Class of 2026 is shaping up as one of Colorado’s best
When the Class 6A state boys basketball playoffs begin Wednesday with firstround matchups, keep an eye on the youngest kids on the court. The Class of 2026 is quickly shaping up to be one of the best boys’ basketball classes Colorado has ever produced. Here’s a look at a dozen impact freshmen to watch in the 6A bracket.
Smoky Hill Kai Mcgrew (6-foot-8):
No, Mcgrew doesn’t look like a freshman. He might not even pass for a senior. Physically intimidating, Mcgrew is averaging 10.2 points and 8.6 rebounds for the title-hopeful Buffaloes.
Carter Basquez (6-5):
Smoky Hill’s other young ringer, Basquez fits in well with the Buffaloes’ positionless basketball philosophy. Versatile inside and out, he’s averaging 7.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 28 Rocky Mountain at No. 5 Smoky Hill, 7 p.m. Thursday
Grandview Gallagher Placide (6-8):
As one of the imposing Placide twins, Gallagher’s handles and scoring skills are polished for his age. He’s averaging 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Gavin Placide (6-8):
The other twin is the Wolves’ point guard. Gavin is averaging 9.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 19 Doherty at No. 14 Grandview, 6 p.m. Wednesday
Cherry Creek Jeremiah Hammond (6-2):
Hammond is the top-ranked freshman in the state according to Prep Hoops, and the guard is averaging 6.1 points and 2.5 rebounds for the Bruins.
Franck Belibi (6-0):
The younger brother of Stanford basketball star Fran, Belibi has a lot to live up to. Super athletic with lots of length and room to grow in his game, he’s averaging 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 17 Cherry Creek at No. 16 Ralston Valley, 7 p.m. Wednesday
Fairview Elliot Moskowitz (6-3):
Class 6A’s freshman leader at 14.7 points, Moskowitz is pacing the Knights in scoring this year in tandem with his senior brother, Myles. Also averaging 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Izaiyah Romero (6-1): Another high-scoring freshman for the Knights, Romero is averaging 10.7 points and a team-leading 5.5 rebounds. Also averaging 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 21 Fairview at No. 12 Fruita Monument, 6 p.m. Wednesday
Rocky Mountain Ryan Van Alsburg (6-7):
Also a standout lacrosse player, the forward still has plenty of room left to grow into his frame, and is averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds.
Daniel Mbadinga-nzamba (6-7):
The son of Kim Mbadinga-nzamba, a former Colorado State player and coach, Mbadinga-nzamba is averaging 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds from the post.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 28 Rocky Mountain at No. 5 Smoky Hill, Thursday 7 p.m.
Fruita Monument Jhett Wells (6-1):
Part of the balanced Wildcats offense, the guard — and former waterboy for Fruita’s girls’ team when his dad was the coach — is averaging 8.7 points and 2.1 rebounds.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 21 Fairview at No. 12 Fruita Monument, Wednesday 6 p.m.
Ralston Valley Caiden Braketa (6-3):
His older brother Tanner is averaging 22 points per game, and his father, Chris, is the head coach of the team. So far, the shooting guard is living up to the family name with averages of 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.
First-round playoff matchup:
No. 17 Cherry Creek at No. 16 Ralston Valley, Wednesday 7 p.m.