2018-19 Preseason Basketball Colorado 5A Top10

11/19/2018

As you may have heard here on Colorado Preps Basketball Colorado released the preseason 5A Top10 today.

1. Grandview – Obviously the defending state champs should be at the top of the rankings to start the season.  The Wolves are loaded with two players of the year candidates in senior Dayne Prim and junior Caleb McGill but injuries and football may keep them from having a fast start.  However, guards Devon Walker, Tyler Unger, and Lian Ramiro are very good together. Come tournament time they will be ready to repeat.
2. Regis Jesuit – The Raiders have talented players coming back that saw a lot of time on the court last year as juniors that went 19-6 and many thought they would be a 20 plus win team last year.  This year 20 wins shouldn’t be an issue for this group of seniors with 6’9 Daniel Carr and 6′ 8 Matt Wheelock both are big bodies that can shoot the ball. Seniors guards Payton Egloff and Jamil Safieddine are dynamic guards. The Raiders could have a game-changing transfer in junior Travier Craddock.
3. Smoky Hill – The Buffaloes feature arguably the best backcourt in the state with junior Quinten Rock and senior Kenny Foster. Both are preseason player of the year candidates. Rock can run the show and Foster they Wyoming signee is the best finisher in the state. Smoky has some good young players as well expect Jalen Weaver to have a big impact this season.
4. Chaparral – Had Ronnie DeGray not transferred to a prep school back east, Chaparral would have been the choice out of 5A this year. However, DeGray left and junior Kobe Sanders quest for a ring has gotten more difficult. Sanders does have a very capable crew to play with that can create some noise in the state.
5. Rangeview – The Raiders are seasoned veterans after spending the last two year being somewhat young.  The Speller twins are now juniors and ready to take on all comers.
6. Denver East – East will have to have had to fall on some very hard times for them not to be in the Top10 mix. East will be led by senior Kwane Marbel this season with his scoring ability and feel for the game. The other Angels will get there’s off the defensive side of the floor.
7. ThunderRidge – The Grizzlies could be a top 5 defensive team in the state behind seniors Bailey Verk, Austin Holt, and Kevin Sax.  Each one is tough as the day is long and are willing to do the dirty work. The biggest question is who will they look to for a scoring pop.
8. George Washington – The Patriots are going to be a bit inexperienced this season however they do have super sophomore Kendale Johnson. He is one the top sophomores in the state. GW will have size though with two players standing 6’8 or better. Seniors Blake Whitelaw and Mailk Patton are going to cause opponents plenty of problems this season. This could also be the breakout season that senior guard Jovon Nelson has been waiting for.
9. Columbine –The Rebels are poised for a great year. They took their lumps last year going 14-11 but Luke O’Brien emerged as on the top shooters and scorers in the state. The supporting cast around O’Brien has gotten better now a year older and wiser the Rebels are ready to be the talk of Jeffco 5A. Don’t be surprised if the Rebels make a run to the Coliseum.
10. Eaglecrest – The Raptors graduated their leading scorers off last seasons team but they return a good portion of it. Junior Zion Ruckard will probably in charge and Aaron Bokol will be the senior ready for a big year.  Senior forward Thurbil Bile brings a good motor around the rim. Don’t forget about sophomore Ty Robinson who is one of the best in the state.