Cory Parker, Aspen
It was a year of firsts for the Skiers basketball program.
Aspen’s trip to state and subsequent top-four finish was a school best, and a lot of thanks goes to Cory Parker. His dossier includes a two-time Western Slope League player-of-the-year selection; back-to-back all-state selections; and now the first Skier to earn 3A Mr. Basketball honors.
“I remember watching him as a chubby fifth- and sixth-grader, and wow, what a transformation,” Aspen coach Steve Ketchum said. “He’s the best all-around player, and I mean on both ends of the court, we’ve ever had.”
Parker led the team in every offensive category — including 21.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game — and will take his shooting touch to Drake as a preferred walk-on.
“This is an amazing accomplishment, and I’ve always dreamed about being in a position to earn this,” said Parker, who sports a 3.6 GPA.
Jon E. Yunt, The Denver Post
