Breakout Candidates in Colorado: Class of 2021

We’re all still waiting for basketball to return in earnest to the Centennial State. But while we do, there have been plenty of players who we’ve kept a close watch on and it’s clear that they’re poised for breakout seasons once everyone returns to their respective gyms and competition resumes. Over the next few months, be sure to familiarize yourself with these players. While they may not be household names just yet, expect their stocks to rise as they climb the ranks in Colorado. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145395" first="Adrienne" last="Harnum"], PG, 5’7, Columbine</strong> Harnum has flown a bit under the radar on a Rebels club that has several other top prospects on its roster. But her impact was impossible to ignore in 2019-20. The soon-to-be senior point guard averaged 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 steals a night and those numbers don’t do justice to the intangible and unnoticed ways Harnum helps pace her Columbine team. A developing perimeter shooter, Harnum is an effective slasher who does an excellent job of penetrating and breaking down the defense to set up open looks for her teammates. The epitome of a glue player, Harnum’s focus is always on the scoreboard, not the scorebook, and she will be a player to watch closely as a senior who could be the linchpin that takes Columbine hoops to the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116817" first="Liliani" last="Krause"], SF, 5’9, Widefield</strong> It’s not as though Krause didn’t have a great junior season. It’s just that she has flashed such high potential that it’s exciting to think what she’ll be capable of as a senior if she takes a couple steps forward. In 2019-20, the 5-foot-9 small forward averaged 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and three steals per game. She also posted a season high 23 points twice, against Mesa Ridge and Cheyenne Mountain. Krause is an athletic, versatile player who can guard multiple positions and fill multiple roles on offense. Her athleticism makes her a dynamic player who can attack the rim and break down opposing defenses. Still developing as a 3-point shooter and improving at the free-throw line, Krause has immense upside and will be a player to watch in 2020-21. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95139" first="Tia" last="Slade"], SF, 5’11, Highlands Ranch</strong> Slade showed immense promise as a sophomore with Chaparral in 2018-19 but had to sit out last season because she transferred to Highlands Ranch. In her 10^th-grade year, Slade averaged 5.9 points and six rebounds a game. A solid ball handler for a taller player, Slade brings a lot to the table. She can attack the rim off the dribble and compete in the post both offensively and defensively, as well as rebounding to give her team extra possessions. On a team that is already one of the truly elite programs and 5A title contenders in Colorado, Slade will be a welcome addition and a player to keep an eye on this winter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116766" first="Teja" last="Tsangarakis"], PG, 5’6, Chaparral</strong> Tsangarakis missed last season because of an injury but she’ll be back and ready to go for 2020-21. A talented ball handler with great court vision, the 5-foot-6 point guard will be a welcome addition to an already-talented Chaparral squad that reached the second round of the 5A state tournament last season. As a sophomore in 2018-19, Tsangarakis averaged 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Considering the work Tsangarakis has reportedly put in during this atypical offseason, that type of production will certainly be a boon for the Wolverines and should have this under-the-radar player jumping onto many coaches’ radars when prep basketball returns to Colorado. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116772" first="Nicole" last="Levine"], 5’6, CG, Evergreen</strong> If you’re looking for a player who does whatever it takes to help her team succeed, look no further. As a sophomore, Levine averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 steals and two assists a game while supporting a strong group of upperclassmen. As a junior, her line read 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals while she helped the Cougars reach the second round of the 4A state tournament with the help of emergent freshman [player_tooltip player_id="95211" first="Jameson" last="Mott"] (11.8 ppg) and several seniors. Levine is a trustworthy stalwart at both ends of the floor and has enviable mental fortitude. She has excellent hand-eye coordination and a team-first attitude that has helped keep a solid Evergreen program on track for several seasons. Levine can push the pace offensively and generate turnovers with her active feet and good instincts on defense. Not one to obsess over statistical numbers, Levine does the little things required for her team to succeed and will be a player to watch this winter.