CHSAANow

Month: January 2015

  • Photos: Kallsen’s shot lifts Regis Jesuit boys basketball over Denver East

    AURORA — Taylor Kallsen hit the winning shot in the final seconds as top-ranked Regis Jesuit boys basketball beat No. 9 Denver East 61-59 on Tuesday night.

    Kallsen finished with a team-high 16 points, while Tony Caseria added 14. Bryan Staerkel had 10 points.

    East was led by Brian Carey’s 22 points, and Jack Buckmelter had 17. Jordan Willis scored 12 points and had 13 rebounds.

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    Here are two clips of the winning shot, via Thomas Trotman, as well as BasketballColorado.com.

  • Photos: Beresford leads Mountain Vista boys basketball over Ponderosa

    PARKER — Ray Beresford had 19 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two assists as No. 7 Mountain Vista boys basketball beat Ponderosa 74-51 in Class 5A action on Tuesday.

  • Girls swimming and diving’s schedule for the 2015 state meets

    Below are the state meet schedules for girls swimming this season. Both the Class 5A and 4A meets run Feb. 13-14.

    To buy tickets, visit chsaa.ticketleap.com. Online ticket buyers will enter the venue 30 minutes early.

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    Class 5A

    Site: EPIC, Fort Collins (map)
    Watch live: NFHS Network

    Friday, Feb. 13: Swim prelims
    Team packets available 2 p.m.
    Pool doors open 2:15 p.m.
    Warm-up begins 2:30 p.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 2:30 p.m.
    Begin swim prelims 4 p.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 14: Dive prelims/semis
    Pool doors open 7 a.m.
    Dive coaches meeting 7:15 a.m.
    Warm-up begins 7:30 a.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 7:30 a.m.
    Begin dive prelims 9 a.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 14: Swim & dive finals
    Pool doors open 12:15 p.m.
    Warm-up begins 12:30 p.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 12:30 p.m.
    Begin finals 2 p.m.

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    Class 4A

    Site: VMAC, Thornton (map)
    Watch live: NFHS Network

    Friday, Feb. 13: Swim prelims
    Team packets available 2 p.m.
    Pool doors open 2:15 p.m.
    Warm-up begins 2:30 p.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 2:30 p.m.
    Begin swim prelims 4 p.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 14: Dive prelims/semis
    Pool doors open 7 a.m.
    Dive coaches meeting 7:15 a.m.
    Warm-up begins 7:30 a.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 7:30 a.m.
    Begin dive prelims 9 a.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 14: Swim & dive finals
    Pool doors open 12:15 p.m.
    Warm-up begins 12:30 p.m.
    On-site tickets on sale 12:30 p.m.
    Begin finals 2 p.m.

  • Sullivan named new coach for Vista PEAK football

    Vista PEAK named John Sullivan as its new football coach on Wednesday afternoon.

    Sullivan has been the running backs coach at the school for the past two seasons, and was the offensive coordinator at Rangeview prior to that.

    “We are so excited to have John take the reins of our football program,” athletic director Michael Hughes said in a press release announcing the hire Wednesday. “His understanding of the Vista PEAK community and his plan for the future are in line with the ideals of our athletics and activities programs.”

    Sullivan takes over for Pat Rock, who founded the program in 2012. Rock’s teams went 12-18 in his three seasons.

    Hughes pointed to Sullivan’s experience with the Aurora area as part of the reason for the hire.

    “His ties to the Aurora community go back 15 years in APS and his understanding of our kids is also a major strength for John,” Hughes said. “Our goals here are to build a football program that from top to bottom is built on excellence. I know that the personal character traits that John will bring to the head football position are predicated on the same core principles. We are so blessed and thankful to have John taking on this role.”

    The program is currently a Class 3A team, but plans to transition to 4A.

    “Being a program builder and transcending a program to excellence takes a person with great foresight, but also the understanding of building your program every day,” Hughes said. “As Vista PEAK continues to grow and expand, soon to make the move to Class 4A in football, the foundation of excellence has to be built at a core level. I know that this is a challenge that John embraces and something I look forward to helping him create here at VP.”

    Vista PEAK went 4-6 last season, including 4-3 in the Colorado 7 League.

    The Bison will graduate their starting quarterback, two leading rushers and top tackler prior to next season. However, its top two receivers, including sophomore Dylan Holt, are expected back.

    Track football’s offseason coaching changes here.

  • Thompson Valley wrestling, loaded with tradition, in search of first state title

    Thompson Valley wrestling Collin Williams
    Collin Williams and Thompson Valley are in search of the school’s first wrestling championship. (Lori Williams)

    [dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 1977, Thompson Valley wrestling was in its second year of existence. The Eagles became a family affair as Dan Juergensen, the TV coach from 1977 to 2003, went 365-101-4 before giving the reigns to his son Dave, the current head of the program.

    They haven’t looked back since.

    Much has changed since 1977, but one thing remains the same — Thompson Valley wrestling is a force. The school in south Loveland has claimed 27 conference, regional, or district championships as a team in its 38 seasons. They’ve produced seven individual state champions. They’ve had greats like Johnny Ortega (155-11 career record), a 2008 grad who placed third, second, third, and first at the state meet, and Steve Gerrard, a state champ his senior year and a club national champion for Colorado State University in 2009.

    So what’s missing from Thompson Valley’s storied tradition on the mat?

    They have yet to earn a state championship as a team. After placing second at the 4A state meet a season ago, the highest finish in school history, this group of Eagles hopes to earn the ultimate prize.

    “I think it would finally put us over the edge,” Thompson Valley coach Dave Juergensen said of the importance of a state title.

    “We’ve always been known as a dual team and I’m really into duals. I think that brings the whole team aspect into the sport, but that would get a big monkey off our back for sure. We wouldn’t get the, ‘Well you guys have never won state’-type comments anymore. That would be huge.”

    Thompson Valley wrestling
    Thompson Valley won the Northern Colorado Christmas Tournament this season. (Lori Williams)

    By all indications, Thompson Valley’s title pursuit is off to a great start. The Eagles captured the prestigious Northern Colorado Christmas Tournament championship for the first time in school history by racking up a monstrous 334 points, well clear of runner-up Pueblo County with 218.5.

    “It meant a lot,” senior Ben Hewson, a state runner-up last year, said of winning the Christmas tournament. “Pueblo County, they are ranked second and are right behind us and we blew them out. It was a big one just to see where we’re at. Obviously we still need to work on stuff, but it was good knowing we’re ahead.”

    “That one was special, because we had this round in the quarters where I think we only lost one match,” Juergensen added. “That kind of set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Then they seemed to pick up steam after the quarters and even finished it off in the finals.

    “A lot of times when we are in those bigger tournaments, we’ve been getting to those finals, but not winning. I think they’ve just matured enough as a team where they are starting to get it done. We went right into Christmas break after that and felt good.”

    A star-studded lineup with eight returning state qualifiers, five returning state placers, and seven wrestlers currently ranked No. 1 or 2 two in 4A in their respective weight classes and it’s no wonder top-ranked TV wears the target as the team to beat.

    But, like most teams, the Eagles haven’t gone through the season free of adversity. Parker Simington, undefeated and ranked number one at 160 pounds, had a minor knee injury at the Arvada West Invite on January 17. The junior was still able to finish the match and won by technical fall, but Juergensen said they will be cautious with Simington and sit him out of the lineup for a few weeks.

    A slight injury certainly doesn’t change Juergensen and his team’s expectations though.

    Thompson Valley wrestling Parker Simington
    Parker Simington. (Lori Williams)

    “Parker was our first state champ that we’ve had that wasn’t a senior,” Juergensen said. “This will be the first time ever that we’ve had the chance to have an individual be a state champion more than once and I think that’s special.”

    Another thing that’s special? Having an opportunity to earn title number one as a team.

    “The intensity in the room has picked up a lot since last year and last year we were up there in the state, obviously,” Hewson said. “We all know what we need to do. We all want to win that state title.”

    “We’ve taken fifth numerous times,” Juergensen said. “By getting to second, we realized that we’re ready to make a move and we’re about to the point where we need to make a run at it.

    “Even in the finals (last year), there was one point there for about fifteen minutes when it showed up on the Jumbotron that we were in first. I think they saw that and got a taste of being in first at the state tournament. Because of that, we’ve just had blinders on and have been real focused all year. It’s a good group.”

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  • Six tips for eating well on the road

    For many winter athletes, this time of year means preparation for the state championships. And if the upcoming showdowns have you traveling out of town, we’ve got you covered.

    These 6 tips can help you meet your performance nutrition goals while on the road:

    1. Fuel up with carbohydrates and protein. Whether eating out or packing your own foods, make sure to continue to emphasize carbohydrates at each meal. Carbohydrates serve as fuel for active muscles and act to replenish muscle energy stores post-exercise. In addition to carbohydrates, make sure one-fourth to a third of your plate is protein-rich foods. Choose foods such as meats, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, nut butters and dairy foods.
    2. Pack smart. Oftentimes, athletes have specific foods they enjoy pre-/post-workout. If that’s you, and those foods will not be available where you’re going, prepare a “travel pack” with snacks and beverages that support your performance eating plan. Try packing trail mix with dried fruit and nuts, fresh whole fruit, bagels with nut butter, dry cereal and sports drinks. If you have a cooler, throw in some string cheese, yogurts, sliced/cut fruits and vegetables, and single-serve chocolate milks.
    3. Choose wisely. If traveling has you eating out, consider these tips and tricks:
      1. Fast Food: Choose items that emphasize protein and carbohydrates such as a grilled chicken sandwich or hamburger. Steer clear of fried or breaded items, choose a side salad or fresh fruit in place of fries, say “no” to supersized options and don’t be afraid to special order – asking to hold the condiments or dressings on the side.
      2. Choose Milk: Milk, both white and chocolate, is 90 percent water; contains electrolytes to replenish what is lost in sweat; has ample carbohydrates for refueling muscle glycogen stores; and has high-quality protein which helps with muscle recovery and repair. Enjoy an ice cold glass of white or chocolate milk, instead of soda, with your meal.
      3. Look for Key Words: Baked, broiled, grilled or steamed tend to indicate lower-fat cooking methods while dishes with the words fried, breaded, scalloped and basted tend to indicate higher-fat/calorie-dense cooking methods. High-fat foods tend to sit heavy and may not be ideal prior to activity.
    4. Stay hydrated. Water is the most important part of any athlete’s diet. And while the goal is to drink enough fluid daily to prevent thirst and to stay hydrated prior to the big match or game, drinking enough fluids while on the road can sometimes be a challenge. Take along a large water bottle and aim to fill it up two to three times throughout the day (even if that means stopping at all of the rest stops along the way!).
    5. Don’t forget breakfast! True, it’s just one meal, but breakfast is the most important meal. Eating breakfast gets you started on the right foot for the day, and research shows it can even improve nutrient intakes, enhance your sports performance and help you get good grades in school. If your hotel offers breakfast, choose a meal with protein and carbohydrates – such as toast or a bagel with peanut butter, cereal with milk or yogurt with a hardboiled egg and some fresh fruit. If it doesn’t offer breakfast, see tip No. 2 for packing smart.

    Athletes can train harder and perform better with proper nutrition. Visit WesternDairyAssociation.org to read more about milk as an exercise recovery beverage and learn how to eat for peak athletic performance.

  • The Pinnacle senior has monster dunk vs. Platte Canyon

    Josh Brown scored 21 points in The Pinnacle’s 66-35 win over Platte Canyon on Friday. None were more impressive than his fourth-quarter dunk.

    With his team leading 57-30 with 3:33 to play, Brown stole a ball in his own end and raced up the court. He pushed the ball toward the basket as a defender closed in.

    Brown then took off from just inside the right side of the key, jumped over the defender, and emphatically slammed it down with his right hand.

    Watch it here:

    Brown, a 6-foot-5 small forward/guard, is averaging 15.0 points this season for Pinnacle’s boys basketball team, which improved to 6-3 with the win.

  • Ball Fever: League play heats up in boys basketball

    Palmer Ridge Air Academy boys basketball
    Fans are getting their money’s worth as league play takes center stage across the state. (Caden Colson/cadencolsonphotography.com)

    Entering Week 6 of the hoops season, we remain wide open in classes 4A and 5A boys.

    League play is beginning and a few transfers becoming eligible to keep an eye on. The two spots of consistency were easily our CHSAANow.com top-ranked squads Regis Jesuit in 5A and Longmont 4A. Can they remain undefeated? Let’s catch the action.

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    Week in review

    Monday, Jan. 12:

    Montbello Mountain Vista boys basketball
    Montbello had plenty to celebrate on Monday: namely, an overtime win over No. 8 Mountain Vista. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    • Denver North is quietly 10-4 after their 20-point victory over Alameda. Congrats to the Vikings on the success!
    • A lot of conversation lately about Brian Carey’s early season scoring and shots for No. 10 Denver East. We have preached for a while that as the season continues and this Angels squad starts to find its identity he will have many more nights like this “stat-stuffin” 26 point, 3 rebound, 5 assist, 3 steal at Chatfield in the 71-58 road win. Colorado Academy transfer Jack Buckmelter played his first game with the Angels and his immediate contribution: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists. Jordan Willis added 13 points, 9 rebounds as well. Yeah, with this balance the defending champs will be March trouble for someone.
    • Pomona got the 7 point win over Arvada in part to a 17-11 third quarter. Oscar Morales was “on fire” in the loss scoring 33 points on 9-11 shooting, 4-7 from 3-point land!
    • Matt Mathewes was on-point with the action photos from Monday’s 5A top 10 match up between No. 7 Montbello hosting No. 8 Mountain Vista. Ray Beresford and Brady Subart were “stat-stuffin” for the Eagles in the tough loss. Malik Hart stole the show with 34 points for the Warriors in the exciting overtime win and the Fever crew was there to catch the key CJ Whittington play that sealed it:

    • The “double double” machine Dee Henderson continues his work for Thornton with 15 point, 12 rebound effort in Thornton’s win over Gateway.
    • Ladarius Thomas was “the man” for Aurora Central this night scoring 23 points in the Trojan’s 2 point win over Bear Creek.
    • Adams City started 20-6 in first quarter vs. Englewood and never looked back in 78-46 thrashing. Stephen Lippincott 22 and Orlando Ruiz 21 points in the win.
    • Josh McNair continues to look like that 4A player of the year candidate with huge 25 point, 14 rebound double-double in Thomas Jefferson’s 51-43 win over Westminster.

    Tuesday, Jan. 13:

    • The Fever crew made it out to No. 1 Regis hosting No. 7 Montbello on this night. The Warriors looked tired from the previous night’s overtime tangle with Mountain Vista but held their ground in the first half training 30-24. The Raiders transition and “3-point barrage” took over the second half. Regis hit 13 three pointers as a team and “stat-stuffer” of the week nominee, Bryan Staerkel made 5 threes for 21 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists in the lopsided 80-47 win. Here are photos from the game.
    • 4A No. 7 Holy Family won by 19 at Skyline and Chris Helbig scored 19 along with Luke Golter’s 15 in the win.
    • Highlands Ranch won this “city vs. suburbs” match when Aurora Central traveled south 50-39. Ryley Stewart led three Falcons in double figures with 14 points, 7 assists in the win. Elijah Coleman with another point effort for the Trojans in the loss.
    • Fort Collins remained unbeaten in Front Range league play with 49-42 win over streaking Boulder. A balanced team contribution from all with Triston Von Nieada leading with 9 points, 7 rebounds.
    • 5A No. 2 ThunderRidge traveled to Pine Creek and it was never close in the dominant 69-33 win.
    • Legacy held on for the 63-61 win over rising Northglenn. Dalton Royer’s huge night of 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assist was big for the Lightning.
    • Pueblo West getting 23 top 10 votes in our poll and David Arrieta’s 17 point, 2 rebound, 3 assist night helped get the road win at rival Pueblo West 74-51.
    • Thompson Valley is undefeated in league play and earned a 54-48 win over Mountain View and Jake Hornick busted out with 27 points.
    • Tim Wyatt led four Raiders in double figuring scoring with 16 and Tarren Storey-Way’s “double-double” of 15 points, 10 rebounds helped Rangeview get back to it’s winning ways at George Washington winning by 8.
    • Doherty got a key win in C.S. Metro 5A play, 70-65 over Rampart, led by Brevin Brimble’s 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks. Donovan Oldham (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Jackson Ehrlin (12 points, 11 rebounds) both had “double-doubles” in the loss.
    • Oh boy! This soph continues to pop up on the radar weekly and Kolton Peterson’s 40 point, 4 assist, 3 rebound, 1 steal night also included this game-winning 3-pointer for Lakewood at Hinkley:

    • Widefield getting some top-10 votes but Mesa Ridge held on for the two point win Caleb Stewart’s 21 point, 11 rebound double-double was a huge part of the win.
    • Owen Riley had a big 25 point night out west as Battle Mountain logged a 58-50 win over Summit. Zach Johnson with 14 point, 10 rebound double-double in the loss.

    Wednesday, Jan. 14:

    Palmer Ridge Air Academy boys basketball
    Air Academy got a big win over Palmer Ridge on Wednesday. (Caden Colson/cadencolsonphotography.com)
    • Air Academy got extremely defensive in this 4A top-10 match and Dan Morhmann was all over the impressive effort for the No. 8 Kadets. Check Caden Colson’s photos here.
    • Cherokee Trail undefeated in early Continental league play with win over Grandview and David Thornton’s 29 points, 9 rebounds was big time. Andrew Joiner led the Wolves with 24 in the loss.
    • 4A No. 2 Golden held off D’Evelyn’s upset bid and Dennis Pleuss caught the action.
    • Dakota Ridge, 5A’s No. 3 squad, quietly “trucking along” undefeated and earned a tough 50-45 win at Columbine. Keaton Matthies 24 points in the loss for the Rebels.
    • Versatile Jonathon Scott’s 21 points helped Lewis Palmer log the 14 point home win over Falcon.
    • Cherry Creek got the win over Mullen in Centennial play and Jack Eberhard snapped the shots. Nate Davis with a huge 29 point, 11 rebound double-double in loss.
    • Arvada West was “feelin it” with 6 players scoring double figures in their 90-71 win over Pomona led by Thomas Neff’s 21 point, 10 rebound double-double.
    • Jose Arenas (23 points) continues his hot scoring streak as Lincoln won easily over Thornton.
    • Check out Mike Robinson over at Bruce Randolph with a “monster” 22 point, 18 rebound double-double in the North Vikings win over Bruce Randolph.

    Thursday, Jan. 15:

    • Brevin Brimble with another 21-point effort and Dalven Brushier got a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double but it wasn’t enough to get the win vs. Fountain-Fort Carson who used a 22-16 fourth quarter to seal it.
    • Justinnian Jessup’s big night kept 4A No. 1 Longmont undefeated and Kai Casey logged the photo report.
    • The Chap “senior duo” of Jake Holtzman and Chris Moody both with 20-plus points again in the Wolverines road win at Liberty.
    • Chudier Byle made his presence felt for Denver South as he chimed in with a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double in Denver South’s road win at Mesa Ridge. Chuck Gavin added an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double of his own!
    • Brady Subart with the hot-hand for Mountain Vista vs Fairview and Matt Mathewes reported.
    • Rangeview took a few tough losses recently and they “took it all out!” on their league foe Aurora Central in a 86-60 win in the Trojan’s backyard. Kris Hollins had 16 points in the win and Elijah Reed added 8 points, 13 rebounds.
    • Get used to hearing that name Justinnian Jessup who scored 23 points for 4A’s No. 1 Longmont vs Mountain View.

    Friday, Jan. 16:

    Eaglecrest Cherry Creek boys basketball
    Eaglecrest topped Cherry Creek on Friday. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • 5A No. 4 Eaglecrest continues to impress as they won by 21 points over Cherry Creek in Centennial League play. Jack Eberhard is a man “about town.”
    • Ponderosa a 4A Continental league team can’t be forgotten as they surprised Highlands Ranch in their gym with a 3-point win, led by Steve Aiken’s 20 points.
    • Legend Titans were on a roll but tough Continental League play has begun and Brady Subart’s hot hand cooled the Titans, as Matt Mathewes reports.
    • Our state’s No. 1 squad Regis shot a rare 4-18 from 3-point land but still found a way to win by 16 over Castle View.
    • Everyone contributed for Overland as they poured it on Arapahoe led by Alijah Haliburton’s 15 points.
    • 4A No. 5 Holy Family got 25 points from Chris Helbig in 9-point win over Mead. Pam Wagner was on site for the top-10 matchup.
    • 5A No. 2 ThunderRidge handed rival Heritage its first league loss in the 54-44 win.
    • KJ Sapp kicked in 13 points, 5 assists for Cherokee Trail as they finished the week 4-0 in league play after the win over Mullen.
    • Westminster got its second win of season despite Fairview’s Chris Arehart’s 29 points.
    • D’Evelyn looking good of late and Christian Denton’s 12 points led four scorers in double figures in 17-point win over Standley Lake.
    • Dakota Ridge finishes week undefeated with 70-62 win over rival Chatfield.
    • Solid 8-point home win for Northglenn over visiting Lincoln who had been on a nice roll of late.
    • Extreme team balance for Prairie View in 53-51 win over Brighton. Three players score 9 points each.
    • Windsor now 9-3 after 20 point win over rival Berthoud led by Noah Baldwin’s 17 points, 9 rebounds.
    • 4A No. 4 Sand Creek 5-0 in league play after 11-point win over Falcon.
    • Valor Christian defense strong from beginning to end in lopsided win at Evergreen, led by Khameron Davis’ 17 points.
    • Thompson Valley 4-0 in league play. Looking forward to next week’s match up with Longmont after 67-63 overtime win vs Niwot.
    • Vista Peak got 20 points from Isaiah Young in 10 point win over Elizabeth. Sets up a big game for them vs 5A Rangeview.
    • The Pinnacle’s Josh Brown had a monster dunk in a win over The Pinnacle. Watch it here.

    Saturday, Jan. 17:

    • The game of the night was at Fossil Ridge as unbeaten No. 1 Regis came north. The SaberCats came out strong with a 21-8 first quarter advantage but Regis flipped that in a 23-8 third quarter going on to win by four. Bryan Staerkel scored 18. Here are photos from the game.
    • Ryley Stewart being his steady self for Highlands Ranch as they got a win at Grandview by 5 and Stewart scored 22.
    • Tim Wyatt with a solid 19 points as Rangeview won an Aurora battle over 4A Vista Peak by 22. Elijah Reed with 10-point, 11-rebound double-double.
    • Despite Matthew Cameron’s 20 points Sand Creek was able to pull off the 3-point win at Palmer Ridge to stay undefeated in league.
    • In an anticipated DPL battle the seniors did not let us down as Chuck Gavin collected a 18-point, 18-rebound double-double for Denver South and Josh McNair piled up 20 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists for Thomas Jefferson. However, the man of the day was Thomas Jefferson sophomore Ravel Moody who blew up for 34 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Rebels from the 5-point road win.
    • Wow: hands down, the duo of the week was Chap’s Chris Moody (22 points) and Jake Holtzman (26 points) as they did it again in the Wolverine’s 15 point win at George Washington.
    • Donovan Oldham “stat-stuffin” for Rampart in win over Palmer: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks.
    • In the words (or tweet) of Andrew Romero, “who had us at 12-2?”! Mountain Range won big over Ralston Valley and Romero dropped 28 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals.
    • Justinian Jessup was again huge for 4A No. 1 Longmont as a tough 5A Montbello played a visit. Jessup finished with 21 points, 4 assists, 6 steals as Longmont came out strong and held off the Warriors.

    [divider]

    A Look Ahead:

    Longmont Mountain View boys basketball
    Clint Sigg (31) and Longmont have a big week ahead of them. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Monday, Jan. 19:

    • Hungry for action on Martin Luther King Day Jr. Holiday? Bear Creek at Gateway is the only big school match on the slate.

    Tuesday, Jan. 20:

    • All eyes will be on the East Angels as they travel to No. 1 Regis Raiders on this night. Some have hyped this game as Angel’s Brian Carey vs the “team ball” of Regis. Don’t be fooled! These are both great teams, well coached, and should be a classic!
    • Highlands Ranch at Chaparral in two senior led teams.
    • Heritage at Rock Canyon will be a good one of teams vying to rise in Continental play.
    • Fossil Ridge at Mountain Range is the big game in Front Range.
    • Down south? Check out Liberty at Fountain-Fort Carson.
    • Two teams that will be trouble in March: Montbello visits Northglenn.
    • Mountain Vista’s Continental visit to 4A Ponderosa should not be taken lightly!
    • Holy Family at Erie.
    • Palmer Ridge at Vista Ridge.
    • Sierra at Harrison.
    • Big time Northern Conference action as No. 1 Longmont heads to Thompson Valley where both are undefeated in league play.

    Wednesday, Jan. 21:

    • Two undefeated Centennial League squads get it on in Cherokee Trail at Eaglecrest.
    • Overland at Cherry Creek never fails for excitement and will have an impact in league standings as well.
    • Prairie View at Montbello in a nice non league match!
    • A hot sophomore, Kolton Peterson, will lead Lakewood into unbeaten Dakota Ridge.
    • Sand Creek at Cheyenne Mountain looks like the top option down south!
    • Valor Christian can’t take Conifer lightly as they come to Highlands Ranch.
    • Throw records out the window in Evergreen and 4A No. 1 Longmont.

    Thursday, Jan. 22:

    • A bit of a light night but Denver East at JFK.
    • Mesa Ridge at Harrison.

    Friday, Jan. 23:

    • The Trailblazer house will be packed as Cherokee Trail comes to visit Overland.
    • Two Continental League tilts that deserve attention in No. 1 Regis at Legend and Chaparral visiting Rock Canyon. Like senior leadership? Catch one of these two games!
    • Take your pick of Front Range match ups where teams will continue to “toughen each other up."
    • Chatfield and Columbine rivalry action!
    • Sharp shooting all around in Arvada West at Lakewood.
    • There’s a new contender in 5A East Metro: Get out and watch Rangeview and Northglenn tangle!
    • How sweet is it that we are treated to this re-match so soon: Denver South hosts Thomas Jefferson in a possible “instant classic!”
    • Air Academy at Lewis Palmer.
    • Wheat Ridge at Golden.
    • Pueblo County at Pueblo West.
    • Greeley Central gets their shot to host 4A No. 1 Longmont!

    Saturday, Jan. 24:

    • We like the 4A vs. 5A non conference action in Pueblo South at Cherry Creek!
    • Ahhh yes, the suburb battle of Highlands Ranch at ThunderRidge.
    • Green Mountain at Ponderosa.
    • Broomfield at Holy Family.
    • Mead at Silver Creek.
    • “Thunder Dome Saturday”: Throw records out the window. There’s no stage to prove you “have game” in Colorado than the Saturday afternoon on the “east side” as Montbello and GW get it on!

    Enjoy the hoops folks as our non conference action starts to wind down and the league battles heat up!!

  • Regis Jesuit closing in, but Ralston Valley remains No. 1 in hockey poll

    Ralston Valley Lewis-Palmer hockey
    Ralston Valley is still No. 1 in this week’s hockey ranking. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Ralston Valley remains atop this week’s CHSAANow.com hockey poll, though the Mustangs’ grip is tenuous.

    Ralston got four of the nine first-place votes and totalled 79 points — one ahead of No. 2 Regis Jesuit, which also got three first-place votes. Last week, the two teams were separated by two total points.

    Elsewhere, No. 3 Cherry Creek and No. 4 Monarch stayed put. Both teams received one first-place vote.

    Resurrection Christian moved into the top five for the first time this season, while Dakota Ridge (No. 6) also moved up one spot. Mountain Vista fell to No. 7 following its loss to Doherty.

    Air Academy, Columbine and Lewis-Palmer round out the top ten. There are no new teams this week.

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches and select media members, are the official polls of the Association. Polls are released each Monday.

    Complete rankings are below.

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    CHSAANow.com Hockey Poll

    Voted upon by coaches and media members around the state. These rankings have no bearing on postseason seeding.

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

    Coaches and media members looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Hockey
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Ralston Valley (5) 8-0-0 79 1 1-0-0
    2 Regis Jesuit (2) 10-0-0 78 2 3-0-0
    3 Cherry Creek (1) 8-0-0 73 3 1-0-0
    4 Monarch (1) 6-0-1 65 4 2-0-0
    5 Resurrection Christian 8-1-0 46 6 1-0-0
    6 Dakota Ridge 7-1-0 40 7 1-0-0
    7 Mountain Vista 7-1-1 39 5 2-1-0
    8 Air Academy 8-1-0 33 8 1-0-0
    9 Columbine 7-4-0 17 10 2-0-0
    10 Lewis-Palmer 6-5-0 7 9 0-1-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Denver East 6, Doherty 5, Battle Mountain 3, Cheyenne Mountain 3, Pine Creek 1.
    Dropped out
    None.

  • Rock Canyon returns to 5A basketball ranking at No. 8

    Rock Canyon has returned to CHSAANow.com’s Class 5A boys basketball rankings. The Jaguars are No. 8 in this week’s poll.

    They were last ranked just prior to the break, but fell out last week. Rock Canyon’s return means the Continental has five ranked teams for the fourth straight poll.

    Elsewhere in 5A, Regis Jesuit remained a unanimous No. 1 selection with all 16 first-place votes. In fact, teams Nos. 1-4 stayed put, including No. 2 ThunderRidge, No. 3 Dakota Ridge and No. 4 Eaglecrest.

    Overland returned to 5A’s top-5, while Chaparral dropped one place to No. 6.

    Mountain Vista is No. 7, Denver East is No. 9 and Montbell is No. 10.

    The four other No. 1 teams also remained the same: Longmont (4A), Colorado Springs Christian (3A), Sanford (2A) and Sangre de Cristo (1A).

    In 4A, Pueblo West (No. 8) and Sierra (No. 9) joined this week. The lone newcomer in 3A this week was Manitou Springs (No. 10), while 2A added Caliche (also No. 10).

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches and select media members, are the official polls of the Association. Polls are released each Monday.

    Complete rankings are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Boys Basketball Polls

    Voted upon by coaches and media members around the state. These rankings have no bearing on postseason seeding.

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

    Coaches and media members looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Regis Jesuit (16) 13-0 160 1 3-0
    2 ThunderRidge 14-1 132 2 3-0
    3 Dakota Ridge 13-0 113 3 2-0
    4 Eaglecrest 9-3 105 4 2-0
    5 Overland 8-5 101 6 2-0
    6 Chaparral 10-3 92 5 2-0
    7 Mountain Vista 12-2 55 8 2-1
    8 Rock Canyon 11-3 35 – 1-0
    9 Denver East 6-6 26 10 1-0
    10 Montbello 10-3 19 7 1-2
    Others receiving votes:
    Legend 10, Monarch 9, Cherokee Trail 8, Cherry Creek 7, Fossil Ridge 4, Mountain Range 4.
    Dropped out
    Legend (9).

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Longmont (18) 12-0 189 1 3-0
    2 Golden (1) 10-2 172 2 2-0
    3 Sand Creek 10-3 131 4 3-0
    4 Pueblo South 8-3 109 3 0-0
    5 Holy Family 9-2 100 5 2-0
    6 Valor Christian 7-4 69 6 2-0
    7 Air Academy 10-3 62 8 3-0
    8 Pueblo West 11-3 60 – 1-0
    9 Sierra 9-3 50 – 2-0
    10 Pueblo Central 10-3 42 7 0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Denver South 13, Palmer Ridge 9, D’Evelyn 8, Widefield 7, Conifer 6, Evergreen 6, Vista Peak 6, Lewis-Palmer 2, Mead 2, Pueblo Centennial 2.
    Dropped out
    Palmer Ridge (9), Mead (10).

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Colorado Springs Christian (8) 10-0 125 1 0-0
    2 Faith Christian (5) 11-0 122 2 3-0
    3 Lutheran 10-1 102 4 0-0
    4 Jefferson Academy 10-2 79 3 0-1
    5 Colorado Academy 8-4 71 5 1-0
    6 Grand Valley 8-1 58 7 2-0
    7 Kent Denver 7-2 47 6 0-1
    8 Sterling 9-2 38 9 2-0
    9 Bayfield 7-1 33 8 0-0
    10 Manitou Springs 7-3 14 – 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Bennett 8, Liberty Common 6, Moffat County 6, The Pinnacle 4, Alamosa 1, Roaring Fork 1.
    Dropped out
    Alamosa (10).

    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Sanford (9) 9-0 99 1 1-0
    2 Resurrection Christian (1) 10-0 89 2 2-0
    3 Highland 11-0 68 7 2-0
    4 Simla 9-0 66 4 3-0
    5 Ignacio 8-2 64 5 2-0
    6 Meeker 8-0 50 6 2-0
    7 Rye 8-2 29 8 3-0
    8 Akron 7-2 26 3 0-2
    9 Ellicott 7-1 20 9 1-1
    10 Caliche 9-1 15 – 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Swink 9, Crowley County 3, Merino 3, Paonia 3, Peyton 3, Yuma 3.
    Dropped out
    Sedgwick County (10).

    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Sangre De Cristo (8) 10-0 80 1 2-0
    2 Springfield 9-2 63 4 2-0
    3 Jim Elliot 9-1 58 2 2-1
    4 Arickaree/Woodlin 9-0 50 6 2-0
    5 Ouray 10-1 45 3 1-1
    6 Holly 9-2 42 5 2-1
    7 South Baca 8-2 38 9 3-0
    8 Fleming 6-2 34 7 2-0
    9 Wiley 7-2 15 8 1-1
    10 Kit Carson 7-3 6 10 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Rocky Mountain Lutheran 5, Sierra Grande 3, Primero 2, Community Christian 1.
    Dropped out
    None.