CHSAANow

Tag: Douglas County

  • Boys swim state roundup: Highlands Ranch’s Mueller aiming for title

    (Kenzie Hewson/CHSAANow.com)
    (Kenzie Hewson/CHSAANow.com)

    THORNTON — For the last four years, the talented Nathan Mueller has been chasing a coveted state swimming championship.

    The Highlands Ranch standout took two more steps toward reaching that goal when he finished first in the prelims of the 200-yard freestyle (1:39.22) and 500 freestyle (4:26.95) Friday in the Class 5A Swim and Dive State Championships at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center.

    “That was one of my faster times for altitude (in the 200), and I was pleased with my 500 time,” the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Mueller said.

    Diving prelims begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and the finals in all events start at 2 p.m.

    (Harry Waterman/CHSAANow.com)
    (Harry Waterman/CHSAANow.com)

    Mueller, who also swam legs on the 200 medley and 400 freestyle, concluded his individual effort Friday in the 500-yard freestyle — an event he placed second at state in the last two years.

    Standouts Clark Smith of Regis Jesuit, who set the all-school state record in the 200-yard freestyle a year ago when he won state, and Ponderosa’s Carter Griffin, the second-place finisher, have graduated.

    That opens the door for Mueller who was third in the 200 the last two seasons. Mueller has signed to swim at the University of Wisconsin.

    “It’s not urgency,” Mueller said about capturing the elusive individual state crown. “I’m just ready and racing is just so much fun. I’m just excited to race (Saturday) and I think I can win both (the 200 and 500).”

    When Mueller isn’t in the pool, he spends time doing graphic design projects and sleeping. Those ventures, however, haven’t kept him from being wide awake in the classroom.

    “I’m planning on majoring in biomedical engineering with a pre-med kind of focus,” said Mueller, who has a 3.8 GPA. “I know I want to do something with medicine and biomedical engineering is really cool and it sound really hands-on.”

    Team-wise, Regis Jesuit, which has won 12 out of the last 13 state boys swimming titles, is aiming for another one Saturday.

    Individually, Regis’ Stuart Hennessey (200-yard IM, 100 backstroke) doubled up as a No. 1 qualifier for Saturday’s championship finals as did Douglas County’s JP Beach (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle).

    Fort Collins’ Maxwell Holter (100 butterfly), and Regis’ Quinlan Stuart (100 breaststroke) also paced their events heading into the finals.

    In the relays, Regis qualified No. 1 for the finals in the 200-yard medley, and the 400 freestyle relay and Fairview is tops in the 200 yard freestyle.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)
    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)

    The prelims for the Class 4A state meet took place Friday in Fort Collins.

    The individual swims were highlighted by Thompson Valley’s Liam Gately (200 freestyle, 500 freestyle), D’Evelyn’s Daniel Graber (200 IM, 100 breaststroke), and Air Academy’s Hunter Doerr (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle), who each qualified No. 1 in a pair of events for Saturday’s championship finals.

    Thompson Valley’s John Thorne (100 backstroke) and Discovery Canyon’s David Keller (100 butterfly) also each won their prelim heats.

    In the relays, D’Evelyn (200 medley relay), Air Academy (200 freestyle relay) and Discovery Canyon (400 freestyle relay) were prelim winners.

    Air Academy is the defending state champion.

  • Standley Lake girls soccer storms out early in first-round playoff win

    Standley Lake's Andra Thaden (16), Emily Ashmore (2) and Meghan DeHerrera (3) celebrate Ashmore's goal in the 4th minute Tuesday against Douglas County. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Standley Lake’s Andra Thaden (16), Emily Ashmore (2) and Meghan DeHerrera (3) celebrate Ashmore’s goal in the 4th minute Tuesday against Douglas County. (Dennis Pleuss)

    ARVADA — Standley Lake girls soccer coach Jeff Vigil couldn’t have scripted the opening minute in the Gators’ playoff opener Tuesday night any better.

    Standley Lake junior Meghan DeHerrera lofted a high shot to the far post on the Gators’ first offensive attack. Douglas County senior goalie Seanna Parker wasn’t able to get a hand on the shot that sailed into the back of the net 20 seconds into the Class 5A postseason first-round game.

    “I was surprised I got that wide open of a shot that early in the game,” said DeHerrera of the quickest goal she has ever scored during her soccer career. “I got a great ball from Sophia Brown and I just placed it. I was lucky it went in.”

    Douglas County sophomore Alexa Leohner (10) gets off a kick as her teammate Lindsey Rost (20) and Standley Lake junior Meghan DeHerrera attempts to get out of the way Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Douglas County sophomore Alexa Leohner (10) gets off a kick as her teammate Lindsey Rost (20) and Standley Lake junior Meghan DeHerrera attempts to get out of the way Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)

    The No. 13-seeded Gators were lucky and good in advancing into the second round of the state tournament with an eventual 6-0 victory over the No. 20-seeded Huskies (9-6-1).

    “Everybody was contributing. I felt like everyone on the roster contributed and had fun,” Vigil said. “It was a true team victory.”

    The Gators (13-3) grabbed their second goal in the 4th minute with a hard shot from senior Emily Ashmore that ripped into the back of the net. Standley Lake dominated the first half outshooting Douglas County 9-1 while leading 2-0 after 40 minutes.

    “We just knew we had to come out hard and press high. Get all over them from the very the beginning,” DeHerrera said. “We got those two goals early.”

    Junior Taylor McRae put in Standley Lake’s third goal off an assist from Ashmore in the 42nd minute. The Gators struck again in the 44th minute when DeHerrera put in her second goal on a penalty kick that was awarded after McRae was fouled inside the Huskies’ goal box.

    Freshman Camille Garcia and junior Ariana Clouse both found the back of the net for the Gators in the final 14 minutes to make the final score 6-0.

    “This is the first time that I’ve felt like we’ve had something special. We aren’t just here (state tournament) to compete,” Vigil said. “We can really truly do something. If we play like that, sky’s the limit.”

    Standley Lake freshman Sophia Brown (13) battles with Douglas County sophomore Hannah Smith for possession of the ball Tuesday night at the North Area Athletic Complex. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Standley Lake freshman Sophia Brown (13) battles with Douglas County sophomore Hannah Smith for possession of the ball Tuesday night at the North Area Athletic Complex. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Standley Lake gets the defending 5A state champion Mountain Vista Golden Eagles in the second round on Friday. The game will be played at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch.

    No. 4-seeded Mountain Vista dominated Denver East for a 7-0 victory Tuesday night to advance to the round of 16.

    The Gators do have some playoff history against the Golden Eagles. Mountain Vista defeated Standley Lake 4-1 in the second round of the 2012 tournament.

    “I really feel that if we show up and play we could win,” Vigil said of facing the defending state champs. “It’s not going to be a fluke if we win. We are here to try to win a state championship.”

    It was a good night for the four 5A Jeffco teams (Columbine, Ralston Valley, Standley Lake and Dakota Ridge) that made the 32-team state tournament. All four scored shutout victories to advance to the second round.

    “Getting Jeffco some respect is important,” Vigil said of 5A Jeffco going 4-0 in first-round games.

    tandley Lake junior Meghan DeHerrera (far left) head the ball past Douglas County midfielders Lindsey Rost (20) and Kali Dodd (21) during the first half Tuesday night at the North Area Athletic Complex. DeHerrera scored a pair of goals in the Gators' 6-0 victory in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament (Dennis Pleuss)
    tandley Lake junior Meghan DeHerrera (far left) head the ball past Douglas County midfielders Lindsey Rost (20) and Kali Dodd (21) during the first half Tuesday night at the North Area Athletic Complex. DeHerrera scored a pair of goals in the Gators’ 6-0 victory in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament (Dennis Pleuss)

  • Notebook: Green Mountain’s Hendon nets career shutout record

    Green Mountain's Lindsey Hendon. (Carl Auer, MaxPreps)
    Green Mountain’s Lindsey Hendon set the state record with her 40th career shutout on Tuesday. (Carl Auer, MaxPreps)

    Green Mountain goalkeeper Lindsey Hendon has made 221 saves in her career. She carries a 0.631 goals-against average, and has 55 wins for the Rams. But most impressive is what happened Tuesday.

    Hendon.
    Hendon.

    Hendon, a senior, set the Colorado record with her 40th career shutout during a 10-0 win over Colorado Springs Christian on Tuesday.

    CHSAA does not maintain soccer records, but the National Soccer Coaches Association of America has extensive data. According to that record book, Hendon broke the mark of 39 career shutouts set by Overland’s Lisa Griffin after the 1988-89 season.

    Ten of Hendon’s 40 shutouts have come this season. She notched 11 as a junior, 10 as a sophomore and nine as a freshman.

    Hendon, an Iowa State recruit, is now 55-6-6 in net.

    Green Mountain is 12-1-1 this season in Class 4A.

    Cherry Creek boys lacrosse in driver’s seat

    Cherry Creek boys lacrosse had probably its biggest win of the season on Tuesday night — and what a time to have it.

    The second-ranked Bruins beat No. 1 Regis Jesuit 10-7 and are now 10-0 against in-state competition.

    Cherry Creek has finished runner-up each of the last two seasons. Should they beat Kent Denver in the Friday’s season finale, it seems very likely that the Bruins end up as the No. 1 seed of the Class 5A field. In that scenario, I think Regis — 12-1 against in-state teams — would still wind up as the No. 2 seed.

    Other high seeds should include Mountain Vista, Kent Denver and Colorado Academy.

    Boykins talks new Douglas County job

    New Douglas County boys basketball coach Earl Boykins, the former Denver Nugget, is a weekly guest on 104.3 The Fan. Tuesday, he talked about his new job.

    “I’ve always wanted to teach young people basketball,” he said. “That’s always been a desire of mine and something I wanted to do. That’s why I started Boykins Basketball Academy. While doing the Academy, I decided I should take it to the next level, and the next level would be high school.

    “It’s been a process that I’m enjoying and I look forward to the next basketball season.”

    Douglas County went 3-20 last season, and actually hasn’t had a winning season since 2007-08. That’s also the last time the Huskies made the state tournament. Over the past six seasons, the Huskies are 29-110.

    “I believe in Earl, I’ve seen him coach in person,” said Alfred Williams, co-host on 104.3. “I believe the guy’s going to be a great coach. Can’t wait to see it all come together.”

    Arapahoe girls soccer turns it around

    Arapahoe Cherry Creek girls soccer
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Arapahoe’s girls soccer team finished the regular season 11-3-1 and won the Centennial League by virtue of a win over Cherry Creek on April 15.

    It was quite a one-season turnaround for the Warriors, who went 3-11-0 a year ago and lost seven of their final eight games.

    Though, these guys didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. Arapahoe was 14-3-0 in 2012, and made the 5A title game in 2010.

    Short stuff

    • In an abrupt change, Dan Snyder will not become Grandview’s new boys basketball coach. The longtime Arapahoe coach decided instead “to step away from high school coaching for awhile,” according to the Aurora Sentinel.
    • Prairie View baseball senior Caleb Dameron now has 22 steals this season with three games yet to play. That is believed to be a big-school state record.
    • Sedgwick County’s Chase Dunker threw his third no-hitter of the season on Saturday. This time, he struck out 16. Earlier this season, Dunker struck out 19 of the 21 batters he faced while tossing a perfect game.
    • County Line remained unranked in the final 2A baseball poll of the regular season, but the Rivals — it’s a co-op between Wiley and McClave — are now 13-3, including a double-header sweep of then-No. 1 Swink on Saturday.
    • Grand Junction boys basketball coach Dutch Johnson resigned to become an assistant at Colorado Mesa next season, according to this tweet.
    • Longmont volleyball coach Holli Stetson has resigned, according to BoCoPreps.com, following a difficult season during which she endured the death of her father and had a variety of health issues.
    • Spring championship season around the corner, and most of the events will be carried on the NFHS Network. The Network recently released an official app — download it here.
    • Ponderosa’s booster club tweeted out new jerseys the team will wear next season under first-year coach Jaron Cohen. Here’s away, and home.
    • Brandon Bailey, a 2013 graduate of Broomfield, was named the West Coast Conference’s baseball player of the week on Monday. He pitched a complete-game win over Saint Mary’s last Saturday, allowing just one earned run on eight hits. He also struck out a career-high seven batters. Bailey, who didn’t pitch his senior season because of an arm injury, is now 4-5 with a 3.24 ERA for the Bulldogs as a freshman.
    • Greeley West is looking for boys and girls basketball coaches. Apply here.

     

  • Photos: Minnick hits walk-off double as Douglas County baseball upsets Mountain Vista

    CASTLE ROCK — Brett Minnick hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh as Douglas County rallied and upset No. 5 Mountain Vista 5-4 on Friday.

    Douglas County led 3-1 heading into the seventh, before Mountain Vista scored three times in the top half to gain the lead. The Huskies then won on Minnick’s double in the bottom half.

    Minnick also homered, and finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Tyler Quintana finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs.

  • Baseball’s Wild Card point standings, April 17

    Wild Card points help determine the postseason fields in 3A, 4A and 5A, with 4A and 5A also using them for seeding. Find a more detailed breakdown here.

    Baseball’s Wild Card point standings for April 17 are below.

    [divider]

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

    Class 5A
    Rank School Points
    1 Chatfield 114.833
    2 Regis Jesuit 110.538
    3 Fairview 110.333
    4 Columbine 108.833
    5 ThunderRidge 108.000
    6 Mountain Vista 107.462
    7 Chaparral 104.385
    8 Arapahoe 104.083
    9 Ralston Valley 101.727
    10 Pine Creek 100.833
    11 Grand Junction 100.786
    12 Rock Canyon 100.538
    13 Cherry Creek 100.167
    14 Brighton 99.833
    15 Grand Junction Central 99.769
    16 Monarch 99.636
    17 Fruita Monument 98.588
    18 Prairie View 98.500
    19 Castle View 96.333
    20 Arvada West 95.917
    21 Northglenn 95.417
    22 Rocky Mountain 95.000
    23 Dakota Ridge 94.500
    24 Mountain Range 94.333
    25 Grandview 92.417
    26 Douglas County 91.154
    27 Fossil Ridge 90.917
    28 Horizon 90.750
    29 Lincoln 90.571
    30 Denver East 89.692
    31 Bear Creek 89.545
    32 Eaglecrest 88.900
    33 Lakewood 88.833
    34 Liberty 87.909
    35 Mullen 86.545
    36 Heritage 85.462
    37 Greeley West 85.333
    38 Westminster 85.154
    39 Cherokee Trail 84.583
    40 Legend 84.231
    41 Rangeview 83.667
    42 Doherty 83.333
    43 Palmer 82.667
    44 Boulder 82.538
    45 Fort Collins 82.400
    46 Aurora Central 82.000
    47 George Washington 81.333
    48 Legacy 80.833
    49 Standley Lake 80.727
    50 Smoky Hill 80.500
    51 Highlands Ranch 79.385
    52 Pomona 79.154
    53 Fountain-Fort Carson 78.692
    54 Poudre 78.182
    55 Overland 77.000
    56 Littleton 74.667
    57 Montbello 72.333
    58 Loveland 70.833
    59 Rampart 70.273
    60 Gateway 70.000
    61 Hinkley 69.286
    62 Adams City 64.385
    63 Thornton 56.667

    Class 4A
    Rank School Points
    1 Niwot 103.250
    2 Montrose 101.909
    3 Wheat Ridge 101.000
    4 Evergreen 100.400
    5 Lewis-Palmer 99.583
    6 Elizabeth 98.500
    7 Durango 97.385
    8 Ponderosa 96.462
    9 Windsor 96.385
    10 Valor Christian 94.357
    11 Longmont 93.182
    12 Delta 92.615
    13 Pueblo East 91.833
    14 Green Mountain 91.667
    15 Palisade 91.583
    16 Thomas Jefferson 91.462
    17 Palmer Ridge 90.750
    18 Canon City 90.455
    19 Kennedy 89.000
    20 Mesa Ridge 87.929
    21 Skyview 87.385
    22 Rifle 87.308
    23 Pueblo Centennial 86.417
    24 D’Evelyn 86.333
    25 Erie 86.091
    26 Eagle Valley 86.000
    27 Pueblo South 85.846
    28 Golden 85.364
    29 Air Academy 85.200
    30 Thompson Valley 83.667
    31 Mead 83.455
    32 Widefield 82.154
    33 Fort Morgan 82.071
    34 Northridge 81.917
    35 Frederick 81.917
    36 Falcon 81.500
    37 Cheyenne Mountain 80.500
    38 Skyline 80.417
    39 Glenwood Springs 79.500
    40 Mountain View 79.417
    41 Steamboat Springs 79.385
    42 Denver North 79.364
    43 Vista PEAK Prep 78.786
    44 Montezuma-Cortez 78.714
    45 Greeley Central 78.500
    46 Roosevelt 77.000
    47 Coronado 76.091
    48 Denver West 75.778
    49 Pueblo Central 75.167
    50 Sand Creek 74.917
    51 Broomfield 74.769
    52 Berthoud 74.083
    53 Pueblo West 73.667
    54 Conifer 73.167
    55 Discovery Canyon 73.000
    56 Pueblo County 72.000
    57 Silver Creek 71.538
    58 Englewood 70.455
    59 Woodland Park 69.818
    60 Summit 69.444
    61 Vista Ridge 68.833
    62 Battle Mountain 68.000
    63 Centaurus 67.083
    64 Arvada 65.091
    65 Alameda 64.800
    66 Denver South 60.462
    67 Weld Central 59.889
    68 Sierra 55.900
    69 Mitchell 50.500
    70 Harrison 48.222

    Class 3A
    Rank School Points
    1 Bayfield 95.000
    2 Eaton 91.889
    3 Holy Family 87.769
    4 Valley 87.000
    5 Brush 86.889
    6 Faith Christian 85.545
    7 The Classical Academy 83.400
    8 Gunnison 82.000
    9 University 80.700
    10 Lamar 79.750
    11 Cedaredge 79.667
    12 Kent Denver 78.667
    13 Arrupe Jesuit 77.400
    14 St. Mary’s 74.636
    15 Platte Valley 74.300
    16 Florence 74.273
    17 Sterling 73.364
    18 Basalt 72.778
    19 Olathe 72.300
    20 Peak to Peak 71.250
    21 La Junta 70.083
    22 Alamosa 68.750
    23 Fort Lupton 68.500
    24 Manitou Springs 68.455
    25 Bennett 68.333
    26 Bishop Machebeuf 66.786
    27 The Academy 66.333
    28 Colorado Springs Christian 64.818
    29 Moffat County 64.692
    30 Sheridan 64.667
    31 Clear Creek/Gilpin County 63.154
    32 Colorado Academy 63.111
    33 Trinidad 63.077
    34 Coal Ridge 62.778
    35 Buena Vista 62.636
    36 Jefferson Academy 62.250
    37 Centauri 62.143
    38 Roaring Fork 60.364
    39 Estes Park 59.556
    40 Strasburg 58.778
    41 Pagosa Springs 58.727
    42 Bruce Randolph 58.375
    43 Monte Vista 56.333
    44 Ellicott 56.182
    45 Platte Canyon 54.818
    46 Manual 54.545
    47 Grand Valley 54.364
    48 Dolores Huerta Prep 52.000
    49 Middle Park 49.364
    50 Denver Science & Tech Stapleton 48.833
    51 Jefferson 46.429
    52 Aspen 45.556
    53 Salida 42.100
    54 KIPP Denver Collegiate 39.286

    Class 2A
    Rank School Points
    1 Rye 79.800
    2 Resurrection Christian 77.364
    3 Swink 76.667
    4 Hotchkiss 75.231
    5 Peyton 74.200
    6 Kiowa 73.250
    7 Sedgwick County 70.600
    8 Lyons 69.727
    9 Lutheran 67.600
    10 Holyoke 66.400
    11 Limon 65.400
    12 Rocky Ford 64.417
    13 Custer County 64.375
    14 Paonia 64.100
    15 Haxtun 63.455
    16 Nucla 63.400
    17 Denver Christian 63.375
    18 Front Range Christian 62.000
    19 Ignacio 62.000
    20 Byers 60.750
    21 Calhan 60.700
    22 Rangely 59.455
    23 Las Animas 58.833
    24 Center 58.700
    25 Crowley County 58.700
    26 Merino 58.400
    27 Alexander Dawson 58.300
    28 Yuma 57.000
    29 Dolores 56.444
    30 South Park 53.636
    31 Burlington 53.000
    32 Evangelical Christian 51.800
    33 Fowler 51.800
    34 Dayspring Christian Academy 51.111
    35 Sargent 50.375
    36 Sierra Grande 50.143
    37 Wray 50.111
    38 Highland 48.800
    39 Springfield 47.333
    40 Akron 47.200
    41 Simla 46.857
    42 County Line [Wiley/McClave] 45.833
    43 Sanford 45.500
    44 Liberty Common 44.833
    45 Antonito 44.143
    46 John Mall 43.500
    47 Meeker 38.889
    48 Longmont Christian 36.100
    49 Wiggins 35.000
    50 Denver Academy 34.000
    51 Pikes Peak Christian 29.000
    52 Cripple Creek-Victor 25.909

    Class 1A
    Rank School Points
    1 Stratton 59.167
    2 Elbert 57.857
    3 Granada 55.800
    4 Dove Creek 52.875
    5 Community Christian 49.333
    6 Fleming 45.125
    7 Caliche 43.636
    8 Cotopaxi 43.429
    9 Manzanola 42.800
    10 Eads 42.583
    11 Peetz 36.400
    12 Holly 34.857
    13 Cornerstone Christian Academy 31.000
    14 Briggsdale 28.778
    15 Rocky Mountain Lutheran 26.909
    16 Cheyenne Wells 23.571
    17 Primero 20.000
    18 Weldon Valley 19.000
    19 Denver Jewish Day 19.000
    20 Walsh 15.000

  • Baseball’s Wild Card point standings, April 9

    Wild Card points help determine the postseason fields in 3A, 4A and 5A, with 4A and 5A also using them for seeding. Find a more detailed breakdown here.

    Baseball’s Wild Card point standings for April 9 are below.

    [divider]

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

    Class 5A
    Rank School Points
    1 Chatfield 112.000
    2 Regis Jesuit 107.778
    3 Fairview 106.444
    4 ThunderRidge 105.750
    5 Columbine 105.100
    6 Arapahoe 101.778
    7 Mountain Vista 99.889
    8 Ralston Valley 99.600
    9 Chaparral 98.750
    10 Rock Canyon 96.444
    11 Grand Junction Central 96.385
    12 Fruita Monument 96.357
    13 Monarch 96.143
    14 Grand Junction 96.077
    15 Pine Creek 95.778
    16 Brighton 95.000
    17 Fossil Ridge 92.444
    18 Prairie View 92.000
    19 Arvada West 91.600
    20 Cherry Creek 91.556
    21 Horizon 91.444
    22 Mountain Range 90.250
    23 Dakota Ridge 89.000
    24 Douglas County 88.444
    25 Castle View 87.375
    26 Lincoln 87.250
    27 Eaglecrest 86.875
    28 Lakewood 86.800
    29 Rocky Mountain 86.714
    30 Northglenn 86.667
    31 Boulder 85.900
    32 Mullen 85.500
    33 Denver East 85.455
    34 Bear Creek 83.600
    35 Heritage 82.000
    36 Doherty 81.111
    37 Legend 81.000
    38 Rangeview 80.273
    39 Standley Lake 80.200
    40 Highlands Ranch 79.778
    41 Westminster 78.727
    42 Fort Collins 78.571
    43 Aurora Central 78.444
    44 Greeley West 77.111
    45 George Washington 76.923
    46 Overland 76.200
    47 Liberty 76.143
    48 Poudre 75.625
    49 Palmer 72.778
    50 Pomona 72.556
    51 Fountain-Fort Carson 72.100
    52 Littleton 71.375
    53 Legacy 70.875
    54 Smoky Hill 70.778
    55 Grandview 69.100
    56 Cherokee Trail 68.600
    57 Montbello 67.545
    58 Rampart 65.375
    59 Hinkley 64.545
    60 Loveland 63.444
    61 Gateway 60.700
    62 Adams City 59.273
    63 Thornton 53.571

    Class 4A
    Rank School Points
    1 Niwot 101.889
    2 Wheat Ridge 98.286
    3 Lewis-Palmer 97.889
    4 Montrose 97.800
    5 Elizabeth 96.222
    6 Evergreen 95.714
    7 Ponderosa 94.111
    8 Windsor 92.818
    9 Palmer Ridge 92.250
    10 Durango 92.100
    11 Delta 91.167
    12 Longmont 91.000
    13 Valor Christian 90.909
    14 Palisade 90.400
    15 Pueblo East 88.000
    16 D’Evelyn 87.875
    17 Thomas Jefferson 85.889
    18 Falcon 85.500
    19 Golden 85.125
    20 Canon City 85.000
    21 Pueblo Centennial 83.333
    22 Green Mountain 83.125
    23 Skyview 83.100
    24 Mesa Ridge 81.727
    25 Frederick 81.700
    26 Widefield 81.300
    27 Steamboat Springs 80.286
    28 Kennedy 80.077
    29 Thompson Valley 80.000
    30 Rifle 79.909
    31 Air Academy 79.857
    32 Denver North 79.444
    33 Northridge 79.444
    34 Skyline 79.000
    35 Greeley Central 78.400
    36 Eagle Valley 77.889
    37 Montezuma-Cortez 77.583
    38 Erie 77.000
    39 Pueblo South 76.900
    40 Vista PEAK Prep 76.818
    41 Discovery Canyon 76.667
    42 Mead 75.333
    43 Denver West 74.750
    44 Broomfield 73.000
    45 Mountain View 72.889
    46 Pueblo Central 72.778
    47 Pueblo West 71.571
    48 Coronado 71.556
    49 Glenwood Springs 70.625
    50 Fort Morgan 70.091
    51 Conifer 70.000
    52 Cheyenne Mountain 69.000
    53 Sand Creek 68.333
    54 Roosevelt 68.000
    55 Pueblo County 67.889
    56 Berthoud 67.000
    57 Silver Creek 66.455
    58 Summit 63.667
    59 Englewood 62.889
    60 Battle Mountain 61.778
    61 Vista Ridge 60.778
    62 Alameda 60.500
    63 Arvada 58.286
    64 Weld Central 58.167
    65 Woodland Park 57.125
    66 Denver South 54.250
    67 Centaurus 54.125
    68 Mitchell 50.000
    69 Sierra 48.778
    70 Harrison 38.571

    Class 3A
    Rank School Points
    1 Eaton 88.429
    2 Valley 87.889
    3 Bayfield 85.000
    4 Holy Family 82.700
    5 Faith Christian 81.571
    6 Brush 80.400
    7 Cedaredge 80.333
    8 Gunnison 78.625
    9 University 76.286
    10 The Classical Academy 76.000
    11 Arrupe Jesuit 74.000
    12 Platte Valley 73.500
    13 Lamar 73.400
    14 Basalt 71.167
    15 Buena Vista 71.000
    16 Centauri 69.000
    17 Kent Denver 68.400
    18 Florence 68.000
    19 Olathe 67.300
    20 St. Mary’s 65.875
    21 Moffat County 65.571
    22 Bennett 65.500
    23 Fort Lupton 65.273
    24 La Junta 65.100
    25 Pagosa Springs 64.125
    26 Peak to Peak 60.273
    27 Sheridan 60.182
    28 The Academy 59.333
    29 Trinidad 59.100
    30 Clear Creek/Gilpin County 58.500
    31 Colorado Academy 58.429
    32 Alamosa 58.200
    33 Manitou Springs 57.222
    34 Sterling 57.111
    35 Jefferson Academy 55.600
    36 Strasburg 54.600
    37 Bishop Machebeuf 53.100
    38 Platte Canyon 53.000
    39 Roaring Fork 51.556
    40 Monte Vista 51.143
    41 Coal Ridge 50.750
    42 Grand Valley 50.000
    43 Colorado Springs Christian 49.833
    44 Ellicott 47.750
    45 Dolores Huerta Prep 45.444
    46 Bruce Randolph 45.200
    47 Manual 44.250
    48 Salida 43.222
    49 Denver Science & Tech Stapleton 42.600
    50 Middle Park 41.667
    51 Jefferson 41.000
    52 Aspen 39.444
    53 Estes Park 39.286
    54 KIPP Denver Collegiate 25.000

    Class 2A
    Rank School Points
    1 Rye 73.000
    2 Peyton 72.250
    3 Hotchkiss 71.273
    4 Swink 71.000
    5 Sedgwick County 69.000
    6 Kiowa 68.500
    7 Resurrection Christian 67.500
    8 Rocky Ford 67.111
    9 Ignacio 66.250
    10 Lutheran 64.429
    11 Denver Christian 63.800
    12 Limon 63.250
    13 Holyoke 62.333
    14 Calhan 62.286
    15 Haxtun 59.818
    16 Nucla 59.429
    17 Yuma 58.500
    18 Paonia 56.625
    19 Custer County 56.250
    20 Las Animas 55.900
    21 Burlington 55.889
    22 Rangely 55.375
    23 Dolores 55.286
    24 Center 54.143
    25 Crowley County 54.000
    26 Alexander Dawson 52.000
    27 South Park 51.778
    28 Akron 50.857
    29 Lyons 50.143
    30 Fowler 48.625
    31 Dayspring Christian Academy 47.429
    32 Merino 45.167
    33 Sierra Grande 44.800
    34 Antonito 44.400
    35 Springfield 43.667
    36 Front Range Christian 42.286
    37 Wray 40.333
    38 John Mall 40.200
    39 Evangelical Christian 39.667
    40 Simla 38.571
    41 Sargent 36.600
    42 Highland 35.875
    43 County Line [Wiley/McClave] 35.556
    44 Longmont Christian 35.125
    45 Byers 35.000
    46 Meeker 33.333
    47 Sanford 30.800
    48 Denver Academy 28.333
    49 Wiggins 26.250
    50 Pikes Peak Christian 25.000
    51 Cripple Creek-Victor 18.571

    Class 1A
    Rank School Points
    1 Stratton 54.200
    2 Elbert 52.600
    3 Granada 48.800
    4 Dove Creek 46.333
    5 Cotopaxi 45.800
    6 Peetz 42.333
    7 Community Christian 41.000
    8 Caliche 40.889
    9 Fleming 37.500
    10 Eads 36.900
    11 Manzanola 36.875
    12 Holly 32.200
    13 Rocky Mountain Lutheran 28.500
    14 Cornerstone Christian Academy 24.500
    15 Cheyenne Wells 24.000
    16 Briggsdale 18.400
    17 Primero 13.750
    18 Walsh 12.500
    19 Denver Jewish Day 10.000
    20 Weldon Valley 10.000

  • Baseball’s Wild Card point standings, April 2

    Wild Card points help determine the postseason fields in 3A, 4A and 5A, with 4A and 5A also using them for seeding. Find a more detailed breakdown here.

    Baseball’s Wild Card point standings for April 2 are below.

    [divider]

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

    Class 5A
    Rank School Points
    1 Chatfield 109.429
    2 Regis Jesuit 104.167
    3 Fairview 104.000
    4 ThunderRidge 103.286
    5 Columbine 101.000
    6 Dakota Ridge 97.125
    7 Arapahoe 96.143
    8 Douglas County 94.857
    9 Rock Canyon 93.667
    10 Monarch 92.800
    11 Ralston Valley 92.714
    12 Mountain Vista 92.500
    13 Grand Junction Central 92.000
    14 Fossil Ridge 91.857
    15 Grand Junction 91.400
    16 Fruita Monument 90.545
    17 Chaparral 90.333
    18 Prairie View 89.714
    19 Brighton 87.875
    20 Mullen 87.667
    21 Arvada West 86.875
    22 Rocky Mountain 86.400
    23 Lakewood 86.000
    24 Lincoln 85.667
    25 Castle View 85.500
    26 Cherry Creek 84.125
    27 Pine Creek 82.625
    28 Mountain Range 82.429
    29 Standley Lake 81.625
    30 Bear Creek 81.571
    31 Doherty 81.000
    32 Horizon 80.714
    33 Highlands Ranch 80.714
    34 Denver East 78.667
    35 Northglenn 76.625
    36 Grandview 76.400
    37 Rangeview 76.333
    38 Aurora Central 75.750
    39 Legend 75.714
    40 Greeley West 75.143
    41 Eaglecrest 74.500
    42 Boulder 73.857
    43 Overland 73.667
    44 Littleton 73.167
    45 George Washington 72.636
    46 Montbello 71.875
    47 Palmer 71.286
    48 Heritage 70.714
    49 Liberty 69.857
    50 Fountain-Fort Carson 69.714
    51 Westminster 68.875
    52 Pomona 67.429
    53 Poudre 67.167
    54 Legacy 64.333
    55 Rampart 63.875
    56 Cherokee Trail 63.400
    57 Hinkley 61.889
    58 Loveland 60.200
    59 Fort Collins 60.000
    60 Smoky Hill 59.429
    61 Gateway 57.444
    62 Adams City 51.111
    63 Thornton 49.000

    Class 4A
    Rank School Points
    1 Evergreen 99.500
    2 Niwot 99.250
    3 Elizabeth 99.167
    4 Ponderosa 95.000
    5 Montrose 94.875
    6 Lewis-Palmer 94.000
    7 Wheat Ridge 93.250
    8 Windsor 92.625
    9 Green Mountain 92.600
    10 Delta 91.222
    11 Longmont 90.143
    12 Skyview 88.143
    13 Falcon 87.714
    14 Palmer Ridge 86.857
    15 Skyline 86.000
    16 Air Academy 85.400
    17 Valor Christian 84.625
    18 Canon City 83.800
    19 Durango 83.625
    20 D’Evelyn 82.000
    21 Palisade 81.625
    22 Golden 80.200
    23 Pueblo Centennial 79.333
    24 Thomas Jefferson 79.250
    25 Mesa Ridge 79.222
    26 Northridge 77.833
    27 Widefield 77.500
    28 Mountain View 74.750
    29 Rifle 74.429
    30 Erie 74.333
    31 Frederick 74.286
    32 Denver North 74.250
    33 Vista PEAK Prep 74.222
    34 Conifer 74.000
    35 Steamboat Springs 73.500
    36 Kennedy 73.273
    37 Montezuma-Cortez 72.750
    38 Denver West 71.500
    39 Battle Mountain 71.500
    40 Alameda 71.000
    41 Pueblo Central 70.667
    42 Pueblo West 70.333
    43 Greeley Central 70.222
    44 Eagle Valley 69.500
    45 Pueblo East 69.500
    46 Silver Creek 69.375
    47 Pueblo South 68.857
    48 Mead 68.750
    49 Thompson Valley 67.333
    50 Berthoud 67.167
    51 Discovery Canyon 66.571
    52 Coronado 64.000
    53 Vista Ridge 64.000
    54 Pueblo County 62.833
    55 Sand Creek 62.667
    56 Arvada 62.000
    57 Fort Morgan 60.333
    58 Englewood 60.143
    59 Cheyenne Mountain 60.000
    60 Broomfield 59.600
    61 Woodland Park 55.500
    62 Centaurus 53.000
    63 Summit 52.000
    64 Glenwood Springs 51.000
    65 Roosevelt 50.833
    66 Denver South 48.909
    67 Weld Central 45.833
    68 Sierra 45.571
    69 Mitchell 38.000
    70 Harrison 34.000

    Class 3A
    Rank School Points
    1 Eaton 90.500
    2 Valley 82.000
    3 Kent Denver 82.000
    4 Cedaredge 80.800
    5 Holy Family 80.667
    6 Gunnison 79.000
    7 The Classical Academy 79.000
    8 University 78.000
    9 Lamar 77.167
    10 Faith Christian 77.000
    11 Arrupe Jesuit 75.333
    12 Basalt 75.000
    13 Brush 69.750
    14 Fort Lupton 69.250
    15 Centauri 67.000
    16 Platte Valley 66.600
    17 Florence 65.500
    18 St. Mary’s 65.000
    19 Olathe 63.111
    20 Moffat County 61.286
    21 Strasburg 61.000
    22 Bennett 60.750
    23 Sheridan 60.571
    24 Manitou Springs 58.000
    25 La Junta 57.125
    26 Buena Vista 56.500
    27 Bishop Machebeuf 54.429
    28 Pagosa Springs 54.333
    29 The Academy 53.200
    30 Peak to Peak 53.000
    31 Clear Creek/Gilpin County 51.667
    32 Alamosa 51.333
    33 Ellicott 51.250
    34 Sterling 50.125
    35 Trinidad 49.714
    36 Roaring Fork 46.000
    37 Colorado Springs Christian 45.500
    38 Dolores Huerta Prep 44.143
    39 Monte Vista 43.800
    40 Jefferson Academy 42.000
    41 Salida 41.000
    42 Denver Science & Tech Stapleton 39.500
    43 Coal Ridge 38.833
    44 Grand Valley 38.750
    45 Platte Canyon 38.600
    46 Middle Park 36.250
    47 Colorado Academy 36.000
    48 Estes Park 35.571
    49 Aspen 34.286
    50 Manual 34.200
    51 Bruce Randolph 33.250
    52 Jefferson 28.333
    53 KIPP Denver Collegiate 20.000

    Class 2A
    Rank School Points
    1 Rye 69.143
    2 Peyton 69.143
    3 Swink 67.333
    4 Hotchkiss 65.000
    5 Kiowa 65.000
    6 Sedgwick County 63.000
    7 Front Range Christian 62.500
    8 Rangely 62.200
    9 Denver Christian 59.500
    10 Sierra Grande 59.333
    11 Resurrection Christian 59.000
    12 Springfield 59.000
    13 Ignacio 58.667
    14 Rocky Ford 58.143
    15 Yuma 57.750
    16 Fowler 57.400
    17 Limon 56.429
    18 Holyoke 55.667
    19 Crowley County 54.200
    20 Nucla 53.800
    21 Burlington 53.667
    22 Lyons 52.833
    23 Dolores 52.714
    24 Center 51.286
    25 Lutheran 51.200
    26 Alexander Dawson 49.714
    27 Custer County 49.667
    28 Haxtun 49.000
    29 South Park 48.143
    30 Paonia 47.167
    31 Akron 45.000
    32 Calhan 44.667
    33 John Mall 44.000
    34 Las Animas 42.000
    35 Evangelical Christian 39.500
    36 Wray 39.000
    37 Dayspring Christian Academy 38.000
    38 Merino 37.500
    39 Longmont Christian 35.286
    40 Sargent 33.000
    41 Highland 32.750
    42 Meeker 32.500
    43 Simla 30.000
    44 Sanford 27.500
    45 Antonito 26.000
    46 Wiggins 25.000
    47 Denver Academy 20.000
    48 County Line [Wiley/McClave] 15.750
    49 Pikes Peak Christian 15.000
    50 Cripple Creek-Victor 10.000

    Class 1A
    Rank School Points
    1 Stratton 62.333
    2 Elbert 61.250
    3 Weldon Valley 50.000
    4 Granada 44.500
    5 Dove Creek 44.500
    6 Cotopaxi 40.250
    7 Peetz 38.000
    8 Community Christian 36.857
    9 Manzanola 33.800
    10 Eads 28.857
    11 Caliche 28.286
    12 Rocky Mountain Lutheran 25.750
    13 Cheyenne Wells 23.333
    14 Fleming 22.500
    15 Cornerstone Christian Academy 22.000
    16 Holly 13.333
    17 Primero 11.667
    18 Briggsdale 10.000
    19 Denver Jewish Day 7.500

  • Previewing the boys lacrosse season

    Our boys lacrosse preview is a compilation of information from coaches, administrators and MaxPreps statistics.

    Across the state of Colorado, 67 schools with approximately 3,000 student-athletes compete in two classifications of boys lacrosse.

    Class 5A is made up of 36 schools with an enrollment of more than 1,410 students. There are 31 4A schools with enrollments below 1,410.

    Below is comprehensive preview of each team.

    We have strived to receive, compile and publish all of the names and information as correctly as possible. We apologize in advance for any misspelled names, statistical errors or mistakes that appear in this preview. Please send corrections to rcasey@chsaa.org.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Front Range League (9 teams)

    Boulder Panthers

    Coach: Collin Knowles
    2013 record: 8-7
    Returning lettermen: 17
    Leading seniors: Brandon Jacobs, M; Ian Oden, A; Vito Lecesse, D; Zach Brode, M; Ben Jacobson, LSM;
    Top juniors: Jack Heyman, A;
    Sophomores to watch: Connor Fox, A; Cleveland McCarty, D; Jonny Colletta, G (Freshman)

    2014 outlook: Five of top six scorers return in 2014 and experienced on defense. Ian Oden 39/34 and Brandon Jacobs 36/7 return with more scoring expected from Zach Brode (senior, midfield) and Connor Fox (sophomore, attack). Freshman Jonny Colletta will compete with senior Reed Morrison for the starting goalie position. Vito Lecesse and Ben Jacobson bring senior leadership to a strong veteran defense.

    Chatfield Chargers

    Coach: Kevin O’Brien
    2013 record: 6-8
    Returning lettermen: 18
    Leading seniors: Eric Potts, M; Ross Steward, M; Josh Heidrick, LSM;
    Top juniors: Michael Callahan-Harris, M; Connor Aycock, M; Jeremy Thompson, M; Jared Kelleher, M; Jacob Larsen, A; Lucas Gunkel, A; Dylan Thompson, D; Tanner Lewis, Defense
    Sophomores to watch: Nick Lovell, A; Jordan Alexander, G;

    2013 highlight: Chatfield had a strong finish to its 2013 season and played some eventual playoff teams pretty tough in its last couple games. Although the Chargers missed the playoffs, they still look back at 2013 as a successful campaign.

    2014 outlook: Chatfield is looking forward to a strong 2014 season. The team has a lot of potential as its returns 18 varsity players. “Looking forward to see how our team fares against some very strong programs we have on our schedule,” O’Brien said.

    Columbine Rebels

    Coach: Matt Plitnick
    2013 record: 12-3
    Returning lettermen: 14
    Leading seniors: Anthony Sanfilippo, A; Larry Munson, M; Tyler Goodwin, M;
    Top juniors: Landon Kramer, M; Lucas Leyba, LSM; Dylan Compton, FOGO; Ian Lewis, D;
    Sophomores to watch: Justin Gonzales, M; Nick Stasch, A;

    2013 highlight: Columbine was able to produce eight all-state players, including two All-Americans. Winning back-to-back league and Littleton Cup championships was the highlight of 2013 for Columbine.

    2014 outlook: Youth is the word for 2014. Many talented, yet unproven players dot the roster. The schedule remains challenging with key out of state games against Mercer Island (Wash.), Bainbridge Island (Wash.) and Lincoln (Ore.). If youth can gain experience, the Rebels look for a three-peat in the Jeffco League.

    Dakota Ridge Eagles

    Coach: Mike Thumim
    2013 record: 8-7
    Returning lettermen: 24
    Leading seniors: Davis Sebald, M; Tyson Butler, M; Ryan Schneider, M; Kaden Hummel, M;
    Top juniors: Alden Erickson, D; Sean Arfsten, D; Joe Brown, M/FO, Taylor Davis, A; Duncan Okubo, A; Tanner Pauley, G;
    Sophomores to watch: Cody Hill, A; Matt Moscati, LSM;

    2013 highlight: “Last year our first as a varsity and missed the playoffs by one game,” Thumim said. “We had two overtime losses.”

    2014 outlook: “We are returning all 10 starters from last year and are a junior-class heavy team,” Thumim said. “We expect to compete for a playoff spot this year and hope to surprise many teams as we will be overlooked being so new. But, we have some kids getting recruited and have a lot of experience.”

    Fairview Knights

    Coach: Michael Flood
    2013 record: 5-10
    Returning lettermen: 20
    Leading seniors: Sean LaVine, D; Kipp Planchard, D; Josh Drake, D; Bobby Johnson, A; Blake Josenhans, M;¸ Matt Wantz, M;¸ Avi Becker, M;
    Top juniors: Luke Miller, D; Andrew Yi, M; Steele Mercer, M; Connor May/Attack
    Sophomores to watch: Quinn Carrigan, A; Rylan Squirrell, M; Daniel Rahn, M;

    2013 highlight: “In 2013 we opened the season with an overtime victory against Highlands Ranch,” Flood said. “We followed up that game with an overtime win against Palmer. Both exciting finishes happened on our home turf in front of our fans.”

    2014 outlook: “We have a seasoned group of seniors who are ready to take care of business this coming season,” Flood said. “Our guys have put in more work this offseason than ever before. With most of the team coming back, we expect to have a strong presence in our league and in the state.”

    Fossil Ridge Sabercats/Fort Collins Unified Lacrosse

    Coach: David Shigekane
    2013 record: 11-4
    Returning lettermen: 12
    Leading seniors: Bradley Sobotka, A; Ben Braley, D; Robin Kelley, D; Cole Purdy, D; Baily Hoffman, M; Carter Nuttall, M; Tate Stuart, M; David Lund, A
    Top juniors: Kevin Schultz, M; Cam Castle, G; Trey Jouard, M; Trevor DeBaere, A; Joe Cribari, M
    Sophomores to watch: David Kravec, D; Alex Winkler, G; Ryan Hsin, M

    2013 highlight: “We started off with a four-day spring break trip, where we played three games and had three practices. We went 1-2 and the team was worn out and not satisfied,” Shigekane said. “This helped us prepare for the rest of the season. With all the weather, we had to finish the season with playing six games in nine days, against very tough competition. The players rose to the occasion and played their best lacrosse, winning all six games and received a No. 4 (seed) in the playoffs.”

    2014 outlook: “We graduated about 15 seniors and lettermen,” Shigekane said. “We are a young team. I am excited for the players to learn about leadership, community and hard work. With these behaviors in place this team will experience a great season and life-long friendships.”

    Lakewood Tigers

    Coach: Eric Seelbach
    2013 record: 6-8
    Returning lettermen: 14
    Leading seniors: Adam Zimmerman, A; John Stauffer, D;
    Top juniors: Will Swartz, A; Jared Taha, M; Braden Birney, M/FO, Sam Copper, D

    2013 highlight: The 2013 season was Lakewood’s very first season of competition. The team worked hard to gel all season, and began to make great strides by the end of the competition to enter 2014 on a number of high notes. The team found an identity on offense, and will look to pick up momentum in other areas of the team from that success.

    2014 outlook: The Lakewood Tigers return a solid core of players at every position for the 2014 season. The team’s top three scorers — Adam Zimmerman, Will Swartz, and Braden Birney — are all primed for important responsibilities in leadership on the offensive side of the ball, while defensive leadership will come from John Stauffer and Sam Copper. Looking to improve on its record from the 2013 season, the Tigers have set their sights on earning their first-ever playoff berth in 2014.

    Monarch Coyotes

    Coach: David Auday
    2013 record: 10-5
    Returning lettermen: 13
    Leading seniors: Will Simonson, A; Troy Naudain, A; Mark Allen, D
    Top juniors: Connor Johnson, G; Max Wiesner, M; Phil Bubernek, M
    Sophomores to watch: Andrew Zweirs, M; Chad Kreuzer, M

    2013 highlight: “We completed our ninth year in a row of being a playoff team,” Auday said.

    2014 outlook: “We have one of the best goalies in the state in Connor Johnson and a good, D;” Auday said. “We have some talented short sticks in Max Wiesner, Phil Bubernek, Chad Kreuzer and Andrew Zweirs.”

    Prairie View Thunderhawks

    Coach: Dave Pucul
    2013 record: 2-14
    Returning lettermen: 9
    Leading seniors: Austin Barnhill, LSM; Bryce Robinson, G; Cory Paterson, M
    Top juniors: Caleb Strand, M; Adrian Aragon, A; Christian Jacoby, D
    Sophomores to watch: Jake Zaroff, G; Josh Fielder, M

    2014 outlook:
    It’s hard to tell what this season may hold for the Thunderhawks. “This is my first season coaching at PVHS, and what I see is a group of young men working hard in the offseason, playing box lacrosse, and practicing on their own time,” Pucul said. “Because there is not an established feeder system in the area, most players started in the ninth grade, but what they lack in experience, they are willing to make up for in hard work. This year we will focus on building a team, constructing a community, and starting traditions within the Thunderhawk program.”

    [divider]

    South Suburban League (9 teams)

    Colorado Academy Mustangs

    Coach: Randy Colley
    2013 record: 13-4
    Returning lettermen: 14
    Leading seniors: Sam Sweeney, LSM; Jack Thomas, A; Trevor Pratt, D; Jack Griswold, M; Matt Cole, D;
    Top juniors: Tyler Kelly, M; Zander Naes, G;
    Sophomores to watch: Winston Palmeri, A; Mac Mease, A;, M; TK Kidder, D; Carson Pratt, LSM

    Denver East Angels

    Coach: Sean McCarthy
    2013 record: 7-9
    Returning lettermen: 15
    Leading seniors: Jake Sawyer, D; Griffin Heller, A; Jack Matthews, A; Kellen Self, A; Joey Cowperthwaite, G;
    Top juniors: Sam Bierman, M; Sid Torrigino, A; Connor Lewis, A; Taylor Bombadiere, LSM
    Sophomores to watch: Max Bragdon, M

    2013 highlight: The Angels did well enough to earn the final seed in the state 5A playoffs. They faced the No. 1 seed, Cherry Creek, in the first round. The team lost but not without giving the top ranked team a tight 9-4 battle. East had strong wins against Heritage and Grandview that certainly helped push a bid for the playoffs.

    2014 outlook: With 14 returning lettermen and a core senior class, 2014 looks bright for the Angels. The team will look to make a deeper push into the state playoffs backed with an experienced back line. Jack Sawyer, a returning first-team all-stater, will anchor the defense alongside returning starters, Connor Lewis and senior goaltender Joey Cowperthwaite. The team will also look to seniors for offensive production in left-handed attackman, Griffin Heller and linemate Jack Matthews. Ball possession will be a huge factor, as the Angels will have high expectations for junior Sam Bierman to hold down the face-off and to contribute on offense.

    Gateway Olympians

    Coach: Ben Mack
    2013 record: 1-13
    Returning lettermen: 9
    Leading seniors: Kyler Grunewald, M; Kolby Spring, A; Christian Davis, M; Dylan Conley, M; Will Goos, M
    Top juniors: La’Brian Miller, D; Christian Fritz, M
    Sophomores to watch: Bryce Grunewald, G/M

    2014 outlook: A strong senior class will lead the Gateway Olympian’s lacrosse team in 2014. This leadership includes returning seven starters from the previous year, and a solid core of young players to develop over the course of the season. The Olympians will be challenged early and often, playing quality opponents from Denver Metro area.

    George Washington Patriots

    Coach: Matt Miller
    2013 record: 0-14

    Heritage Eagles

    Coach: Jon Cohen
    2013 record: 7-8
    Returning lettermen: 16
    Leading seniors: TJ Florence, M; Keegan Hoefer, M; Mitch Oldenburg, G; James Marion, DM; Clay Solich, M
    Sophomores to watch: Keaton Komatz, M

    2014 outlook: Jon Cohen starts his first season as head coach of the Heritage Eagles. The team is loaded with senior talent, 19 seniors are on the varsity roster. The Eagles return 80 percent of their scoring and their starting goalie for the 2014 season.

    Kent Denver Sun Devils

    Coach: Ben Brenneman
    2013 record: 10-5
    Returning lettermen: 22
    Leading seniors: Joey Matarazzo, M; Brooks Benson, M; Trevon Hamlet, FO/M
    Matt Pinto, D/LSM; Marcus Stears, G
    Top juniors: Jaden Franklin, A; Zander Ellis, A; Joe Rassenfoss, M; Gunnar Sveen, D; Jack Ammons, D
    Sophomores to watch: James Hueston, M/A

    2013 highlight: “A win at home against Nationally Ranked Torrey Pines (Calif.) was a great day,” Brenneman said. “A very close game with an awesome crowd in attendance for the presentation of the Kent Denver Lacrosse Alumni Award, presented to former head coach Tom Graesser.”

    2014 outlook: “Every year you lose some key players to graduation,” Brenneman said, “but we are fortunate to return a lot of 2013’s starting players who are current seniors and juniors. We are excited to see which guys among them will step up as leaders, and which of the young athletes will break into the mix. The 2014 Colorado high school lacrosse landscape is sure to be one of the deepest and most competitive in recent years.”

    Littleton Lions

    Coach: Brad Todd
    2013 record: 4-11
    Returning lettermen: 18
    Leading seniors: Andrew Krom, M; Josh Barrow, M; Riley Harden, A; Aaron Mountfort, G; Thatcher Bouck, D; Sean Malloy, D
    Top juniors: Joe Timm, A; Ben Schreiber, D
    Sophomores to watch: Donovan Crabtree, A; Nathan Gothard, M; Will Gast, D

    2013 highlight: “Last season was a tough one for our program, finishing 4-11 after qualifying for the state tournament the past three years,” Todd said. “Although there were not a lot of highlights in the win/loss column, we saw high potential in the growth and improvement of our JV team and underclassmen on the varsity team. We had a lot of new faces that were not experienced enough to take on the roles we asked them to. We saw a lot of improvement the second half of the season and we are looking take that momentum into 2014.”

    2014 outlook: This season, Littleton looks to turn it around with a good crop of returning varsity players and get back into the state tournament. With seven returning starters and the entire coaching staff back, we are looking to make big improvements on the field this season. Littleton is led by a strong senior class and an experienced attack unit made up of seniors Riley Harden and Charlie Hindman, junior Joe Timm and sophomore Donovan Crabtree. The midfield is led by Andrew Krom and Josh Barrow and will look to Mac Baker, Nathan Gothard and Evan Witt to take on bigger roles this season.
    Junior Ben Schreiber leads a senior-heavy defensive unit along with Sean Malloy, Andy Wheeler, Michael Norwood and Thatcher Bouck. They’ll play in front of senior keeper Aaron Mountfort who split time in goal last year. “Experience is the biggest gain we made last year, and this group is ready to compete in the tough South Suburban conference,” Todd said.

    Rangeview Raiders

    Coach: Davin Young
    2013 record: 5-10
    Leading returning goal scorer: R. Zhu (12)
    Leading returning assists: J. Conley (13)
    Leading returning points scorer: J. Conley (25)
    Leading returning ground balls: J. Hiner (34)

    Regis Jesuit Raiders

    Coach: Jim Soran
    2013 record: 12-6
    Returning lettermen: 21
    Leading seniors: Liam McHugh, LSM/D; Will Denes, LSM/D; Aaron Horvat, M
    Top juniors: Ben Bechter, A; Truett Davis, A; Matt Soran, A; Chase Konkel, M; Chet Dunstan, M; Mike Wegner, D; Conor Shea, D; Brett Quartuccio, G; Ben Adams, G; Simon Quan, M
    Sophomores to watch: Alec Barnes, M; Cole Boland, M

    2013 highlight: “Young. Bought into concept to believe they could do something special,” Soran said. “Big win in quarters. Tough loss in semis.”
    2014 outlook: “They will have to earn everything they get,” Soran said

    [divider]

    Douglas County League (10 teams)

    Castle View Sabercats

    Coach: Jose Trujillo
    2013 record: 8-8
    Leading returning goal scorer: M. Tuttle (51)
    Leading returning assists: M. Madril (17)
    Leading returning points scorer: M. Tuttle (61)
    Leading returning ground balls: M. Tuttle (90)
    Leading returning goalie: R. Johnson (.508 save percentage)

    Chaparral Wolverines

    Coach: Mike Magrin
    2013 record: 11-4
    Returning lettermen: 8
    Leading seniors: Colton McCaffrey, A; Keenan Foshe, M; Wyatt Jones, A; Alex Spindler, M;
    Top juniors: Mitch Ross, M; Jake Coleman, A;
    Sophomores to watch: Jared Franklin, D

    2013 highlight: Great season for the Wolverines making it to the state playoffs in 2013.

    2014 outlook: Chaparral returns the entire starting offense from last year. The Wolverine defense will be anchored by a tremendous freshman goalie Erik Peters. Look for the Wolverines to go deep into playoff this season.

    Douglas County Huskies

    Coach: Scott Evans
    2013 record: 7-8
    Returning lettermen: 15
    Leading seniors: Stephen Wade, M; Matthew Schneider, D; Josh “Slushi” Miller, A
    Top juniors: Tanya White, A
    Sophomores to watch: Youn Son, A

    2013 highlight: The 2013 team has its best record in four years.

    2014 outlook: DCHS welcomes the legendary Colorado lacrosse personality Scott Evans as the new coach and program director. Douglas County returns 14 quality seniors, many of whom will start opening day. They will be led by a stout defense and all-conference candidate Matt Schneider. The Huskies are intent on moving up to be a contender in the increasingly stout Douglas County conference.

    Highlands Ranch Falcons

    Coach: Matthew Bocklet
    2013 record: 9-7
    Returning lettermen: 18
    Leading seniors: Evan Wong, A; Joe Quatrochi, FO/M; Max Abbott, A; Jake Pawley, M; Jordan Jones, D; Austin Davis, D; Danny Buckley, M;
    Top juniors: Bay Sherbert, A/M; Evan Baker, A; Russell Riley, G; Drew Larsen, M;
    Sophomores to watch: Kyle Sterner, M; Alec Bright, D

    2013 highlight: Highlands Ranch was playing against Smoky Hill late in March. “We were down 7-3 with four minutes left in the game,” Bocklet said. “We finished the game on a 5-0 run and won 8-7 in regulation. Was by far our best comeback of the season and the best four minutes of lacrosse we played all season.”

    2014 outlook: “We lost some very talented seniors to graduation, but this year we have a very strong senior class that I expect to lead us to another successful season,” Bocklet said. “The team has worked harder in the offseason and we hope that translates to a couple more wins this spring.”

    Legend Titans

    Coach: Dorian Cagaanan
    2013 record: 5-9
    Leading returning goal scorer: N. Grim (20)
    Leading returning assists: N. Grim (10)
    Leading returning points scorer: N. Grim (30)
    Leading returning ground balls: C. Keicher (37)

    Lewis-Palmer Rangers

    Coach: Alan Smith
    2013 record: 5-9
    Leading returning goal scorer: G. Helwig (24)
    Leading returning assists: G. Helwig (22)
    Leading returning points scorer: G. Helwig (46)
    Leading returning ground balls: G. Helwig (78)
    Leading returning goalie: G. Osterlund (.650 save percentage)

    Mountain Vista Golden Eagles

    Coach: Jake Herman
    2013 record: 9-6
    Returning lettermen: 20
    Leading seniors: Davis Barker, M/A; Alec Womack, A; Shane Mckenna, A
    Top juniors: Christian Barker, M/A; Sam Ell, D; Bryan Hancock, M; Chase Babcock, D; Kiel Brennan, M; Kyle Pless, D/LSM; Christian Brady, DM
    Sophomores to watch: Paxton Boyer, G; Noah Hirshorn, M; Coby Petau, M; Jake Harvey, M; Dimitri Kambeitz, LSM

    2013 highlight: The 2013 season for Mountain Vista included many tough fought games to Douglas County opponents. The Golden Eagles also fought tooth and nail against some of the state’s finest. The team came together for big wins against Chaparral and Castle View. Going into the state tournament, Mountain Vista ran into the eventual state champion, Arapahoe, and played a tough game.

    2014 outlook: The 2014 season for Mountain is looking very bright. The team is setting lofty goals this year due to a shared belief that this team is built from the bottom up to succeed. “Vista lacrosse has reinvented ourselves in our offseason training that is laying the ground work for the spring season,” Herman said. “Vista is no longer under the radar and is working towards achieving success. Our fast-paced offense and pressure defense looks to compete with everyone at the highest level. Vista has a very tough schedule this year which will help us to become battle tested.”

    Palmer Terrors

    Coach: Sequoia Bowan
    2013 record: 6-9
    Returning lettermen: 17
    Leading seniors: Sam Horning, M; DJ Stane, A
    Top juniors: Chip Cipoletti, M; Kyle Soens, D;
    Sophomores to watch: Noah Smith, M; Caleb Espinoza, G

    2014 outlook: An extremely young team hoping to develop and improve throughout the course of the season.

    Rock Canyon Jaguars

    Coach: Louis Goldin
    2013 record: 11-5
    Returning lettermen: 16
    Leading seniors: Conrad Coppage, A; Jeff Howard, A; Hanson Finley, M; Chris Pietra, M; Zack Anderson, D; Noah Parker, G
    Top juniors: Colton Jackson, M; Michael Phelps, D
    Sophomores to watch: Ian Hicks, LSM

    2013 Highlight: Having Wilkins Dismuke on the team (two-time player of the year)

    2014 outlook: “Even though we have many returning players, we are a very different team this year,” Goldin said. “This year, we are much more focused on the team aspect and plan on having this be our strength.”

    ThunderRidge Grizzlies

    Coach: Reg Weber
    2013 record: 5-10
    Returning lettermen: 10
    Leading seniors: Blake Sandman, D; Leif Hovda, M; Connor Koslosky, A; Jimmy Fair, M
    Top juniors: Dakota Ball, G; Jack Matchinsky, D; Braidon McLean, A; Cole Ogrodnick, M;
    Sophomores to watch: Lucas Thornton, A; Freshman-Dylan Sandman, A;

    2013 highlight: The team had significant potential but lost numerous games by one goal. “Lost our starting goalie early in the season,” Weber said.

    2014 outlook: Currently have two players who received letters of intent from Division I schools. Very good combination of returning senior and junior lettermen. Good team work ethic. Expectations are high for a good season.

    [divider]

    Centennial League (8 teams)

    Arapahoe Warriors

    Coach: Guy Cerasoli
    2013 record: 17-3
    Leading returning goal scorer: B. Wilson (20)
    Leading returning assists: Z. Runberg (9)
    Leading returning points scorer: Z. Runberg (28)
    Leading returning ground balls: Z. Runberg (23)

    Cherokee Trail Cougars

    Coach: Rowan Allen
    2013 record: 4-10

    Cherry Creek Bruins

    Coach: Bryan Perry
    2013 record: 13-6
    Returning lettermen: 28
    Leading seniors: Ryan Arthur, A; Matt Goettelman, D; Addison Christensen, G; Zach Yoshiaka, LSM
    Top juniors: Dylan Johnson, D; Quinten Sanders, D; Jack Savage, A
    Sophomores to watch: Henry Adams, A; Ben Kingdom, D

    2014 outlook: Looking forward to improving throughout the season.

    Eaglecrest Raptors

    Coach: Brian Vickery
    2013 record: 7-7
    Leading returning goal scorer: M. Jung (21)
    Leading returning assists: I. Towner (19)
    Leading returning points scorer: I. Towner (32)
    Leading returning ground balls: P. Schwinger (46)
    Leading returning goalie: E. Shaw (.543 save percentage)

    Grandview Wolves

    Coach: Nate Mueller
    2013 record: 4-9
    Returning lettermen: 20
    Leading seniors: Jackson Crawford, M; Keegan Martin, M; Trent Richardson, M; Quinn Moore, A; Tyler Prins, A; Troy Humphrey, D; Alex Trujillo, D; Max Bauer, LSM;
    Top juniors: Brett Putzstuck, M; Jack Devereaux, M;
    Sophomores to watch: Josh Melton, A; Ryland Clay, M; Matt Sciba, M; Garrett Goulding, M; Spencer Chute, M; Keaton Carney/Defense

    2013 highlight: Coming out of a 2-13 season, and the third new coaching staff in three years, it was a tough transition year for the program. The team responded by increasing offensive production and doubling their wins from the previous year.

    2014 outlook: Following a tough rebuilding year, and with 20 returning varsity players, led by seniors Alex Trujillo and Troy Humphries at defense; Keegan Martin, Trent Richardson, Matt Brazell and Jackson Crawford at midfield; and Quinn Moore and Tyler Prins at attack; Grandview is determined to make a statement in 2014.

    Mullen Mustangs

    Coach: Mitch Brin
    2013 record: 13-6
    Leading returning goal scorer: B. Brehm (25)
    Leading returning assists: N. Philips (7)
    Leading returning points scorer: B. Brehm (31)
    Leading returning ground balls: B. Brehm (45)

    Overland Trailblazers

    Coach: Danny Barocas

    2013 record: 6-8
    Returning lettermen: 9
    Leading seniors: Patrick Au, D
    Top juniors: Kadin Rivas, A/M; Richard Au, G
    Sophomores to watch: D’Angelo Rivas, A

    2014 outlook: “With only two seniors in the program, we are looking towards our youth to really drive us home this year,” Barocas said. “We have a solid core of returning players who, despite their youth, bring a lot of varsity game experience. We’ve grown and matured since last year, and begun to develop what it means to play team lacrosse. On the offensive end, we will look toward the brothers Kadin and D’Angelo Rivas to anchor as scoring threats, while on the defensive end Patrick Au will lead our defensive unit, keeping the ball away from his brother and goalie Richard Au.”

    Smoky Hill Buffaloes

    Coach: Preston Davis
    2013 record: 11-4
    Returning lettermen: 8
    Leading seniors: Blake Foerster, A; Davis Smestad, M; Jordan Ruhl, G; Beau Lansdown, A; Tyler Glenn, M;field
    Top juniors: Austin Peper , D; Jackson Ross, A; Peter Douglas, D; Ben Champion, M; Giordan Thompson, M;field

    2013 highlight: The Smoky lacrosse program finished the season in the top 10 for the first time in school history. The program had four representatives on the all-state team and Blake Foerster was the leading goal scorer in the state.

    2014 outlook: Smoky Hill continues to work hard and develop as a team. There will be some new faces wearing the Buffaloes uniform this season, however the coaches feel confident that the new dynamic will continue to provide team success.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Mountain League (10 teams)

    Aspen Skiers

    Coach: Mike Goerne
    2013 record: 12-4
    Returning lettermen: 17
    Leading seniors: Matt Sovich, M; Donte Lizotte, Defense
    Top juniors: Harry Ferguson, A; Tyler Tick, A; Ryan Fitzgerald, A; John Heaphey, M; Conner Peirce, D; Nicky Cottrell, D; Art Kelso, G;
    Sophomores to watch: Zac Storm, D; Jonathan Wells, M;

    2013 highlight: Aspen skiers had a successful 2013 season advancing to the playoffs for the team’s first playoff appearance making it to the quarterfinals. It was a young team with over half the roster being sophomores. The team was lead by a small group of dedicated and athletic seniors that had a strong presence for the midfield and defense.

    2014 outlook: Preparing for the season and with many returning players, the team is focused on getting right back to the team chemistry that was built during the 2013 season. Offensively, all three attack from 2013 are returning as juniors with a strong and fast group of midfielders who are eager to push the transition with the changes to the substitution rules. Defensively, two junior goalies — Art Kelso and Jordan Cottrell — will continue battling and pushing each other for time in the net while the defense works to fill open positions from graduated seniors. The team has a tougher schedule with more non-conference game in the anticipation of being a strong team than 2013 when the playoffs begin.

    Battle Mountain Huskies

    Coach: Jerry Nichols
    2013 record: 12-4
    Leading returning goal scorer: T. Clark (19)
    Leading returning assists: C. Davis (25)
    Leading returning points scorer: C. Davis (35)
    Leading returning ground balls: Q. Davis (50)
    Leading returning goalie: Z. Trombetta (.591 save percentage)

    Durango Demons

    Coach: John Robinette
    2013 record: 7-7
    Returning lettermen: 17
    Leading seniors: Jared Cook, A; Wesley Komick, A; Walker Brown, G; Brad Kulovitz, D; Westly Moore, D; Duncan Whitley, M; Jacob Boyle, M
    Top juniors: Tevor Gabbard, M; Liam Millar, A; Hunter Hall, M; Jackson Berridge, D; Enver Djuneshbekov, M; Patrick Cunnion, M
    Sophomores to watch: Hank Muir, D; Kyle Robinette (freshman), A; Conner Coleman (freshman), D; Dillon Coleman (freshman), D

    2013 highlight: Started the season 0-6 against the top teams in the Mountain conference. Finished 7-1 in the remaining 8 games.

    2014 outlook: With a strong core of senior players returning, and a new crop of up and coming freshman, sophomores and juniors, the Demons are poised for a breakout season. Both starting midfield and attack units will be back, as well as starting goalie and two of the three starting defensemen.

    Eagle Valley Devils

    Coach: Ted Boddy
    2013 record: 6-9
    Returning lettermen: 12
    Leading seniors: Johnny Bailey, A/M; Nick Briggs, A;
    Top juniors: Riley Nestlerode, D;, Joe Sheldon, G; Quinn McCord, M; Mike Ramunno, M; Ryan Monica, M
    Sophomores to watch: Jared Salaz, A;

    2013 highlight: 2013 marked the first time Eagle Valley made the playoffs in its five year history. “We also saw the school goals record fall; broken by three players Sam Boyd (30), Nick Briggs (30), and Johnny Bailey (25),” Boddy said. “The points record fell to Johnny Bailey with 60 points.” The team grew quite a bit over the course of the year and gave a great effort against eventual 4A champion Wheat Ridge.

    2014 outlook: Coming into 2014, the Devils will be focused on their first .500 record and improving their seeding in the 4A playoffs. Anchored by the school record holder in points (J. Bailey) and goals (N. Briggs) their attack looks to lead the way along with Noah Ejnes and sophomore Jared Salaz. The defense will be anchored by Joe Sheldon in net, taking over after two years as the varsity backup, and junior defenseman Riley Nestlerode. This season looks to be a strong one for a growing program with over 50 players in it.

    Fruita Monument Wildcats

    Coach: Mark Young
    2013 record: 6-9
    Leading returning goal scorer: D. Weihl (13)
    Leading returning assists: J. Lynch (10)
    Leading returning points scorer: T. Peterson (18)
    Leading returning ground balls: J. Lynch (53)
    Leading returning goalie: C. Brown (.457 percentage)

    Glenwood Springs Demons

    Coach: Rick Stevens
    2013 record: 2-12
    Returning lettermen: 14
    Leading seniors: Karros Huang, D; Scott Gilmore, G; Nikko Medina, M;
    2013 highlight: “We won our last couple of games,” Stevens said.
    2014 outlook: ” This year we will be doing a team community project,” Stevens said. “We are bringing Joe Ehrmann, author of ‘Inside Out Coaching’ to Glenwood Springs to deliver a keynote address and conduct a coach’s clinic. Joe is well known around the country and it will be a privilege to host him. He will be here May 23-24.”

    Grand Junction Tigers

    Coach: James States
    2013 record: 7-7
    Leading returning goal scorer: M. Combs (10)
    Leading returning assists: Stephen Foster (16)
    Leading returning points scorer: Stephen Foster (21)
    Leading returning ground balls: N. Gookin (45)

    Steamboat Springs Sailors

    Coach: Bob Hiester
    2013 record: 14-4

    Summit Tigers

    Coach: Karl Barth
    2013 record: 8-8
    Returning lettermen: 8
    Leading seniors: Josh Braun, LSM;
    Top juniors: Jorden Nelson, G; Jack Bilenduke, A; Jesse Reller, D; Sam Herwig, D; Mike Farley, LSM
    Sophomores to watch: Wil Laidlaw, M

    Telluride Miners

    Coach: Jon Martin
    2013 record: 5-9
    Returning lettermen: 17
    Leading seniors: Tristan Purdy, LSM; Irah Wooten, A; Conner Lawson-Huskey, M; Nico Shapiro, M; Matt Sandoval, M; Oscar Lopez, M; Trey Huska, M; Tate Hobbs, A; Sam Demas, M; Max Bailis, A;  Joey Treston, D; Avery Valerio, D
    Top juniors: TJ Fulton, D; TJ Montes, G; Lawson Omer, A
    Sophomores to watch: Kole Shugars, A; Cody Chacon, A/M

    2013 highlight: 2013 was a huge leap forward for Telluride lacrosse. In its third CHSAA season, Telluride notched five wins including two against Mountain Conference teams — after going winless in the first two.

    2014 outlook: “2014 is promising for Telluride lacrosse as we have the most returning senior lettermen in the history of the program,” Martin said. “We hope to build on the momentum created last year and extend our win tally.”

    [divider]

    Foothills League (8 teams)

    Alexander Dawson Mustangs

    Coach: Peter Devlin
    2013 record: 8-8
    Returning lettermen: 14
    Leading seniors: Eli Negrelli, A; Sam Martin, G;
    Top juniors: Chase Brown, A; Keenan D’Arcy, D;
    Sophomores to watch: Wyatt Watts, M

    2013 highlight: The team was excited to have made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. “The boys worked extremely hard to achieve several of their season goals and succeeded by working as a team,” Devlin said.

    2014 outlook: “We will look to build off of the momentum gained in 2013 and continue progressing,” Devlin said. “The team shows a lot of potential and is looking forward to challenges ahead of us. We will continue to work hard each day and put our best foot forward.”

    Clear Creek Golddiggers

    Coach: Jake Buescher
    2013 record: 0-8

    Conifer Lobos

    Coach: Tyler Knauer
    2013 record: 4-11
    Leading returning goal scorer: D. Williams (21)
    Leading returning assists: D. Williams (24)
    Leading returning points scorer: D. Williams (45)
    Leading returning ground balls: S. Henderson (38)
    Leading Returning Goalie(s): A. Lund  (.481 save percentage), W. Dale (.532)

    Evergreen Cougars

    Coach: Toby Gerard
    2013 record: 6-11
    Leading returning goal scorer: D. Haga (25)
    Leading returning assists: D. Haga (6)
    Leading returning points scorer: D. Haga (31)
    Leading returning ground balls: C. Kroll (51)
    Leading returning goalie: C. Cecil

    Golden Demons

    Coach: Kurt Ohlen
    2013 record: 4-11
    Returning lettermen: 8
    Leading seniors: Jake Mitchell, D; Max Becker, M; Austin Pippen, M;
    Top juniors: Adam Kreller, M; Cole Greff, M; Eric Kern, D; Matt Conklin, A;
    Sophomores to watch: Tanner McAdoo, G; Tommy Topper, D;

    2014 outlook: “We are a young team yet again, but the players have a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm,” Ohlen said. “Offseason workouts have been very productive and we have been competing well in winter league. Change is in the air at Golden, and this group of Demons is excited to make their presence known in the Foothills Conference.”

    Green Mountain Rams

    Coach: Nate Hallahan
    2013 record: 5-10
    Returning lettermen: 8
    Leading seniors: Zane Larson, D; Kyle Lichty, D; Cody Schiel, G; Bryce Woodworth, A; Max Nielsen, A; Greg Haller, A; Karl Stidham, A
    Top juniors: Dustin Ossello, M; Jack Day, A
    Sophomores to watch: Nick Warns, M

    2013 highlight: Made 4A playoffs and played a hard game against Air Academy in the first round.

    2014 outlook: “We have a group of seniors who need to step into leadership roles, both off and on the field,” Hallahan said. “We need some of our young players to figure out their roles and execute them at a high level. We will need to outwork our opponents and focus on team defense and sharing the ball offensively if we want to return to the state playoffs for a second straight year.”

    Thompson Valley Eagles

    Coach: Rich Modesti
    2013 record: 11-6
    Returning lettermen: 20
    Leading seniors: Eric Houghteling, FO/M, Brian McGhie, M; Stanley Garcia, D; Jonah Warren, DM/M
    Top juniors: Nik Clinton, M; Johnny Parsons, A; Steve Murray, D; Jack Biegal, D
    Sophomores to watch: Kale Wilson, A; Jerett Cherry, D;

    2013 highlight: The 2013 season was the most successful in the short history of TV boys lacrosse. It was the first year that the team had a winning record, made the playoffs and won a playoff game. Many of the seniors that were a part of the team had participated in turning the team from a new, inexperienced program, into a contending 4A organization.

    2014 outlook: The 2014 season will be a test of the program’s durability and growth over the last several seasons. This is the first season that there will be more upperclassmen on the varsity roster than underclassmen. The season that many of the players worked very hard to acquire is finally here. The team, coaches and players, are excited for the opportunities that last year’s success has brought into the current season, and look forward to building on the solid foundation that they have built.

    Wheat Ridge Farmers

    Coach: Chris Knott
    2013 record: 15-4
    Returning lettermen: 26
    Leading seniors: Jensen Makarov, G; John Roach, A; Caleb Cerf, D; Max Marcum, M; Dylan Mechling, M; Tyler Knott, A;
    Top juniors: Cody Bartusiak, D; Dima Makarov, A; Benny Pachello, M;
    Sophomores to watch: Tyler Wagner, D; Dan O’Connor, A;

    2013 highlight: Winning the first 4A state championship.

    2014 outlook: “We are looking forward to another great season and the chance to defend the title from 2013,” Knott said.

    [divider]

    Metro League (6 Teams)

    Bishop Machebeuf Buffaloes

    Coach: Greg Schaffner
    2013 record: 2-7
    Returning lettermen: N/A
    Leading seniors: Jack Tighe, M/A; Sam Luebbers, D/LSM; Nick Rhems, A/M;
    Top juniors: Matt Costin, D/LSM; Jake Donahue, D; Paul Eshelman, D/LSM; JB Keyte, D/LSM; Matt Mannion, A; Cisco Rodriguez, M
    Sophomores to watch: Zander Smith, G;

    2013 highlight: A week nine win over Englewood, at Englewood. Completion of the season ended up on upward-angle, despite weather hampering the schedule, and forcing the cancellations of several contests.

    2014 outlook: “We have a strong core of returning talent, and are looking to build on that nucleus with a bunch of new boys, who, while novices to lacrosse, are athletic,” Schaffner said. “Our recruitment base is tiny, but word of mouth has been strong in the school. There is an all-new coaching staff this year, and a new athletic director, so it might be fair to call this a ‘rebuilding year’ but we are strong at defense and goaltending, and excited for the season.”

    Denver South Rebels

    Coach: Jason Brookes
    2013 record: 7-8
    Leading returning goal scorer: N. Moss (44)
    Leading returning assists: N. Moss (31)
    Leading returning points scorer: N. Moss (75)

    Englewood Pirates

    Coach: Tim Williams
    2013 record: 5-8

    Ridgeview Rams

    Coach: N/A
    2013 record: 0-9

    Valor Christian Eagles

    Coach: Chris Deutschman
    2013 record: 14-4
    Returning lettermen: 21
    Leading seniors: Ethan Thompson, M; Josh O’ Connell, M; Erik Ratkelis, M;
    Top juniors: Parker Courrier, M; Shawn Johnson, G; Kerry O’Rourke, G; Ryan Russell, A; Drew Bodett, M;
    Sophomores to watch: Cole Baker, M; Aiden Donaldson, M; Jake Hibben, D/M; Brett Haskins, A; Elliott Benedict, D

    2014 outlook: “We return two-thirds of our top point scorers from 2013 and have a very talented underclassmen contingency that we will depend on for 2014,” Deutschman said. “We graduated our entire starting defense and many top players, including seven all-state players. We are excited, though, to push our young players into starting roles and develop our experienced juniors and seniors even more. We will have an uphill climb to achieve the same successes as last year but believe that we will be able to build upon our goals from last season.”

    Windsor Wizards

    Coach: John Belleau
    2013 record: 9-7
    Leading returning goal scorer: Hunter Hop (32)
    Leading returning assists: Hunter Hop (6)
    Leading returning points scorer: Hunter Hop (38)
    Leading returning ground balls: S. King (16)
    Leading returning goalie: T. Rhodes (.620 save percentage)

    [divider]

    Pikes Peak League (6 teams)

    Air Academy Kadets

    Coach: Ron Garcia
    2013 record: 17-2
    Returning lettermen: 12
    Leading seniors: Mitchell Miller, A; Austin Christiansen, M; Ben Brown, M; Nick Breland, D; Jon Tarno, D; Keaton Dealy, LSM; Spencer Dodder, LSM;
    Top juniors: Luke La Grassa, M; Ben Self, D
    Sophomores to watch: Jake Thornally, A

    2013 highlight: “2013 campaign was huge for us,” Garcia said. “We were fortunate to win the Pikes Peak Conference an move on to the playoffs, winning against tough teams such as Ponderosa and Steamboat Springs. Came up a little short in our state final game vs. Wheat Ridge but looking forward to 2014 and getting back to the big dance. In past seasons, we’ve never made it past the second round of playoffs so we were very proud of what we have accomplished in 2013.”

    2014 outlook: “We’re very excited about our 2014 campaign, coming off a great season last year at 17-2 and making a state final appearance,” Garcia said. “We’re looking to find our identity this year with mature senior leadership and some talented underclassmen. The season looks bright for us in 4A and looking to capitalize on the efforts we have put in during the offseason.”

    Cheyenne Mountain Indians

    Coach: Mike Paige
    2013 record: 15-3
    Leading returning goal scorer: S. Sheridan (37)
    Leading returning assists: S. Sheridan (20)
    Leading returning points scorer: S. Sheridan (57)
    Leading returning ground balls: C. Rothstein (107)
    Leading returning goalie: L. Jepson (.680 save percentage)

    Fountain Valley/Colorado Springs Danes

    Coach: O’Neil Turner
    2013 record: 2-10

    Ponderosa Mustangs

    Coach: Pat Tierney
    2013 record: 10-6
    Leading returning goal scorer: D. Mango (35)
    Leading returning assists: B. Bruner (23)
    Leading returning points scorer: B. Bruner (55)
    Leading returning ground balls: J. Griffin (101)

    Pueblo West Cyclones

    Coach: Jason Pacheck
    2013 record: 4-10
    Returning lettermen: 21
    Leading seniors: Dan Ballotti, D; Nick Cervi, M; Mak Kovak, A; Ian Obendorferr, G; James Lander, LSM;
    Top juniors: Justin Hildebrand, D
    Sophomores to watch: Christopher Cervi, A; Tanner Crapeau, D; Brian Davis, LSM; Trevor Emond, G; LSM, Midfield, Jerry Peralta, G;

    2014 outlook: “We are continuing our commitment to building a positive lacrosse environment based upon character and leadership,” Pacheck said.

    St. Mary’s Pirates

    Coach: Isaac (Ike) Anderson
    2013 record: 9-7
    Returning lettermen: 16
    Leading seniors: Tyler Anderson, G; Connor Gosselin, D; Mitch Estal, DM; Andrew Grammel, LSM; Henry Paris, M
    Top juniors: Alex Greenly, M/FO; CJ LaMack, LSM; Michael Tafolla, M/A
    Sophomores to watch: Drew Chesire, M/FO; Wes Moran, A; Kyler Kasten, A/M; Daniel Raskob, M; Ben Stockelman, D; Dylan Tait, D

    2013 highlight: It was the first time St. Mary’s was the playoffs. The team finished third in the Pikes Peak Conference.

    2014 outlook: Said Anderson: “We are hope to have a winning season; make the playoffs; compete within our conference; have the team compete and improve with every game; show class and play the game of lacrosse the correct way; be a team with class win or lost; a team who respect everyone, coaches, players, parents and officials; be a team first (play as a team).”

    Freelance (1 team)

    Denver North Vikings

    Coach: TBD
    2013 record: N/A

  • A-West, Ponderosa make football hires as coaching carousel continues to turn

    Two further football openings were closed on Thursday when Arvada West hired Brad Pyatt and Pondoersa tapped Jaron Cohen.

    Pyatt, an Arvada West grad, was part of the Wildcats’ Class 5A 1997 championship team coached by Dave Logan. He played at Kentucky and Northern Colorado after high school, and then for parts of four seasons in the NFL — mostly with the Indianapolis Colts.

    Pyatt becomes the school’s seventh coach in 50 years, but third in four years. Greg Whisler took over for longtime coach Casey Coons prior to the 2012 season, and went 7-13 in two seasons. A-West is 9-21 since 2011 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2010, but was 11-2 as recently as 2009.

    “We are excited and confident in what Brad will bring to the table in regard to leadership and an abundance of football knowledge,” Arvada West said in a statement. “Brad’s main goal is to bring back the prominence of A-West Football, much like he experienced as a member of the 1997 state championship football team.”

    Cohen, meanwhile, moves over from a one-year stint at Hinkley. He confirmed the switch to the Aurora Sentinel on Thursday.

    “I had to make a decision that was right for my family and Ponderosa will allow me to find balance in my life between teaching, coaching and being a husband and father to two young boys,” Cohen told the Sentinel.

    “Tough decision for sure,” Cohen added later on Twitter. “I’m fired up to continue building on the Ponderosa tradition of excellence.”

    Hinkley went 5-5 last season. Prior to heading the Thunderbolts’ program, Cohen was 24-27 in five seasons at Liberty.

    Cohen will take over for Jamie Woodruff, who came out of retirement to return to the program in 2012. Ponderosa was 17-5 over the past two seasons.

    The hires were just the latest in what’s been a busy offseason.

    Last Tuesday, Wheat Ridge announced the hire of Poudre’s Dan Reardon to replace Reid Kahl. Reardon was 5-14 over the past two seasons at Poudre, and has a long history of coaching.

    He spent seven years at Ursuline High School in Ohio, where he was 68-26 and won three state championships.

    “Dan Reardon is a man of quality character and quality football knowledge and experience,” Wheat Ridge said in a statement. “He is an excellent role model that will help develop character and leadership with our students and athletes. He will be an asset to Wheat Ridge High School.”

    Then on Wednesday, Lutheran shook up the small-school ranks when it hired Faith Christian’s Blair Hubbard, who had been there since 1999. At Faith, Hubbard went 148-30 and won three state titles.

    Those followed other hires this offseason like Gene Hill at Douglas County, Tyler Knoblock at Heritage, Jeff Priestley at Palmer, Rob Royer at Rampart and Jeremi Calip at Vista Ridge.

    A number of high-profile jobs remain to be filled. Highlands Ranch is expected to announce its choice on Friday, and schools like Chaparral, Faith Christian, Fossil Ridge and Poudre remain without coaches. Find a complete list of 2013-14 coaching changes here.

  • All-state volleyball teams for 2013 season

    Doherty's Haleigh Washington, left, with coach Tara Hittle. (Courtesy @DHSAthletics on Twitter)
    Doherty’s Haleigh Washington, left, with coach Tara Hittle. (Courtesy @DHSAthletics on Twitter)

    The 2013 all-state volleyball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These team were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and coaches, and then a vote of coaches. Find more information here.

    The players who received the most votes in their classification were selected as the player of the year in their class.

    Scroll down to see the teams, or use the menu below to navigate to the class of your choosing.

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

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Player of the year: Haleigh Washington, Doherty

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Sydney Ederhoff Grandview Senior L
    Whitney Krantz Arapahoe Senior OH
    Taylor Loyd Eaglecrest Senior L/OH
    Grace Marlowe Arapahoe Senior S
    Haley Mclaren Grandview Junior OH
    Morgan Montgomery Grandview Senior OH
    Jordyn Poulter Eaglecrest Junior S
    Gabby Simpson Doherty Senior S
    Alyssa Svalberg Grandview Senior S/RS
    Haleigh Washington Doherty Senior MB
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ally Clancy Douglas County Junior S
    Sarah Dannettell Fossil Ridge Senior S/RS
    Amanda Herold Cherry Creek Senior MH
    Mikalah Hughes Mountain Vista Senior MH
    Natalya King Regis Jesuit Senior MH
    Kylie Klein Mountain Vista Senior RS/MH
    Shannon Lanza Fossil Ridge Junior DS/L
    Madison Laufenberg Castle View Junior OH
    Bridgette Lococo Fossil Ridge Junior MH
    Allie Miller Heritage Senior L
    Erika Roach Thunderridge Senior OH
    Kaitlyn Schwartz Fossil Ridge Junior S
    Santaisha Sturges Regis Jesuit Junior OH
    Cassie Sulmeisters Cherry Creek Senior OH
    Chelsie Thompson Rangeview Junior S
    Amanda Waterman Mountain Vista Senior OH

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Player of the year: Alexa Smith, Lewis-Palmer

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Maddie Beal Cheyenne Mountain Senior MB
    Mika Dickson Cheyenne Mountain Sophomore L
    Kate Gibson Valor Christian Senior OH
    Emma Igoe Pueblo Centennial Senior L/DS
    Jessica Jackson Thomas Jefferson Junior OH/MH
    Celeste James Thomas Jefferson Sophomore OH/MH
    Becca Mau Longmont Senior OH
    Shea Neill Montrose Senior L
    Becca Page Ponderosa Junior S
    Jordan Pingel Air Academy Junior OH
    Alexa Smith Lewis-Palmer Junior OH
    Cassidy Wurth Valor Christian Senior MH
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Matti Dabovich Pueblo West Junior OH
    Miranda Geist Windsor Senior OH/M
    Breanne Hankins Roosevelt Senior OH
    Celeste Henderson Thomas Jefferson Senior S/RS
    Elena Michalski Longmont Senior S
    Ashley Pagan Air Academy Sophomore OH
    Jenna Price Cheyenne Mountain Junior OH
    Gabi Razma Durango Senior L
    Allegra Shippy Pueblo West Junior MH
    Allison Smith Ponderosa Sophomore OH

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Player of the year: Kortney Lockey, Eaton

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Cori Aafedt Valley Junior S
    Emily Dellenbach Valley Junior MB
    Ryleigh Haynes Eaton Senior S/RS
    Mikayla Hoffman Platte Valley Senior MB
    Bri Lambert Frontier Academy Senior L
    Kortney Lockey Eaton Junior OH
    Nicole Mack Manitou Springs Sophomore OH
    Katie McKiel Manitou Springs Sophomore OH
    Ellie Monarch Brush Senior MH
    Jazmin Montes Platte Valley Senior L
    Tylynn Nelson Holy Family Senior L
    Britt Pierce Eaton Senior L
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Sarah Blain Lamar Senior L
    Anais Vargas University Senior OH
    Kinzie Chrisman Sterling Junior MH/S/RS
    Opal Drapeau Machebeuf Senior OH
    Rikki Franklin Florence Senior S/RS
    Talise Hansen Middle Park Senior L/DS
    Kirstie Hillyer Bayfield Junior MH
    Blayke Hranika Holy Family Junior MH
    Angala Jensen Manitou Springs Sophomore S
    Caiden Rexius Eaton Sophomore OH
    Karen Sigg Eaton Senior S
    Abby Skrastins C.S. Christian Sophomore OH

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Player of the year: Lindsey Moss, Fowler

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Madi Arnell Lutheran Sophomore S
    Jordan Baer Akron Junior MH
    Marina Hansen Yuma Senior S
    Preston Lienemann Resurrection Christian Junior OH
    Lindsey Moss Fowler Senior S/OH
    Connie Olson Lutheran Senior OH
    Jacki Sallee Fowler Senior MB
    Tara Traphagan Yuma Sophomore OH
    Madison Webb Resurrection Christian Junior S
    Carly Whitham Resurrection Christian Senior L
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Bryna Burns Rye Junior L
    Taylor Carsten Paonia Sophomore S
    Braya Hunt Denver Christian Sophomore OH
    Carson Pipher Paonia Senior OH
    Aly Ridings Meeker Junior MH
    Leah Roberson Swink Junior MH
    Rebecca Sewald Kiowa Senior OH
    Abby Skipworth Resurrection Christian Sophomore OH
    Brett Smith Simla Senior L
    Lindsey Tatum Swink Senior OH

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Player of the year: Timmi Keisel, Fleming

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Megan Chintala Fleming Junior L
    Rachael Edler Caliche Junior OH
    Rachel Frantz Fleming Junior S
    Tania Hansen Eads Junior OH
    Erynn Keeney Rocky Mountain Lutheran Senior S
    Timmi Keisel Fleming Junior MH
    Shelbie Knuckles Dove Creek Senior OH/MH
    Kylee Kuntz Otis Sophomore S
    Sami Morgan Caliche Senior MH
    Haley Patterson Otis Senior OH
    Antonya Schaffert Otis Sophomore OH
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Heidi Cogburn Walsh Senior OH/S
    Hanna Herman Hi-Plains Junior MH/S
    Morgan Howard Cheyenne Wells Senior OH/MH
    Aurelia Isenbart Kit Carson Junior OH
    Michaela Keeler Hi-Plains Senior MH
    Brooklyn Krehmeyer Weldon Valley Sophomore MH
    Deborah Kurtzer Fleming Junior OH
    Dorian Ray Eads Senior L
    Reagan Shaffer Idalia Sophomore OH
    Jennay Terrell Idalia Senior MH
    Makenzie Woods Belleview Christian Senior OH/S
    Madison Young Dove Creek Senior S/MH