Ball Fever: As Conference Tournaments Heat Up, Who’s Doing the Dirty Work?
By Thomas Trotman
Welcome back hoop, fans! Two weeks ago The Fever Crew covered some very “intimate” league match ups that have now set us up for the final stretch run, league tournaments, and final playoff seeding for our #MileHighMadness !!!
At least once per year, the Fever Crew likes to take one of our articles and try to find some of our guys who “do the dirty work!”. We have covered, and everyone loves, the scoring, assist type leaders but this week we’ll give a “lil shine” to other stat leaders…Let’s dig in:
Tuesday 2/17:
The Fever Crew got out to Rangeview’s “senior night” and got to see Denver East up close and personal. They have guards who can give any squad trouble and tonight we have an intriguing match of East vs. unbeaten 5A #4 Regis Groff who are looking to show they belong and that their 20-0 unbeaten record is legit! Groff scores almost 83 points per game but also standing out is some of that “dirty work” we discussed in Jayden Kraymer’s 6 steals per game…
Gold Division Denver Public Schools action in #10 George Washington hosting Northfield. Point guard Jack Young is averaging 7 assists and 3 steals for the Patriots who will have a lot to deal with on their hands as Judah Michael has returned healthy for Northfield.
***Other Tuesday “Ball Fever Fav’s”: Rocky Mountain vs Windsor has two of our states top scorers in Mankin and Smiley…worth the price of admission!
6A “TOP 10 ALERT!!!” Non league action this late in the season??? We’re here for it when it’s #2 Ralston Valley vs. #6 Mountain Vista. Both squads with “dirty work” rebounding studs with Oliver Junker of the Golden Eagles and Zeke Andrew’s of the Mustangs both pulling down 8 rebounds or more per night!
Wednesday 2/18:
No stranger to “dirty work” is the entire Rock Canyon squad who held steady at #5 in 6A with an 18-3 record. With cupid being out last weekend, only right we recognize big man Kai Valentine’s 10 rebounds and 2 block per game for the Jags.
There’s our #1 6A squad who has a Continental League game of their own vs. Ponderosa and look to stay unbeaten in league play with big senior Luke Williams holding down the paint with 3 blocks per outing.
Another new entry, last week at #10, and now Horizon is 17-4 overall holding down the #8 spot in 6A with Jeremiah Chaves dishing out 5 assists and grabbing 2 steals per game and he’ll try vs. always tough Longmont this night.
Thursday 2/19:
Cherry Creek has quietly grinded away to 17-4 record and joined our Top 10 for the first time. Young Montae Johnson leading the Bruins with 4 assists and 3 steals each night out along with carrying the scoring load. Tough task vs. league-foe Overland this night.
Out west, Daniel Anderson is pulling down 8 “boards” and over 1 blocks per game for #6 Eagle Valley who will host Battle Mountain in league play.
Friday 2/20:
The Jags of Rock Canyon back at it again this week and want to maintain only 1-loss in league play but nothing more Regis would love to do and make that loss #2.
The Jags will be pulling for Mountain Vista a bit in another “TOP 10 ALERT” in 6A this week as #1 Chaparral and the Golden Eagles will have the house rocking in one that will help decide the Continental League title…
Saturday 2/21:
Speaking of league titles, the place to be Saturday at 3 p.m. is the 6A “TOP 3 ALERT” in Ralston Valley and Arvada West settling things 6A Jeffco style! What a way to end the regular season!
OK, Hoops fans! We are down to the final week of the regular season, senior nights, and numerous memories to be had. Get out and support our neighborhood teams. These awesome athletes deserve our love and support!
The Ball Fever Crew will be following along all week! Catch us on Twitter/X: @BallFever_CO_Tr
Always 72 & Sunny in the Gym!!!
