Basketball Colorado Week 1 Top10
11/27/2016
Wow! That was quick. It seems like it was just yesterday that the season ended at the Coors Event Center with Overland hoisting it’s second straight championship trophy. However, the new season is here and it starts this Wednesday with a full slate of games. The place to be Wednesday is at the GOJO Tournament at Fossil Ridge High School. The game of the night could be Vista Ridge vs. Denver South. Both teams are making the jump to 5A this year after being very good the past couple of years in 4A.
It looks like this year will be one of the most wide open regular seasons in a long time. There are 15-20 teams that could right now make an argument that they should be in the Top10 like Cherokee Trail or Chaparral.
10. Lakewood
Will get tested right off the bat against Highlands Ranch. This could be the one chance that Senior Kolton Peterson and the rest of the Tigers get to prove they are worthy of the Top10. If they lose it won’t be until week 3 when they have three games against Top10 type teams to redeem themselves before the Christmas break
9. ThunderRidge
Yes, yes. I know, I know. It’s too low for the Grizzlies to be ranked. While Coach Ortiz is one of the best coaches in the state, this particular den of Grizzlies is a bit unproven. Senior Corey Seng and junior Kaison Hammonds have the most experience for TR and no question the make up one of the better backcourts in the state. The question is how will the newcomers respond?
8. Regis Jesuit
The early portion of the Raiders schedule will be interesting as both big man transfers are more than likely out till after Christmas. That doesn’t mean that the Raiders won’t be competitive but the will get tested the first game out against Overland. If both big men were available Regis is a top 3 team.
7. Denver East
The only reason East is in at #7 is because junior transfer Daylen Kountz has to sit 11 games. He is that big of a difference-maker for the Angels. East has the big men and the guards to keep the Angles rolling until Kountz returns.
6. Smoky Hill
The Buffaloes are ready to stampede their opponents. Talented , skilled, and young. The biggest early season in state test won’t be until December 13th @ #2 George Washington. The only reason the Buffaloes are not ranked higher is it remains to be seen how this young team will handle adversity. If last Saturday was an indication, sophomore Kenny Foster is ready to handle it all.
5. Doherty
Senior guard Brevin Brimble is as skilled as any guard in the state. The Spartans have big expectations this year and should roll into week 2 undefeated.
4. Grandview
The Wolves have two dominating seniors with LeChaun Duhart and big man Gage Primm. Add in a couple of talented underclassmen and Grandview will challenge the best in the state.
3. Rock Canyon
Coach Grams has the Jaguars stalking the competition. The Jaguars have one the best guards in the state in junior Sam Masten and Coach Grams system is perfect for the talent they have.
2. George Washington
No one in the state has three guards like the Patriots. Factor in GW’s ability to play defense and some teams will struggle to get the ball past half court.
1. Eaglecrest
The Raptors have the best player in 5A in senior Colbey Ross and return a number of key players from last year’s state runner-up team.
