The Continental VS Centennial Challenge pits arguably the best 5A boys basketball confernces against each other for a summer time throw down. As with most summer events a number of teams are missing players that would normally see playing time in the regular season as well as some head coaches have been unable to attend. We weren’t able to take in all the games of the Challenge, but here are a few things that stood out.
The Challenge has been run very smoothly and the play overall has been solid.
Through the first day of play this is how the standings looked:
Day 1 Take Aways
1. Overland can compete with out three of their starters. Senior forward Ryan Sawn is more than just a glue guy, he is a skilled player that can do a number of things well. The question that remains is who will be the person to bring the defensive intensity that Tarin Williams was known to bring last year.
2. Eaglecrest is really good. The Ross brothers will be one of the top backcourts in the state next season. Get used to hearing the name Peter Anderson. The 5’11 Anderson is a talented shooter and very athletic. Senior 6’6 forward Blend Avdili is solid and consistent as the come and can do everything well.
3. Chaparral was missing at least two key players (Moody and Holtzmann), but played tough. Look for senior guard Chase Coon to be a major contributor for this years team.
Day 2 schedule
1. Arapahoe will give people fits this season by the way they play.
2. Smoky Hill plays with passion and energy. You better bring your lunch pail because its going to be a long day when you play them.
3. Legend might have one of the best junior classes in the state with pg Riley Matticks, Wings – Danny Garrick, Monroe Porter and Jared Small. It will take some time for the young Titans to mature and when they do, watch out. Jared Small has all the tools to be a really really good player.
4. Rock Canyon will have one the state’s best backcourt tandems with Eric Garcia and Mitch Lombard. Garcia can score from any place on the floor while Lombard seems to have eyes in the back of his head at times. The connection that these two play with is outstanding.
By the time we had to leave Eaglecrest had finished the day at 4-0. Look for updates on the Challenge at @bball_co .
