For a few years now, a Utah Top50 Elite League was set-up for high school basketball. This is an invitation only league (you can apply to request an invite) and the top boys from across the state are selected and put onto teams to compete together at a higher level. It's a great way for the boys to get some additional coaching and play, and to get to know other players personally.
Colton was happy to get an invite this year, and get in a little pre-season play and exposure.
... a list of the teams.
Interesting to see the spread between schools and across the state.
Some boys traveled FAR for games.
This was close - at the SLCC campus.
Final games played downtown at the Delta Center!
One thing ... 10 players, SIX teams ... that doesn't = 50
I think originally it was just 50, but the demand is so high they allowed a few more.
Colton has gotten a bit used to being "the best" on his teams, the core player ... here? Not quite as much. When you bring in the best of the best, it's harder to stand out. The Coaches didn't really know the players, just going off a glance and stats ... Colton didn't even start the first few games, spent more time on the bench than is usual for him. But then he started getting more playing time, more opportunities in game. One memorable moment was hitting a half-court buzzer beater. You can see the team highlight reels in a TOP50 playlist of all six games. There are #mycoltonclips of all six games too. These games were played in September and October 2023.
Buzzer Beater!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyRPKMhPS-Q/
... unfortunately Colton's Lightening wasn't able to get a win during this tournament. Several close games. These teams were stacked with the best players! KSL streamed all the TOP50 games, and even though I was there in person, I would listen to the stream on my headphones (which could be a bit strange, as the timing was off by 30-60 seconds). I like to hear the commentary, especially when it's compliments about my kid. Fun to "get to know" the other boys a little, and then to recognize them later on in the season as they played for their high school teams.
