CHSAANow

Month: December 2018

  • Psych sheets for girls swimming’s Rex Abelein Memorial Invitational

    The annual girls swimming Coaches Invite, now named the Rex Abelein Memorial Invitational, is this weekend. Psych sheets are below.

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    [pdf-embedder url=”https://old.chsaanow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/coaches-invite.pdf”]

  • Sedgwick County’s Chris Michel named Denver Broncos high school football coach of the year

    Sedgwick County West Grand football
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Heading into the 2018 season, only two 8-man football programs in Colorado had ever won four consecutive state champions.

    That list grew this season when Sedgwick County won its fourth-straight title, defeating Hoehne in November to claim title No. 4. It meant the Cougars joined Hugo (1968-71) and Stratton (1992-95) as the only two 8-man teams to do so.

    The run is more remarkable considering that from 2004-14, Sedgwick County — which is a co-op between Revere and Julesburg high schools — had just two winning seasons. in 2012, they were 1-7. In 2013, they were 3-5.

    Then Chris Michel, who had been an assistant at both Sedgwick County and Merino, took over. His first team, in 2014, was 5-5. They’ve won at least 11 games in each season since — including the four championships.

    A graduate of Merino, Michel is no stranger to 8-man football. He played in three championship games from 2003-05 with Merino, winning two for coach John Barber.

    Michel was voted the 8-man coach of the year by his peers as part of the All-State teams. Now, he has been selected as the 2018 Denver Broncos high school football coach of the year.

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    Chris Michel bio

    Years as head coach: 5 (54-7 overall record)

    Years at Sedgwick County: 5 (54-7, 11-1 this season)

    Previous stops: Merino High School assistant coach (2010-11); Sedgwick County assistant coach (2012-13); Sedgwick County head coach (2014-present).

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    Chris Michel Sedgwick County football
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Question: Well, how easy is it to win four state titles in a row?

    Michel: (Laughs) Well, it’s not easy to win one. It’s definitely a difficult thing. You can’t look at it as, “Let’s go win four in a row.” It’s gotta be, “Let’s make our goal this year to win a state title.” You really have to try to clear the last one out of your mind, and you definitely can’t look forward to the next one. I even try to not reference things from years before, other than things we need to improve upon.

    Sometimes you’ve got to be lucky to win a state title: getting to the end of the year healthy, and have some things fall your way. It’s pretty crazy. I don’t think I fully have a scope of what we did yet, and I probably won’t appreciate it until I’m done coaching and look back and see how incredible that was.

    It’s a difficult thing, and every year, you try to reset, but the target definitely gets bigger and bigger every year, and you can see the teams preparing more and more, and everybody wants to beat us. Luckily, our kids love that. Our kids love having that target, and they really embrace that type of thing, but it definitely gets more and more difficult.

    Sedgwick County Hoehne football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Q: Did you do anything when you took over the program as far as culture? What was your first move as coach?

    Michel: My first year out here at Sedgwick County [as an assistant in 2012], the coaching staff had essentially left that year. The head coach retired, and one of the assistants had left and taken a job in Nebraska, and there really was only one guy left on staff — and he was a wrestling coach, he was really a football coach to help out. So my first year, he was the head coach and I was the assistant. He did a really good job of letting me come in and change things.

    I figured out very quickly you can’t go 0-60 in one year. We had to change things slowly. So our first couple of years, we kind of just changed how we did practice, went back to the basics, and did a lot of fundamental stuff with those kids. You know, we struggled for a while, but I think it’s kind of the change in culture, and we kind of got kids to buy in.

    My first year as the head coach [in 2014], we made the playoffs by the skin of our teeth, and we lost in the first round to Granada. It really kind of left a sour taste in those kids’ mouths, and the next year we came back and went 13-0. That’s kind of what really started it.

    We ended up with a great group of seniors, we had eight seniors that year — which is a lot for us, we’ve had about four to five seniors every year after that — but they really did all the work, they paved the way and set the tone and made this culture of hard work in practice. Getting kids to buy in was kind of just the thing.

    And you’ve got to have success. Success breeds success. After we got kids to buy in, it’s not easy, but the kids understand the expectation, so from that aspect, it gets a little easier, I guess.

    I don’t know if there was any one thing I did — maybe going back to the basics. And then after I became a head coach, I just kind of went out and found some coaches that I thought could fit our program, some guys from the area that were on some successful teams. Now, I’ve got a kid on my staff who was actually a player on that first championship team. So it’s cool to see him come full circle from a player to a coach.

    Really, I just try to surround myself with guys that know more than me.

    Sedgwick County Hoehne football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Q: Is there a challenge of playing as a co-op? You know, combining two schools and bringing those kids together?

    Michel: I think one of the biggest challenges is there’s a lot more red tape. You have two administrations, you have two schools. So it’s figuring schedules, logistics and things like that — two leave times, two everything. That poses some sort of challenge.

    And the other thing is a lot of these kids don’t see each other all day. You don’t have the luxury of kids are in class and they’re here. But I think athletics, and success of all of our sports — football, basketball, baseball, track — have really kind of lessened the divide between the two schools.

    I think before I got here, there was some growing pains between the two schools and the two groups of kids. Because you go from being cross-county rivals to sticking them on the same team, obviously people have the same goal, but when you reach adversity, fingers start to get pointed, things like that. With our success, it’s really helped not only our co-op, but I think our community in general.

    Luckily, and I think that’s an advantage for me: I’m not from here, I’ve never been here when it was separate, so I don’t know anything different. If you ask our kids now, they would be like, “What are you talking about? There’s no difference.” They don’t say, “Oh the Revere kids do this” or “The Julesburg kids do that.”

    So, according to our kids anymore, there really is no difference. And these kids are kind of that first generation that don’t know any better. 2006, I think was the first of the co-op. They can’t even remember when there were two separate schools. So that makes it nice.

    We kind of make it work out here. And you have to, you’ve got to adapt or die out here in these small communities.

    Sedgwick County Hoehne football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Q: What did you learn from your playing days at Merino, and have you brought anything to your time as a coach now?

    Michel: Obviously, I played for coach Barber, and he’s a legend. He’s the guy. I don’t know how long he coached, maybe 13 years, and he played in 10 title games? Obviously I learned a lot from that. Some of the aspects we do in practice, and things like that.

    8-man football is a very different game now than it was then. Back then, you could count on one hand the amount of teams that threw the ball more than five times a game. It was I-formation, line up and smash against each other, and whoever did that the best was going to win. So the game has changed.

    The one thing I took is the amount of work that my coaches put in. Like Rocky DeSanti, he’s still at Merino, and that guy has probably forgot more about 8-man football than I’ll ever know.

    I did my student teaching there for two years, and I actually coached with those guys, with the exception of Barber — he had retired before that — so I was on that staff. I got to see the other side of it. I went to the coaches meetings and I saw how much film they watched, so I guess just the hard work, the amount of work and film and prep and things like that that those guys put in. That’s the biggest thing I took.

    And just what it takes to win. The hard work and the things I try to instill in my kids are things that we did — maybe not Xs and Os, but the mental preparation.

    Sedgwick County West Grand football
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Q: Is it any different when you guys play Merino? What’s that like?

    Michel: As far as the kids go, you’ve got to treat it like any other game. Everybody in our league is essentially a rival. Our league is so tough that every week is a rivalry game.

    Their coaching staff consists of a guy that coached me, and a guy that I played with, so I definitely have some personal connections. But the weeks that we don’t play them, I talk to Rocky, and we talk about different teams and stuff like that.

    Obviously, you never want to lose, ever, but you definitely don’t want to lose to the school you went to. But that school and that community has still been great. A lot of times, win or lose, a lot of people tell me after the games, you know, “nice job” and “congratulations” and things like that.

    It’s just like any other small town: Good people, good kids.

    Sedgwick County Hoehne football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Q: In talking to people about you in terms of the type of coach and person you are, they said one thing that struck them was that after a championship game, you went and talked to your kids, and you didn’t talk to them necessarily about winning the title. You were talking to them more about life.

    Can you tell me a little bit about that approach and that philosophy, and why in those moments you use that opportunity to talk about stuff other than football?

    Michel: As an educator and as a coach, I think you have an ability to hopefully influence somebody’s life. You get to play football for four years, and then you’ve got to go to school and get a job, and be a husband and be a father.

    You hope that they take some of those lessons, the hard work, the appreciation of things, and you hope that they take that on. Football is a sport that exemplifies all of that.

    At least I hope, as a coach, that some day they’re either going to look back and say, “Wow, this isn’t near as hard as our two-a-day practices or our hard practices were, I can do this,” or, “This is what coach was talking about what it means to be a good man.” That’s one of the things that I got out of high school football, was how those things translated into being a good man, a good husband and father.

    So I think when you win, and more so even when you lose, that those are great opportunities to talk to those kids about how that’s going to relate to the rest of their lives. That’s why people teach, and why people coach, is to help young men and young people.

    I think those are just opportunities to look at how that’s going to affect the rest of their lives, and that’s the way I can hopefully do a little bit of good in this world.

  • All-state football teams for the 2018 season

    The 2018 all-state football teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches across the state.

    Players were placed onto the first-team, second-team and honorable mention based upon the number of votes they received. In 5A-1A, spots were reserved for linemen and one kicker/punter, while 8-man reserved spots for linemen.

    CHSAA does not determine who makes or doesn’t make the team; they are created from the results of the coaches’ vote.

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    Class 5A

    Fairview Horizon football
    (Steve Oathout)

    Player of the year: Aidan Atkinson, Fairview

    Coach of the year: Ed McCaffrey, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Elijah Anderson-Taylor Eaglecrest Senior LB/RB
    Aidan Atkinson Fairview Junior QB
    Reece Atteberry Eaglecrest Junior OT/DE
    Jordan Billingsley Grandview Senior RB
    Logan DeArment Columbine Senior QB/CB
    Andrew Gentry Columbine Junior G/OT
    Aidan Ikaika Keanaaina Mullen Junior NG/G
    Dylan James Eaglecrest Senior QB/RB
    Austin Johnson Highlands Ranch Senior G/DT
    Spencer Lambert ThunderRidge Senior RB/CB
    Carson Lee Cherry Creek Junior OT/C
    Michael Lynn Cherry Creek Senior OT
    Kiahn Martinez Regis Jesuit Senior RB
    Luke McCaffrey Valor Christian Senior QB
    Barrett Miller Eaglecrest Senior OT/DT
    Alex Padilla Cherry Creek Senior QB
    Alec Pell Cherry Creek Senior FB/RB/LB
    Billy Pospisil Pomona Senior WR/FS
    Cian Quiroga Valor Christian Senior OT/DT
    Brad Roberts Ralston Valley Senior RB/LB
    Roger Rosengarten Valor Christian Junior DT/DE
    Mason Schultz Grandview Senior OL/OC/DL
    Cobi Wood Grandview Senior K
    Ethan Zemla Valor Christian Senior MLB/TE
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Alijah Bates Doherty Senior OT/DE
    Garrett Bishop Pomona Junior OT
    Henry Blackburn Fairview Junior WR/FS
    Carson Brantley Cherry Creek Senior FS/SS
    Cade Bruckman Grandview Junior MLB/FB
    Corbin Curry Columbine Senior  
    Ben Earnest Columbine Senior OL/DL
    Ethan Frasier ThunderRidge Senior MLB
    Matt Greenwald Fairview Senior WR/DB
    Andrew Grout Castle View Senior OT/DL
    Jack Howell Valor Christian Sophomore QB/WR/FS
    Hayden Isenhart Grandview Senior DE/TE
    Austin Jandik Cherokee Trail Junior DL/MLB
    Justin Lohrenz Columbine Junior TE/DE
    Chase Lopez Valor Christian Junior WR/DB/ATH
    Kevin Lukasiewicz Arapahoe Senior QB/P
    Chris McEahern Arvada West Senior WR
    Dylan Morrill Columbine Senior G/DE
    Colten Muller Pomona Senior WR/QB
    Maxwell Nwokeuwu ThunderRidge Senior OL/DL
    Braden Siders Ralston Valley Junior DE
    Jake Steinmetz Boulder Senior CB/WR
    Isaac Townsend Ralston Valley Senior DE/TE

    Honorable mention: JJ Augustus, Eaglecrest, Senior, WR/CB; Tyler Banks, Fairview, Senior, OL/DL; Alex Bishard, Legacy, Senior, G/DT; Grayson Blackmon, Cherry Creek, Junior, DT; Vance Brazile, Cherry Creek, Senior, TE; Manuel Corrales, Westminster, Junior, OL/DL; Brian Crespo, Poudre, Junior, OL; Erik Delgado, Far Northeast Warriors, Senior, K/P; Bryce DesJardins, Fairview, Senior, WR/CB; Elijah Ewing, Denver East, Senior, WR/DB; Aaron Franklin, Denver East, Junior, WR/DB; Ryan Gilmore, ThunderRidge, Senior, QB; Thomas Harries, Ralston Valley, Senior, FS/WR; Zach Heckman, Fossil Ridge, Senior, G/OT; David Hoage, Smoky Hill, Senior, RB/MLB; Pierce Holley, Lakewood, Senior, QB; Cole Jesch, Ralston Valley, Senior, OT/C; Q Jones, Fountain-Fort Carson, Sophomore, RB/FS/SS; Adam Karas, Pomona, Junior, OT; Luke Keefe, Regis Jesuit, Senior, DE/DT; Dakota Key, Legacy, Junior, RB/LB; Casey Knutsen, Fossil Ridge, Senior, SS/RB/P; Colin Lavell, Legend, Senior, OT/G; Ryan Le, Mountain Vista, Senior, G/C; Brady Legault, Arvada West, Senior, G/DT; Devon Lobato, Doherty, Senior, FS; Geno Macias, Regis Jesuit, Senior, LB/SS; JP Martinez, Westminster, Senior, OL/DL; Mikey McClelland, Chaparral, Senior, DT/DE; Raymond Mclaughlin, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior, C; Kyle Moretti, Pomona, Junior, MLB/FB; Sam Motzkus, ThunderRidge, Senior, DE; Brandy Okeke, Grandview, Senior, DE/LB; Trustin Oliver, Legend, Senior, WR; Lance Opp, Highlands Ranch, Senior, WR/LB; Cole Oster, Castle View, Senior, S/RB; Matt Pando, Northglenn, Senior, C; Dadrian Paris, Horizon, Senior, WR; Cole Parrott, Columbine, Senior, DL/TE/LS; Dayne Prim, Grandview, Senior, WR; Jalon’e Rice, Overland, Senior, WR/CB; Scott Ruckel, ThunderRidge, Senior, WR; Myles Ruiz, Cherokee Trail, Senior, DB/WR; Obasanjo Sanni, Smoky Hill, Junior, RB; Gavin Sawchuk, Valor Christian, Freshman, WR; Ben Schneider, Ralston Valley, Senior, LB/MLB; Liban Shongolo, Adams City, Senior, QB/SS; Malik Sparrow, Cherokee Trail, Senior, RB; Preston Stansel, Boulder, Senior, ATH; Grant Stewartson, Highlands Ranch, Junior, OL/DL; Jack Thiele, Pomona, Senior, SS/CB; Anthony Thomas, Rangeview, Junior, G/DT.

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    Class 4A

    Loveland Skyline football
    (David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Zach Weinmaster, Loveland

    Coach of the year: Wayne McGinn, Loveland

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Garrett Beckman Greeley West Senior OT/G
    Ryder Blair Ponderosa Senior LB/TE
    Brenden Bower Loveland Senior C/NG
    Travis Bretches Loveland Senior DE/G
    Steven Croell Broomfield Senior QB
    Bryce Delahoy Rampart Senior RB/NG
    Ethan Drewes Skyline Senior MLB/OT/DT
    Chris Eckerman Montrose Senior RB/DB
    Jered Garcia Dakota Ridge Senior RB
    Jeremy Hollingsworth Skyline Senior RB
    Anthony Johnston Chatfield Senior OT/DE
    Kaden Jolley Fruita Monument Senior DE
    Riley Kinney Loveland Senior QB
    Isaiah Meyers Loveland Senior CB/SB
    David Moore III Pine Creek Junior RB/CB
    Cody Rakowsky Loveland Senior RB/CB
    Telvin Townsend Longmont Senior OT/FB
    Ethan Waite Ponderosa Senior DE/FB
    Deonte Washington Vista Ridge Senior DE/LB
    Zach Weinmaster Loveland Senior RB/SS
    Derek West Greeley West Senior RB/SS
    Kyle West Skyline Senior WR/LB
    Charlie Wildermuth Chatfield Senior K/WR
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Cade Balleweg Grand Junction Central Senior WR/RB/ATH
    Hunter Barnes Chatfield Senior RB
    Sean Boylan Loveland Senior MLB/FB
    Ryan Capasso Broomfield Senior LB/OT
    Thomas Ceniceros Montrose Senior DT/OL
    Matthew Eich Broomfield Sophomore K
    Drake Engelking Longmont Senior RB/FB
    Alex France Standley Lake Senior QB/DB
    Travis Heath Fruita Monument Senior OL/DL
    Matthew Heitmann Dakota Ridge Junior OL/DL/LS
    Tanner Hickey Grand Junction Central Senior FS/SS
    Frankie Ingraldi Widefield Senior RB/LB
    Kyle Jameson Pueblo West Senior FS/WR
    Max Lofy Pine Creek Junior ATH
    LaDarius Mays Coronado Junior RB/FS
    Collin Morrison Loveland Senior DE
    Treyton Queen Fruita Monument Senior FB/DE
    Marc Rocha Standley Lake Senior OL/DL
    Ryan Ruger Broomfield Senior G/OT
    Chase Silva Skyline Sophomore QB/FS
    Levi Taylor Ponderosa Senior OT
    Jack Walters Golden Senior WR/FS
    Adam Weaver Pine Creek Senior G/DT

    Honorable mention: Donovan Andrus, Grand Junction, Senior, DE/OG; Cauy Boulden, Montrose, Senior, WR/DB; Andre Brown, Greeley West, Senior, DE; Blake Bucca, Standley Lake, Senior, OL/DL; Ricky Childers, Skyline, Senior, G/NG; Drake Cortez, Brighton, Senior, WR/RB/CB; Oakley Dehning, Longmont, Senior, QB; Michael Deschene, Loveland, Senior, MLB/FB; Sam Dirks, Silver Creek, Senior, DT/DE; Nick Faraca, Centaurus, Junior, QB; Austin Fiala, Monarch, Junior, RB/MLB; Alex Guzman, Bear Creek, Senior, OT; Isaac Hesse, Skyline, Senior, OT/DL; Kevin Hooks, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior, DB/WR; Soren Howard, Wheat Ridge, Senior, OT/DE/TE; Joe Hufford, Ponderosa, Junior, WR/K/Ret.; Christian Jones, Air Academy, Junior, DL/OL; Noah Karwacki, Vista Peak Prep, Senior, K/P; Emmert Kastendieck, Montrose, Junior, RB/CB; Faleao Leatiota, Mesa Ridge, Senior, NG/C; Jacob Lee, Pueblo West, Senior, DL; Max Marsh, Grand Junction Central, Junior, QB; Braden Martinez, Windsor, Senior, LB/DB; Chandler Mason, Pueblo West, Junior, QB/LB/MLB; Nejon McCray, Denver South, Senior, DE/DT; Kolton Miller, Ponderosa, Sophomore, WR/Ret.; Micaylon Moore, Fort Collins, Senior, WR/DB/Ret.; Gianni Palazzo, Heritage, Senior, QB/SB; Joey Piacenza, Greeley West, Senior, TE/LB; Harlan Potts, Hinkley, Senior, MLB/OT; Elias Rolfe, Pine Creek, Junior, DE; Zach Rush, Fruita Monument, Senior, QB/C; Tyler Schemp, Greeley Central, Senior, OL/DL; Joshua Sharpes, Loveland, Senior, OT; Cole Simmons, Montrose, Junior, OL/LB; Chris Smith, Liberty, Senior, TE/LB; Michael Thompson, Aurora Central, Senior, MLB/TE; Andy Vickery, Heritage, Junior, G/NG; Jack Wathen, Skyline, Senior, WR/LB; Cameron White, Rampart, Senior, G/NG; Elijah Williams, Gateway, Senior, LB/WR.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Pueblo East Palmer Ridge football
    (Chris Fehrm/Chris Fehrm Photography)

    Player of the year: Ty Evans, Palmer Ridge

    Coach of the year: Al Melo, Harrison

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Griffin Anderson Discovery Canyon Senior K
    Luc Andrada Pueblo East Senior QB/CB
    Jason Bruce Palisade Senior RB/CB
    Gage Clawson Discovery Canyon Junior G/MLB
    Carl Cox Palisade Junior G/ILB
    Aidan Cullen Palmer Ridge Senior DE/OT/ATH
    Jacob Dillon Palmer Ridge Senior DT
    Ty Evans Palmer Ridge Senior QB
    Nathan Hackney Erie Senior DT/G
    Kyle Helbig Holy Family Senior TE/WR/DE
    Daveon Hunter Thomas Jefferson Junior LB/RB
    Mitchell Jefferis Palmer Ridge Senior OC
    Kain Medrano Pueblo East Senior WR/FS
    Jaymeson Nelms Erie Senior DE/TE
    Isaiah Padilla Lewis-Palmer Senior G/DT
    Anthony Roberson II Palmer Ridge Junior CB/SB
    Dominic Robles Pueblo East Senior DT/OT
    Noah Roper Erie Senior RB/FS/CB
    Aumiere Shedrick Harrison Senior RB/DL
    Jaden Sparks Palmer Ridge Senior WR/MLB
    Cameron Tucker Palisade Junior QB/FS
    Evan Walsh Lewis-Palmer Senior RB/CB/Ret.
    Orlando Westbrook-Sanchez III Harrison Senior QB/DB
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Zack Anderson Discovery Canyon Senior QB
    Spencer Brooks Erie Senior OT/LB
    Cody Bruce Palmer Ridge Junior OL/DL
    Braden Christie Pueblo South Senior  
    Julian Custine Erie Senior K/P
    Brennen DiBella Mead Senior OT
    Luke Gair Glenwood Springs Senior SB/SS
    Patrick Gonzales Pueblo East Senior RB/SB/MLB
    JP Hamer Fort Morgan Senior RB
    Isaac Linker Fort Morgan Senior QB/MLB
    Dawson Marcum Durango Senior RB/SS
    Quinn Meinert Green Mountain Junior LB
    Ryan Monteleone Discovery Canyon Senior RB/CB
    Nick Norris Fort Morgan Junior OT
    Jay Olson Mead Senior TE/DE
    Logan Robinson Frederick Senior DE/G
    Jeremiah Runco Pueblo East Senior DT/OT
    Brandon Samora Pueblo East Senior OT/G/DT
    Joel Scott Lewis-Palmer Senior TE/LB
    Keshaun Taylor Thomas Jefferson Junior WR/DB
    Trey Towndrow Green Mountain Junior QB/RB
    Miron Washburn Harrison Senior OL/DL
    Will Woodward Evergreen Senior OL/DL

    Honorable mention: Joseph Alejo, Palisade, Junior, TE/LB; Austin Ban, Steamboat Springs, Senior, RB/LB; Will Banks, Green Mountain, Junior, DE; Cayden Camper, Pueblo County, Senior, K/P; Dante Ciaravola, Frederick, Senior, RB/SB/WR; Zak Cossette, Eagle Valley, 0, RB/MLB; Sebastian Dalton, Holy Family, Senior, DT/RB; Hector Escobar, Battle Mountain, Senior, DT/OT/LS; Ben Haefeli, Evergreen, Senior, FS/RB/CB; Ben Hersam, Mitchell, Senior, RB/MLB; Jahvell Johnson-Humphrey, George Washington, Senior, WR/CB; Marcus Kemm, Skyview, Senior, CB/SB; Michael Kumlin, Kennedy, Senior, LB/TE; Tanner Leise, Mead, Senior, DE; Matt Lyons, Harrison, Senior, OL/LB; Nico Martin, Pueblo Central, Senior, RB/WR; Nathaniel Mesa, Harrison, Senior, OL/DL; Taylor Morgan, Summit, Senior, DT/OT/G; Gabe Morgan, Canon City, Junior, OL/DL; Cameron Nellor, Thompson Valley, Junior, SB/QB/SS; Buddie Niccoli, Pueblo Centennial, Senior, RB/LB; Gavin Orbus, Holy Family, Senior, OL; Dorian Pacheco, Lutheran, Freshman, RB/LB; Grant Pullen, George Washington, Senior, DE/TE; Alex Rodriguez, Glenwood Springs, Senior, G/DT; Caleb Sherrill, Falcon, Senior, LB/RB; Cole Sniff, Pueblo South, Senior, RB/FB; Max Tafoya, Denver North, Senior, OT/DT; Nick Wall, Roosevelt, Senior, WR/CB; Carver Willis, Durango, Junior, OT/DT.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    La Junta Platte Valley football
    (Lance Wendt/LanceWendt.com)

    Player of the year: Jon Nuschy, La Junta

    Coach of the year: Ty Buderus, La Junta

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ty Addington La Junta Senior C/DE
    Ty Beaman Berthoud Senior DE/OT
    Vince Deleo Salida Senior MLB/FB/RB
    Isaac Harris Sterling Senior SB/CB
    David Hawkins Bayfield Senior LB/RB
    Kyle Hecker Resurrection Christian Senior OT/MLB
    Noah Hollander Aspen Senior WR/FS
    Gryphin Hooper Platte Valley Junior OT/DE
    Peter Kuppinger Resurrection Christian Senior DE
    David Nagy Faith Christian Senior RB
    Jon Nuschy La Junta Senior QB/SS
    Hunter Paxton Sterling Senior OT/DT
    Alberto Perez Platte Valley Junior TB/LB/K
    Jake Reardon Basalt Senior RB/DB
    Jake Reuss Basalt Senior OL/LB
    Trevor Reuss Basalt Senior QB/LB
    Ernesto Rios Platte Valley Senior TB/LB/P
    Jacob Tafoya La Junta Senior OT/NG
    Jacob Thielen Faith Christian Senior LB/OL
    Tanner Vines Rifle Senior RB/MLB
    Wyatt Warfel Rifle Senior C/DE
    Trevon Wehrman Platte Valley Senior QB
    Zane Zuhlke Resurrection Christian Senior FS/WR
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jordan Abbott Faith Christian Senior S/WR
    Connor Aragon Pagosa Springs Senior RB/MLB
    Aiden Barrios Delta Senior OL/DL
    Holt Brashears Salida Senior DE/C
    Jake Braun D’Evelyn Junior OT/DE
    Matthew Broughton Montezuma-Cortez Senior FB/LB
    Brendan Bunting Platte Valley Senior WR/DB
    Zach Busmente Sterling Junior MLB/OT
    Ty Garnhart Eaton Senior QB/SS/FS
    Christian Lamb Faith Christian Senior G
    Joey Licht Kent Denver Senior QB/DB
    Isaac Lorenzen Bayfield Senior NG/OT
    Kyle Lueck Resurrection Christian Senior RB/LB
    Armondo Martinez Alamosa Senior G/DE
    Noah Miles D’Evelyn Senior ILB/WR/P
    Keyon Prior Bayfield Senior RB/CB
    Alex Riedel Resurrection Christian Senior LB/RB
    Eli Smith Salida Senior WR/LB
    Reece Ullery Elizabeth Senior RB/FS
    John Van Hattem Resurrection Christian Senior OC
    James Waddles La Junta Senior OT/DE
    Daniel Westbrook Bayfield Senior DE/OT
    Josh Yancey Platte Valley Junior WB/DB

    Honorable mention: Jared Baker, Moffat County, Senior, G/DE; Andrew Borquez, Alameda, Senior, DL/OL; Antonio Chavez, La Junta, Junior, RB/LB; Bryson Cox, Woodland Park, Sophomore, TE/DE; Garrett Craig, The Classical Academy, Senior, OL/DL; Henry Fritzler, Eaton, Senior, DT/G; Hadley Holloway, Bennett, Senior, OT/DT; Dillon Jonsson, Aspen, Senior, OT/DT; Walker Kee, Lamar, Junior; Tyler Kissler, Valley, Senior, CB/WR; Ben Kuhnel, Middle Park, Senior, WR/S/ATH; Dillon Lucas, Prospect Ridge Academy, Senior, RB/LB; John Paul Luebbers, Bishop Machebeuf, Senior, G/DE; Goskany Luquin, Basalt, Senior, DE/OL; Ethan Mackley, Rifle, Junior, G/DE; Ryan Malden, La Junta, Junior, QB/RB; Grady Mandl, The Academy, Senior, WR/CB; Alex Maravilla, Eaton, Senior, MLB/OT; Caleb Miramontes, Delta, Senior, RB/LB; Swayde Noyes, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior, OT/DE; Danny Pelphrey, Berthoud, Senior, WR/DB; Antonio Rivera, Alamosa, Senior, MLB; Riley Romero, La Junta, Senior, WR; Nick Segal, University, Senior, LB/RB; Damian Spell, Coal Ridge, Junior, DT/OG/G; Brady Sullivan, D’Evelyn, Senior, ILB/OG; Angel Villarruel, Englewood, Junior, OL/DL; Mark Walvoord, Kent Denver, Senior, OL/DL; Nick Wellen, Brush, Junior, RB/MLB; Ethan Winden, Weld Central, Senior; Hunter Zentz, Manitou Springs, Senior, WR/CB.

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    Class 1A

    (Alan Versaw/stoutroadsportspage.com)

    Player of the year: Cannan Bennett, Limon

    Coach of the year: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    James Amick Meeker Senior DL/OL
    Cannan Bennett Limon Senior QB/LB
    Logan Blevins Platte Canyon Senior OT/DT
    Peyton Brones Colorado Springs Christian Junior MLB/FB
    Owen Busetti Florence Sophomore MLB/RB
    Bennie Chacon Centauri Senior OT/DT
    Adam Chacon Centauri Junior MLB/G
    Tristan Crowther Centauri Senior DE/WR
    Eddie Duron Strasburg Senior G/MLB
    Hauk Hubbard Limon Senior RB/LB
    Chris Lopez Monte Vista Senior OT/DE
    Logan Marx Limon Junior OL/DL
    Greg Olsen Colorado Springs Christian Senior  
    Ryan Phelan Meeker Sophomore QB/DE
    Braden Sandersfeld Limon Senior WR/DB
    JC Spence Strasburg Senior FS/RB
    Kory Tacha Limon Sophomore RB/LB
    Jesus Trejo Holyoke Senior MLB/RB
    Luis Villalpando Meeker Senior LB/K/G
    Trevor Walker Peyton Senior RB/LB
    Wyatt Warren Strasburg Senior MLB/RB
    Braden Witzel Burlington Senior  
    Javier Zamora Limon Senior OL/DL
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Morgan Arnold Limon Senior OL/DL
    Chase Beckner Holyoke 0 DT/G
    Carson Berghuis Wray Junior DE/OT
    Jaykhale Boiter Jefferson Senior NG/G
    Cannon Buford Crowley County Senior OT/NG
    Gabriel Calhoun St. Mary’s Senior ATH
    Joe Dunn Colorado Springs Christian Sophomore  
    Anthony Felice Paonia Senior RB/LB
    Daniel Frates Peyton Senior DT/G
    Jim Gabriel Buena Vista Junior OT/DT
    Lucas Gerding Clear Creek Senior QB/FS/ATH
    Josh Gonzales Peyton Senior RB/FS
    Eli Hanks Meeker Senior RB/LB
    J.D. Hart Peyton Senior WR/CB
    Cade Hillman Wray Senior RB/MLB
    Javier Lancaster Florence Junior OG/NG
    Zach Martin Centauri Senior WR/CB
    Deontay Martinez Centauri Senior C/DE
    Blake Mosenteen Holyoke 0 RB/SS
    Levi Peterson Paonia Junior OT/DE
    Kurvonte Rice Jefferson Senior SB/QB
    Trevor Tinajera Platte Canyon Senior FS/TE
    Kaidon Wenta Monte Vista Junior RB/LB

    Honorable mention: Koby Anderson, Highland, Senior, TE/LB; Lukas Baltzer, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior; Rian Chavez, Colorado Springs Christian, Sophomore, MLB; Bert Chrastil, Estes Park, Senior, RB/LB; Taylor Clark, Grand Valley, Senior, DE/TE; Edward Cruz, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Senior, OL/DL; Adrian Diaz De Leon, The Pinnacle, Senior, RB/LB/SS; Zach Dube, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Senior, QB/DL; Abraham Echauri, Center, Freshman, WR/CB/ATH; Jase Lantto, Peyton, Junior, DL/OL; Carlos Lopez, Center, Senior, OT/DT/FB; Ivan Martinez Pantaleon, The Pinnacle, Senior, OL/DL/K; Jacob Miller, St. Mary’s, Junior, WR/DB; Grey Neal, Paonia, Junior, QB/LB; Jonathan Pena, Grand Valley, Senior, RB/SB/SS; Jared Reynolds, Cedaredge, Senior, LB/QB; Ricardo Rocha, Rocky Ford, Junior, OL/DL; Ben Sanchez, Clear Creek, Senior, WR/DB; Trevor Smith, Strasburg, Junior, C/DT; Logan Stewart, Highland, Senior, QB/DB; Chad Sutherland, Strasburg, Junior, G/DT; Daniel Tena, Burlington, Senior; David Trujillo, Rocky Ford, Senior, WR/DB; Wesley Van Matre, John Mall, Junior, RB/LB; Taj VanderLinde, Cedaredge, Senior, DL/OL; Lane Walter, Crowley County, Senior, DE/G; Malaki Walters, Florence, Senior, LB/OG; Quamon Williams, Crowley County, Junior; Luke Yates, Buena Vista, Junior, WR/FS.

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    8-man

    Denver Broncos High School Media Day
    (Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)

    Player of the year: Layne Green, Sedgwick County

    Coach of the year: Chris Michel, Sedgwick County

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Eric Alcala Sedgwick County Senior C/DT
    Luis Dominguez West Grand Senior QB/DB
    Quinton Flanscha Fowler Senior RB/CB
    Matt Frank Merino Senior RB/CB
    Layne Green Sedgwick County Senior RB/DE
    Jordan Knight West Grand Senior OG/LB
    Jace Logan Soroco Senior RB/ILB
    Trysten Moltrer Hoehne Senior RB/DB
    Shane Montoya Hoehne Junior OL/DL
    Grady Nielsen Rangely Senior OL/DL
    Derrick Poss Akron Senior RB/LB
    Max Quint Merino Senior OL/DL
    Kyle Rowe Hoehne Senior RB/DE
    Ethan Walter Sedgwick County Senior  
    Hugh Wheatley West Grand Senior WR/DB
    Adam Zink Caliche Senior RB/MLB
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Braxton Asbell Sargent Sophomore OL/DL
    Drew Brannan Rangely Senior QB/DB
    Erick Chaparro Holly Senior RB/ILB/Ret.
    Kobe Davis Holly Senior DE/QB/WR
    Beau Dukes Springfield Senior QB/LB
    Chance Garcia Mancos Senior RB/MLB
    Tommy Harmon Pikes Peak Christian Senior WR/DE/K
    CJ Hoff Front Range Christian Senior WR/DB
    Federico Orozco Hoehne Senior TE/LB
    Marcos Ramirez West Grand Senior OG/DE
    Devin Ramirez Rangely Senior RB/DB/QB
    Austin Stauffer West Grand Senior OG/DE
    Christian Still Dayspring Christian Academy Sophomore QB/CB
    Frank Torrez Sargent Senior ATH
    Justin Traxler Akron Senior QB/S
    Traevonn Walton Caliche Senior NG/G

    Honorable mention: Braden Anderson, Haxtun, Senior, WR/LB; Jayce Bauer, Wiley, Senior, C/DE/FB; Chris Bolt, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior, OL/DT; Riley Clayton, Sangre de Cristo, Senior, TB/LB; Zach Dolan, Vail Christian, Senior; Devon Frazier, Las Animas, Senior, LB/OL/K; Nate Freeman, Plateau Valley, Senior, OL/DL; Will Gabriel, Norwood, Senior, RB/LB; Dalton Gartrell, Sanford, Senior, TE/DE; Austin Green, Dove Creek, Senior, G/DE; Darias Harms, Simla, Junior; Terrance Heath, Sedgwick County, Sophomore, WR/TE/DE; Jaden Hottinger, Akron, Senior, RB/CB; Isaia Jarvis, Pikes Peak Christian, Senior, OL/LB; Stephen King, Gilpin County, Sophomore, QB/CB; Drew Lloyd, Front Range Christian, Senior, TE/DL; Brad Mazerall, Simla, Senior; Sean McKinley, Pikes Peak Christian, Junior, RB/LB; Austin Mclean, Dayspring Christian Academy, Junior, DT/G; Keegan Medina, Del Norte, Senior, QB; Mikey Mikita, Calhan, Senior, RB/LB; Tristan Moore, Rangely, Senior, TE/ILB; Breccen Morelli, Mancos, Junior, QB/DE; Bryar Morgan, Elbert, Senior; Brendyn Nordyke, Holly, Senior, NG/OG/RB; Beau Parker, Sedgwick County, Junior; Franchesco Rivera, Hoehne, Junior, OL/DL; Adam Sapp, Custer County, Senior, OL/DL; Thor Schiffer, Fowler, Junior, RB/OL/DL; Brady Shelley, Byers, Senior, CB/WR; Tyshawn Silva, Justice, Senior, ATH/DB/Ret.; Daigen Springer, South Park, Senior, TB/DB; Eli Suiters, Swink, Junior, DL/TE.

    [divider]

    6-man

    Prairie Peetz football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Bryson Long, Peetz

    Coach of the year: Toby Kechter, Stratton/Liberty

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Bryce Carlstrom North Park Senior ATH
    T.J. Conaway Kit Carson Senior  
    Cordell Farmer Kit Carson Junior DE/TE
    Devon Jara Granada Senior QB
    Walter Jordan Prairie Senior  
    Jaret Lichty Stratton/Liberty Sophomore RB/LB
    Tyson Lichty Stratton/Liberty Senior QB/LB
    Bryson Long Peetz Senior RB
    Sam McGinnis Idalia Senior  
    Bryce Miracle Otis Senior RB
    Quade Pelton Cheyenne Wells Junior  
    Ethan Richmond Stratton/Liberty Senior RB/TE/DE
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tyler Blickem Briggsdale Junior QB
    Chris Bryan Kit Carson Senior  
    Jade Cozart Cheyenne Wells Senior  
    Lucas Hart Cheraw Senior RB/LB
    Duchea High Colorado School for the Deaf Blind Senior QB/S
    Kyle Klann Flagler/Hi-Plains Senior  
    Levi Shean Stratton/Liberty Senior TE/LB
    Steven Tunstall Cotopaxi Senior FB/OL/DE
    Ty Warren La Veta Senior ILB/FB/HB
    Isaih Wellman Mountain Valley Senior DE/RB/LB
    Cooper White Peetz Junior RB
    Eltan Yarger Stratton/Liberty Senior FB/LB

    Honorable mention: Josh Baca, Granada, Senior, RB; Zayd Banks, Flagler/Hi-Plains, Sophomore; Vincent Bauer, Briggsdale, Senior, FS/WR; Axel Escareno, Manzanola, Junior, FS/QB; Brock Follett, North Park, Junior, RB/DE/LB; Isaac Gonzales, La Veta, Junior, DE/TE/WR; Chris Goss, Fleming, Sophomore, DE/WR; David Hammel, Mountain Valley, Senior, LB/TE/DE; Ty Hunt, Otis, Senior, QB/ILB/S; Cesar Iturralde, Branson/Kim, Senior, RB/FS; Dominic Martinez, Manzanola, Senior, MLB/FB; Coy McDonald, Walsh, Junior, ILB/DB/RB; Ambrosio Mondragon, Sierra Grande, Senior, WR/DE; Trey Moore, Prairie, Senior; Walker Morelock, Deer Trail, Junior, LB/RB; Alex Salazar, Walsh, Senior, RB/LB/C; Caleb Scharsch, Sierra Grande, Sophomore, TB/LB; Greg Tidquist, Genoa-Hugo, Senior, QB/S; Zackary Van Esselstine, Cotopaxi, Junior, C/DE; Brandon Williams, Fleming, Junior, RB/MLB.

  • Photos: Coronado boys basketball battles to get tough win over Pueblo Centennial

    COLORADO SPRINGS — Bryce McKee scored a game-high 20 points as Coronado boys basketball battled to a 68-61 win over Pueblo Centennial.

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  • No. 7 Valor gets firsthand look at 5A Jeffco girls hoops competition

    LITTLETON — Wednesday night served as a girls basketball preview of the Class 5A Jeffco League.

    Valor Christian moved from 4A Jeffco up to the 5A Jeffco this year after winning back-to-back 4A state titles in 2015 and 2016. The Eagles, ranked No. 7 in the latest CHSAANow.com Class 5A girls basketball poll, had a road test at Columbine on Wednesday.

    Valor looked impressive from start to finish taking a 54-24 victory over the Rebels (1-2 record).

    Valor sophomore Jenna Siebert attempts to block the shot from behind Columbine junior Lauryn Metz (40) during a non-league game Wednesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We scheduled this for a reason. To kind of see where we are and see what we have to work on,” Columbine coach Greg Bolding Jr. said. “We knew Valor is great from top to bottom and in-between. It was good for my team to see where we are and where we need to get to.”

    Columbine and Valor square off on the Eagles’ home court on Jan. 19 in their one conference meeting. This year 5A Jeffco went away from every team facing each other in home and away games during league play.

    “It’s great to feel out a new league for us,” Valor coach Jessika Caldwell said. “I know Columbine is just going to continue to get better. We’ll keep building on what we are trying to work on.”

    Valor sophomore Kindyll Wetta nearly outscored Columbine’s entire team. The sophomore guard was 8-for-15 from the fielding, including three 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 20 points.

    Wetta was having a brilliant freshman campaign, but she suffered a torn ACL and MCL a few games into 4A Jeffco League play that abruptly ended her season. The guard was averaging 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5 assists and 4.8 steals per game last season before the season-ending injury. Valor eventually lost in the round of 16 of the 4A state tournament without Wetta.

    “It’s definitely a great feeling,” Wetta said about being back on the court. “I love basketball. I’m thrilled to be back out here. This team is great.”

    Columbine junior Quincey Baum (33) attempts to get off a shot between Valor freshman Raegan Beers, left, and sophomore Sydney McKibbon. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Caldwell believes playing the final stretch last year without Wetta has helped develop the young talent and made the Eagles more experienced heading into their first season in 5A.

    “It hurt really bad to lose her,” Caldwell said of the injury to Wetta midway through last season. “It was neat to see Jenna Siebert and Karissa Lukasiewicz get more time last year. I think that has benefited us.”

    Ten players ended up scoring for Valor (4-1) in the victory against Columbine. Freshman Raegan Beers poured in 10 points and Lukasiewicz added seven points.

    Valor host Douglas County coming up on Friday night before heading to Las Vegas for the Tarkanian Classic. The Eagles advanced to the semifinals of the tournament last year.

    “First season playing in 5A there is a little bit of pressure,” Wetta said. “I think we’ll be able to handle ourselves out there.”

    Columbine has had to handle the season so far without senior Maura Singer. The recent University of Colorado women’s basketball signer is still recovering from knee surgery. The 6-foot-4 senior was on the bench cheering on her teammate Wednesday.

    The Rebels are also very young with season with just two seniors in Singer and Ellie Barrows. Freshman Jessica Bollwahn was a bright spot scoring nine points in the loss. The Rebels also head out of state next week to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions.

    “It’s easy to schedule games that we could go 5-0 to start the season, but that isn’t going to get us to our goal at the end of the season,” Bolding said. “It was good to play Valor early.”

    Valor sophomore Sydney McKibbon (13) drives on Columbine junior Ally Distler (1) during the second half Wednesday night at Columbine High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Fran Belibi dunks as No. 2 Regis Jesuit girls basketball beats No. 1 Grandview

    Grandview Regis Jesuit girls basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    The game matched up the top two ranked teams in Class 5A girls basketball, but it was Fran Belibi who stole the show.

    The Regis Jesuit senior threw down a one-handed dunk in traffic as her second-ranked Raiders beat No. 1 Grandview 79-55 on Wednesday.

    Here’s video of the dunk, via Quentin Sickafoose of 9News:

    And another angle, from Lindsay Joy:

    RJ Media, the school’s student media outlet, was also broadcasting the game. It came with 1:40 to play in the first half, and gave Regis Jesuit a 38-19 lead over Grandview:

    Courtney Oakes of the Aurora Sentinel also got a great photo of the dunk:

    According to the Sentinel, Belibi had 32 points in the win, which is a career high. The Raiders were runner-up to Grandview last season in 5A.

    Through five games, Belibi is averaging 23.4 points. She burst onto the scene as a sophomore when she became the first girl to dunk in a high school game in Colorado.

    Belibi, who also plays tennis for the Raiders, has played for USA Basketball the past two summers.

  • Ball Fever: Top-10 battles as the cream starts to rise in boys basketball

    Regis Jesuit Rangeview boys basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Multiple top-10 battles in 4A and 5A action as we get Week 3 started, folks! The cream is rising, let’s check it out:

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    The Look Back

    Monday, Dec. 10

    • Thomas Jefferson was missing their leading scored D Hornbuckle but junior James Abbey stepped up with 17 points to help the Spartans beat Harrison 51-37.
    • Castle View senior continues his hot streak with 28 points leading to a 20-point win over Northglenn.
    • Seniors Josh Rogers and Joseph Call combined for 36 points to help Arvada West to a strong 18-point win over Boulder. Rogers added 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals!
    • We’ve talked about Overland’s TOUGH non-conference schedule each year and this night Coach Fisher traveled with the crew to Boulder and took down Fairview by 16 behind big Ike Graham’s 19 point, 10 rebound double-double.
    • Aurora Central came in 5-0 to the Ralston Round Up tourney but Pomona was game and got 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals from Trevor Baskin who was straight “Stat-stuffin” in the 16-point victory.
    • Bear Creek rollin’ early at 7-0!

    Tuesday, Dec. 11

    Chaparral Cherry Creek boys basketball
    (Keith Righthouse/scorpio67photo.com)

    In our Ball Fever game of the night, that may prove to be the game of the week, newly appointed No. 1 Chaparral went into the Bruins den and had to mount a second half comeback in order to over come super soph’s Julian Hammond’s 19 point, 4 rebound effort.

    The Wolverines won the game on a last-second inside bucket by Tanner Giles from a sweet assist from Kobe Sanders, who led Chap with 24 points on the night.

    Your Chap/Creek photos are here.

    In other games:

    • Discovery Canyon has joined our 4A top-10 and start the week off right beating Mesa Ridge by 16 with Daryn Whisman scoring 23 points and adding 7 rebounds!
    • Not just the Joel Scott show over at No. 1 Lewis-Palmer and two other seniors Tre McCullough (11 points) and Ethan Forrester’s 13 points led the way in this 48-42 win over Liberty.
    • Fountain-Fort Carson had a different senior, Rashon Barron, step up with a “stat-stuffin” double-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals in lopsided win over Widefield by 30.
    • Our Ball Fever buddy Coach Johannsen has Fossil Ridge sitting at 4-1 early in the season and they withstood J. Urynowicz’s 23 points in their 65-57 win over Rocky Mountain.
    • Poudre is undefeated early on and received 5 votes in our Coaches Poll to join the 5A top-10! It took overtime this night to get a victory over rival Fort Collins 70-68.
    • Seniors Brendan Temple and TJ Boykins combined for 31 points but not enough for Douglas County to take down No. 9 Eaglecrest on their home floor who won by 12.
    • Cheyenne Mountain dropped a couple spots in our poll to No. 5 but that didn’t stop Javonte Johnson from another “monsta” double-double of of 24 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Pueblo South.
    • T-Ridge remained at No. 2 despite their loss to No. 1 Chap in tourney play and they bounced back with 31 combined points from Garett Arnold and Austin Holt on the road at Cherokee Trail winning 60-44. Nice bounce back win for the lengthy Grizzlies.
    • Mountain Vista, now in our 5A top-10 at No. 7, traveled 36 West to Boulder and pulled off a 16-point road win with Ben Grusing scoring 20 points, with 5 rebounds. The Eagles are so consistent year to year!
    • Legend, 4-1, takes down the Arap Warriors.
    • Ralston Valley already surpassing last seasons win total.
    • The Fever Crew was anticipating this top-10 match between No. 4 Rangeview and No. 10 Regis. Success for both early and this game was going to tell us a little more of who belongs among the 5A best. Rangeview left little doubt!

    Wednesday, Dec. 12

    • 4A No. 3, Holy Family, worked to win a close one in top-10 action over No. 8 Centaurus by three, 46-43!
    • In more 4A top-10 action Lincoln got double digit scoring from their big dogs Foster, Bamba, and Brown but it wasn’t enough to stop Valor from winning by 7, 65-58 at the compound!
    • Ohhhh, we’ve been waiting for this top-5 match between Smoky and host T-Ridge. These two are similar early season and the MULTIPLE overtime sessions proved that as the Buffaloes outlasted the Grizz down south by 6!
    • Grant Figueroa, 17 points, led BALANCED Rock Canyon to a big win over previously unbeaten Bear Creek and did it in convincingly fashion by 22 points.
    • On the girls side, Regis Jesuit’s Fran Belibi threw down a dunk against Grandview!

    [divider]

    Mid-Week Thoughts

    The Ball Fever group text with the homies is kind of surprised that the big school comp “seems” to be among only a few teams.

    I asked patience from the CREW because it’s early…and believe there will be multiple contenders before it’s said and done. Coach “em up!!!”

    Get out and enjoy, folks.

  • Photos: Figueroa scores 17 to help No. 8 Rock Canyon boys basketball beat Bear Creek

    LAKEWOOD — Grant Figueroa scored a team-high 17 points to help Class 5A No. 8 Rock Canyon boys basketball get a 67-45 win over Bear Creek.

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  • Ralston Valley boys hoops gallop past Standley Lake

    ARVADA — Ralston Valley boys basketball team is way ahead of where it was last season.

    The Mustangs grabbed their third victory of the season Tuesday night with a dominating 62-29 victory over Standley Lake in the opening round of the 11th annual Ralston Valley RoundUp Tournament.

    “It feels just great,” Ralston Valley senior Jordan Stratch said after the Mustangs’ 33-point victory. “Last year we had some problems. We played really good this game in the home opener.”

    Ralston Valley senior Jordan Stratch (23) soars toward the basket during his game-high 24-point performance against Standley Lake. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The win matched Ralston Valley’s win total for the entire season last year when the Mustangs struggled to a 3-20 mark.

    “It is kind of nice isn’t it,” second-year Ralston Valley head coach Chris Braketa said after the Mustangs ran their season record to 3-4. “They are playing hard and doing some good things. We are trying to play quicker and get out in transition.”

    Standley Lake senior Jared Spencer started off the game with a 3-point play in the opening seconds to give the Gators (1-3 record) a lead, but it was clear early that Stratch would be tough for Standley Lake to cover.

    The Mustangs’ lone senior scored 11 straight points early in the first half to help Ralston Valley grab a 27-13 lead at halftime.

    “I didn’t think anyone on that team could guard me,” Stratch said after tying his career-high 24 points in his third year playing varsity for the Mustangs. “I was feeling it tonight.”

    Ralston Valley junior Walker Brickle (30) looks for away around Standley Lake senior Alex France (22) during the first half Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Stratch scored 24 points last week in a loss to Castle View.

    “He (Stratch) has a ton of potential. He can shoot, drive it and post up and is a good ball handler,” Braketa said. “He’s got the potential to be a great player.”

    Juniors Walker Brickle (8 points), Luke Carlston (7 points) and Caden Gigstad (7 points) helped the Mustangs move into the semifinals of the Ralston Valley RoundUp Tournament. Next up for the Mustangs will be Rampart at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in the semifinals.

    Rampart defeated Mountain Range 67-54 in the final of four games Tuesday night. Pomona and Legacy will meet in the other semifinal scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday at Ralston Valley High School.

    “It is really important to win this (tournament),” Stratch said. “It will give us some confidence going into league.”

    Ralston Valley junior Luke Carlston, far left, drives through traffic Tuesday night against Standley Lake. Carlston scored all of his seven points in the second quarter. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Ralston Valley hasn’t won the tournament it hosts since 2013.

    Standley Lake was led by senior Chris Bowerman in the loss. Bowerman drained three 3-pointers in the third quarter on his way to a team-high 11 points. It was actually the only three field goals the Gators had in the second half. Standley Lake was limited to seven made shots on the night.

    Spencer and senior Brady Rose both finished with six points each for the Gators.

    “We want to hang our hats on the defensive end so we can get in transition,” Braketa said. “We have to find a way to get easy buckets. We really still don’t shoot it well from the outside.”

    Ralston Valley junior Caden Gigstad (2) drives on Standley Lake senior Jared Spencer (10) as the Mustangs’ student section looks on during the first night of the 11th annual Ralston Valley RoundUp. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Photos: No. 4 Rangeview boys basketball gets statement win over No. 10 Regis Jesuit

    AURORA — Payton Egloff scored 24 points for Class 5A No. 10 Regis Jesuit, but it wasn’t enough as No. 4 Rangeview came away with a 79-56 win.

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