Category: Ball Fever

  • Ball Fever: Season preview, and an action-packed Week 1 in boys basketball

    Overland ThunderRidge boys basketball
    Overland and De’Ron Davis figure to be a major factor once again this eason. (James Bradbury)

    Happy hoops season, folks!

    At first glance, this season in 5A/4A boys looks like two heavy hitters who could be returning to Boulder in our respective CHSAANow preseason No. 1-ranked teams Overland and Longmont, but as we begin to dig a little deeper we see a number of squads that hope to reach their long-awaited potential and prove they aren’t just squads with individual talent but a collective unit as well.

    Season preview

    5A boys:

    • We must start with defending champ Overland and Indiana commit De’Ron Davis, who has nothing left to prove except a repeat. The Trailblazers are a lot more than just big De’Ron with electrifying guard Reggie Gibson and the return of his running mate Jervae Robinson, who is a standout guard in his own right.
    • Speaking of those teams eager to prove their potential: Enter Legend Titans. Our preseason No. 2 has heard for a few years now about the college-bound talent of this roster but it hasn’t developed into the championship goal as of yet. This could be the season the Titans get over the hump with senior leadership of Monroe Porter, Danny Garrick, and versatile Jared Small.
    • It would not take a lot of courage to predict a ThunderRidge return to Boulder this year in perhaps a rematch with Overland. Many fans wouldn’t mind seeing that matchup again and senior Austin Mueller, a Wyoming commit, is primed to take the lead role for the Grizzlies. The Grizz have another veteran big body in Clay Verk, Stetson commit, who also possesses a nice outside touch to go along side the lethal shooting of Troy Brady.
    • The Denver Prep League will be well represented in top 10 this year starting with George Washington’s backcourt led by the Fugett brothers Calvin and Jon’il who will be feeding the rock to highly touted Daylen Kountz on the wing. GW is our No. 4 ranked preseason squad but also representing DPL is the squad that always seems to rebuild, the Denver East Angels.
    • Coach Carey has done it again bringing along senior Angels Deron Harrell and Joe Abiakam with Aurora Central transfer Daytone Jennings. Jennings size will help the front line with hard working senior Samba Dioum hitting the boards. Jack Buckmelter will provide the perimeter scoring. The Angels starting five will play with anyone as our preseason No. 7-ranked squad. Their depth will be the question.
    • Perhaps the most intriguing squad in top-10 is Rangeview, coming in at preseason No. 5. Another program eager to prove that their tremendous individual talent can perform beyond just their conference and compete on the large playoff stage. The Raiders are again loaded at the guard position with senior Tyrei Randall leading the way and two talented juniors helping carry the load in Matt Johnson and Elijah Blake. The Raiders have length on the perimeter who will have to play big down low for this team to advance late in season.
    • Of our remaining preseason top-10 — Regis Jesuit, Dakota Ridge, Cherokee Trail, and Eaglecrest — the Fever crew likes the Cougars to make the most noise late in the season. CT is another squad without a huge inside presence but David Thornton and Ronnie Barfield will battle anyone with their athleticism. Super slick guard Jaizec Lottie is a proven leader who’s one of our state’s top 2017 prospects with Division I college offers anxious to prove he is a premier player!
    • Ball Fever 5A sleeper: Our sleeper pick is the FNE Warriors (formerly Montbello). They received a single top-10 vote and are flying under the radar despite some outstanding talent in 6-foot-4 point guard Sekou Cisse, who should be taking the reins as team leader. Down low the Warriors have more transfers adding size and depth along with returning big man Relando Rogers. The Warriors also have an incoming freshman PG in JoVon Nelson who the “Bellos streets” say may make a varsity impact right away. Watch for the Warriors to tangle with GW and East for the DPL title and raise some eyebrows along the way.
    Longmont Mountain View boys basketball
    Longmont’s Justinian Jessup. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    4A boys:

    • Boise State-bound Justianian Jessup and Longmont are no doubt hungry to return to Boulder after going undefeated before eventually losing to Air Academy last March. Longmont hogged the lions share of first place votes in our 4A preseason poll with Air Academy not garnering as much respect coming in at No. 7. Longmont not surprisingly No. 1 as they return the same starting five that marched its way into Boulder undefeated last season.
    • Valor is now led by long time D’Evelyn coach Troy Pachner and comes in as our preseason No. 2 with junior Jalen Sanders being their go to guy along with Dylan McCaffrey, who will be joining after his football run for the Eagles. This team always seems to peak late and it will be interesting what this season brings under a new regime. Valor will be tested within it’s own league by our preseason No. 5 Golden who have returning veteran Ryan Blodgett leading the scoring and rebounds.
    • It seems like there is no shortage of great Scotts at Lewis-Palmer and now Jonathon at 6-foot-4 looks to be go-to player for this year’s Rangers, who come in at No. 3 in the preseason poll.
    • More star power at Pueblo Central as the duo of Kobi Betts and Mike Ranson (both D-I commits) look to continue double-digit scoring average for our No. 4 ranked squad.
    • Of our remaining top-10 squads — Sand Creek, Denver South, Pueblo West, and Pueblo South — we expect Sand Creek to possible rise as the season rolls along behind superior lefty D’Shawn Schwartz, who is a top-rated Class of 2017 junior. He has garnered national attention and has the ability to put this squad on his back!
    • Ball Fever 4A Sleeper: Veteran coach Terry Dunn must be excited about his group of young Stallions that received 30 votes in our preseason poll but Sierra didn’t quite crack the top-10. Coach Dunn and staff have the experience to lead a talented team and junior point guard CJ Jennings may be one of the best overall players in the state you haven’t heard of!

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    The Look Ahead:

    Regis Jesuit George Washington boys basketball
    George Washington has a key matchup with Overland to start the season. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Tuesday:

    • The obvious season kickoff huge draw is the Aurora vs. Denver match up of George Washington and Overland in a early top-5 matchup!
    • Another tilt with top 10 teams facing off is Legend visiting Denver East. We’ll find out about the Titans’ toughness right away.
    • Arvada West has their big man healthy now and will take on the young Smoky Hill Buffaloes. Nice early barometer for both.
    • Arapahoe and Ponderosa in a nice Centennial vs. Continental test.
    • Many have Abraham Lincoln quietly contending in the DPL and they face the Columbine Rebels.
    • Sand Creek and Palmer in a 4A/5A CO Springs match.
    • Aurora Central and it’s backcourt duo of Coleman & Thomas travel to Thomas Jefferson to face the young Spartans.
    • 4A’s top 10 opening night match up of Pueblo Central and Lewis-Palmer.
    • Sierra is our “sleeper” pick in 4A and they tangle with Pueblo West right away.

    Wednesday:

    • Little time to rest for No. 4 George Washington as they jump right into tourney play vs. Chatfield.
    • No. 3 ThunderRidge gets going in tourney play as Denver South pays a visit.
    • Eager to see how our “sleeper” squad FNE Warriors get going vs. Rocky Mountain.
    • Chaparral gets started in tournament action vs. Fairview.
    • Doherty and No. 8 Cherokee Trail is our game of the night.

    Thursday:

    • Another top-10 Week 1 match up in Regis Jesuit and Denver East … always a classic!
    • 4A Thomas Jefferson in for a stiff early test at 5A No. 5 Rangeview.
    • Arapahoe vs. Mountain Vista out south in early tournament play.
    • Lewis Palmer vs. Pueblo South is our 4A top-10 matchup this night.

    Friday:

    • Palmer at No. 9 Eaglecrest is our choice on this night!
    • No. 2 Valor at No. 7 defending champ Air Academy looks good!

    Saturday:

    • You have Rangeview at Castle View in the afternoon or Regis at Columbine for evening action.

    Put on your seatbelt, folks! We have an action-packed Week 1 of big-school hoops. It’s cold out there, football championships aren’t until Saturday, so why not get in the gym where it’s always 72 & sunny?!

  • Ball Fever: Looking back at a wide open season

    Overland ThunderRidge boys basketball
    What a year in big school boys hoops. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    BOULDER — Wow — “wide open” was the theme in boys basketball this year, folks, and Air Academy’s track meet performance vs. formerly-undefeated Longmont proved just that in Class 4A’s title game on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, D-I talent-loaded Overland showed that maybe 5A wasn’t so wide open after all!

    In 5A we must give “props” to coach “Bubba” Carey and the defending champ Angels who were written off by many early in the season. This was to be the season to “pay” the Angels back for their long string of success and wins. Not to be so! Brian Carey’s undeniable leadership, Jordan Willis’ emergence as a “double-double monsta,” Jack Buckmelter’s boost, and so on, were among the reasons East was back in Boulder.

    Eaglecrest also has a crew of stud Raptors in the Ross brothers, Blend Advili, and Peter Anderson. The problem was they ran into a deep T-Ridge squad who got off to a 10-0 lead and the top Raptor players were asked to give everything they had in trying to come back, but came up short.

    Longmont’s 4A special season remaining undefeated to the championship game is definitely worth mentioning. Justinian Jessup is a smooth 6-foot-6 lefty who led this team all year.

    Sierra and veteran Coach Terry Dunn don’t lack for confidence and have tons of talent to continually be a “southern factor” in 4A play.

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    Championship thoughts:

    Air Academy Longmont boys basketball
    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Well, here’s a few numbers for you folks: Overland with 35-, 28-, 21-, 20- and 13-point victories in the playoffs. Average margin of victory 23 points!

    Left no doubt who was the best team and most complete roster in the state of Colorado. Coach Danny Fisher had his squad focused and it’s not easy to get all that talent on same page, willing to sacrifice “me” for the “we.”

    The Blazers also peaked, playing their best ball at the right time. In coach Fisher fashion, the Blazers raced off the court after accepting their trophies and taking pictures in the same united focus they attacked this postseason with.

    Congrats on the first in school history T-Blazers!

    Must be honest and pay a huge compliment to the Air Academy staff here: I sat taking notes on the pieces of their program, attack that I would love to implement with the Colorado players I coach spring/summer.

    Not a lot of size, but you better have your track shoes on when facing the Kadets! It was like a “senior showcase” as all of their key veterans scored in double figures leading to the upset of Longmont.

    Even when you get lucky and stop Air Academy from running they revert to their patient — but fluid — motion offense that still makes you work defensively. You might score a bucket on the Kadets, but you better get back on D and that turned out to be a formula for 4A title success.

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    Week in review:

    Friday, March 13:

    5A Final 4

    4A Final 4

    Saturday, March 14

    5A Final

    4A Final

    CHSAANow.com has you covered for all those coveted Championship memories here in the action shots.

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    The “Way Too Early” Look Ahead

    Air Academy Longmont boys basketball
    Coach T (right) takes in the action during Championship Saturday. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Should we? Sure, why not.

    It seems De’Ron will resist the temptation of the top prep schools who would love to have his services and prep him on a national stage for college. After the game, when asked if he would go to a prep school or return to Overland, he told our Dennis Pleuss, “I’m coming back for sure. I’m coming back and trying to repeat this thing.”

    Because of that, Overland returns as the top squad with the likes of Davis, Gibson, Wang and the Haliburtons back. Don’t forget about Legend, whose entire starting five is returning in Continental. Can’t forget about our city boys, and coach Hammons’ George Washington Patriots have as much young talent as anyone.

    Yes, Longmont was surely disappointed in their sole loss of the season coming in the 4A title game but having only two seniors and TEN RETURNING PLAYERS has to make the Trojans the clear 4A favorite next year.

    Valor has young guns eager to taste Boulder again and as previously stated Sierra isn’t going anywhere. Pueblo West is another to watch out for down south who experienced tons of success this year and likely cant wait for winter 2015 just like the rest of us “hoop heads”!

    The end of Year 6 has come for Ball Fever and our Crew! Special thanks to Ryan Casey for the continued support and let’s all get out there and support the constantly improving Colorado hoops!

  • Ball Fever: Great 8 recap, Final 4 preview in 5A/4A boys hoops

    ThunderRidge Chaparral boys basketball
    The Continental League arrived at the 5A Great 8 with five teams. Only ThunderRidge advanced to the Final 4. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Let’s get it out the way early — it was well earned: “CON-TI-NEN-TAL”!

    Boy oh boy, were the Continental League supporters chanting their pride as five of the eight teams arriving at the Coliseum were from their league. But Centennial-strong Overland and Eaglecrest said “not so fast” while defending champ Denver East with DPL pride stated, “Hey, remember us?”

    In 4A, the Great 8 was now being held at the higher-seed sites, but believe the packed gyms and last-minute excitement kept the crowds pleased and everyone salivating for Boulder. Longmont’s still undefeated, Lewis-Palmer’s “Steal” will be remembered, and Sierra and Air Academy continue the “southern flavor” in our 4A hoops.

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    Week in review

    Wednesday, March 3 (5A Sweet 16):

    Saturday, March 7 (5A Great 8):

    Regis Jesuit Denver East boys basketball
    Brian Carey (11) and East are back in 5A’s Final 4. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    • Check out our 5A Great 8 roundup, highlighted by the Ross brother’s 42 combined points, Reggie Gibson’s getting some “oooh’s & ahhh’s” from the Coliseum crowd, big Zach Pirog’s 21 points, and Brian Carey capping the night with a huge 10 in the fourth!
    • Ok players, need some action photos for that Twitter account? We have you covered.

    Saturday, March 7 (4A Great 8):

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    Final 4 preview

    Legend Eaglecrest boys basketball
    Eaglecrest/ThunderRidge promises to be good in Boulder. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Class 5A

    • Our 7 p.m. game in Boulder on Friday has Eaglecrest, a No. 1 seed, vs. ThunderRidge, a No. 1 seed as well. It will be a classic matchup of size against speed. Big Zach Pirog made his presence felt at the Coliseum with 21 points, 8 rebounds against league foe Chaparral and he will have a size advantage again facing the Raptors. Eaglecrest’s combo of the Ross brothers “push the tempo” style of play with Blend Advili and Peter Anderson on the wing will certainly test the Grizzlies stout defense.
    • The Boulder 8:30 p.m. finale couldn’t get any better as athleticism will be on full display with overall No. 1 seed Overland, who as simply been dominant of late, will tangle with No. 6 seed and defending champ Denver East. When the brackets were released many felt East was the scariest six seed in a long time and Brian Carey’s leadership didn’t disappoint as the Angels have the experience/heart/pride combo coach Rudy Carey has instilled in the Angels.

    Class 4A

    • Our first game on Friday (4:30 p.m.) will be two teams very familiar in No. 2 seed Air Academy vs. No. 4 seed Lewis-Palmer. These two “got it on” not that long ago with Air Academy handing the Rangers a 21-point loss in February. This is a more confident Lewis Palmer who have won four in a row since and will be looking for revenge. Lewis-Palmer also won the first game between these two squads in January. Can you say, “Rubber Match!” for all the marbles? One 4A from the south is guaranteed to march on.
    • Game two on the slate, 5:30 p.m. Friday, will bring a nice contrast as Sierra’s southern pride will push tempo and test 4A overall No. 1 Longmont and their undefeated squad which has won low-scoring battle after battle. Both these squads marched through league play 14-0 and Longmont’s undefeated season is well documented. One thing few might have not taken note of is the Stallions are on a 21-game win streak of their own. Ke’Andre Lewis is the “motor” that makes Sierra go while Tevion Thompson leads scoring at 16 points per game. Longmont? One of the top 2016 juniors in Justian Jessup leads Longmont with 17 points a game and is a “stat stuffin” staple of Ball Fever each week.

    Well, March 9, 2015, has arrived our Ball Fever brethren! The Fever Crew can’t tell you any more confidently now — just as it was in November — who will walk away with the Gold Ball next Saturday.

    “Wide Open” was our theme from the outset and these eight squads won’t let us down in creating more memories in this time of extreme parity in Colorado hoops! US-36 West here we come!

  • Ball Fever: Recapping boys hoops’ early rounds, previewing Sweet 16s and Great 8s

    Sand Creek Valor Christian boys basketball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Is there any surprise that lower seeds went on the road and earned road wins in the first week of playoff action?

    How about two No. 1 seeds going down early in 4A action? Yes folks, our “wide open” big school action continued with the surprises we have almost become accustomed to this season.

    It’s March — let’s get to the madness.

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    Week In Review

    Wednesday, Feb. 25 (5A Round 1):

    Fairview Denver East boys basketball
    Denver East appears ready to defend its crown in 5A. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • Pat Sullivan’s strong night led 10th-seeded Highlands Ranch to the upset at Chatfield and Dennis Pleuss is all over it.
    • Isaiah Clausell-Reese scored 24 points for Palmer but it wasn’t enough as Grandview held court and held on 72-63.
    • Lincoln finished the season scoring in bunches and that didn’t stop in the 91-63 win over Loveland.
    • Our guy Kai Casey has the photos and report of Ben Egan and Andrew Romero scoring big for Mountain Range.
    • Horizon wasn’t happy about having to travel to Smoky Hill and Michael Skinner’s 19 points helped earn the 54-48 win. Josh Ralphs added 17 in the road win.
    • Two young squads got it on in Arapahoe at Doherty and Dan Mohrmann had it covered.
    • Our first “30-piece” was served up by Thomas Neff scoring 33 points as Arvada West rolled up 90 points in win over Legacy.
    • Hinkley gave it an effort but Columbine earned the 71-57 home win.
    • Aurora Central was eager to prove their conference could compete but Heritage’s Tom Skufca’s 20 point, 9 rebound effort led the Eagles to 62-47 win. Ladarius Thomas was big for the Trojans scoring 20 points in the loss.
    • Jack Buckmelter seemed out to prove he, and Denver East, are ready to defend the Angels’ title. Matt Matthewes has the report and photos of the game.
    • Back and forth in Boulder the whole way and the Panthers pull off the 2-point overtime win over a game Liberty squad. Chris Gaines had 14 in the loss.
    • Northglenn packed the gym in their home playoff game and Jacob Montour’s 17 points led the way in 57-50 win over Greeley West.
    • Castle View used a 15-5 fourth quarter to tie the game down south vs. Fountain-Fort Carson and then road momentum to a 2-point overtime win.
    • Will Bower was the “big man on campus” as Cherry Creek protected the home court and Jack Eberhard has your report/photos.
    • Nate Davis gave it his all for Mullen but the Warriors (Montbello) overall talent was too much as Malik Hart led three in double figure scoring with 16 points.
    • Lakewood was a huge underdog and the records truly looked like a mis-match in this one but Kolton Peterson led the young Tigers to an 11-point road win over a 21-win team in Monarch.

    Friday, Feb. 27 (4A Round 1):

    • Sand Creek got the 10-point win over Mesa Ridge at the Valor Christian site.
    • How about 23 points each from Chris Helbig and Luke Golter in Holy Family pulling away from Elizabeth? Jake Gavitt scored 24 in the loss.
    • Another lopsided win as Colton McLean scored 15 points in Windsor’s 31 point 1st-rounder over Montrose.
    • In one of the tighter Round 1 games, Jonathon Scott-led Lewis-Palmer to a 6-point win over Thompson Valley.
    • D’Evelyn started off defensive again only giving up five first quarter points. Grant Witherspoon scored 26 in the win over Fort Morgan.
    • Sierra used a 13-6 fourth quarter to seal the 6-point win over Silver Creek.
    • The Fever Crew made it out to Denver South where the host Rebels were not very kind to Erie leading the entire way. Devante Loggins had a 15 point, 11 assist double-double to lead the way.
    • Air Academy used a 24-12 fourth quarter to pull away from Evergreen in the 21-point win.
    • Cole Greff’s 18 point, 10 rebound double-double in another one sided first round victory for Golden over Durango.
    • Tristan Trujillo’s 16 points led three in double figure scoring for Valor Christian in Eagles 21-point win over Mountain View.
    • Pueblo Central wins by 14 over Niwot in 4A round 1.
    • Vedin Kozic’s 23 point, 10 rebound double-double wasn’t enough for Wheatridge as Pueblo South marches on.
    • Mitchell’s fourth quarter comeback kept Pueblo West from getting all three Pueblo schools into Round 2.
    • Longmont flexed its 4A No. 1 overall seed “muscles” holding Palisade to 27 points while scoring 61 themselves.
    • Josh McNair’s 21 points, 8 rebounds was big for Thomas Jefferson’s first round win over Glenwood Springs.
    • Kenyatta Lattimore wasn’t feeling like a lower seed as he led Falcon to the upset of 3-seed Vista Peak 65-57.

    Saturday, Feb. 28 (5A Round 2):

    Regis Jesuit Grandview boys basketball
    Regis rolled right into 5A’s Sweet 16. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • Eaglecrest left little doubt about their No. 1 seed only allowing Heritage 6 points in the fourth quarter winning 68-46.
    • Our “game of the day” second round pick was Denver East visiting Rock Canyon. East quickly and firmly proved they are not your typical 6th seed! Zach Marburger took in the action.
    • ThunderRidge was on the ropes early but responded with a 20-4 fourth quarter statement. Big man Zach Pirog only scoring 2 points had to be part of the slow start but Noah Szilagyi hit four 3-points, leading to 17 points.
    • Another lower seed getting the road win as Boulder went into a tough Centennial gym and took down Cherokee Trail 59-50. The Cougars picked a bad time for poor shooting and the Panthers capitalized.
    • The Patriots Jervay Green scored 25 points and Calvin Fugett added a 14 point, 10 assist double-double as George Washington was in command early vs. Cherry Creek. Will Halfon stepped up with 24 points in the loss for the Bruins.
    • Brock Laue was up north as the Warriors (Montbello) traveled well and kept their composure late in a in tough road victory.
    • Reggie Gibson was feeling it scoring 24 points and dazzling the crowd with strong “handles” in Overland’s 21 point win over Castle View.
    • Mountain Range was putting up good numbers this year but the trip to the Wolverines den wasn’t so friendly as they only scored 33 in the 18-point loss to Chap. Spencer Sheaman’s 21 points, 6 rebounds led the way. Andrew Romero 15 in the loss.
    • Don’t know if Grandview had Geoffrey Kelly on their radar but he scored 25 points for Regis as they pulled away late to win by 16. Jack Eberhard has photos.
    • Mountain Vista’s usual balance was on display with four players in double figures led by Ray Beresford’s 13 in win over Doherty. The Spartans will be back strong next year as sophomore Brevin Brimble led all scorers with 19. Here are Matt Mathewes’ photos from the game.
    • The 7 seed Columbine gave the 2 Legend all they could handle but the Titans pull off the 2-point home win.
    • One of the better 4 vs. 5 match-ups of the weekend was Arvada West visiting Fossil Ridge. The Neff brothers came in hot but the Sabercats cooled them off with 19 points in the win.
    • Grand Junction is a bit of an unknown to teams to their east. Northglenn traveled far and played well but the 4 seed beat the 5 here.
    • Speaking of a little unknown, senior Donovan Oldham and Rampart are looking to “rep the 719” as his 17 point, 14 rebound double-double took down a young Lakewood team that will be back strong.
    • Lincoln came in scoring 90-plus points in their last two games but Dakota Ridge played this game at their tempo and Cody Pittman’s 14 points helped take down the Lancers 55-48.
    • Highlands Ranch played tough in round 1 without one of their best Ryley Stewart out with injury but walking into the Rangeview gym was different than round 1. The Raiders Tyrei Randall paced the Raiders win with 22 points, including 4-three pointers.

    Saturday, Feb. 28 (4A Round 2):

    Golden basketball players celebrate after the Demons rallied in the final minute to defeated Thomas Jefferson 69-65 in the Class 4A boys basketball state Sweet 16 game Saturday night at Golden High School. Golden trailed by five points with less than a minute to play, but went on a 9-0 run to get the victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    A 9-0 run in the final 50 seconds gave Golden a win over Thomas Jefferson. (Dennis Pleuss)
    • Another team we are going to all have to get to know a little better it seems in Pueblo South as they take down the No. 1 seed Holy Family. Chris Helbig with 27 in the loss but an 18-8 third quarter sealed it for P-South.
    • Dennis Pleuss has your photos and action shots as Golden kept the magical season alive by scoring 9 points in final minute!
    • Lewis-Palmer traveled north and played with supreme confidence taking down our second No. 1 seed Denver South who looked prime for another visit to Boulder. Lewis-Palmer and Jonathon Scott know a little about Boulder themselves!
    • Dan Morhmann covered Coach Dunn’s “high energy” Sierra Stallions getting the Sweet 16 win.
    • Air Academy took control in the 3rd quarter with a 21-13 advantage and held Pueblo Central’s scoring duo in check winning this match up by 10.
    • 20-points each from Khameron Davis and Jalen Sanders leading Valor to home win over a strong Sand Creek squad. Ray Chen has the action shots.
    • There’s a pattern here folks! D’Evelyn starts this game 23-4 over Mitchell with Grant Witherspoon scoring 16. They have now earned a home Great 8 game!
    • Undefeated Longmont lead Windsor beginning to end winning by 22-points with Justinian Jessup leading with 23 and 9 rebounds.

    We had a feeling Rounds 1 and 2 would not let us down. A few lopsided victories in there but the overtime wins and surprising upsets are what this time of year is all about!

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    The Week Ahead

    Dakota Ridge senior Jeff Kania (10) dribbles the ball as Lakewood sophomores Dallas Bailey (0) and Tyrone Thompson (10) get back on defense Friday night. Kania scored seven points off the bench for the Eagles in a 65-44 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Can Dakota Ridge carry the flag for Jeffco? (Dennis Pleuss)

    5A Sweet 16 preview:

    Bill Weimar Region

    No. 1 overall seed Overland will be doing some serious film study as Grand Junction is a bit of an unknown to metro-area squads. Overland’s strength coming into the tourney is well established but few know Grand Junction’s on a 9-game win streak of their own.

    Talk about a rematch! Mountain Vista came into Montbello and jumped out to a big early lead only for the Warriors to come back and win the regular season tilt in overtime. Expect the action to be just as exciting here between two deserving Great 8s … but someone must lose!

    Jim Baggot Region

    Many anticipated an “A-Town” showdown between Cherokee Trail and Regis but the Boulder Panthers had a little to say about that. Boulder is hoping Regis may run into a cold shooting day as C-Trail did but the Raiders can heat up and score in bunches in their building.

    We talked about the doubts of Rangeview many had in them earning a No. 2 seed last week. They did what they were supposed to do in handling Highlands Ranch but there’s a whole other monster paying a visit in defending champ Denver East.

    The Angels proved they are afraid to visit no one, handling Rock Canyon from tip-off to finish. The Fever Crew thinks this will come down to Raiders finding an answer to Jordan Willis, who has been a terror on the inside.

    Ray C. Ball Region

    Eaglecrest loaded as any team in the state and cruised to 22-point Round 2 victory. They have an experienced foe coming in with last year’s 5A runner up Fossil Ridge visiting Aurora.

    Two great staffs here and players who have made the trip to Boulder. Expect this to go down to the wire!

    Maybe our most intriguing game of the 5A Sweet 16 as we have two teams in George Washington and Legend who have both been called “young" and "full of potential” all year long. Both squads have matured and are blazing hot coming into this one.

    Which team will taste the Coliseum and who will be left taking about how good they will be next year? Legend beat the Patriots by 14 on their home floor in January and GW would love to return the favor when it counts!

    Chanucey Billups Region

    ThunderRidge may not be able to afford the slow start they survived in Round 2. Rampart is senior-led with a stand out who can score in bunches in Donovan Oldham.

    The Grizzlies’ big man Zach Pirog can effect the game in many ways but will likely look to be more offensive than the first playoff outing. More teams that don’t know each other here!

    Chaparral travels well, but Dakota Ridge packs the house each time out so expect a fun atmosphere as the student sections will be as lively as the teams on the court.

    Dakota Ridge will be looking to carry the Jeffco torch as the Wolverines just another tough Continental senior led team who are finding ways to win with experience.

    4A Great 8 preview:

    Maceo Broadnax Region

    Longmont is undefeated and coasted nicely through Round 1 and Sweet 16. They will coast no longer as a team very familiar with the Great 8, Valor Christian, will be ready! Some of our top class of 2016 talent in Justinnian Jessup and Khameron Davis. Fun stuff!

    Mark Randall Region

    Sierra, as the 2 seed who many though were deserving of a 1, took care of their business while Pueblo South knocked off a 1 seed to get to this point. Not many in metro area know these rosters but we have a hunch they are familiar with each other.

    Richard Tate Region

    With Golden’s unbelievable 50-second magic ending over Thomas Jefferson, this region played out with the 1 facing the 2 seed. Golden’s special season has been well documented while Air Academy has just been quietly trucking along!

    Guy Gibbs Region

    With the 1 and 2 seeds bounced earlier than expected in this region, the action now heads to D’Evelyn where they hope their defensive style that has gotten done all year will again work vs. Lewis-Palmer and a confident group of road warriors. Grant Witherspoon vs. Jonathon Scott “tons of fun” to watch here.

    When this week is over we will know which teams have punched their tickets to Boulder!

    If this season has taught us anything, it may not be the teams written on your original bracket! Get out there and enjoy our favorite time of the hoops season, folks!

  • Ball Fever: Previewing the 5A, 4A boys basketball state tourneys

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    Who will get to Boulder for this season’s big-school Final 4 in 4A and 5A boys basketball? (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    It’s no surprise, folks, that from Week 1 the b’ball community was on the same page calling this season “wide open!” in Class 4A/5A boys hoops.

    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. This season didn’t seem to have that “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:

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Bill Weimar Region

    Overland Eaglecrest boys basketball
    Overland is the No. 1 seed in the Bill Weimar region. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Overland started the season ranked No. 1 with the high expectations of top 2016 De’Ron Davis, Air Force commit Ryan Swan and Wyoming commit Austin Conway. With three Division I players in the starting lineup the expectations were well deserved, but the T’Blazers fell early to Regis and faced some tough out-of-state foes.

    That was all early and Overland has now returned to the state’s No. 1 spot as overall top seed in this region. The Blazers only loss upon return to Colorado came to Eaglecrest when De’Ron didn’t play. They are one-loss Centennial champs who seem to be destined for Boulder on this hot streak.

    Speaking of hot, Mountain Vista ended the regular season with huge wins over rivals ThunderRidge and Regis. Many believe they are the squad with the most momentum heading into the tourney, led by two college-bound players in Brady Subart and Ray Beresford. Coach Wood’s intense, attacking style of play is fun to watch and can wear opponents down.

    Favorites: Clearly the 1 and 2 seeds in this region are deserving. Many thought Mountain Vista was worthy of a 1 seed themselves with how they finished the season. Overland was preseason No. 1 and has been the Fever’s pick to win it all.

    Watch out for: Montbello has some serious length and lights out guard Malik Hart. That can be a strong tourney package. If they can get past Mullen, a tough Fort Collins squad with size of their own in Triston Von Nieda is waiting. We like Northglenn to advance with Jacob Mountour playing strong for them but eventually Overland awaits.

    Jim Baggot Region

    Overland Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    Regis, led by coach Ken Shaw, spent much of the regular season ranked No. 1. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Regis Jesuit was our No. 1-ranked squad for a very long stretch of the season after knocking off the preseason No. 1 in the very first game of the season. When playing their best the Raiders can be lethal from the outside, hitting 16 3-pointers in one game this season. Precise “drive and kick” find-the-open-man offense is their strength. Senior Bryan Staerkal finds his favorite spot in the “corner 3” and his teammates know where to find him.

    Boy oh boy, was the Rangeview Raiders’ No. 2 seed debated via Twitter when brackets were announced. The Fever crew has seen the good and the bad of the Raiders this season and but believe their late-season surge, including undefeated in league play, will serve them well and expect to see these boys in the Sweet 16, at least.

    Favorites: Regis looks to have a nice path here but please watch that No. 4 seed Cherokee Trail. We like Rock Canyon and defending champ Denver East, as well.

    Rock Canyon may have gotten the short end of the stick as the 3 seed who could draw the unlucky task of trying to take down the Angels. Always tough to put out the defending champ who has the experience of “being there.”

    Watch out for: Have to go with Cherokee Trail at the top of the bracket with guard Jaizec Lottie and wing/forward David Thornton. They recently took down No. 1 seed Eaglecrest and can play with anyone. They are an overall young squad, though.

    We like Highlands Ranch as a scary 10 seed but we hear Ryley Stewart, their sharp-shooting senior, may not be available and that will be key.

    Brian Carey and his Angels will come into each game with the swag of a defending champ. The Angels suffered a late slide but coach Rudy Carey knows how to get it done in February/March. The Fever Crew believes in strong guard play come tournament time and if Carey/Buckmelter end up facing the Rock Canyon backcourt tandem of Tyler Garcia and Mitch Lombard, that just may be must see second-round hoops!

    Ray C. Ball Region

    Overland Eaglecrest boys basketball
    Eaglecrest heads the Ray C. Ball region as its No. 1 seed. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Speaking of guard play, my friends! Eaglecrest has a brother tandem of Elijah (UCCS commit) and Colbey Ross who are as good of a tandem as any. With lefty Pete Anderson on the wing and the “utility knife” Blend Advili doing it all, the Raptors have all the tools for a trip to Boulder. This team battled in and out-of-state this year and the tough schedule just might pay off.

    Legend was selected as the 2 seed in the Ball Region. Early on we advised folks to R-E-L-A-X regarding the early criticism of this squad and, sure enough, they have come on late. They have a list of juniors who seem ready to break out in Jared Small, Danny Garrick, and Monroe Porter. Is now the time we stop calling them the “young” Titans and they mature into the lofty expectations?

    Favorites: Eaglecrest is the clear-cut favorite in this region in our opinion. The DPL city champ George Washington has a combo of young guards with good size inside that we’ve seen be successful in the tourney before but we have to include last year’s runnerup Fossil Ridge as a favorite, as well.

    The Sabercats have Ryan Quaid inside and the experience of being in Boulder a year ago. Coach Johannsen will have this crew ready to go.

    Watch out for: Arvada West has a brother tandem of their own in Thomas and Luke Neff who can literally shoot the lights out. A-West as a 5 seed could be in a possible shootout with Fossil Ridge and Braxton Bertolette who can equally stroke “3’s” from downtown.

    Must include Aurora Central here who have their own set of guards with newcomer Daytone Jennings inside who would love to have an Aurora battle with Eaglecrest. Note to GW: if Cherry Creek advances you have a “Centennial Tough” squad coming your way.

    Chauncey Billups Region

    ThunderRidge Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    ThunderRidge is the No. 1 seed in Chauncey’s region. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Despite a late stumble, we predicted ThunderRidge would still earn the No. 1 seed, and deservedly so.

    The Grizzlies are led by big man Zack Pirog, a Nebraska-Omaha commit who has been on a tear on the inside. Strong guard play on the perimeter and a stud junior Austin Mueller on the wing is this squads strength.

    As some teams get “3-happy” we like the Grizzlies’ inside/out balance. Perhaps most importantly, they stress defense. As Pirog has stated, “Good defense beats good offense.”

    A sneaky, sneaky 2 seed in the B-B-B-Billups region in Dakota Ridge. Some around the state don’t have a lot of faith in Jeffco once tourney play starts and this team looks to quiet those claims.

    Favorites: Chaparral has seniors Jake Holtzman (DU-commit) and Chris Moody who “showed out!” taking down No. 1 T-Ridge on their senior night and they won’t mind seeing the Grizzlies again. Even as a 3 seed, the Wolverines are a potential favorite. T-Ridge would surely welcome another shot at Chap for “all the marbles."

    Watch out for: Monarch, like Dakota Ridge, purposely haven’t given us much to follow stat-wise and will be a bit of mystery 5 seed. They face a real scorer in Kolton Peterson from Lakewood they better be ready for.

    Followed Andrew Romero and his Mountain Range crew all season, who may face a big step up at Chap.

    Michael Sparks and Jose Arenas would love to travel to Dakota Ridge and prove city ball can earn that win for Abraham Lincoln if they can advance vs. Loveland.

    Smoky Hill and Horizon will beat each other up but the winner may not have much left for T-Ridge.

    The last “mystery” of this region is Donovan Oldham and his Ramprt crew coming out of Colorado Springs as a 4 seed.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Maceo Brodnax Region

    Longmont Mountain View boys basketball
    Can Longmont run the table in 4A? (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Our overall top seed is unquestioned in 4A as Longmont ran the table and enters tourney play undefeated behind play maker Justinnian Jessup and crew.

    Valor Christian seems to have a new player stepping up every time we check them out. Khameron Davis is averaging 14 points per game and made 21 3-point shots this year. The Eagles will rely on the versatile wing, along with Dylan McCaffrey, to lead them.

    Favorites: Longomont and Valor clearly deserving 1 and 2 seeds here. This region could play out with 1 and 2 meeting.

    Watch out for: Got to watch Sand Creek battle a tough 5A Montbello squad midseason this year and they have the goods with up and coming D’Shawn Shwartz going strong to the left!

    Mark Randall Region

    Holy Family Roosevelt boys basketball
    Holy Family moved up a class this season and didn’t skip a beat whatsoever. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Holy Family battled overall 4A No. 1 Longmont to a classic last-second battle late in the season. Have to imagine they wouldn’t mind another shot in the Final 4. Chris Helbig and Luke Golter tandem for 17 points per game for this region’s top squad.

    Sierra is a 20-win 2 seed from Colorado Springs that has athletes all over its roster. Two average double-figure scoring and lead point guard CJ Jennings will run the show.

    Favorites: Seeds 1-4 here all have shot folks! More parity on display as Vista Peak and battle tested Pueblo South will battle in this stacked region.

    Watch out for: Vista Peak has been traveling all over this season in the Colorado 7 league and may be the underrated 4A surprise. Wow — Pueblo South has 5, count them, 5 players who average double figure scoring! Again, this region is stacked.

    Richard Tate Region

    Golden Valor Christian boys basketball
    Golden is the No. 1 seed in the Richard Tate Region. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Golden had a special season and Ryan Thistlewood’s points per game has been a large part of their surge. It seems that we will call each region “loaded” here in 4A as Golden will be tested right away on their home court.

    Air Academy is the 2 seed in Tate region and David Louthan leads 3 AA scorers in double figure scoring, averaging 17 per game with Paul Ambuul not far behind at 15 per.

    Favorites: Golden has to be the favorite but DPL-tested Thomas Jefferson and Pueblo Central’s “scoring duo” could keep them alive in tourney play.

    Watch out for: Michael Ranson and Kobi Betts have had “off the charts” scoring efforts for Pueblo Central and if they catch fire can beat anyone.

    However, our top squad to watch is the Spartans of Thomas Jefferson who have been beat up and tested thoroughly by the gauntlet of city ball. They are senior led by player of year candidate Josh McNair who gets “to the rack” when he wants, along with smooth Sergio Garcia and versatile Jalen Rose who does it all.

    Guy Gibbs Region

    Denver South Cheyenne Mountain boys basketball
    Denver South was in Boulder last season. Will they get back? (Ray Chen/arrayphoto.com)

    Folks, these Denver South Rebels might have the momentum of none other coming into 4A play. Their last regular season victory came against 5A defending champ Denver East on the Angels’ court where Chudier Bile scored 37 points.

    Bile’s buddy down low is big man Chuck Gavin who is the state’s picture of consistency down low, averaging a double-double vs. top competition. Point guard Devontae “Moo” Loggins makes it all work for the Rebels and it’s no surprise for him to produce point/assist double-doubles himself.

    Have to be honest in the fact that due to geography we haven’t seen this 2 seed Pueblo West but we have certainly followed “super soph” David Simental who leads this squad into tourney play. Simental averaging 18 points per game by the way, folks.

    Favorites: Must go with the size of Chuck Gavin and Chudier Bile for Denver South in this region. College-bound big men who will be hard to match up with for any 4A!

    Watch out for: There’s at team in D’Evelyn that has produced some tremendous defensive efforts this season and if they keep that “shut-down” mentality in post-season they can be a problem. Senior Grant Witherspoon can lead the scoring as the team unites in their defensive theme.

    There’s another Scott brother at Lewis-Palmer? Answer = yes! Jonathon Scott has led the Rangers this year and they know what the road to Boulder looks like … obviously.

    [divider]

    This season had no shortage of surprises, upsets, and crazy individual performances. Not a lot of guarantees in life but one is that this next few weeks of big-school ball will keep us glued to the results and our “wide open” theme won’t let us down!

    Does Overland ride their big stars and get that Gold Ball they so desire? How about Longmont? Can they run the table and finish UN-DE-FEAT-ED in 4A?

    Only one way to find out: get out there and support all of our awesome schools, coaches and players!

  • Ball Fever: Wide open regular season winds down in boys hoops

    Mountain Vista Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    Brady Subart and Mountan Vista owned the final week of the regular season with wins over 5A’s No. 1 (ThunderRidge) and No. 2 (Regis Jesuit) teams. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Our title of upsets and big games can’t be used again but it certainly could have applied in the last week of the season.

    More surprises, top teams falling, upsets, and stand out performances in the final week of regular season. Simply “wide open.” Let’s check it out and get prepped for tourney play!

    [divider]

    Week In Review

    Mountain Vista Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    Mountain Vista beat No. 2 Regis at the buzzer on Tuesday. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Tuesday, Feb. 17:

    • The Fever Crew made it out to Prairie View for senior night. Two special young men, Luke Schwindaman and Alonzo Ramirez, were honored as the squad’s two leaders! Good kids who are a reflection of their awesome families. An honor to coach these two. The senior night was ruined, however, by a very rude visit from Rangeview and Elijah Reed who scored 23 of the Raiders’ 106 points. Senior Jalen Davis added 18 in the win.
    • How about seven Patriots scoring in double figures as new DPL champ George Washington ran up 102 points in win over Denver North. Outstanding freshman Daylen Kountz led with 16 on the night.
    • Brady Subart with 15 points, but more importantly the best two of the night came on the game winner vs. Regis! Check out our report and photos.
    • Low-scoring and a slug fest all the way but Castle View got a big win for their program 43-39 over Highlands Ranch.
    • The Northglenn program continues to improve and Jacob Montour’s 20 points were big in a signature league win 58-53 over Aurora Central. Northglenn’s only league loss coming to Rangeview this season.
    • Fossil Ridge fell from our top 10 but don’t be fooled by that as they went into Fairview and earned a 62-45 road win with Ryan Quaid scoring 26 points!
    • Rock Canyon came in at No. 5 in this week’s poll but Danny Garrick’s 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists led three Legend Titans in double figure scoring leading to the big 2-point road upset.
    • Grand Junction wrapped up the South Western league with 43-38 win over Fruita Monument. Ridge Droskin with a 17 point, 10 rebound double-double.
    • What a 4th-quarter comeback as Thomas Jefferson scored 34 to complete the 70-67 win over Lincoln. Josh McNair and Ravel Moody fueled the charge scoring 20 points each, with McNair adding 10 rebounds for the double-double.
    • Senior night at Chaparral and how about celebrating by beating No. 1 ThunderRidge 66-42? Wow, quite a night for Chris Moody who capped senior night with a “monsta” double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds in the upset. Fellow senior Jake Holtzman added 17.
    • Fort Collins receiving to 10 votes recently and kept the momentum rolling with a 65-50 win over Broomfield led by Jacob Pfaffinger’s 14 points.
    • Luke Golter with the big 25 point night as 4A No. 3 Holy Family took down Berthoud by 18 points.
    • David Simental scored 16 points in the crucial league victory for Pueblo West over Pueblo Central. Both will be tough in 4A tourney!
    • JT Johnson’s 19 points helped Vista Peak wrap up the Colorado 7 league with a 65-44 win at Sky View.

    Wednesday, Feb. 18:

    Golden junior Ryan Blodgett, left, looks for room to operate under the basket as Wheat Ridge senior Vedin Kozic (3) makes it difficult during the first half Wednesday. Blodgett finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Demons took a step closer to their first conference title in six years. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Ryan Blodgett, left, and Golden beat rival Wheat Ridge on Wednesday. (Dennis Pleuss)
    • Golden with a win over their rival Wheat Ridge that puts them one win away from a league title! Dennis Pleuss has your coverage.
    • Dylan McCaffrey led four Valor Christian Eagles in double figures with 16 points in the hard fought win at D’Evelyn.
    • The big four for Overland took care of business as Reggie Gibson, De’Ron Davis, Austin Conway, and Ryan Swan were all in double figures as the T’Blazers won 73-60 over Cherokee Trail. Big De’Ron was in “beast mode” with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 blocked shots!
    • Tyler McFarland led No. 7 Dakota Ridge’s balance with 15 points on this night in win over Bear Creek.
    • Cherry Creek with the 70-53 Centennial win over Arapahoe and your action shots are here.

    Thursday, Feb. 19:

    • Silver Creek battled tough at home but couldn’t stop Justinian Jessup’s 24 points while Longmont won league undefeated! Like the 5 steals Mr. Jessup!
    • We like it! Another Sabercat stepping up as Fossil Ridge secured a share of league title with Zacc Drovdal scoring 18 in the win over visiting Boulder.
    • It couldn’t have been pretty but Triston Von nieda’s 12 points easily led all in Fort Collins 39-26 low-scoring league-share win over Poudre.
    • No stats from Monarch something tells me they are not concerned as they roll to 20-3 record and completely under the radar after a season-ending 2-point win at Mountain Range.
    • Windsor sure threw a monkey wrench in the mix as they upset No. 3 Holy Family 68-61 despite Luke Golter’s 29 points.
    • Sierra makes it a perfect 14-0 as league champs with a 10-poit win over Widefield. Our southern “source” Big Herm says CJ Jennings is the typical Springs lead point guard and he had 14 points, 8 assists in this win.

    Friday, Feb. 20:

    Mountain Vista ThunerRidge boys basketball
    “Did you think that was an upset?Mountain Vista coach Bob Wood said after his team’s knocked off No. 1 ThunderRidge on Friday. “Cause I planned on winning the whole time.” (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • Coach Wood wasn’t calling the No. 8 Mountain Vista squad’s win over No. 1 ThunderRidge an upset at all! Check out Matt Mathewes with the coverage of the Eagles’ big season-ending win. Brady Subart with 20 points and the senior had one heck of a week!
    • Big De’Ron did the work inside for Overland as they locked up the Centennial League title with 70-56 win over a feisty Grandview. Davis with 17 points, 6 rebounds in the win that will likely set the Blazers up with a overall No. 1 seed in 5A tourney.
    • Tyler McFarland scored 17 to help Dakota Ridge finish regular season strong with win over Ralston Valley.
    • No. 2 Regis has a way from bouncing back from losses and after losing to Mountain Vista this week they made Ponderosa pay! Jack Eberhard with the action shots.
    • Air Academy locked things up down south with a huge 32 point 10 rebound double-double from David Louthan in the season finale win over Cheyenne Mountain.
    • The annual Chap/Legend tangle is always fun and both teams looking good for tourney play. Jared Small had one of his best performances scoring 24 points, 7 rebounds and Danny Garrick hit five 3-pointers for Legend in the 6 point rivalry win.
    • 37 was the theme of the night as Denver South surprised Denver East at home in season finale. Check these double-double’s as Chudier Bile scored 37 points and pulled down 10 rebounds (7 blocks) while East’s Brian Carey scored 37 points with 11 assists. Big Chuck Gavin also big for the Rebels in the win scoring a 16 point, 12 rebound double-double. We predict the Rebels just earned a No. 1 seed in 4A and will be tough!
    • Rampart wins the league down south but Fountain Fort Carson was determined to finish strong with the 8 point home win. Pulled away with a 12-5 third quarter.
    • Thomas Neff only hit one three on his way to 20 points in Arvada West’s road win at Bear Creek but he is now 5A’s 2nd all time leading three point shooter!
    • Tarren Storey-Way’s 22 points and Tyrei Randall’s 20 led Rangeview to win over Gateway that left them undefeated in league!
    • Golden closed out the 4A Jeffco play with Ryan Thistlewood scoring 18 in the big win at D’Evelyn.
    • The Fever Crew made it out Friday to watch Montbello and Thomas Jefferson tune up for their prospective tourney and 4A TJ was “game” early with Jalen Rose giving them a fast start with 12 points and Josh McNair added 21 but the Bellos seniors Troy Green’s 27 and Malik Hart’s 17 was just too much. Very intriguing teams to follow tourney-wise.
    • What a tangle down south in Pubelo and No. 9 Pueblo South mixed things up even more with the season ending 2-point win over No. 6 Pueblo West.

    Saturday, Feb. 21:

    • Glenwood Springs made it a perfect 14-0 in league play as they took down Palisade out west with Brian Burbidge and Everett Marr both scoring in double figures.

    Well folks, from the very beginning we talked of a “wide open” 4A & 5A season. The regular season proved those thoughts were right and it proved for very good ball at both levels.

    No more articles, twitter, papers, rankings, etc. Simply time to prove it on the court!

  • Ball Fever: OTs, upsets abound in boys basketball

    ThunderRidge Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    The ThunderRidge student section erupts after a dunk during last week’s showdown between No. 1 Regis Jesuit and No. 2 ThunderRidge. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Some truly exciting overtime battles and more upsets ruled last week.

    At this point, some of the upsets are not surprises at all but evidence of the parity which had many saying this season was “wide open” in Class 4A and 5A.

    Let’s check out the week that was!

    [divider]

    Week In Review

    Tuesday, Feb. 10:

    ThunderRidge Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    ThunderRidge knocked off No. 1 Regis Jesuit last week. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    • Zach Marburger was our guy on the scene for the “Goliath” 1 vs. 2 match up that Regis’ Coach Shaw compared to a state title game in the middle of the season. Big Nebraska-Omaha commit Zach Pirog led the way as the Grizzlies led from start to finish. A great night for Colorado Hoops! Check out Kai Casey’s action photos as the new No. 1 made it 10 in a row.
    • Who battles to a 21-18 OT session? George Washington and Lincoln in a DPL battle — that’s who! The Patriots are getting a lot from their top seven players and Jeremiah Hyppolite’s 23 point, 6 rebound effort led FIVE Patriots in double figure scoring as GW stayed unbeaten in league play with the 82-79 road win.
    • Boulder hosted Horizon and got a 18-point win in the important league win.
    • The upset theme continued as Matt Mathewes caught Mountain Vista cooling off Chaparral. Sixteen fourth quarter points by Brady Subart!
    • Andrew Romero’s 24 point, 11 rebound double-double moved Mountain Range to a 6-point win over Legacy.
    • Dan Morhmann was on hand as No. 4 Sierra wrapped up their league title Tuesday.
    • We’ve discussed this before — 4A teams need to watch this Ponderosa 4A squad that has been battling 5A Continental squads. Pondo went on the road and a 27-11 fourth quarter helped lock in the 53-48 win at Heritage.
    • 4A No. 3 Holy Family stayed perfect in league play behind Luke Golter’s 17 and Chris Helbig’s 16 points in 21-point road win at Mead.
    • The beautiful “senior night” celebration at Montbello allowed the Fever Crew time to get from Regis over the Bellos and catch Denver South’s second half run that came up short due to Malik Hart’s 24 leading four Warriors in double-figure scoring on the night. Kur Awol scored 14, Sekou Cisse 13, and Pal Tut 13 in the win while Chudier Bile had a nice double-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds.
    • D’Evelyn was hot as of late but Wheat Ridge pulled the upset behind Xavier Dreiling’s 20 point, 10 rebound double-double.
    • Donovan Oldham’s 24 points helped Rampart pull off the tight 3-point victory over Palmer. Will Ross had a 16 point, 10 rebound effort in the loss for the Terrors.
    • Pueblo Central held off Pueblo East 58-55 as a game tying three just missed at buzzer. Kobi Betts and Michael Ranson both score 18 in the win.
    • “Stat-stuffin” night for Thomas Jefferson’s Josh McNair who scored 23 points along with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals in win over Denver West.
    • Daeziontae “Dee” Henderson put down a 27 point, 14 rebound effort for Thornton vs. Adams City in the Trojans win.
    • Charlie Hovasse was “feelin it” scoring 28 points and Jonathon Scott added 20 in Lewis-Palmer’s 9-point home win over Cheyenne Mountain.
    • Ray Ibarra’s 23 points helped Widefield take down rival Harrison 66-60. Quinzel Harding scored 21 in the loss.
    • 4A No. 1 Longmont remained unbeaten and Justinnian Jessup led three in double figures with 15 points in win over Mountain View.

    Wednesday, Feb. 11:

    Chatfield Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Chatfield upset No. 6 Dakota Ridge on Wednesday. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • Thomas Neff scored 19 and dished out 7 assists in Arvada West’s 61-47 win over rival Columbine.
    • Grandview earned a 63-56 much needed win over Smoky Hill and Cooper Murphy’s 20 points, including five 3-point shots were big.
    • These upsets are a sign of the hoops getting good and teams improving late in the season! Matt Mathewes caught another as Chatfield upset No. 6 Dakota Ridge in a rivalry game.
    • Eaglecrest was having no part of the “upset-fest” early in the week and Jack Eberhard caught Colbey Ross’ 19 points in the win over Cherry Creek.
    • A young Arapahoe squad battled for a half but a 21-6 third quarter advantage pushed Overland to the win. Big De’Ron logged a 16 point, 10 rebound double-double while Reggie Gibson led all scorers with 22 points along with 5 assists.
    • A league title was on the line as a packed Rangeview gym watched the home squad take down Aurora Central by 16 points and remain unbeaten in league play. Elijah Blake led four Raiders in double figures with 15 and Ladarius Thomas had 20 in the loss. Both of these squads will be looking to prove their league can compete when tourney time rolls around!
    • Sand Creek dropped from our 4A coaches poll but will be dangerous come playoffs and D’Shawn Schwartz scored 18 points in their 12-point road win at Falcon.

    Thursday, Feb. 12:

    Lewis Palmer Discovery Canyon boys basketball
    Lewis-Palmer beat Discovery Canyon on Thursday. (Caden Colson/cadencolsonphotography.com)
    • Evergreen gave Valor Christian all they could handle, even sending the game into OT but Valor won the extra session 12-2 for a 64-64 final where Jalen Sanders led four Eagles in double-figure scoring with 16.
    • Reportedly, Tyler Garcia scored his 28 points in three quarters at Castleview leading Rock Canyon to the 76-49 league win. Freshman Sam Masten added 15 points in the win.
    • Rangers seize control of 4A Pikes Peak and Caden Colson has your update with action shots.
    • Fairview’s 15-9 second quarter advantage was enough to earn the 50-48 win at Legacy on the night. Dalton Royer 16 in the loss.
    • Palmer Ridge shut down Vista Ridge only allowing 29 points and Robert Fernandez had 11 points, 9 rebounds.
      D’Evelyn bounced back with a lopsided win over Green Mountain that included a 22-0 first quarter! Grant Witherspoon 17 and Charlie Davis 13 in the win.
    • Another OT match up and Mesa Ridge beat Mitchell 79-76 with Dylan Mileto scoring 25 points.
    • Marques Combs scored 11 in the low scoring affair as Palisade won 41-37 over Eagle Valley.
    • 4A No. 1 Longmont jumped out to a 9-2 start and never looked back in the 16-point win over Thompson Valley. Kevin Mitchell led the way on this night with 22 points.

    Friday, Feb. 13:

    Regis Jesuit Chaparral boys basketball
    Regis rebounded with a good win over Chaparral on Friday. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • We mentioned last week that the Eaglecrest/Cherokee Trail match ups are becoming “must see” hoops in southeast Aurora. Their Friday night overtime tilt didn’t let folks down and Kham Brandon made the last second bucket won 46-45 for the Cougars. Blend Advili had a 17 point, 10 rebound double-double in the loss for the No. 4 Raptors.
    • Dakota Ridge made a come-back 5A Jeffco statement at Lakewood Friday night and Dennis Pleuss was there.
    • Arapahoe needed a conference win and Kyle Lucasiewicz 22 points, 5 rebounds was big in the home win over Smoky Hill by 8.
    • Daeziontae “Dee” Henderson has been a double-double machine for Thornton all season and his 29 point, 15 rebound effort vs. Prairie View helped earn the Trojans the win.
    • Former No. 1 Regis took “one on the chin” vs. ThunderRidge but came out swinging against visiting Chaparral and never stopped! Jack Eberhard was on the scene for the impressive 16 3-pointers.
    • Cherry Creek looked to hand Overland their 2nd league loss but the Trailblazers balance was on display at home with three players in double figure scoring led by big De’Ron’s 12 point, 17 rebound double-double night.
    • Monarch, now 18-3, got a strong win over Boulder at home 50-39 outscoring the Panthers by 9 in the final stage.
    • Fort Collins staked their claim on the Front Range winning a tight one 43-40 over No. 9 Fossil Ridge. Triston von Nieda had a 21 point, 13 rebound double-double and Ryan Quaid a 26 point, 16 rebound effort in the loss.
    • Pat Sullivan’s 23 points was huge on the Angel’s court but not enough as Highlands Ranch came up short 51-48 to Denver East. Brian Carey with 19 points and 6 assists in the win.
    • Elizabeth’s 32-19 fourth quarter with 18 points from Stuart Eurick earned the win at Fort Morgan 77-56.
    • Grand Junction stays steady with only one league loss after the 26 point win over Grand Junction Central.
    • Ryan Blodget’s 18 point, 13 rebound double-double had No. 3 Golden looking good in 16 point road win at Standley Lake.
    • Donovan Oldham’s 19 along with Andy Churchill’s 18 lifted Rampart by 21 over Pine Creek on the night.
    • The Fever Crew made it out to Brighton and the twitter account got a ton of laughs stating Aurora Central held Brighton to two touchdowns in the 29-14 win. If you like low scoring and defense … this was the one for you!
    • Seniors were shining as Tim Wyatt’s 20 and Jalen Davis’ 17 points helped Rangeview put up 95 as a team vs. Westminster.
    • Denver South relying heavily on their big guns and all four scored in double figures vs. Denver West highlighted by Chuck Gavin’s 14 point, 15 rebound double-double, Devante Loggins 14 point, 10 assist double-double, and Turner Dumas Peterson’s 17 points.
    • A different Warrior stepping up again as Pal Tut’s 17 points, 3 rebounds led the Warriors to easy win over Denver North.
    • Cheyenne Mountain only had one league victory but they came to play as they lost 69-67 to Sand Creek. “Give me those stats!”
    • Sierra just keeps on “trucking” down south unbeaten in league play beating Harrison by 28.

    Saturday, Feb. 14:

    • I made the prediction that East would lock up another city title and get the win over GW at the Thunderdome Saturday but the young Patriots had other thoughts as sophomore Jervay Green scored 24 points with 3 assists and 3 steals leading to an exciting 76-73 win. The “ThunderDome” was packed and treated to city ball at its best with outstanding guard play and banging down low as East’s Jordan Willis again had a “monsta” double-double of 14 points, 17 rebounds in the loss.
    • Doherty wasn’t bothered with traveling north to Heritage Saturday while Brevin Brimble scored 19 with 4 rebounds and 2 assists in the 11-point road win.
    • Valor Christian headed south to Cheyenne Mountain and held them to single digits in three of four quarters leading to a 74-42 final with Dylan McCaffrey scoring 17.

    [divider]

    A Look Ahead:

    ThunderRidge Regis Jesuit boys basketball
    What will Zach Pirog (33) and ThunderRidge do for an encore this week? (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Tuesday, Feb. 17:

    • Regis at Mountain Vista will be fun. The Eagles play well on their home floor!
    • Legend at Rock Canyon with seeding implications.
    • The new No. 1 ThunderRidge won’t find it easy at Chaparral. Does the defense and “swag” travel to Parker?
    • Lots of good stuff in the Front Range highlighted by Fossil Ridge at Fairview and Broomfield at Fort Collins.
    • George Washington will hosts Denver North after their big win over Denver East.
    • Rampart at Liberty.
    • Rangeview looking to hold on to league title in visit to Prairie View.
    • Aurora Central and Northglenn both hoping for a Rangeview loss but have to battle each other along the way!
    • Lincoln at Thomas Jefferson in city action.
    • Pueblo Central at Pueblo West is as big as it gets!

    Wednesday, Feb. 18:

    • Overland at Cherokee Trail a great league match up and playoff tune-up!
    • Shots will be flying in Lakewood vs. Arvada West!
    • Lewis-Palmer at Air Academy down south will provide the action!
    • Golden in for a big test at Wheat Ridge and Valor visits D’Evelyn in league play.

    Thursday, Feb. 19:

    • Boulder at Fossil Ridge is looking like the spot to be up north, but Monarch at Mountain Range will entertain as well!
    • Sierra at Widefield in the Springs area.
    • Longmont’s final regular season test at Silver Creek.

    Friday, Feb. 20:

    • Take your pick in Centennial Friday! League will be settled but what about seeding?
    • Mountain Vista’s turn to visit ThunderRidge!
    • It’s always a “Parker Party” when Chap visits Legend.
    • Doherty at Palmer.
    • Can Ralston Valley pull the upset on Dakota Ridge?
    • Rangeview looks to lock up the league at Gateway while Hinkley and Aurora Central get the “A-Town” battle on!
    • Montbello at Thomas Jefferson as both tune up for playoffs.
    • Lewis-Palmer at Palmer Ridge as they look to “lock.”
    • Wheat Ridge will battle as Valor comes to visit but Golden at D’Evelyn is the game of the night!

    Folks! There are league titles and playoff hopes on the line this week. Get out and support your squad!

  • Ball Fever: Recapping big-time showdowns in boys basketball — and more ahead

    Mountain Vista Rock Canyon boys basketball crowd
    (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    No. 1 Regis and No. 2 ThunderRidge continued streaking last week, but we have a feeling No. 3 Eaglecrest and No. 4 Overland from the Centennial will have a lot to say in how things turn out.

    In 4A, No. 1 Longmont faced their toughest test to date when No. 2 Holy Family paid a visit. Let’s check out the rest of the action this week.

    Week In Review

    Monday, Feb. 2:

    • Bear Creek earned a rare road win on the quiet night with Michael Nienhaus scoring 11 points at Gateway.

    Tuesday, Feb. 3:

    Holy Family Roosevelt boys basketball
    No. 2 Holy Family handled Roosevelt on Tuesday. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    • Defense leading to fast breaks was the theme as Kai Casey took in Holy Family racing past Roosevelt.
    • No. 2 Thunder Ridge’s Clay Verk had 13 points, 5 rebounds as the Grizzlies had eleven players in the scoring column of the 25-point lopsided win over Douglas County. Matt Bierbaum scored 21 in the loss for the Huskies.
    • David Simental looks like a weekly "staple" in Ball Fever as he scored 22 points for Pueblo West as they "put it on" Pueblo South by 21 points.
    • Matt Mathewes has the action shots covered as Ray Beresford and Brady Subart both in double figure scoring again for Mountain Vista over Castle View.
    • Our 5A No. 1 Regis’ balance on display again as they went on the road into No. 5 Rock Canyon earning a 58-46 win behind Kip Boryla’s 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
    • Tyler Converse scored 28 but it wasn’t enough as Monarch, new to our 5A top 10, held on for the 51-48 home win.
    • Braxton Bertolette had the hot hand for No. 9 Fossil Ridge scoring 22 as the Sabercats pulled away big time from Poudre. Ryan Quaid logs another double-double of 17 points, 13 rebounds.
    • The Fever crew made it out to Thomas Jefferson as the Spartans hosted Denver East in city ball. The 5A Angels depth proved to be too much as they wore TJ down late behind Brian Carey’s 20 points. Jordan Willis kicked in a man-sized "monsta" double-double of 12 points, 21 rebounds as well! Jalen Rose led TJ with 18 points while Josh McNair added his usual double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds in the loss.
    • Twitter was calling it an "overtime classic" as Denver South went into Lincoln’s house and pulled off the win behind big Chuck Gavin’s 22-point, 18-rebound double-double effort. Gavin had a lot of help from fellow seniors Turner Dumas who scored 25 points while Devante "Moo" Loggins contributed in every way with a 14-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist TRIPLE-DOUBLE in the 8-point win.
    • Well "HELLO" Malik Hart! We have our first "50-piece" served up by Hart as he scored 51 points on 9-13 3-point shooting vs Denver West in Montbello’s easy win. Rising junior Sekou Cisse also dropped in 30 points for the Bello’s in their 108-point night.
    • Defense was the theme for Rangeview only allowing 25 points to Brighton as Tyreil Randall scored 14 in the Raiders win.
    • Kevin Rovney led four Mitchell players in double figure scoring with 21 points as they earned a strong road win at Widefield.
    • Doherty got defensive holding Liberty to 9 first half points and Brevin Brimble scoring 16 helped the Spartans to the 10-point win.
    • 4A No. 1 Longmont stayed unbeaten behind Blake OGrady’s 17 points vs. Northridge. Holy Family comes to town on Saturday!
    • Eric Kembel scored 19 points as Fort Morgan handed Vista Peak their first league loss 67-54.

    Wednesday, Feb. 4:

    Dakota Ridge junior Devante Jones (23) has his shot blocked by Arvada West junior Will Wittman (14) during the opening quarter Wednesday night. Jones scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles put away a 62-48 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Dakota Ridge seized control of the 5A Jeffoc League on Wednesday. (Dennis Pleuss)
    • Smoky Hill pulled off the Centennial upset this night as Shae Wyatt’s 15 points helped the Buffaloes earn the 3-point home win over Cherokee Trail.
    • 5A No. 7 Dakota Ridge grasped the lead in 5A Jeffco and Dennis Pleuss was all over it.
    • We like seeing the different players who step up for Air Academy. This time, in win over Sand Creek, it was James Sims 22 and David Louthan’s 20 points that got it done!
    • We had a top-5 matchup in 5A as No. 3 Eaglecrest visited No. 4 Overland and the Ross brothers were tough but not enough for big De’Ron and the crew. Check out Danielle Ennis on the coverage.
    • In a rare February non-league tussle Rampart came north to battle Legend and the Titans Jared Small flirted with a double-double compiling 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 4-point home win.
    • Kolton Peterson, hot again with 5-8 3-point shots, scored 27 total leading Lakewood to 76-60 win over Pomona.
    • Dylan McCaffrey picked up a football offer this week and also scored 11 points with 5 rebounds in Valor Christians lopsided win over Littleton.
    • Grant Witherspoon scored 27 of D’Evelyn’s 54 in the close 2-point victory over Standley Lake. D’Evelyn is hot and No. 8 in 4A!

    Thursday, Feb. 5:

    • Triston Von Nieda’s 14 points led four in double scoring as Fort Collins thumped Douglas County by 25.
    • Sam Kullberg’s 11 points helped Northglenn stay in the league hunt with 8 point win over Brighton.
    • Five Thompson Valley players impressively scored in double figures as Jake Hornick’s 18 point, 11 rebound double-double helped get the 12-point win over Mountain View.

    Friday, Feb. 6:

    Mountain Vista Rock Canyon boys basketball
    Rock Canyon and Mountain Vista did battle on Friday. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • The Fever crew got our first up close look at 5A No. 2 ThunderRidge on this night as they hosted Legend. The Grizzlies were extremely confident on their home floor and jumped out to 8-0 lead with big man Zach Pirog eventually scoring 17. ThunderRidge has an outstanding junior wing in Austin Mueller who scored all of his 14 points in the first half leaving no doubt in this one!
    • Smoky Hill came to play but a 21-6 third quarter put Overland in control for good as De’Ron Davis and Reggie Gibson scored 15 points each.
    • Dennis Pleuss was on hand for an exciting finish as Standley Lake’s late run got it done vs. Wheat Ridge — including a late put-back. Our Pam Wagner was also on the scene with the photos.
    • Jaizec Lottie continues his steady play with 13 points, 3 assists, 2 steals as Cherokee Trail bounced back with road win at Grandview.
    • Monarch’s time in the 5A top 10 may be short lived as Horizon came in and beat them by 16 behind Michael Skinner’s 23 point, 12 rebound double-double.
    • Extremely impressed with what Chaparral did on the road after a long, emotional day winning 76-49 at Heritage. Jake Holtzman scored 25 points in the win. The Chap "family" attended the funeral of one of the Fever "Crew" earlier that day, our friend Ross Malone. Nothing would have made Ross happier than a Chap road win!
    • No. 5 Rock Canyon earned a strong road win handing Mountain Vista their first home loss with an explosive fourth quarter and Matt Mathewes was there!
    • Cherry Creek’s 25-8 fourth quarter was a big part of the 29 point thrashing of Mullen. The Bruins remain dangerous!
    • Ryan Quaid earned another double-double for Fossil Ridge and Jackson Everhart’s 20 points kept the Sabercats unbeaten in league play with 15 point win over Loveland.
    • Rangeview stayed unbeaten in league play as they pulled off a tight win on the road vs. Hinkley with Tarren Storey-Way scoring 14.
    • No. 1 Regis started the game 17-7 in first quarter and Bryan Staerkal was 5-8 from 3-point land scoring 20 points as the Raiders knocked off another tough Continental foe at Highlands Ranch.
    • Denver East remained unbeaten in league play as they shocked the DPL Friday night as they went into the Lincoln gym and won by 30 points behind Brian Carey’s 19 point, 13 assist double-double. Not to be out done, Deron Harrell had a break-out 18 point, 10 rebound double-double of his own.
    • Rampart had three tough games last week and didn’t fade in Friday’s rivalry vs. Doherty winning 60-57. Donovan Oldham and Kole Cerjan scored 17 each in the win. Tynan Velasquez scored 23 in the loss.
    • Noah Saunders scored 13 points in a key home win for Falcon over visiting Lewis-Palmer.
    • There’s a new transfer in town! Daytone Jennings is making his presence felt early and often for Aurora Central and a "monsta" 30 point, 20 rebound double-double paced the Trojans in big win over Adams City.
    • Kayden Sund led three in double figure scoring with 12 points and Ryan Thistlewood logged an 11 point, 11 rebound double-double in Golden’s league win over Evergreen.
    • Mesa Ridge’s Dalen Jackson’s 13 was a part of Mesa Ridge’s balance in their 12 point win over Widefield. Ray Ibarra with 28 in the loss.
    • Niwot is tough at home but Justinnian Jessup’s 24 points set No. 1 Longmont up undefeated as they host No. 2 Holy Family the next day. Longmont shocked the gym coming out to the tune of 25-4 in the first quarter beating Niwot by 11.
    • Check out this full-court buzzer-beater from Dawson School against Dayspring Christian in 2A:

    Saturday, Feb. 7:

    • Grand Junction only has one league loss out west after their 19-point win over Durango.
    • Palmer and Fountain Fort-Carson re kindled their rivalry and Palmer protected home court in the 2-point win.
    • OK folks! We had 4A No. 1 vs. No. 2 in Holy Family visiting Longmont and it was a low-scoring slug fest but No. 1 remained undefeated with Justinian Jessup and Blake O’Grady both scoring in double figures. Kevin Mitchell also had 6 points, with 11 rebounds. Chris Helbig’s 15 and Luke Golter’s 13 kept Holy Family right in the mix. We may see these two tangle again!

    [divider]

    The Week Ahead

    Regis Jesuit boys basketball coach Ken Shaw talks to his team before a game during the 2014 season. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Regis Jesuit vs. ThunderRidge is Tuesday. No. 1 vs. No. 2 in 5A. Need we say more? (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Monday, Feb. 9:

    • Mrs. Fever (the boss) just proclaimed Monday "movie night." Everyone enjoy some time off before the action kicks back up!

    Tuesday, Feb. 10:

    • Does it get any bigger than a 5A No. 1 vs No. 2 in February? Can Thunder Ridge carry the home court confidence from last week into the Raiders house? Get there early folks!
    • Mountain Vista at Chapparal has seeding and Continental implications.
    • Horizon’s on a roll and their visit to Boulder is our Front Range league game of the night.
    • Let the "drum line" take center stage as Montbello and Denver South get it on in DPL play.
    • George Washington’s "youngstas" get a shot to keep their DPL run going as they visit Lincoln.
    • Palmart at Rampart down south.
    • Hey Northglenn: don’t think it will be easy at Westminster.
    • Cheyenne Mountain at Lewis-Palmer with both needing a win.
    • Wheat Ridge at D’Evelyn lookin’ pretty good in 4A Jeffco!
    • Mitchell at Sierra should provide your southern excitement.
    • Mountain View gets their chance to blemish No. 1 Longmont’s record.

    Wednesday, Feb. 11:

    • Cherry Creek earned some strong wins last week and now visit Eaglecrest.
    • Chatfield and Dakota Ridge renew their rivalry.
    • Wednesday’s spot to arrive early? Aurora Central visits Rangeview for league supremacy.
    • Air Academy at Vista Ridge lookin’ good down south.
    • Can’t lose with Sand Creek at Falcon either!

    Thursday, Feb. 12:

    • Castle View would love to take down top-10 Rock Canyon.
    • Vista Ridge at Palmer Ridge.
    • D’Evelyn at Green Mountain.
    • Evergreen at Valor Christian.
    • Mitchell at Mesa Ridge.
    • Thompson Valley gets another shot at No. 1 Longmont.

    Friday, Feb. 13:

    • Another "early arrival" if you want a seat in Eaglecrest at Cherokee Trail.
    • Cherry Creek at Overland will tell us a lot in Centennial.
    • We don’t think Chaparral’s seniors will be intimidated to visit No. 1 Regis.
    • Boulder at Monarch highlights the Front Range.
    • Fossil Ridge at Fort Collins with two of our best big men!
    • Oh boy! Our annual Highlands Ranch vs. Denver East tangle.
    • Dakota Ridge visit Kolton Peterson’s Lakewood gym.
    • Arvada West at Chatfield.
    • Rangeview will be tested by Westminster.
    • Cheyenne Mountain at Sand Creek "bragging rights!"
    • Falcon at Air Academy league battle.

    Saturday, Feb. 14:

    • Doherty at Heritage is a nice Saturday afternoon non-conference.
    • Valor Christian travels to Cheyenne Mountain.
    • Well, hey….George Washington and East at the Thunder Dome! We’ve discussed this city action, right?

    This week’s Ball Fever column is dedicated to a friend I’ve watched hoops with in Kansas, Missouri, Vegas, and Indy!

    We watched our boys play on the biggest stage in Colorado and a "head nod" was all we had to give each other. Ross Malone would sit in the Chap gym and send me text messages as I would quickly reply with a text from the Arapahoe gym.

    When Chap beat my beloved Warriors on the last second "tip" there was no surprise that the first phone calls my son and I received were from Ross and Brandon Malone saying, "What a game, what a memory, either team could’ve won." Straight up "class acts."

    Every time I’m in a gym, club or HS, I will be sure to appreciate what I’m doing and think of that big Ross Malone smile. Rest in Peace, friend.

  • Ball Fever: Upsets rule boys basketball’s week

    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)
    This was a common sight last week: An elated team celebrating an upset win after the buzzer — as was the case with D’Evelyn taking down Valor Christian on Thursday. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Last week was again full of surprises with new players and teams stepping up each night. There are two constants that stand as we enter February however: 5A No. 1 Regis Jesuit and 4A No. 1 Longmont remain our sole undefeated squads!

    Let’s review the action.

    [divider]

    Week In Review

    Monday, Jan. 26:

    • Quite an impressive performance by Eaglecrest as the Raptors invaded the Angels house and was up by 23 at halftime in this 5A top 10 matchup. Jack Buckmelter led the Angels with 16 points but it wasn’t enough to slow Peter Anderson and Elijah Ross’ “guard show”! Anderson ended the game with 25 (18 of that came from his hot left hand in first quarter) while Ross finished with 19 points, 3 assists. Brian Carey and Jordan Willis both had double-double stat nights of their own leading a second half charge for the Angels but the deficit was too much to overcome. Quite a road message sent by the Raptors!
    • Paul Ambuul’s 23 points, 8 rebounds helped Air Academy win the overtime session 11-3 for the 8-point win over Falcon.
    • Dennis Pleuss was in the house as the young Lakewood Tigers upset No. 4, and previously undefeated, Dakota Ridge.

    Tuesday, Jan. 27:

    Mitchell The Classical Academy boys basketball
    Mitchell beat The Classical Academy on Tuesday. (Coy Harvey)
    • Donovan Oldham scored 17 to push Rampart’s 13-point win over Fountain-Fort Carson.
    • Abraham Lincoln’s 23-12 third quarter stretch put them ahead for good in the solid home win over Montbello 67-53.
    • Castle View played tough and home and was winning going into the fourth quarter but Chaparral’s Chris Moody’s 24 point, 13 rebound double-double helped earn the 1-point win.
    • Well “hello” D’Eaundrey Twilley! CHSAA had it covered on his huge double-double for Mitchell vs. TCA.
    • Chris Arehart’s 28 points (10-10 free throws) helped Broomfield get the tight win 48-44 over Fairview.
    • Pam Wagner caught Braxton Bertolette’s 19 points, and another double-double for Ryan Quaid as Fossil Ridge traveled to Horizon.
    • Two “double-doubles” from two guys on the same night? Pretty rare, but check out Tarren Storey-Way’s 17 points, 11 rebounds and Tyrei Randall’s 19 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steal for a true “stat-stuffer” of the week performance in Rangeview’s win at Adams City.
    • Regis had another balanced win as they poured it on Douglas County and Jack Eberhard was “snappin pics.”
    • George Washington’s young squad is looking to cause more trouble in DPL play as they beat Thomas Jefferson by two with Jervae Green and Jeremiah Hyppolite scoring 19 points each. Josh McNair had 11 point, 13 rebound double-double along with Jalen Rose’s 19 points in the loss.
    • D’Shawn Schwartz led three players in double-digit scoring as Sand Creek got the 15-point win over Vista Ridge. Hunter Maldonado had 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals in the loss.
    • Another upset as Heritage took down No. 7 Mountain Vista. Matt Mathewes’ photos!
    • Monarch continues to roll along with 86-59 over Loveland. The 25-14 second quarter started the stretch.
    • Need to see this good looking soph down south at Pueblo West, David Simental, who scored 26 points (5-5 free throws, 3-3 behind the arc) helping P West pull away from Pueblo Centennial.
    • Dan Morhman was on site as Sierra took care of some serious business in a big win over Widefield.
    • Jacob Montour’s 17 point, 13 rebound helped Northglenn earn the 16 point conference win over Prairie View.
    • Jalen Sanders led Valor Christian with 23 points, 7 steals in the Eagles 24-point road win at Standley Lake setting up a big game vs. D’Evelyn on Thursday.
    • Talk about balance! No. 1 Longmont got 13 points from three players remaining undefeated in home win over Silver Creek.
    • The 5A Continental teams won’t find it easy when they visit 4A Ponderosa but Rock Canyon’s Tyler Garcia’s 18 points helped the Jags hold on to a 3-point road win.
    • Holy Family got 26 points from Chris Helbig along with 21 from Luke Golter to stay unbeaten in league with win over Windsor.
    • How about a “Double” double-double alert for Denver South’s big men! Chudier Bile piled up 25 points, 16 rebounds along side big Chuck Gavin’s 19 points, 18 rebounds in a fast paced 101-86 win at Denver North. Michael Deleon with 32 points, 7 rebounds for the Vikings in the loss.
    • Widefield came into this one playing strong of lately but Sierra was having none of it as they started the game 20-8 en route to a 77-39 thrashing led by Ke’Andre Lewis’ 20 point, 11 rebound double-double.

    Wednesday, Jan. 28:

    • Dakota Ridge continues to keep the stats “a secret” but they are back on the winning track after 20 point win over Ralston Valley.
    • Cherokee Trail had 13 players get in the scoring column led by David Thornoton’s 20 points in league win over Arapahoe.
    • Lewis-Palmer’s Jonathon Scott got hot for 22 points and Dan Morhmann has the fans covered.
    • Big De’Ron logged another 22 point, 10 rebound double-double and junior guard Reggie Gibson added 15 points, 6 assists in win over Grandview.
    • Paul Ambuul’s double-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds along with Austin Dewing’s 19 helped Air Academy pull away from Cheyenne Mountain.
    • Tough “back to back” for Lakewood as they lost by 1 in overtime to Columbine.
    • “Well, hello!” Daytone Jennings as he joins the party with a “monsta” 36 point, 16 rebound double-double as a new addition for Aurora Central’s win over Thornton.

    Thursday, Jan. 29:

    D'Evelyn Valor Christian boys basketball
    D’Evelyn’s Grant Witherspoon. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)
    • Lincoln used 10-point advantages in both the second and third quarters to eventually win by that 20-point margin as Denver West paid a visit.
    • Doherty wasn’t a very nice visitor as they traveled over to Pine Creek down south winning by 18 points behind 20 from Brevin Brimble and 20 from Dalvin Brushier (7 rebounds, 7 assists).
    • How about five players in double figures for Golden as they won by 25 over Arvada.
    • Dennis Pluess has the story and photos covered for us on the night Fever “favorite” Grant Witherspoon scored 11 big ones in a row to help D’Evelyn pull the upset over Valor.
    • Fairview went to the extreme “stall and slow down” game holding the rock for minutes at a time per possession and it slowed Boulder for a while but Landon Taliaferro’s 13 and Garrett Turner’s 11 points gave the Panthers the rivalry win.
    • Ray Ibarra scored 21 points and Tre Pierre’s double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds led Widefield to the win over at Woodland Park.
    • Marcus Cassin scored an important 13 as Evergreen got the tight 1-point overtime win over Standley Lake. Connor Durant scored 20 in the loss.
    • Out west Grand Junction got defensive only giving up 28 points to Grand Junction Central in the blow-out rivalry game.
    • TJ Clark Jr. with a solid 17 points to help Liberty win by that same margin over Palmer.
    • Deven Nelson scored 24 for Mesa Ridge but it wasn’t enough to sop Sierra from landing the road win.

    Friday, Jan. 30:

    Mountain Vista Highlands Ranch boys basketball
    Highlands Ranch took down Mountain Vista on Friday. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • Big De’Ron landed a 21 point, 11 rebound double-double as Overland handled Mullen. Nate Davis with 17 in the loss.
    • No. 2 Thunderridge got a double-double from big man Zach Pirog in what the Fever crew says was his “best game thus far” for the Grizzlies and jumping out 23-11 on Rock Canyon did the trick. Mitch Lombard scored 20 in the loss.
    • How about Tyler Converse’s perfect 13-13 from the free throw line leading to 28 points and Legacy’s 5 point win over Loveland.
    • Ryley Stewart had a “monster” double-double of 29 points, 10 rebounds lifting Highlands Ranch over No. 7 Mountain Vista and Matt Mathewes caught the cool pics.
    • Smoky Hill gave the Raptors a scare but Colbey Ross is back in the line up scoring 20 points for Eaglecrest along with Blend Advili’s double-double of 15 points, 12 rebounds led to a 5-point win.
    • Fossil Ridge remains unbeaten in league play and Ryan Quaid’s 19 point, 12 rebound double-double did in Broomfield.
    • Pam Wagner was on the scene as Northglenn got the league win over Adams City.
    • Aurora Central has picked up some size in 6-foot-7 transfer Daytone Jennings and his 14 point, 13 rebound double-double helped the Trojans put away Westminster.
    • Grandview needed a league win and got just that vs. Arapahoe behind Andrew Joiner’s 24 points and Jared Burr’s amazing 12 point, 15 assist double-double!
    • Had to check-in via twitter with our guy Grant Witherspoon to ensure a second quarter shut out, along with only giving up 19 total points wasn’t a typo! Witherspoon, who scored 26, confirmed D’Evelyn is “yessir! playing some defense” after the win over Arvada.
    • The Cougars trying to keep their league title hopes alive got an important 1-point win over Cherry Creek led by Ronnie Barfield’s 15 points.
    • A 35-point fourth quarter by Rangeview had the scorer’s table working hard in a 99-point effort from the Raiders in win over Thornton. Tyrei Randall scored 22 and Jalen Davis added 20 in the win. Dee Henderson with 18 points, 9 rebounds in the loss.
    • Peter Wilson’s 16 for Chap helped keep Douglas County winless in tough Continental league play.
    • Andrew Romero poured in 27 points for Mountain Range in 13-point win over Rocky Mountain.
    • JT Johnson’s 19 points helping Vista Peak stay unbeaten in league play after beating Weld Central by 15.
    • Monroe Porter with a lil “stat-stuffin” of his own in Legends road win at Ponderosa: 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals!
    • Luke Golter’s 20 points helped Holy Family stay undefeated in league with win over Frederick.
    • Jervay Green’s 25 points helped George Washington even their record at 9-9 with a huge road win at Denver South. Chudier Bile had 25 points in the loss.
    • Jonathon Scott at Lewis-Palmer (yes, another Scott Brother!) had another big night with 27 points in a key league overtime win where LP handed Sand Creek their first league loss.
    • 4A top 10 match up! Pueblo Central’s 25-11 2nd quarter did the trick to beat Pueblo West by 9. David Simental with 26 in loss.
    • Justinian Jessup led three in double figure scoring for No. 1 Longmont with 18 points as they won big again over Centaurus.

    Saturday, Jan. 31:

    • Our state’s top squad Regis pulled away from another winning 57-38 at home over Heritage.
    • Whoa! The Fever crew had a chance to catch Sand Creek last month and was impressed which truly makes us wonder, “how good is this Rampart squad?. Rampart won by 18 points and Clayton Hacker led 5 players in double figure scoring with 17!
    • Big one in Jeffco 4A, and Brian Miller wrote about the special start Golden is off to. The visiting Valor Christian Eagles were having no part of backing down to hot Golden as their 23-7 fourth quarter sealed the 23-point road win.
    • Palmer pulled off a sweet road win for the Terrors 48-45 over Doherty.
    • Starting to get the feeling Brian Carey doesn’t mind being on the big stage of the Saturday afternoon “ThunderDome”! Last time out he rocked ThunderRidge with 44 points and this time it was Montbello who suffered Carey’s 34 points, 10 assists, 5 steals in the Angels DPL win.

    [divider]

    A Look Ahead:

    Air Academy Pueblo South boys basketball
    Pueblo South has a big one against Pueblo West on Tuesday. (Caden Colson/cadencolsonphotography.com)

    Monday, Feb. 2:

    • Hungry for hoops? Out west: Vail Christian at Eagle Valley.
    • Closer to town? Bear Creek at Gateway is your option.

    Tuesday, Feb. 3:

    • No. 1 Regis will be tested at Rock Canyon!
    • Highlands Ranch at Heritage will pack the suburbs gym.
    • Action packed night in the Front Range! Mountain Range at Boulder will provide the action!
    • Denver South at Lincoln will provide the DPL action on the night.
    • Liberty at Doherty provides the 5A southern tussle.
    • Denver East paying a visit to Thomas Jefferson will provide “above the rim” city action!
    • Pueblo West at Pueblo South is a priority for southern 4A “top 10” match-up fans!
    • Check out 4A’s No. 1 squad Longmont as Northridge gives it a shot.

    Wednesday, Feb. 4:

    • Where do you arrive early in the Centennial? Eaglecrest at Overland!
    • Rampart at Legend? Hmmm…who’s the real 5A contender?
    • Palmer at Pine Creek.
    • Jefferson County Folks, very simple: GET TO ARVADA WEST AT DAKOTA RIDGE!
    • Air Academy at Sand Creek in southern squads we may be discussing all month.
    • Lewis-Palmer at Vista Ridge.
    • Can D’Evelyn stay hot vs. Standley Lake? Golden visits a tough Conifer.

    Thursday, Feb. 5:

    • Douglas County heads north to Fort Collins.
    • Brighton at Northglenn.
    • Harrison at Mitchell.
    • Mountain View at Thompson Valley.

    Friday, Feb. 6:

    • Overland has to be careful to focus because Smoky Hill will fight hard on their home floor.
    • If No. 1 visits Highlands Ranch anything can happen in this league match. Throw records out window!
    • The entire Continental is just “beating each other up” this Friday.
    • Our Fever Front Range “favorite” is Loveland visiting Fossil Ridge.
    • Two of the best guards in the state as Brian Carey pays a visit to Michael Sparks at Lincoln.
    • Big time southern “braggin rights” as Doherty visits Rampart.
    • Dakota Ridge is in control of league but can’t underestimate visiting Columbine.
    • Lewis-Palmer at Falcon.
    • Palmer Ridge at Air Academy.
    • Valor at Conifer.
    • Evergreen at Golden won’t disappoint.
    • Pueblo Central at Pueblo South.
    • 4A No. 1 Longmont will be tested at Niwot.

    Saturday, Feb. 7:

    • Prairie View at Horizon if up north.
    • Fountain Fort-Carson at Palmer down south.
    • Ummm…just saying: Holy Family at 4A No. 1 Longmont is simply your Saturday “top spot”!

    This is a tough week to decide where to go! Hey, Colorado — the point is: just get out there and support the hoops!

  • Ball Fever: Individual performances highlight boys basketball’s week

    Regis Jesuit Legend boys basketball fans crowd
    The always rowdy Coliseum Crazies from Legend cheered their team on against Regis Jesuit last week. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    If our league play was “heating up” previously, it is now on fire! We had record individual performances along with team surprises last week.

    Striving to be your “one-stop shop” for the hoops review and preview of the week to come …

    [divider]

    Week In Review

    Tuesday, Jan. 20:

    • Game of the night was the “city vs suburbs” match of No. 9 Denver East visiting No. 1 undefeated Regis Raiders. The Fever crew caught this great game which turned out to be the tale of two half’s as Regis was as efficient in the first as the Angels were aggressive in the second. Jack Eberhard was also in the house as Taylor Kallsen’s “fade away” won it for the Raiders. Check the photos here. We caught the game-winner of this classic:
    • Chaparral had 4 players score in double figures led by Chris Moody’s 18/10 double-double as they used a 19-10 fourth quarter to close out the 67-48 win over visiting Highlands Ranch. Ryley Stewart scored 23 for the Falcons in the loss.
    • Niwot got the 5-point win over Mountain View and check this cool one-handed shot by senior Johnny Drake courtesy of our Ryan Casey. All net AMAZING!
    • 5A No. 2 ThunderRidge kept on moving forward holding Castle View to an amazing 25 points. Can the student section yell, “DEFENSE”?
    • Rampart had twelve players hit the scoring column led by Donovan Oldham’s 15 points in the win over Pine Creek.
    • Expected this one to be a little tighter but Mitch Lombard’s 11 points, 7 rebounds helped 5A No. 8 Rock Canyon cruise to 52-36 win over Heritage.
    • Mountain Range playing well at 12-3 but a battle-tested Fossil Ridge came in and got the win by 10 led by Andrew Semadeni’s 17, Brady Menefee’s 16, and Ryan Quaid’s 11 point, 13 rebound double-double.
    • Fort Collins won big at Legacy with Brian Read scoring 18 points, with 7 rebounds. Tyler Converse scored 17 in the loss.
    • 4A top 10 match as Pueblo Central pulled the upset over Pueblo South behind Michael Ranson’s 32 points. Not to be outdone Jared Baros also scored 32 in the loss.
    • Nice statement win for Northglenn with the 54-52 decision over Montbello. Malik Hart had 20 in the loss.
    • The Fever crew expects Ponderosa to be a late season surprise in 4A but their 5A Continental foe left little doubt in this one winning 74-51 behind Ray Beresford’s 19 point, 11 rebound double-double.
    • Huge double-double for Denver South’s Chudier Bile of 30 points, 11 rebounds in the Rebels win at Gateway.
    • Our Fever crew “source” Big Herm (Herman Reese) down South has advised more than once for folks to keep an eye on Tre Pierre who had a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double for Widefield in their win over Canyon City.
    • No. 1 in 4A Longmont kept the streak alive vs Thompson Valley with Blake Ogrady scoring 15. Thompson Valley played tough at home and Jake Hornick scored 21.

    Wednesday, Jan. 21:

    Overland Cherry Creek boys basketball De'Ron Davis
    De’Ron Davis helped Overland beat Cherry Creek on Wednesday. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • The Warriors have been awaiting a break out game from athletic Troy Green and he delivered with 28 points, 8 rebounds as Montbello beat visiting Prairie View by 15. Luke Schwindaman put in 18 in the loss.
    • Blend Advili led four Raptors in double figures with 17 as Eaglecrest took down rival Cherokee Trail to remain unbeaten in league play. David Thornton continues his solid play with 21 points, 7 rebounds in the loss.
    • Dennis Pleuss was on hand as D’Evelyn got defensive only allowing 28 points to Green Mountain.
    • Check out Luke Neff knocking down 8 three point shots for 24 points as Arvada West took down Chatfield by 7.
    • Jack Eberhard was on the scene again to catch Reggie Gibson taking the lead role this night for Overland as they claimed a key league win over Cherry Creek.

    Thursday, Jan. 22:

    • Widefield quietly taking care of business and Brandon Branch scored 15 in win over Classical Academy. Addrienne Hampton added 12 point, 14 rebound double-double.
    • Another Sabercat stepping up as Zacc Drovdal scored 20 points and dished out 4 assists as Fossil Ridge won on the road at Greeley West. Darren DeLaCroix had 17 points in the loss.
    • Well, well, well! Certainly hope this puts the nonsense about Brian Carey having to do all the scoring for Denver East to rest! Jack Buckmelter scored 41 huge points on 11 made three pointers while Carey dished out an amazing 17 assists! Both tie state records with sixth-best in the respective 3-point makes and assist categories (Ryan Casey research there!). The Angels rocked JFK 88-39.
    • Deven Nelson scored 18 points with 9 rebounds as Mesa Ridge beat Harrison by 5.
    • Jose Arrantia scored 15 as Mountain View pulled out the 1-point win over Centaurus. Mike DeVries had a 21 point, 10 rebound double-double.

    Friday, Jan. 23:

    Regis Jesuit Legend boys basketball
    No. 1 Regis Jesuit continued to roll right along last week. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • Zach Marburger was on hand in the emotional OT victory for Rock Canyon over Chaparral.
    • We got one of those Centennial league Friday night “classics” in Overland taking down Cherokee Trail 81-75 in overtime. Big De’Ron logged a big time triple-double of 21 points, 16 rebounds and 10 blocks in the win. Smooth Jaizec Lottie with 22 points, 4 assists in the loss.
    • Jack Eberhard says a “team effort” brought home the win for No. 1 Regis over Legend. Eleven points each from three players!
    • Senior guard Dalontae Kelly with a nice stat line of 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists as Smoky Hill beat Mullen by 19.
    • Dakota Ridge’s undefeated record was clearly tested as they were down to Bear Creek to start the fourth but won that quarter to beat Bear Creek by 3.
    • “Up Next” junior Elijah Coleman scored 21 points, with 9 rebounds as Aurora Central “put a hurtin” on Prairie View.
    • Tommy Baumgartner led with 15 points as Boulder got the road win at Broomfield.
    • Rivalry! Ralston Valley edged Pomona by four and Pam Wagner caught the action.
    • Monarch got a key league win over Fort Collins by 4 points in overtime. Triston Von Nieda scored 17 in the loss.
      Talked about this last week and Brevin Brimble is heating up for Doherty as he scores 27 points, including 6 three-pointers, as the Spartans beat Coronado by 9. Kayden Washington added a double-double of 15 points, 12 rebounds.
    • Thornton got a league win over Brighton up north and Keondre Weinand had 13 points, 9 rebounds.
    • Rangeview set a league message getting a 16 point win over Northglenn. Tarren Storey-Way led four in double figures with 16 points, 8 rebounds.
    • Nick Capaul’s 21 points helped Golden stay unbeaten in league with win over Wheat Ridge.
    • Fever crew made it out to a thriller on Friday night at Denver South as the Rebels won a 82-79 OT match vs visiting Thomas Jefferson. Big Chuck Gavin’s 20 point, 20 rebound “monsta” double-double was too much. Senior Turner Dumas Peterson had a line of 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Moody had 21 in the loss and Sergio Garcia added 17 but fouled out which hurt the Spartans late. Sophomore Ravel Moody sent the game to OT with this bucket:
    • Joe Decoud scored 21 helping Lewis Palmer win by 8 over Air Academy.
    • Starting to hear this name Khameron Davis mentioned among the best in class of 2016 and he scored 19 in Valor Christian’s win over Arvada. Vedin Kozic with 22 in the loss.
    • Pueblo West now in 4A top 10 and David Simental’s 18 points helped get the win over Pueblo County.

    Saturday, Jan. 24

    • The “young guns” at George Washington pulled a big DPL upset in our first Saturday “Thunderdome Throwdown” 55-45. Jeremiah Hyppolite led three in double figures with 14 points for the Patriots.
    • Chris Helbig scored 19 points for Holy Family as the won by 13 in the rivalry game vs Broomfield.
    • Big Zack Pirog put in 19 points as No. 2 ThunderRidge handled Highlands Ranch 65-42. Ryley Stewart scored 25 in the loss.
    • 4A No. 4 Pueblo South drove north to challenge 5A Cherry Creek and the Bruins used a 21-8 first quarter to grab the 70-53 win.

    [divider]

    D'Evelyn junior Owen Burke, left, wrestles the ball from a pair of Green Mountain players Wednesday night at D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School. The Jaguars won the Class 4A Jeffco League game 63-28. (Dennis Pleuss)
    D’Evelyn has a monster matchup with Valor Christian looming this week. (Dennis Pleuss)

    A Look Ahead:

    Monday, Jan. 26:

    • How about starting the week off with a 5A top to match with some of the top guards in the state? Get to Denver East early as Eaglecrest comes to visit!!
    • Lakewood tries to blemish Dakota Ridge’s undefeated record.
    • Air Academy at Falcon.

    Tuesday, Jan. 27:

    • Legend at Highlands Ranch would be our pick in the Continental league this night. Mountain Vista at Heritage good as well.
    • Fossil Ridge at Horizon is our pick in Front Range play.
    • Like the DPL action in Montbello at Lincoln and George Washington hosting Thomas Jefferson.
    • Grand Junction at Fruita Monument.
    • Fountain Fort-Carson at Rampart.
    • We’ll take Prairie View at Northglenn in East Metro.
    • Rock Canyon at Ponderosa.
    • Widefield at Sierra down south.
    • Silver Creek at No. 1 Longmont.

    Wednesday, Jan. 28:

    • Cherry Creek at Smoky Hill looking good in Centennial play.
    • Ralston Valley at Dakota Ridge.
    • Thornton at Aurora Central for a little East Metro separation.
    • Take your pick down south in Pikes Peak 4A!

    Thursday, Jan. 29:

    • Boulder at Fairvew renewing their rivalry!
    • Doherty at Pine Creek. Palmer at Liberty in C.S. Metro.
    • D’Evelyn at Valor Christian our 4A game of the night!

    Friday, Jan. 30:

    • Cherry Creek at Cherokee Trail caught our eye in Centennial play.
    • Mountain Vista at Highlands Ranch for southern bragging rights.
    • ThunderRidge will have their hands full with the Rock Canyon guards in a fun one!
    • Rivalry night in Jeffco led by Ralston Valley/Arvada West.
    • George Washington at Denver South.
    • Lewis Palmer at Sand Creek.
    • Pueblo West at Pueblo Central in 4A top 10 match!
    • No. 1 Longmont at Centaurus.

    Saturday, Jan. 31:

    • Rare Saturday night chance to catch No. 1 Regis as Heritage pays a visit.
    • Get in that line early as “The Bellos/Angels” is always fun at the Thunderdome!
    • Palmer at Doherty for some down south bragging rights along with Rampart at Sand Creek!
    • Our game of the night: Valor at Golden in 4A top 10 action!

    Get out there and support the hoops Colorado!