Above the rim: Fort Collins-area high school boys basketball players to watch this season

After a year of senior-laden rosters and elite individual and team success, this winter will be a transition season for Fort Collins-area boys basketball.

Gone are four all-state players and five more honorable mentions across three of four classifications for local teams.

But there are plenty of talented players who have been waiting for their turn to shine.

Here’s an early look at 13 players (plus some bonus names) worth keeping an eye on this boys basketball season:

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Jayce King, Fort Collins

The Lambkins' senior is the area's best returning player after a breakout junior season during Fort Collins' Great 8 run.

Given big man Luke Wagstaff's graduation, the offense will run through King this season. He's got all the tools as a dynamic combo guard with the ability to rise up and create his own shot from anywhere.

King already averaged 18.5 points per game last year while earning first team Front Range League honors. If he can maintain his shooting efficiency (53% overall, 40% from 3 and 92% on free throws), expect the Adams State commit to be among the state's elite.

Kaden Cox, Poudre

The Impalas' senior patrols the paint on both ends. He'll be a cornerstone for Poudre this season and possibly the best big man in Fort Collins.

Cox has the height at 6-foot-8 to play bully ball, but he's also adept with his post footwork and can maneuver around and past defenders with uncanny athleticism.

He already averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last season, but those numbers may go up in a Poudre offense that should play more inside-out this year.

Eli Nutting, Fossil Ridge

The SaberCats are an unknown this season after graduating 10 seniors from a stable squad that made consecutive state title games.

We do know Fossil Ridge will be driven by their wings, and Nutting is a dynamic one. He's a sharpshooter and capable cutter offensively, while bringing hustle and tenacity on defense and via rebounding.

He's off to a good start, dropping 17 points and six rebounds in Fossil's season-opening win over Vista Ridge.

Madden Smiley, Windsor

Smiley was a freshman standout on the Wizards' 5A Final Four team, a perfect complement to Windsor's senior-heavy team.

Now, Smiley will be more of an offensive focal point after averaging 8.4 points per game last season. The sophomore's got the all-around game for it, using his lanky frame to be a disruptive defender and allowing him to get shots off over defenders.

Keep an eye on this Windsor team, which took defending 6A champ Denver East to overtime in the season opener.

Avantae Hood, Rocky Mountain

The Lobos are replacing their top four scorers. That means a dynamic guard like Hood (7 points, two assists per game as a sophomore) could step in and make a huge impact.

While slightly undersized, Hood makes up for it as a strong, physical defender who can also grab rebounds. Pair that with a steady shot plus speedy athleticism and the junior has the makings of a tough two-way player.

Kellen Ball, Windsor Charter Academy

Ball is the only returning all-state player in our coverage area after earning 3A second-team honors as a sophomore.

He averaged 14.5 points and nearly five assists per game, leading the Firebirds to a 21-5 record and 3A Final 4 appearance.

With a smooth shot and great handles at guard, Ball could help offset the loss of four seniors by taking on even more playmaking duties.

Walker Shields, Fossil Ridge

Shields was capable of playing key varsity minutes last season. The SaberCats were just senior heavy.

Now, he'll be one of Fossil Ridge's primary options as a scorer and slasher to the rim.

While he can play point guard, expect head coach Matt Johannsen to utilize him on and off the ball, forcing defenses to respect Shields' shot and ability to finish at the rim.

Carson Ford, Liberty Common

The senior is the Eagles' go-to option offensively after notching 12.6 points per game for a Liberty Common team that often struggled last season.

But there's optimism Ford and eight other varsity returners can flourish under new head coach Brad Richardson. Expect Ford to see more open looks this winter as the Eagles chase postseason contention.

Tanner Mock, Timnath

Mock's got big-man size but an athleticism that allows him to play like a stretch four.

At 6-foot-3, Mock can disrupt opposing teams' offensive rhythm and extend them defensively with his outside shot.

Expect Mock plus Luke Jacobson and Kyle Nelson to have the Cubs on an upward trajectory from their inaugural 6-16 season.

Johnnie Reed, Windsor

Johnnie, younger brother of former Wizards standout Olivia, was key down the stretch last season with 22 points in three playoff wins.

The wing/forward should step into a more prominent role for the Wizards this season.

The Black Hills State signee is sound on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he has a sharp shot and the ball-handling to create his own looks. Reed scored 21 against Denver East, flashing his potential early this season.

Raul Bertinato, Heritage Christian

The Eagles' senior guard is aggressive yet patient on both ends of the floor.

Bertinato plays with a quick bounce, getting good looks at the basket above and through traffic.

After averaging 13 points and seven rebounds last season (both tops on HCA's 16-6 team), Bertinato and running mate Levi Hermsen will be tough to stop for Eagles' foes.

Luke Foster, Poudre

Foster is one of the most athletic big men in the area, and he'll form a potent interior defensive duo with Cox for the Impalas.

While the junior may improve offensively with more opportunities after Silas McCurnin's graduation, expect Foster to make a bigger impact on defense, where he's a shot-swatter who can also clog the passing lanes.

Alexis Mendez, Wellington

The shifty guard was a bright spot during a rough debut season for the Eagles, dropping 10 points per game as a volume shooter last year.

Mendez is capable of going off for 20-plus points like he did twice last season.

Bonus Names to Know:

• Marcel Herrera, Fort Collins

• Andrew Schams, Windsor Charter Academy

• Ross Frank, Rocky Mountain

• Luke Jacobson, Timnath

• Brady Kingsley, Windsor

• Levi Hermsen, Heritage Christian

• Jackson Folkstad, Fort Collins

• Pierce Richardson, Liberty Common

• Angel Mijares, Poudre

• Sean Purvis, Fossil Ridge

• Daniel Mbadinga-Nzamba, Rocky Mountain

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado boys basketball 2023-24: Fort Collins-area players to watch