step out and hit the 3-pointer. Looking at: Utah, Wichita State and Colorado.
4. Garrett Fiddler, Doherty, 6-9: A 4.0 student, he led the state in blocked shots last season. Big, physical and has the ability to score inside. Looking at: Princeton, Wichita State, San Diego State, Colorado.
5. Kyle Lewis, Kent Denver, 5-9: Makes up for a lack of height by being the most dangerous long-range shooter in the state. Excellent student. Looking at: Dartmouth, Northeastern and Bucknell.
CLASS OF 2008
1. Dallas Elmore, Poudre, 6-4: One of the top offensive players in the state, in any grade. Showing interest: Utah, Washington State and Colorado.
2. Jorge Gutierrez, Abraham Lincoln, 6-3: Capable of a highlight-reel moment or two every game, he is athletic and deceptively strong. Showing interest: Colorado, Colorado State, New Mexico and Fresno State.
3. Xavier Howard, Skyview, 6-4: Averaged more than 17 points a game as a freshman and nearly 15 per as a sophomore.
4. O’Rion Hughes, Gateway, 6-3: He is dynamic, quick and likes to attack in the paint. His leaping ability has been described by more than one prep coach as “awesome.” Showing interest: Long list of schools, including Colorado and CSU.
5. Mookie Gilbert, East, 6-6: A polished shooter who can play as a big guard or small forward.
CLASS OF 2009
1. Dave Arnold, ThunderRidge, 6-2: Saw limited playing time on a loaded Grizzlies team, but considered the best of the class at this early stage.
2. Nik Pavlich, Chaparral, 5-10: His last-second, game-winning 3-pointer against ThunderRidge was quite a moment. Excellent ball handler. Pavlich and Arnold were chosen to attend the Phenom150 camp of top underclassmen.
3. Marquis Burleson, Doherty, 6-2: A big guard who can jump, dunk, shoot and attack. Needs work on his defense.
4. Kameron Wilhite, Pueblo South, 6-0: Outstanding on defense. Starting to become a threat on offense.
5. D.J. Dickson, Sierra, 6-6: Still growing and has proven ability to score inside and rebound, which complements his solid defense.
-Tom Kensler and Brady Delander
