It’s that time, folks! #MileHighMadness has arrived and after our COVID-shortened season the postseason in our big school Class 5A boys hoops has not let us down in terms of excitement.

Down to our Great 8, our four quadrants are boasting three undefeated squads, rematches, and some who will see each other for the third time. Familiarity will breed some great games and memories, we’re sure!

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Quadrant 1

(Steve Abeyta)

They always say it’s hard to beat a team three times in the same season but that’s exactly what our overall No. 1 seed Cherry Creek Bruins will try to day when they host Eaglecrest. In their first match up the Bruins jumped out to a 22-8 first quarter advantage that led to a 9-point home win. The Raptors didn’t allow that fast of a start in the second tilt but still lost to the Bruins at home by seven.

This game is littered with two sport studs and the 16-0 Bruins rely heavily on their back court tandem of Myles Purchase and Julian Hammond.

Purchase, affectionately known as THE HEARTBEAT of 2021 in our camp, is the defensive heart and engine of the Bruins while Hammond is as slick and smooth of a scorer as you will find anywhere averaging 23 points per game.

Another D1-bound athlete, Arden Walker, controls the paint and leads the Bruins in rebounding.

The Raptors have a “freakish” athlete of their own in Ty Robinson who is worth the price of admission for his above-the-rim action and averaging 16 points per game on the season himself. It will take a supreme effort from Robinson and crew to knock off No. 1 in their house.

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Quadrant 2

(Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

In a year where we’ve gotten used to saying, “that seems weird,” it feels very much that way that Chaparral and ThunderRidge haven’t faced each other this year. With Chap finishing league play with one loss and the Grizzlies undefeated in league play they’ll get to settle the Continental clash in true elimination fashion.

The Wolverines lead man is junior big man Joel Speckman who is almost averaging a double-double on the season with 15 points and 9 rebounds per outing, while the Grizzlies tout strong senior leadership behind assist machine Garrett Arnold at point guard with fellow senior Nolan Marold who is not afraid to bang with the best of them on the inside.

For adding scoring punch, keep an eye on guard Luke Williams from Chap and senior Jason Simental for T-Ridge. Both can score in bunches and make a difference down the stretch!

The Grizzlies boast 4 players who average in double figures and 70 points per game vs. Chap’s 59. The question here will be can Chap match the pace and scoring.

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Quadrant 3

(Austin Hogan-McCool)

This Great 8 Match up doesn’t bring a ton of familiarity and no head to head match up to draw on but it’s one of the most intriguing “public vs private” “city vs suburb” match that could go right down to the wire. 14-1 Regis will host George Washington in an early 4:30 pm start on Tuesday.

This should be a fun pace with GW averaging 77 points per game and the Raiders not too far behind at 70.

The Patriots have felt disrespected by the polls and rankings all season and this is their chance to make a huge statement for themselves and the city regarding the attention they feel they earned this season.

The Patriots earned impressive mid-season wins over Chaparral and ThunderRidge, teams that join them in the Great 8, although T-Ridge did balance that loss with a tight 3-point win in a March rematch. Nonetheless, the Patriots enter the game with extreme confidence behind Jarmell Johnson (19 points per game) and Trey Edmonds (11 points and 8 rebounds).

The wildcard here for the Patriots could be another senior, Kendale Johnson, who has the ability to step up when it counts.

The Raiders don’t boast as many seniors as the Patriots but do have four scoring in double figures on the season led by Michael Wolf and Blakely Stoughton’s 18 points per game each.

The floor general dishing assists all season has been Alonzo Paul who scores in double figures along with dishing out 5 assists each night.

The first game of the day may just be the best!

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Quadrant 4

(Steve Abeyta/steveabeytaphotography.com)

Might have spoken too soon about Regis/GW maybe being game of the night. Back on February 1, Rock Canyon gave our state’s team with the longest winning streak a true scare in a 46-44 thriller that unbeaten Rangeview pulled off late.

The Raiders are veteran heavy and an extremely poised team down the stretch which has led them to winning four games with a margin of four points or less this season. They have been tested but find a way to pull it out in the end.

Got to see them in person when they were down 18-12 to a talented Fountain Fort Carson squad Sweet 16 and they simply didn’t panic, just stuck to the game plan and their strengths.

Speaking of strength, it is simply amazing the late run the RC Jags are on late season and doing it without their leading scorer/rebounder DeAngelo Horn (electrifying two sport stud!!). The Jags blew us all away beating a well-coached perennial Ball Fever favorite in Overland by 31 points in round 1 with 17 points from senior Nick Fallin and if that wasn’t enough senior PG Fallin followed that performance up with a 35 point explosion at Fossil Ridge — one of our best, senior heavy teams in the state.

There’s no doubt the Jags are for real but they’ll have to deal with the savvy guards of Rangeview in Cade Palmer, Demajio Merritt, and Chris Watkins. A tough trio on the perimeter and a mainstay Raider down low in Jayden Foster doing all the dirty work!

Palmer paces the crew in scoring at 16 points per night and he’ll look to push the Raiders to a faster pace than that 46-44 win back in February.

That pace and heavy weight “sluggin” favors the Jags, can’t wait to see if the Raiders can speed this up and continue “The Streak”!

(Thomas Trotman/CHSAANow.com)

Last season, Gateway boys basketball finished 10-13, but a new energy and excitement can be felt around this program and a lot of this is due to first year Coach Ibn Shabazz.

Headed into this week, the Olympians are 7-3 overall and 4-1 in league play. We have verified that the Olympians 6-0 start to this season is their best start in 15 years, and possibly the best start any Gateway boys hoops squad has experienced.

Coach Shabazz has an extremely veteran squad and that’s an excellent situation for a first-year coach to walk into. Shabazz is familiar with the community and the program after being part of the staff the last three years after experiencing success in a smaller classification as a coach at DSST: Green Valley Ranch.

Trying to instill a new “culture” in the basketball program is one of Shabazz’s main goals: “We want to instill confidence, play free, and have an identity,” he said.

Players knowing who they are on and off the court is something Coach hopes his young men know is important to him, and what he strives to help them explore on a daily basis. Enthusiasm and excitement clearly come through as Coach Shabazz speaks of his team and that positive energy is certainly carrying over to the players.

Erick “EZE” Covington is one of the twelve seniors — and he’s a Team Captain — the Olympians have on their roster who can speak to this resurgence. He’s a true “hard nose” multi-sport stud who has been part of the program for four years and has embraced Coach Shabazz’s new culture.

“Playing for Coach Ib is great,” Covington said. “He knows our team strengths and builds around them and is quick to call us out on our mistakes. Coach isn’t one to draw up a bunch of plays and have us run them, but more of a coach that trusts his players and lets us just hoop with his pointers and ways to beat opposing schemes.”

Covington is a “stat-stuffin” coaches’ dream, as he averages 8 points, 4 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals through 10 games. Covington credits Coach Shabazz’s energy and new “culture” he’s brought to a group that was already very close and Shabazz won’t let the Oly’s back down from adversity.

That adversity was on display last Wednesday as Gateway was upset by Bear Creek at home after surrendering a 10-point first half lead. What was impressive was that whether this team was up or down the enthusiasm (especially during a pandemic with few in the stands) and energy from the players and staff on the bench never ceased until the final seconds.

Instead of beating themselves up about the loss, Coach Shabazz and Covington both assessed the mistakes the team made and it was all about how will they respond.

The Olympians’ other senior captain and statistical leader, Andres Arellano Jr., did just that, responding in the very next game with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals to help break the three-game losing streak the Oly’s were certainly not used to this season.

The 6’5 senior wing is new to Gateway, but noticed players talking about a different “feel” to the season right away.

“A rough and disappointing start to my senior season but after listening to and being under Coach Ibn I started to turn it around and it’s been a pretty amazing experience,” Arellano said.

Once again those words: energy, culture, and attitude exude when Arellano speaks of the program overall.

“I’ve heard so much how the culture of Gateway basketball has changed under Coach Ibn this year,” he said. “We react a lot according to Coach, he brings us energy every day in practice and in games. We feed off that energy and it’s our job to keep the energy high and play to the best of our ability.”

Coach Shabazz noted that the home loss to Bear Creek was a tough one but all he wanted to see was how his team respond to adversity. They did that with a 10-point team win at Brighton Friday night.

Speaking of a challenge! The toughest test of the season comes tomorrow when CHSAANow.com’s No. 3-ranked 5A team with the state’s longest winning streak, Rangeview, visits Gateway on Wednesday.

“With 12 proud seniors from Aurora, a lot of these boys have known each other for years and I’ll push my guys,” said coach Shabazz. Once again, another opportunity to see how his squad responds to adversity with a new energy and culture!

Hard to come away from this Ball Fever Special Assignment and not feel that the Gateway Basketball Program is in good hands for what could be many years to come.

Coach Shabazz has put in work in the community, youth basketball, mentoring, and Gateway is fulling understanding what many in the Northeast Denver and Aurora communities already knew!

(Thomas Trotman/CHSAANow.com)

(Thomas Trotman/CHSAANow.com)

It’s easy to see why there’s a bit of excitement and can even see the smile through the mask of Coach Matt Johannsen when he speaks about his current group of Fossil Ridge Sabercats, who have four senior starters and one junior who is off to an extremely hot start in our condensed basketball season.

Wednesday night was a special assignment for our Ball Fever column — Fossil Ridge vs. Fort Collins — and we were anxious to see what the “feel” was like in a rivalry game between a ton of young men who know each other well on both sides of the court.

Fort Collins came into the crosstown rivalry boasting six seniors of their own for Coach Curtis Glesmann and 1-1 in the early season.

As expected, with so many young men familiar with one another this game was a “feeling out” session early and we were tied at 17 early second quarter.

“I felt that we needed an energy boost and switched to the full court pressure”, said Coach Johannsen, and that decision turned into a 11-0 run for the Sabercats, who were stealing momentum 28-17 midway through the second quarter.

The Lambkins answered with back-to-back 3-point shots from seniors Dante Smith, who finished with team high 13 points, and Jackson Bigge, who finished the night with 10 points of his own.

The Sabercats took a 33-28 lead into the half after Smith and Bigge answered the run and an energized Fossil Ridge crew took over the second half dominating early and using their depth to wear down the Lambkins a bit.

A big part of that second half was 6-foot-4 senior Oklahoma Baptist commit Tyce Baldwin, who was quiet in the first half with three points, but got aggressive in the second half attacking the rim. He got in the paint and finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Fellow senior big man Braiden Dishman was getting it done inside as well with 12 points, and 6 rebounds.

Coach Johannsen also has a “run-through-a-wall” floor general in Luke Yoder, along with tough Owen Commesser who seem to us as “glue guy” seniors willing to do all the little things for team success.

“Commitment” was the word Coach Johannsen used when describing this special group of seniors and the entire team who have pivoted during these pandemic times and keeping their circle small — on and off the court — in order to make this season a reality.

Senior leader Tyce Baldwin spoke highly of his team and fellow seniors: “Many of us have played together since fifth grade and we’re just excited to have the opportunity to play.”

Baldwin was able to commit to Oklahoma Baptist prior to the season starting, knowing it is the right athletic and academic fit for him, and takes all the pressure off the senior season he can now enjoy with his crew.

Speaking of that senior crew, there’s also a pretty special junior in the Sabercat starting line up in 6-foot-2 guard Brock Mishak. First opportunity seeing this young man play tonight and his 19 points (9-10 free throws), 8 rebounds, 4 assist, and 2 steals were “stat-stuffin” pacing the Sabercats to this 70-54 win over rival Fort Collins.

When our CHSAANow.com preseason rankings were released, I quickly noticed that Fossil Ridge received 40 votes but were left just outside of the top 15. Something told us right away that would change quickly and Coach Johannsen would soon have this crew earning attention.

They are now 3-0 in the condensed season, No. 14 in our poll and they have the depth, senior leadership, and athleticism to make some serious 5A noise before things are said and done in this unprecedented season!

(Tim Bourke/TimBourke.com)

Well, that escalated quickly!! We’ve already been treated to a ton of action, exciting games, and of course some early upsets that none of the experts saw coming.

Let’s take a brief look and how we got here and look ahead to the 5A and 4A boys basketball Sweet 16.

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Class 5A

Chauncey Billups Region

(Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

We talked about Obi Agbim of the overall No. 1 seed Rangeview having a history of stepping up BIG come playoff time and he did just that scoring 25 points in the Raiders 40 point romp over Arvada West.

The Raiders will now face 16 seed Mountain Vista, who raced past Chatfield to the tune of 91-55! No need for the shot clock “call” when Rangeview and the Eagles hook up. Both squads averaging 75 points per game so the score keeper and statistician better be ready!

Vista will need all of Reece Kelly’s 18-point, nine-rebound average to have a chance of keeping up with the deep and talented roster of our top seed.

The higher seeds in the bottom half of the bracket played out just as the RPI predicted as well. But it wasn’t easy! Boulder, the 8 seed, held off a ThunderRidge squad we predicted would play tough to a two-point game, while Columbine held off their league foe Dakota Ridge by 5.

Boulder will be rooting for Luke O’Brien in the future once he joins the Buffaloes but they won’t be on this night! O’Brien was an absolute “stat-stuffer” in the Rebels’ win with 27 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists!

The Panthers will obviously have to set their defense to slow Luke down, if possible! Both squads come in with identical 20-4 records … something has to give!

Chuck Williams Region

(Marcus Gipson/Jmariahimages.com)

The No. 2 overall seed got a strong scare from a game Fountain-Fort Carson squad who outscored the Knights 19-14 in the fourth quarter but the come back attempt came up just short, losing by 1.

Greyson Carter does a little bit of everything and averages 17 points 9 rebounds per game and will likely match up at time with Vista Peak’s AJ Lacabe, who was right at his average of 12 points in the Bison’s 11-point win over visiting Windsor in Round 2. All of the higher RPI seeds advance here.

When the Smoky Hill Buffaloes are rolling it’s an absolute SHOW! They were ready Saturday as they poured in 105 points and pulled away from Fossil Ridge.

The Buffaloes have a pure point guard senior leader in Quinten Rock who paces them and the ultra athletic Jalen Weaver. Add in Anthony Harris Jr’s high flying antics with his complete game coming together more and more as sophomores, they are definitely worth the price of admission!

What could stop a deep and talented team? A team with another four-year starting point guard with Chaparral’s Kobe Sanders, who can heat up this time of year. Sophomore Jeremiah Coleman is becoming a nightly stat-stuff fixture for Chap, who put up 91 points of their own vs Douglas County in Round 2.

Back in December Smoky pulled off a five-point road win in Chap’s house during tourney play but as we mentioned last week Chap’s youth has stepped up and the team is not what they were months ago. A fun PACE and PLACE to be here!

Larry Farmer Region

(Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

This region brought our first “upset” as a veteran George Washington squad, led by a Kendale Johnson Jr. back to scoring in the 20s recently, who took down an up and coming young Horizon squad. This made Horizon our highest-seeded team to lose at seed 14.

The Patriots will have even more on their plate as they will have to travel to No. 3 seed Ralston Valley, who had a strong 20-point first quarter and closed with a 21-point fourth quarter to beat Arapahoe by 11.

The Fever Crew loves senior leadership this time of year and Ralston Valley had three seniors score in double figures led by big man Caleb Rillos’ 21! GW has the athletes to compete with RV’s size…this will be SWEET.

The higher-seeds prevailed in the bottom half of the Farmer Region in Valor and Eaglecrest ready to meet in the Sweet 16.

Valor is the higher seed at No. 6 and got a test from Rocky Mountain but Roger Rosengarten was 6-6 from the field for 15 total points. Armando Miller, a dynamic junior, is the Eagles usual leading scorer and they’ll need both to keep up with the Raptors 67-point-per-game average, led by Zion Ruckard’s 17 points per game.

Eaglecrest lost to Overland by 9 in early February but were able to win Saturday’s match by 12 in their third game vs the Trailblazers this year.

The Raptors and Eagles will be one of the better Sweet 16 match ups we have!

Kent Smith Region

(Kevin McNearny)

This region provided our biggest upset of 2020 in the Regis Raiders going into the Bruins den and knocking off one of the hottest teams in the state, Cherry Creek.

Many felt that the Bruins earned the No. 2 or 3 seed spot with their late-season run and winning our state’s toughest league but the 29-seed Raiders were having none of it. The Fever Crew watched Regis get their first win over GW months ago after a rare 0-9 start in- and out-of-state. We mentioned then to not let that 0-9 start fool you! Coach Shaw has found a way to get this squad playing their best ball at the right time!

Regis is loaded with juniors and Michael Wolf led the huge upset with 21 points. Not much time for Regis to celebrate as the reward for knocking off Creek is a visit to Denver East who took down Legend at home in Round 2.

The Angels don’t have the depth of East teams of the past but have a core who can play with anyone in the state when playing their pressure style game. Sophomore Quis Davis led the scoring in the win over Legend with 17 points. A true battle of contrasting styles with East averaging 85 points per game compared to Regis’ 57. 

Another surprise in bottom of this region with Broomfield seizing a 1-point win on the road at Pine Creek. Gets even tougher for Broomfield, as well, with their reward being a Sweet 16 visit to Grandview.

6-foot-9 senior Ryan Collins is leading Broomfield in points and rebounds and he will likely see a lot of the Grandview big man Caleb McGill who’s averaging 17 points per game.

The Eagles score at a faster pace then the Wolves who methodically wear you down with patience offense, depth, and size. The Wolves are senior heavy with four starters who have already committed to play college ball … the Eagles will have their hands full!

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Class 4A

Ron Vlasin Region

(David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

Our overall No. 1 seed Mead scored more than 80 points again in their Round 2 win and now take their 75-point per game average up against Silver Creek, who survived a tight 2 point win over Thomas Jefferson to reach the Sweet 16. Silver Creek and Mead will face off for the first time this year.

The Fever Crew had a chance to see Mead live this year and they are a well-oiled machine with players that know their roles and don’t try to do too much. Kudos to the coaching staff because teams with this type of talent and depth are at time hard to “mesh” but it’s clear why Mead is No. 1.

Silver Creek’s Andrew Duquette is leading his squad with 19 points per game and they’ll need that and more to keep pace with Mead.

The bottom half of the Vlasin Region brought what many thought was a possibility with No. 25 seed taking down No. 8 seed Cheyenne Mountain. Cheyenne Mountain held the No. 1 spot in our rankings for a LONG stretch this year and New Mexico bound Javonte Johnson averaged an unreal 30 points and 10 rebounds for the ENTIRE season! However, this Lincoln Lancer squad has some stud seniors of their own in TJ Bamba (Washington State commit) and Ty Foster, who led the Lancers to an 8 point win on the road.

The Lancers now travel to Montrose, who is 20-4 on the season after Round 2 two-point win over Evergreen.  Don’t look past Lincoln’s 15-10 record Montrose…these guys can hoop!

Larry Brunson Region

Glenwood Springs was not tested winning by 25 over Weld Central and their Sweet 16 opponent did face a tougher match with Green Mountain’s 50-46 win over Centaurus. Both teams average right in the mid-50’s in points per game and balanced team scoring across the board.

All signs show for this one to be close and come right down to the final minutes.

The bottom half of the bracket brings us a rematch! Back in December, Pueblo West handed Harrison a loss on their home floor 65-62. All of the higher seeds in this region advanced, as well, with Pueblo West getting Sand Creek by 3 and Harrison cruising past Sierra 55-28.

Taylor Harris is the lead man for Pueblo West here and junior Donta Dawson 19 points per game paces the Panthers in this rematch.

Guy Gibbs Region

(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

Only one team pulled an upset in this region with Widefield taking down Conifer by a convincing 13 points. The top seed in the region, No. 3 Longmont, humbled Palisade by 28 points!

Widefield’s upset success has been powered by senior Randall Days’ 20 points, 8 rebounds per game. Longmont comes in 21-3 behind Dallas Dye’s 15 points and 7 rebounds per outing. 

19-5 Skyline vs. the 18-5 The Classical Academy is our Sweet 16 match bottom half of this region. Another region with all of the RPI higher seeds advancing.

Austin Robison is the stat-stuffer for Skyline at 14 points, 6 rebounds with Micah Lambert scoring 15 points per for TCA. Another match that either team can come out on top! 

Richard Tate Region

(Dennis Pleuss/ Jeffco Athletics)

Very interesting region here! Again, the higher seeds rolled right through on the top and bottom part of the region. No. 4 seed Golden and No. 5 seed Northfield look to be on a collision course in the Great 8 but Erie and Pueblo East are both teams that have big upsets under their belts already in the regular season so they’ll be no fear on the road. 

Golden won a three-point game in early December tournament play over Pueblo East so these two teams are familiar with one another. “Freshman Alert!” Allen Acevedo scored 16 points for the Demons in that tourney game.

In the bottom half Ladorian Havard is leading Erie in points, rebounds, and blocks, while he’ll see a lot of Nahsyah Bolar who averages a double-double of 18 points, 11 rebounds for the Nighthawks. The cream will rise!

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Get out and enjoy, folks! The Sweet 16 is the last opportunity to get out and support our awesome student athletes in 5A at their neighborhood gym and 4A only has a couple games left before we enjoy the Coliseum for a finish that won’t let us down!  

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

Hello, hoops fans! It’s time for the Mile High Madness to begin with our big school Class 5A and 4A boys brackets now released! 

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.

We saw numerous teams hold the No. 1 spot in 5A and 4A this season which speaks to the parity and high level ball being played.

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!

Great time to be a part of Colorado hoops … let’s get to the Madness!

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Class 5A Preview

(Marcus Gipson/Jmariahimages.com)

Chauncey Billups Region

Don’t have to look much further than the bracket’s overall No. 1 seed in 23-0 Rangeview here. The defending champs have the depth and senior leadership needed to pull off the elusive repeat. Mountain Vista pulls the bye in the top of this region, with Boulder and Columbine getting the chance to scout their Round 2 opponent, as well. 

Boulder is the highest seed at No. 8 behind Rangeview in this region but they can’t look too far ahead because if ThunderRidge can earn a win in Round 1 vs. Lakewood then Boulder will have their hands full right away with a tough Continental league foe in the Grizzlies.

Favorites: Very easy to be tempted to type in Rangeview straight across this region with their well-documented talent of the Speller twins and veteran roster who has been here before. Senior Obi Agbim is actually the Raiders leading scoring on the season at 12 points per game on this balanced squad and stepped up big at the Coliseum one year ago. 

Watch out for: Speaking of scoring look no further than Luke O’Brien’s 25 points and amazing 12 rebounds per game for the No. 9 seed Columbine. The CU-bound guard has the ability to help the Rebels pull off an upset on any given night! Should that Rangeview/Columbine match up happen as the Fever Crew predicts for this region the Rebels will have to score to keep up with the Raiders 73 points per game. A lot has to happen before we get there…can’t wait!

Chuck Williams Region

A little RPI controversy is to be expected and here it is with Fairview coming in as the No. 2 overall seed. The Knights haven’t lost since December, are 12-0 league champs, and riding a 14-game win streak into this Region. Chaparral, Vista PEAK, and Smoky Hill are the others who earned Round 1 byes here. 

All four top seeds in region have been in our 5A top 10 poll at some point this season! Chaparral is the highest seed outside of Ralston Valley at No. 7 here. The young Wolverines have strong sophs in Jeremiah Coleman and Joel Speckman along with their senior leader Kobe Sanders who can heat up. The Wolverines are on a high after winning the Continental League. 

Favorites: Fairview and Chap are the highest seeds as mentioned but not sure either has the depth to take down Smoky Hill in this region. Smoky’s #CentennialTough schedule and myriad of athletes has them as the Fever’s crew favorite to come out of this region.

Watch out for: One thing we’ve learned over the years is to not count out that “sweet sweet left” hand of Kobe Sanders when we get late in the post season. The Wolverines suffered a five-point loss in early December tourney play to Smoky Hill but they are a much improved and cohesive squad than they were two months ago should that match up present itself again and we think it will! Tough Region Here!!

Larry Farmer Region

Well, it just continues to be tough. Just the way we like it in this region! Another RPI surprise for many is Ralston Valley rolling in at the 3rd overall seed. League champs with an overall 20-3 record have been battled tested but do they ever have some strong company in the Farmer Region with Valor, Eaglecrest, and Horizon the others waiting for Round 2 action with a bye.

The Fever Crew believes Eaglecrest has top 5-team in the state type talent and have kept a close eye on the Raptors this season. They had ups and downs in the Centennial League but don’t let that 11 seed fool you. The “Firm” of Ruckard, Robinson, and Wilson can flat out play.

Speaking of not overlooking teams, Overland can ruin anyone’s day as they’ve proven over and over this season. Possible Round 2 match up of Overland/Eaglecrest could be a heavyweight bout.

Favorites: Valor hasn’t lost since its two-point loss to Ralston Valley and are on a seven-game win streak. Valor is balanced with four players average at least 10 points per game led by Roger Rosengarten’s 12 points and 6 rebounds. Fever Crew saw the Centennial League the most this season and that may be why the prediction here is for the Raptors of Eaglecrest to get on a run late season.

Watch out for: So much to watch in this region! Round 1: Pomona has an upset over Denver East this season and would love to do nothing more to add GW to the upset list! Whoever survives will face a TALENTED young Horizon squad with numerous sophomores contributing and Brock Wisne is a “super soph” the whole state will be aware of soon…complete game averaging a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds. No. 3 seed Ralston Valley will have their hands full of Arapahoe’s guards Bryson Stephens (recent 50 point game!) and Korey Hess.

Kent Smith Region

Many felt that the run Cherry Creek has been on was certainly worthy of a No. 2 seed in the bracket but they came out as No. 4. Early season some had them predicted to finish fourth in the Centennial League but they only had one league loss and are on an eight-game winning streak with a ton of confidence. 

Joining the Bruins with Round 1 bye are Grandview, Denver East, and Pine Creek. The Wolves have four college-bound seniors in their starting line up and have depth to go far. Denver East was rolling until they ran into GW at the ThunderDome Saturday for a loss in final game of season. The Angels will be hungry.

Favorites: Don’t have to look much further than Julian Hammond and Myles Purchase of Cherry Creek for a favorite. A dynamic duo that impacts the game on both sides of the floor. When senior Sebastion Cole is contributing on the offensive end and the big men down low put in work, the Bruins are hard to beat! Grandview would love another shot down the line to avenge last week’s loss to Creek that sealed the Centennial title for the Bruins.

Watch out for: With Pine Creek playing down south the Fever Crew hasn’t had a chance to see them live. Senior guard Kenny Pham is leading Creek with 10 points, 4 assists, 3 steals per game and they’ll be motivated to show their 20-3 record is legit. Senior Peyton Westfall handling the lead scoring duties at 14 points per game. 

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Class 4A Preview

(@MeadAthletics/Twitter)

Ron Vlasin Region

Deservedly so Mead comes in as the overall NO. 1 seed. They are a fun, high paced, above-the-rim crew to watch! Inside power with the soph James Shiers and senior leadership that may be unmatched. The next highest seed here is Cheyenne Mountain who is limping into this one with an end of season loss to Lewis-Palmer.

Favorites: Our favorites are the two teams already discussed. Mead’s unselfish brand of team ball and that MAN Javonte Johnson for Cheyenne Mountain who is averaging a crazy 30-point, 10-rebound average for the ENTIRE season.

Watch out for: Lincoln has two seniors in TJ Bamba and Ty Foster who are capable of putting the Lancers on their back and upsetting any team in the region.

Larry Brunson Region

With a 20-3 overall record and unbeaten league title under their belt, Glenwood Springs comes in as an unknown to many of us hoop followers but not to folks out West. Harrison, which had its ups and downs this season, is hungry to show that their early top three ranking was not a fluke and they come in as the No. 7 seed.

Favorites: John Iuele and Mitchell Burt are senior guards from Glenwood who combine for 25 points per game. Donta Dawson is the lead man for Harrison and averaging 18 points per game for a Harrison squad eager to prove they belong in March.

Watch out for: Pueblo West has big wins on their resume, including an early-season win over Harrison on their home floor. Watch out for this 10 seed who will likely rekindle some fire with Sand Creek in round 2.

Guy Gibbs Region

Longmont comes in as the No. 3 seed in this region followed by Skyline as RPI No. 6 seed. Longmont is 20-3 overall and losses to Erie, Mead, and Silver Creek can happen to any 4A squad. 

Favorites: Skyline has a football stud senior to be dealt with in senior Austin Robison who’s at 15 points, 6 rebounds per session for the season. Speaking of big fellas! Longmont has 6-foot-4 Dallas Dye and 6-foot-8 Eddie Kurjac who are combining for 30 points every night out!

Watch out for: Classical Academy has a “stat-stuffer” in senior Micah Lamberth who averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals during the regular season. Let’s see how the young man from the Springs shows up tourney time!

Richard Tate Region

No. 4 Seed Golden and No. 5 Northfield are solid squads leading the way in this region. The Fever Crew got its first chance to see Northfield recently vs a tough game vs Denver East but foul trouble was a factor in that one. 

Favorites: Golden seems to be right there every year in 4A. Seniors McLaughlin and Mulligan both scoring 12 points per game along with a “Freshman Alert!” of Alan Acevedo’s 11 points, 5 rebounds per game. 

Watch out for: Coach Ocansey and Nahsyah Bolar’s 18 points per game woke up the DPL in a major way this year! Northfield has three other players averaging minimum 10 points per game so that balance puts them in the mix 4A, folks! None of the Ball Fever Crew would be surprised if Pueblo East or Erie makes noise in Gibbs Region … they’ve already surprised this season.

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Ok, hoop fans! Wednesday it all starts.

The RPI/Human Element/Better System debate is always interesting and no system will be perfect. 

The Fever Crew is just happy that our young basketball stars now have the chance to quiet the rhetoric and settle things on the court … the way it should be.

The Cream Will Rise! Enjoy…

(Tim Bourke)

Welcome back hoops fans! Mother Nature took control of things last week and slowed our pace but we’re heading into the home stretch of the regular season, last week’s games will be made up, and league titles are on the line! Let’s get after it:

The Look Back

Monday, Feb. 10

C-R-A-W-L-E-D up 1-25 North last night to Mead to check out our 4A No. 1 for the first time this season. They didn’t let The Game of the Night crew down as Ball Fever got to join Blake Olson on the call once again.

Frederick did what they could to slow the game’s pace with some long possessions playing keep away and not letting Mead get out and “go”! Worked well at times and Mead had 31 first-half points but then exploded for a 41-point second half walking away with a 72-35 win.

Mead is stacked, folks! Young super sophs Shiers and Knusen along with Ward, Jacobs, and Maher’s leadership will make this team a tough “out” come tournament time for sure.

Watch the full game here.

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The Look Ahead

Four new teams in the rankings this week!

Tuesday, Feb. 11

• Discovery Canyon, who gave Cheyenne Mountain their first loss of the season last week, look for another big league win vs Lewis Palmer getting the big one’s started at 6pm!
• Boulder dropped a couple spots to No. 9 and face a talented Horizon squad. The Panthers will have to attempt to contain Horizon’s super soph Brock Wisne, who’s averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds per game.
• No. 6 Fairview didn’t get to play a game last week due to weather and they hope there’s no rust against 12-7 Rocky Mountain.
• Pueblo West did win their sole game last week but fell a couple notches in the 4A Top 10 poll and get a Pueblo South squad who’s hungry for a win at 3-15.
• Christopher Speller, of No. 1 Rangeview, picked up a college offer from Mesa Univ this week and the Raiders talented roster is home vs. Brighton this night.
• A little A-Town “braggin rights” with Vista Peak and Gateway! Another fun atmosphere in D-Town will be Denver South and Lincoln…
• The “show” know as the No. 1 Mead Mavericks head to Fort Morgan. The Mavs won round one of this match by more than 30!
• Is it possible to a “quiet” 15-3 and No. 3 ranking in 4A? Well that’s exactly what Longmont is doing and they rolled Centaurus by 20 in the first game earlier this season.
• A little late 7:30pm action down south in No. 2 Cheyenne Mountain facing Sand Creek for round two of their tangle…Cheyenne Mountain won the first game by only 5. This will be good!

Wednesday, Feb. 12

• No. 3 Smoky Hill gets us started this night vs. league foe Mullen. The Mustangs will try to slow down the high flying Buffaloes.
• Golden, 4A No. 7, has a big league game against Green Mountain who won the first match in an upset by 4 points at home. Golden will look for revenge on home floor!
• Eaglecrest has dropped from our Top 10 sitting at No. 11 and they will try to prove they belong vs. No. 2 league foe Grandview. The Raptors are 5-5 in league play so no shot at the Centennial title but they’d love to play spoiler to the Wolves who have only one league loss.
• In more #CentennialTough action the Arapahoe Warriors are riding high after a big weekend upset of Eaglecrest who the Fever Crew watched the Warriors play tough on the road earlier in the season. There was no surprise Arap played tough in the 1-point win at home. But this time Arap travels to hot Cherry Creek who is now up to No. 4 in 5A.
• Ralston Valley dropped two notches to No. 5 after a last second loss last week to Columbine on the road and now they look to bounce back vs. Lakewood.
• Valor, who remained at No. 8 in 5A, have a big one against Dakota Ridge who is unbeaten in league play and Valor has one loss…can’t afford another! 
• The Fever Crew took in the Columbine upset of Ralston Valley and that win likely earned the Rebels the votes to jump back in our Top 10 at No. 7. They travel to Bear Creek to keep the momentum going. 
• Out late in A-Town??? No. 1 Rangeview puts the unbeaten overall and league record on the line on the road at 13-5 Aurora Central 7:30 p.m. late one!

Thursday, Feb. 13

• Pueblo East, who took down 4A No. 8 Pueblo West in a big way Monday night, looks to keep their league run going vs. Pueblo Centennial.
• No. 3 Longmont hosts Mountain View and looks to keep their streak alive.
• This time Roosevelt will get their shot on the well documented No. 1 Mead Mavs!
• Pueblo West will be angry after Monday’s loss to P West and host Pueblo County.

Friday, Feb. 14

• Early 5:30 p.m. Denver action in Thomas Jefferson at East and Lincoln heading over to FNE (Montbello). The Spartans will try to handle East their first league loss in that one.
• No. 9 Boulder travels to Loveland and No. 6 Fairview to Greeley West in our northwest squads who want to prove they belong and should stay in the 5A Top 10 convo!
• Air Academy was down 34-7 the first time they lost to No. 2 Cheyenne Mountain earlier this season. They’ll need a much more confident start at home in order to stay in this one!
• No love lost in this one! No. 10 Chaparral beat Thunder Ridge by 2 in early tournament play and they both come into this one with one league loss…Continental League title implications here!
• No. 5 Ralston Valley gets league foe Bear Creek. 
• In its second huge game this week Dakota Ridge will try to make a Jeffco statement this time vs No. 7 Columbine.

Saturday, Feb. 15

• Northfield, now up to No. 2 in 4A, has an intriguing games as 14-1 DSST Byers pays a visit at 2:30pm.
• Beware Smoky Hill! Arapahoe is playing some of its best ball at the right season and this will be a tough game with great guard play once again!
• Undersized Vista Peak gave all they had in Round 1 vs. No. 1 Rangeview at their place and they’ll have to dig even deeper if they stand a chance at the Raiders house Saturday afternoon.
• No. 2 Grandview won their visit to Overland by 3 points and once again this will be a Centennial heavy weight bout.
• The Raptors are a rare 5-5 in league play and No. 4 Cherry Creek is looking to stay in the Centennial title hunt…huge battle here!
• In our night cap for Saturday No. 3 Longmont travels to Niwot to close out the week!

The league play is hot and coming down to the wire, folks! This week will tell us a lot and next week we’ll identify some league champs!

Get out and enjoy this awesome time of year!

(PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

Welcome back, prep hoops fans!

With most of our squads at a minimum of 17 games played we are starting to figure out some squads identities and league play is causing separation.

Not so lucky in that crazy Centennial League where there’s something unpredictable every week it seems … they are beating each other up! Or is that making eachother tougher for the playoff run? New 4A No. 1 squad and that 5A No. 1 just quietly taking care of their business: Rangeview Raiders undisputed at 17-0 and The Fever Crew got to see them last week!

The Look Back

Thursday, Jan. 30

The Game of the Night 9News Facebook Live found the Fever Crew out northeast with Blake Olson for a real treat of the No. 1 Rangeview Raiders visiting league foe Vista Peak.

Rangeview started the first quarter with a quick 6-0 start but Vista answered with a 7-0 run of their own to get their capacity crowd into it.

AJ Lacabe’s 12 points and Sayo Owolabi’s 14 kept the Bison around but the Raiders’ spurts and open floor plays were just too much to overcome along with the Speller twins combining for 30 points in the 57-47 Raiders’ win.

Watch the highlights here:

No. 1 @RHSExcellence @RaiderBoysHoops 57-47 over @vistapeakbball @vistapeak HIGHLIGHTS! @CHSAANow pic.twitter.com/sTHDZxyycm

— Blake Olson (@BlakeOlson1) February 2, 2020

Watch the full game here.

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The Look Ahead

Tuesday, Feb. 4

• A little early 6:30 p.m. city action in Denver West and Thomas Jefferson. The Spartans were at our No. 10 spot but that was short-lived as they didn’t make the cut this week and will try to take it out on the Cowboys.
• Vista Peak, who as previously mentioned don’t have all the size in the world but certainly have the heart, look to take some frustration of last week’s loss to No. 1 out on Northglenn, who’s looking for just their 4th win.
• Longmont, at 14-2, earned two more wins last week and remains the No. 3-ranked squad in 4A, face Silver Creek.
• Oooohhh we love this city ball here! No need for the “shot clock” demand when Lincoln and 5A No. 10 Denver East get it on! East bounced back last week after losses to Valor and Pomona. They’ll have to slow down TJ Bamba and their own three headed monster of Reynolds, Davis, and Stanton will have to show up big here. The Lancers with once loss in league play look to give the Angels their first.
• Throw the records out the window when Chap and Regis have their Continental meeting. Always seems to go down to the wire!
• Speaking of that No. 1 Rangeview squad … Coach Palmer will get everyone in as they face Adams City who is win-less so far this season.
• RIVALRY down South! No. 5 Pueblo West and Pueblo East get acquainted once again!
• No. 4 Northfield earned a signature win for the school over GW last week and look to keep the momentum rolling vs. Regis Groff.
• A little late 7:30 p.m. action for Cheyenne Mountain and Discovery Canyon. Cheyenne Mountain’s Javonte Johnson continues the unreal pace of 30 points per game and the squad won’t be happy losing their No. 1 spot in 4A to Mead without a loss. The voters chimed in on that one, I guess! 
• If 8 p.m. action is your thing check out a 16-2 Pine Creek squad who is starting to garner Top 10 votes vs. Rampart.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

• Wednesday means #CentennialTough action and there’s none tougher that Overland and Cherry Creek. Creek has made it’s way to No. 6 in 5A and 13-4 overall record. The Trailblazers have been strong even without their big man Graham Ike but need to be special in this one to keep pace in league play as Creek has a sole league loss.
• Eaglecrest has slid to No. 9 in 5A after splitting league games last week and they’ll look to start this week off right vs. Mullen.
• Smoky lost two tough ones last week and it may look like it’s time to get “well” vs. a Cherokee Trail squad that is 3-14 but don’t let the record think this will be an easy one. The Cougars were actually up by 19 points over Eaglecrest last week before losing the lead but they are very capable of competing.
• So tempting to call this HUGE league game a 5A Top 10 battle but Columbine just missed the Top 10 this week and they’ll be hosting new No. 3 Ralston Valley, who will be looking to stay unbeaten in league. The Rebels’ gym will be rocking Wednesday! Caleb Rillos 18-point, 10-rebound double-double season average is IMPRESSIVE but we know how impressive senior Luke O’Brien can be, as well.
• Golden is up a spot to No. 8 in 4A and they’ll face Standley Lake looking to improve on their 2-0 previous week.
• Grandview has shot up to No. 2 in 5A and playing as well as any team in the state. Senior led by Lian Romero and Caleb McGill have now been joined by CJ Thomas who has made a college commitment, as well. They’ll face Arapahoe who has a college-bound guard in Bryson Stephens who will have to be big on this night.

Thursday, Feb. 6

• Another stud young man averaging a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds per game is Nahsyah Bolar of No. 4 Northfield and they’ll need all of that as they look for another big win over 4A and league foe Lincoln.
• No rest for Columbine after a heavy weight tangle with Ralston Valley they immediate get a tough Mountain Vista squad right away.
• Pueblo West, No. 5 4A, faces Pueblo Centennial this night.
• Two good choices in Continental league that will alter standings in ThunderRidge at Highlands Ranch and Chap vs Rock Canyon … always solid league rivals.

Friday, Feb. 7

• That Wednesday/Friday Home & Away league play gets us rolling again in Friday! This time Cherry Creek, whose football studs Julian Hammond and Myles Purchase combined for 40 points in the Bruins’ upset of Smoky Hill last week, look to shut down Mullen.
• Also in Centennial the Fever Crew watched Arapahoe unleash full court pressure to erase a large deficit at Eaglecrest and make it a very close game in their first match. The Warriors are on Dry Creek & University this time and will test the Raptors again.
• Cheyenne Mountain EXPLODED for a 33-point third quarter in their first match Jan. 17, leading to an 18-point win over Palmer Ridge. We’ll see if the Bears can put up a better fight at home this time.
• No. 3 Longmont gets it on with Niwot on the road which is never an easy visit.
• No. 2 Grandview faces a Cherokee Trail squad we’ve documented is better than that three-win record shows.
• Heavyweight bout as Smoky Hill visits Overland. The No. 4 Buffaloes slight struggles against “tough” teams is what social media says of late … here’s a chance to win a big “lunch pail” game!
• Pomona has a HUGE upset on its resume with a win over Denver East and you better believe taking down No. 3 Ralston Valley would mean even more!
• Trey Ward’s 15 points per game is leading the new No. 1 Mead Mavericks in 4A who beat Frederick by 9 in the first match up on the road and look to score even more on their home floor.
• If you’re up north we don’t have to tell you that Fort Collins and Fossil Ridge will be a FUN atmosphere regardless of rankings or records … what the Fever Crew calls Braggin’ Rights!
• Need a 7:30 p.m. night cap?!!  Aurora Central, with one league loss, will take its shot at No. 1 Rangeview. Might have to make a late visit to North Peoria Street for this one.

Saturday, Feb. 8

• Interesting one with No. 3 Longmont doing a late season non-league visit to Discovery Canyon … not an easy spot to get a W.
• Welcome Green Mountain to the 4A Top 10 and they look to roll again vs. Standley Lake who has not won in league play as of yet.
• Not what it used to be (GET OFF MY LAWN!) but the ThunderDome will host the Denver East vs. FNE (Montbello) annual get down!
• Golden has the 3 p.m. action hosting Evergreen.
• Need some evening 6:30 p.m. action Rampart makes a rare visit to Highlands Ranch.

A few cold nights ahead folks, but remember, it’s ALWAYS 72 & Sunny in the gym! Enjoy, get out and support …

(Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

It was tough writing about hoops thinking of the tragic helicopter crash involving one of the greats Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the others who passed in this accident.

A world wide superstar but we get the feeling that Kobe wouldn’t want the spotlight on him right now. I keep thinking about pushing forward with the “Mamba Mentality” … and move forward we shall! Love hard daily and attack every day with passion!

Just the way Kobe would want it…

The Look Back

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Quite a point guard treat we were treated to live as the Fever Crew joined Blake Olson and the thegameofthenight.com team for Arapahoe visiting Smoky Hill. Senior guard Bryson Stephens was on fire dropping 30 points for the Warriors but not to be outdone Smoky senior PG Quinten Rock scored in every imaginable way dropping a game high 37 points! Very entertaining game and the Centennial League is tough every night out!

Full game here.

Friday, Jan. 24

Found ourselves back at Smoky Hill for 9News Facebook Live #TGOTN action for a massive Top 5 match with Eaglecrest visiting Smoky Hill. Two of our state’s best floor generals in Zion Ruckard and Quinten Rock along with juniors Jalen Weaver and Ty Robinson who are top players regardless of classification in the region!

They didn’t disappoint folks.

Ruckard finished with 21 points, 8 assists but not enough as Weaver’s 27 points with with Rock’s 32 point, 6 assist effort lifted the Buffaloes to a 82-78 overtime win. If there was one game you want to watch if you missed it — this is the one!

Full game here.

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The Look Ahead

• There are seven new teams in this week’s rankings

Tuesday, Jan. 28

• No. 6 Fairview, now 13-3, will travel to Fort Collins. Greyson Carter continues to pace the Knights with almost 19 points per game.
• Longmont remains No. 3 in 4A after another 2-0 week. They’ll look to run away from Greeley Central who averages 40 points per game vs the Trojans 60 point pace.
• Speaking of scoring! The No. 2 Mead Mavericks are at a frantic 77 point-per-game pace and one of the most exciting “above the rim” teams to watch. They have a tough conference opponent in Windsor who Mead beat by 12 in their first match.
• Pueblo West, now up to No. 6 4A, is paced by Taylor Harris’ 15 points, 6 assists per game and face rival Pueblo County down south.
• Harrison had a 2-1 week and lost to new No. 10 Thomas Jefferson last week and they’ll look to bounce back vs. Mitchell.
• Joining Thomas Jefferson from the Denver Prep is Northfield who is now up to No. 4 in 4A and they have a league game vs. Denver West.
• Quietly rolling along is 5A No. 1 Rangeview at 15-0 and scoring a fierce 73 points per game and the show takes on Thornton Tuesday!
• Lincoln has dropped from the 4A rankings but believe they can compete any night and this will be a fun one for the City as the Lancers try to prove themselves again vs new No. 10 Thomas Jefferson. 
• Sheesh! “Monsta” season double-double average for Javonte Johnson (30 points 10 rebounds per game!) of No. 1 Cheyenne Mountain who will look to silence defending champ Lewis-Palmer, who started the season No. 1.

Wednesday, Jan. 29

• 5A Top-10 action gets Wednesday started in previously not ranked Valor Christian coming in this week at No. 8 tangling with 13-2 and fifth-ranked Ralston Valley. The Eagles recently notched an impressive 18-point win over Denver Eastm who was undefeated at the time. Can they take down another Top-5 squad?
• Speaking of Top-10 action we have another that will be worth the price of admission! Smoky Hill has moved up to No. 2 after last week’s electric performances. And don’t look now but Cherry Creek is finding their groove, to down Eaglecrest last week, and join the 5A Top 10 at No. 7. High level guard play here on both sides … young men who are great friends and teammates in club ball but rest assured they will attack each other like strangers! Smoky won two tremendous games at home last week, anxious to see what happens at Creek.
• Highlands Ranch is traveling to Parker to face Legend in some Continental League fun!
• After an 0-2 week Eaglecrest only fell one spot in 5A poll to No. 4. The Fever Crew thinks that’s deservedly so … a loss at Creek and at Smoky could happen to any team in the state and the Raptors are very good. They look to get back on track vs. league foe Cherokee Trail who won’t be easy either.
• Golden split games last week and fell two notches in our recent poll to No. 9. They’ll play the first of two games vs D’Evelyn this season. Keep an eye on Kevin Mullingan who leads Golden in EVERY statistical category.
• Mullen still looking for it’s first “CentennialTough” league win and it won’t be easy vs. No. 3 Grandview who was 2-0 last week and up two notches in our poll. Nice match up inside with Caleb McGill and Brayden Carter both leading their teams in scoring. The pace of Grandview will likely keep this game close but the Wolves execute well late.

Thursday, Jan. 30

• Some early 5:30 p.m. action in the city. Denver South vs. No. 10 Thomas Jefferson!
• Oooooohhhhhh we feel some “Gameofthenight.com” action here! Vista Peak is 13-2 on the season and have a huge league game in their place as No. 1 Rangeview is coming over for a visit! Someone must get their first league loss…the Bison will lean heavily on leading scorer AJ LaCabe vs the Raiders DEEP roster of athletes we’ve discussed many times.
• Some nice late-January non league play here Luke O’Brien leading the Columbine Rebels down south to face Doherty.

Friday, Jan. 31

• We have a new squad out west in the 4A Top 10. Glenwood Springs was not ranked but now 12-3 and have jumped in as No. 6 this week. A team to keep an eye on as we creep towards the post-season.
• No. 4 in 4A Northfield has a fun one against DPL perennial top team George Washington. An opportunity for Northfield to show, again, that they belong in the conversation of top city teams.
• Boulder was 3-0 last week, 12-3 overall, and caught the attention of our voters to grab the No. 9 ranking in 5A. They travel to Poudre for league play.
• No. 3 Longmont faces tough Thompson Valley.
• Skyline is playing solid ball with overall record of 11-4 and they play a bit of a slower pace than lights out No. 2 Mead. We’ll see how the contrasting styles play out!
• Friday nights in the Continental league always seem to be special. Chaparral and Highlands Ranch have dropped from 5A rankings but this is a solid match up. 
• Cheyenne Mountain, No. 1 and King of the Hill in 4A, travel over to Vista Ridge.

Saturday, Feb. 1

• A few too many Saturday 2:30 p.m. options, folks. Top Spot is No. 2 Smoky Hill visiting No. 3 Grandview … this will be EPIC — just take our word for it and we’ll have a full report on this one!
• #SaturdayCentennialTough Stuff baby! Don’t think Coach Danny Fisher is going to quit coaching his squad HARD because of the loss of big Graham Ike to injury. The Trailblazers shocked us all with a win over hot Smoky Hill recently and now look to protect home court vs. No. 3 Eaglecrest and the “firm” of Robinson, Ruckard, and Wilson coming for a 230 p.m. Saturday visit!
• Continuing the Centennial league Saturday Cherry Creek gets it on with Cherokee Trail!
• Need some 5 p.m. action? Arapahoe travels to Mullen! 
• Haven’t seen this Valor squad that’s kicking in gear? They play 7 p.m. at Lakewood!
• More 7 p.m. rivalry action brings Columbine and Pomona! Pomona is no stranger to “upsets” after taking down Denver East by 2!

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Final Thought

“Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise.” — Kobe Bryant

(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

The cream is beginning to rise and can you believe we’ll be half way through regular season as many team will play games 10 through 12 of the regular season schedule this week.

Shall we dare use that word “parity” yet this early in the season? EIGHT new teams added to the Top 10 rankings this week shows just how much are big school ball can be a surprise on any given night.

Let’s take a look at some games the Fever Crew got to see live last week and the action packed week to come!

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The Look Back

Tuesday, Jan. 7

The Fever Crew got out to Regis, who was hosting George Washington to get 2020 started! Low scoring and cold 18-15 first half advantage for the home Raiders who were a rare 0-9 for a Shaw coached Regis team EVER! The Patriots went DEEP on their bench playing 14 different guys and they never seemed to get into a rhythm.

Teams will look at Regis’ record and overlook them…DON’T do it! This team has been competitive in and out of state and will be ready for Continental league play.

Full Game Here.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

What an absolute treat! Best game of the early season so far for the Fever Crew in last week’s No. 6 Grandview taking a 17 point lead early at No. 4 Smoky Hill.

Grandview was shooting lights out early (20 points for Lian Romero and SIX 3’s!) but Smoky’s defense got intense in second half and in both overtimes.

Senior Quinten Rock scored 24 points on his way to joining the 1K point club for the Buffaloes and junior sensation Jalen Weaver matched his 24 points in the tremendous come back win. 

Full Game Here.

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The Look Ahead

Tuesday, Jan. 14

• Fossil Ridge comes down from Fort Collins to visit Boulder.
• Contrasting styles with No. 8 Erie averaging 68 points per game vs. Berthoud only averaging 38 per game in a much slower pace.
• Legend is just outside of our 5A top-10 and look to continue building their strong resume at home against Chatfield.
• Chaparral has battled its way back into the top 10 at the No. 10 spot and will face one-loss No. 5 Columbine. Lefty PG Kobe Sanders will have to play big once again as visiting senior Luke O’Brien is scoring 28 points per game for the Rebels.
• The records don’t show it but Dakota Ridge and Regis will be an entertaining game!
• A-Town Battle! No. 1 Rangeview takes its show to Hinkley who is 7-5 so far while the Raiders remain unbeaten.
• The exciting No. 2 Mead squad will travel to Frederick who is a solid 8-3 right now. With both teams averaging over 70 points per game this should be a shoot out!
• New to the 4A Top 10 is Longmont coming in at No. 7 and their first test as a ranked squad is a visit from Niwot.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

• Have a fix for “city ball”? Thomas Jefferson and Far North East (Montbello) get it on! 
• Green Mountain had a 1-2 week and slid to No. 10. Jaylin Hardwrict “FRESHMAN ALERT” is making an early impression at 7 points 4 rebounds per game for Green Mountain. Senior Blake Schell is leading the way at 12 points per game for GM who visits D’Evelyn.
• No. 5 Golden will hold court vs Standley Lake.
• Senior Caleb Rillos is at 18 points per game along with 8 rebounds for the 6’5 senior and he’ll lead No. 9 Ralston Valley in the neighborhood rivalry vs. Arvada West.
• The Fever Crew may make a “game of the night” appearance at this one: No. 2 Eaglecrest host No. 8 Arapahoe in a 5A top to match up!
• More Centennial League as Cherokee Trail who’s gotten off to a slow start due to injuries will tangle with Grandview’s threesome of Caleb McGill, Lian Romero, and now we add senor CJ Thomas with his strong play as of late.
• Smoky Hill is back up to No. 3 after last week’s heroics vs. Grandview and they’re starting to receive first place votes! Overland, who is without senior stud Graham Ike the rest of season due to injury, will have their hands full with Smoky’s depth.
• Discovery Canyon is always tough at home and No. 1 Cheyenne Mountain will be paying a visit!

Thursday, Jan. 16

• Harrison is rolling as our No. 3 team in 4A led by dynamic Donta Dawson who’s at 21 points, 8 rebounds per game and the Panthers host Widefield this night. 
• Coach Ocansey has developed a winning program in the DPL and has Northfield ranked No. 6 in 4A…big time for the league and City! They will face a fiesty FNE (Montbello) squad Thursday. A lot of neighborhood pride and kids who know each other here!
• Mead, with young Elijah Knudsen leading the scoring, will put their No. 2 ranking on the line vs. Fort Morgan.
• Lincoln dropped from our 4A Top 10 but can make a statement in a 4A/5A tilt at Chatfield.

Friday, Jan. 17

• The Rampart Tournament gives us a nice 4A/5A match with No. 4 Pueblo West taking on 5A Valor Christian.
• Third league test of the week for No. 1 Cheyenne Mountain and senior Javonte Johnson’s scorching 27 points per game as they host Palmer Ridge.
• No. 4 Denver East will look to score plenty in the annual game vs. Denver West. Junior Boston Stanton III has taken the scoring per game up to 23 points per and “super sophs” Quis Davis and Langston Reynolds are proving to be worthy running mates!
• Dakota Ridge has a double-double “machine” in TaeShaud Jackson Jr at 15 points, 10 rebounds per game but here comes Luke O’Brien and the Reblels of Columbine!
• No. 3 Smoky Hill vs Mullen in Centennial league play. Mullen is better than the 3-6 record shows and will throw a tough zone at Smoky’s athletes. 
• Fairview, now No. 7 in 5A, faces a Mountain Range squad playing solid ball as well at 7-3.
• Pack the house Arvada West and support your boys…they’re going to need it! Unbeaten No. 1 Rangeview is paying visit!
• Centennial is just TOUGH every Wednesday/Friday and No. 2 Eaglecrest heads over to Grandview for A-Town pride! Zion Ruckard running the PG show and averaging 18 points for the Raptors. Multiple college-bound ballers in this one!
• If Chaparral wants to hold that No. 10 5A spot they have to get a win in league play at Douglas County.
• Centaurus was in our 4A Top 10 early on and will try to prove their way back in vs ranked Longmont.
• Cherry Creek is starting to get into a groove with the state champ football players fully in the mix now and take their 8-3 record into No. 8 Arapahoe.

Saturday, Jan. 18

• 4A No. 2 Mead finishes their week at 1 p.m. vs. Roosevelt.
• More solid 4A action as we have a Top 10 match up in Golden and Green Mountain at 1pm too!
• No. 4 East won a fun game over Mullen right before the break and this time Mullen comes on over to East!
• Another non-league 4A/5A match we like as Pueblo East takes the challenge of 5A ranked squad Fairview. 

That should be enough action to hold your for a while, folks! The Fever Crew will be traveling for MLK Day and weekend but rest assured we’ll be back Tuesday, Jan. 28 to get you caught up and looking ahead to some serious league action, enjoy!

(Marcus Gipson/Jmariahimages.com)

Happy New Year hoops fans! We’re looking forward to an action packed next few months leading us to the Coliseum. It was quite a finish, in and out of state, for our top Class 5A and 4A big school squads to close out 2019. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead this week and we’ll throw in some Holiday Tourney tidbits from December as we go along.

Stat leaders at the break have been updated and can be found here.

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The Look Ahead

The rankings were updated coming out of the winter break and there were plenty of changes in each classification.

Tuesday, Jan. 7

• We talked a lot about this squad towards the end of last year and knew Mead had a bright future with a ton of young talent. The Mavericks score a hot 75 points per game and are up to No. 2 in our latest 4A rankings. Three players are in double-digit scoring so far led by Elijah Knudson’s 14 points per game. They hit the road against an always tough Windsor team.

• How rare is it to say that Regis Jesuit is looking for its first win of the year in early January? The Raiders’ search for that win doesn’t get easier as they host a George Washington team coming off a tough tournament visit to Las Vegas. The Patriots are led by junior Kendale Johnson in points, assists, and steals. 9News “Game of the Night” will be in the house for this battle and will provide more insight in next week’s Look Back.

• Chaparral has dropped from the top 10 and sits just on the outside looking in. Fresh off a 30-point overtime explosion in Chap’s win over Cherry Creek over the weekend, senior Kobe Sanders will look to keep the momentum rolling as the Wolverines visit No. 10 Overland and the double-double machine Ike Graham. Overland usually returns much tougher and tested after their annual visit to the Las Vegas Tarkanian Classic where they held their own in the Platinum division over the holidays. This will be a fun showdown between the Continental and Centennial leagues.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

• This slate of game is highlighted by a big top-10 showdown. Sixth-ranked Grandview starts league play on the road at No. 4 Smoky Hill. Arguably the top junior in the state, Jalen Weaver of the Buffaloes, will get this years first look at the Grandview two headed monster of seniors Caleb McGill and Lian Ramiro.

• An 8-1 start for Eaglecrest results in a move up to No. 2 in 5A. That start includes two out of state wins in the New Mexico Holiday tournament. The Raptors will start league play with a visit from Overland in another top 10 battle. Overland is known for coach Danny Fisher’s team defense and they’ll need it with Zion Ruckard, Skylar Wilson, and Ty Robinson all scoring in double figures for the Raptors this season.

• Jeffco teams will also be in action as 4A No. 4 Golden faces Littleton. The Demons will look to push the pace as their 67 points per game is a full 10 points more than the Lions’ average.

• Denver East held steady at No. 3 in the 5A poll. The Fever Crew got to see the new-look Angels live at Mullen during their holiday tournament and sophomore Langston Reynolds gets some well-deserved attention from opponents. But the Angels have a lot more than just Reynolds in fellow sophomore Quis Davis, junior Boston Stanton, and senior leader PJ Steed. The Angels take on Standley Lake.

• No team in the state has more momentum than No. 1, unbeaten Rangeview. After going 4-0 in their division of the Tarkanian Classic, the Raiders came home and won a tough road test at Columbine on Saturday. They head to Northglenn and will be looking to keep that road warrior mentality alive.

• Valor Christian’s 3-5 record can be deceiving. The Eagles are playing hard and they proved it in a tough overtime loss to Smoky Hill on Saturday. Valor is another team that journeyed out of state and went 1-3 in Las Vegas Tarkanian Classic. The Eagles have been competitive in every game and will need their best against visiting No. 4 Lincoln and the duo of TJ Bamba and Ty Foster.

• Columbine’s lone loss on the season came against Rangeview last Saturday and the Rebels are dealing with some injuries but will still count on CU-bound Luke O’Brien to carry a heavy load in a visit from Castle View.

• Arapahoe went from unranked to a 7-1 record and joined the 5A poll at No. 7 this week. The Warriors will be tested in league early as Mullen pays a visit.

• Another 7-1 squad off to an early strong start is No. 8 Ralston Valley, another newcomer to the 5A top 10. The Mustangs will be tested as Legend comes in at 6-3.

Thursday, Jan. 9

• The top-ranked team in 4A, Cheyenne Mountain, may have the best overall player in the state in New Mexico Lobo-bound senior Javonte Johnson. Johnson earns every ounce of praise because of his effort on both ends of the floor.

• Mead is back at it again and faces Skyline (5-2) in Game 2 of the week for them.

• After taking the top spot in the 4A poll, Harrison has dropped a couple notches after a surprising loss to Pueblo West. The Panthers look to bounce back against Elizabeth. Donta Dawson is averaging 20 points and eight rebounds for Harrison.

• One of the more intriguing matchups of the night is defending 4A champion Lewis-Palmer taking on perennial 5A power Chaparral. Eddie Speller Jr. is playing well, averaging 13 points and seven rebounds per game for L-P. The Rangers will need that, and maybe more, to beat the Wolverines.

Friday, Jan. 10

• The Fever Crew got to see a lot of No. 9 Fairview at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic in December and they have a stud in junior Greyson Carter who is averaging 17 points per game. The Knights will head into the weekend with a game against Loveland.

• Friday will feature a lot of action from ranked Centennial League teams. Eaglecrest heads to Mullen and Arapahoe travels to Grandview. Both games are worth the price of admission.

• Falcon hosts No. 5 Lewis Palmer in southern action.

• Neither team is ranked but that won’t stop this from being a fun game when George Washington heads south to ThunderRidge.

• Cherokee Trail had some early season injuries and will be a tougher team than the record shows. That will be the case against Smoky Hill. Cherry Creek won’t fall for Overland’s 3-5 record coming into the week. The Bruins know they’re in for a heavyweight match against the Trailblazers every time out. The dynamic will be a blast with Ike Graham on the inside for Overland and Cherry Creek relying on the the perimeter play of Hammond, Purchase and Cole

Saturday, Jan. 11

• How cool is this for Denver and the northeast part of town? Only playing varsity hoops for a couple of years, Northfield has risen to No. 8 in the latest 4A poll and hosts Thompson Valley at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

• There is plenty of fun afternoon action as Mead takes on Battle Mountain and Columbine takes on Regis. Will the Raiders still be looking for first win?

• In 2013 we called it the “leather vs. blue jean” game (had to be there). Arapahoe will get no top 10 respect from Heritage in this rivalry game.

• Rangeview will be in action against Brighton at 3:30 p.m.

• The Lincoln Lancers and TJ Bamba’s 25 points per game head east to take on Vista Peak.

• Cheyenne Mountain is hosting Vista Ridge at 6 p.m. and Vista will have to deal with Johnson’s 29 points per game.

• All of those Saturday times listed above were nothing but a set up for the 7 p.m. finale as Chaparral visits No. 3 Denver East. This game has it all, including seasoned veterans and upcoming young talent.

• These are the Ball Fever Crew top 5A/4A big school boys hoops destinations for the week. Don’t get us wrong, there is a ton of top action in every neighborhood CHSAA represents and we hope you are out there supporting! If you aren’t as tuned in – we’ll be here to help you with a few destinations for the week! Enjoy.