Ball Fever’s preview of the 5A and 4A boys basketball state tournaments
We started out with some clear favorites in Class 4A/5A boys hoops, but it’s not totally surprising that some unexpected squads have risen to the top with a few being ranked No. 1 at different times of the season.
Those who follow Ball Fever also know we don’t think this is a rare time for Colorado hoops, but a result of numerous factors leading to good basketball being played on our high school courts. As this season rolled along it came clear there was no clear favorite in 4A or 5A and we kind of like it that way!
The buzz about Colorado hoops is legit and we can thank a growing basketball community for that from our peewee rec leagues to competitive club ball, increasing individual personal training opportunities, and truly dedicated high school staffs.
The basketball product hitting the Colorado hardwood is improving and colleges of all levels are taking notice! We have even started a little tracking of the college players with our Ball Fever “College Watch” on twitter at @BallFever_CO_Tr. Great time to be a part of Colorado hoops and lets get to the madness!
Now, on to the tournament previews:
Class 5A
Bill Weimar Region
Say what you want about the EMAC league, No. 1 Rangeview faced an extremely tough non-league schedule which set Coach Palmer’s squad up to cruise through the league and finish as undefeated league champs. The Raiders are stacked from top to bottom of the roster with seniors Tyrei Randall, Elijah Reed leading the way along with a duo of top 2017 juniors one can find in Elijah Blake and Matt Johnson Jr.
Our 2 and 3 seeds here also had moments of being highly ranked during the season with lofty expectations. Cherokee Trail suffered close losses throughout the season but really never left our top-10 which was a sign of their tenacious style that has earned respect throughout the season. Key here is the health of point guard Jaizec Lottie and they will need senior David Thornton to be the double-double stud he’s been all season.
Speaking of seniors stepping up: Will we finally see the veteran led Legend squad peak at the right time? They finished regular season on a run and could be poised for a March statement.
- FAVORITES: Clearly Rangeview is the cream of the region and bring a “swag” to the gym that has overwhelmed many teams early. We like the Centennial league battles to serve Cherokee Trail well in this region as well. If these two eventually meet it will be a track meet!
- WATCH OUT FOR: Top of the bracket squad to watch may be Arvada West. Luke Neff can shoot as well as anyone in the state and his big man — CU commit — Dallas Walton can alter the game in so many ways. Speaking of shooting, Fossil Ridge has the radar of Braxton Bertolette to lean on but he’s not the only one who can hurt you from the Sabercat “family.” Coach Johannsen will have his squad ready and they travel well!
Jim Baggot Region
We have discussed the fact Eaglecrest is not a “one-man show” as some think. Colbey Ross can certainly light it up but the Raptors, who rode the wave as our state’s No. 1-ranked squad for a portion of the season, have multiple young weapons who can score. The youth of Victor Garnes and strong perimeter defense of guys like Jalaugn Jackson give them a nice mix of guys who know their role and could be on a mission.
Senior Geoff Kelly and the Regis Raiders have shown the consistent balance we’ve come to expect from Coach Shaw’s teams. They slow things down and force squads to play their pace at the 2 seed in this region.
- FAVORITES: Hard to pick here! Denver East played Eaglecrest tough at their place a few weeks back and that possible Sweet 16 match up is almost a must-see. Regis has also played East and beat them on their home court. No disrespect to Grand Junction and Dakota Ridge but Raptors, Angels, and Raiders may end up getting familiar with each other again here.
- WATCH OUT FOR: Fort Collins is a “scary” No. 7 and won’t be intimidated if they make it to the Regis gym. Mountain Vista contended with all the best in Continental league, and their fate will depend on the health of point guard Isaac Essien, who didn’t play in season finale. We hope for his return to see the Eagles at their best.
Ray C. Ball Region
The Fever Crew watched that Wednesday night when the Trailblazers lost at home to a scrappy Grandview team and we believe that loss has vaulted Overland to their league-winning late run, and given them new energy focused on defending their title. Big De’Ron Davis, Jervae Robinson, and Reggie Gibson decided it was time for the seniors to take control of the squad and they haven’t lost since.
Two of our favorites to follow this year has been Doherty, who was as hot as any in the state mid-year, and Rock Canyon, who surprised the Continental League in showing they were more ready to face the best than some thought. Boulder gets a bye in this region, as well, after an impressive late run to win their league.
- FAVORITES: As previously stated, it would be hard to doubt the laser sharp focus Overland has attacked the last few weeks with. They have “been there” with extreme senior leadership that will fight to the end. We stick with our early season prediction that Overland returns to Boulder to defend their title. Almost hated to see Rock Canyon and Doherty at the bottom of the bracket together because that’s two squads which could advance if not having to possibly face in Sweet 16.
- WATCH OUT FOR: Watched Grand Junction in early season tourney play at Smoky HIll and Lakewood found they were a tough foe then … time for round two! Rock Canyon anticipates a visit from Arapahoe on Saturday and both teams gritty style of play make that a south side treat if it becomes reality. One team that can stack up with 1 seed Overland is an under the radar FNE (Montbello). The Warriors have the athletes to compete with the Trailblazers, but experience may be a factor.
Chauncey Billups Region
Started out talking about a T-Ridge/Overland rematch and two D-I commits Clay Verk and Austin Mueller would like nothing more than another shot in Boulder. But it won’t be easy as teams that make it ugly and mix it up await them immediately in Lincoln and Cherry Creek. Is there a quieter undefeated league champ than Chatfield? Well, maybe the George Washington Patriots, who also went undefeated in winning the DPL. Teams with a chip on the shoulder here, folks!
- FAVORITES: The Fever Crew likes senior leadership so the Grizzlies are obviously an easy pick but tourney play also requires steady guard play with a prime time player who can step up: ENTER George Washington, hoop fans. This squad won DPL for second year in a row on the backs of the exciting Fugett brothers but we are most impressed with scoring machine Daylen Kountz — just a sophomore but it doesn’t get much smoother than his left hand!
- WATCH OUT FOR: Did we say senior leadership? Guard play? Chatfield may have Aurora Central’s due of Ladarius Thomas and Elijah Coleman coming their way which will be fun. Jamison Washington looks healthy and we think his Lincoln Lancers will give ThunderRidge all they can handle in a potential second round match-up.
Class 4A
Maceo Broadnax Region
The Pueblo squads just beat each other up this season but it was the David Simental lead Pueblo West squad that eventually rose to the top and leads this region. A potential Sweet 16 match up of two athletic squads the Fever Crew watched recently in Denver South and Vista PEAK, who won their league for second season in a row.
- FAVORITES: The Fever Crew hasn’t seen Pueblo West this season but it’s clear they can play. We have seen Denver South. The Rebels were right there with top 5A competition and we see that helping them advance. Vista PEAK is a young fiesty squad that’s a year away in our humble opinion!
- WATCH OUT FOR: Thompson Valley will draw from those battles with Longmont and could be ready to show the rest of 4A their northern league is legit.
Mark Randall Region
Valor ended the season with a surprising loss to league foe D’Evelyn but we’ve seen those losses catapult a team to a March run. The Fever Crew has documented how the Eagles seem to have a different player take the lead on each night and we are eager to see who steps up as a leader in postseason. Jalen Sanders is the choice many feel will lead Valor to Boulder.
- FAVORITES: Pueblo South was the 4A No. 1 for a very long stretch but had a couple head-scratching losses along the way which make this squad a bit of a mystery from down south — but obviously a force to reckon with. Windsor jumped into our 4A top 10 late but was humbled by Mead late in the season, which led to a little doubt on where they stand.
- WATCH OUT FOR: Thomas Jefferson faced tough 5A squads non league and took their lumps in DPL play. That means nothing now and the Spartans have scoring punch, experience that could equal success in tourney play.
Richard Tate Region
There they are! Justinnian Jessup and Longmont return a hungry crew who were “oh so close” to a perfect season one year ago. D’Shawn Shwartz is one of our top rated players and ESPN has recognized the strong lefty. He can lead Sand Creek to a “W” on any given night.
- FAVORITES: Previously mentioned Longmont and Sand Creek are obvious with their star power but Ball Fever recognized lead point guard CJ Jennings early in the season as our 4A “sleeper” and Coach Dunn’s squad didn’t let us done continually improving, earning more top-10 4A votes along the way.
- WATCH OUT FOR: Does it get any more “watch out!!” than D’Evelyn, who recently walked into Valor and handed the Eagles a loss? Mead did the same to Windsor, and Longmont better watch Coach Berringer’s back door plays if they over extend defensively vs. Skyview.
Guy Gibbs Region
Longmont lost one game to a 5A squad and Lewis-Palmer stepped in to take the reins of 4A’s No. 1 spot. Jonathon Scott is the leader but a cast of Rangers make this squad go. Two teams, Evergreen and Rifle, who flirted with our 4A top-10, await the Rangers and won’t make it easy.
- FAVORITES: There’s that senior leadership again: Ryan Blodgett at 6-foot-4 can swing the tide of any game Golden’s way and they’re another squad playing with that “chip” on their shoulder after not being spoken of as elite during the season but have a chance to prove things now.
- WATCH OUT FOR: We’ll put it like this — WATCH OUT for two straight up scorers! Hunter Maldonado a game changer for Vista Ridge while “dirty” Mike Ranson has led the state in scoring for Pueblo Central.
Final Thoughts
Is it Wednesday yet? If the anticipation of the 5A/4A brackets and Twitter fun everyone had on Selection Sunday was any indication of what’s to come, we are in for another priceless three weeks of dreams coming true and lasting memories! Enjoy.
