CHSAANow

Tag: Boulder

  • All-state girls swimming teams for 2013-14 season

    The 2013-14 all-state girls swimming teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A


    [divider]

    Class 5A

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    McKensi Austin Sophomore Regis Jesuit 1-meter diving
    Sydney Cutler Junior Regis Jesuit 200 medley relay
    Jennae Frederick Freshman Regis Jesuit 200 medley relay
    Brooke Hansen Junior Loveland 200 IM
    Abigail Kochevar Sophomore Rock Canyon 100 backstroke
    Bailey Kovac Freshman Fossil Ridge 100 breaststroke
    Amy Lenderink Sophomore Regis Jesuit Relays
    Ella Moynihan Junior Arapahoe 200 free
    Bailey Nero Junior Fossil Ridge 100 butterfly
    Annie Ochitwa Junior ThunderRidge 50, 100 free
    Lindsay Painton Sophomore Regis Jesuit Relays
    Emily Protz Sophomore Regis Jesuit 400 freestyle relay
    Amanda Richey Senior Boulder 500 free
    Isabella Schultze Freshman Regis Jesuit 200 freestyle relay
    Samantha Smith Freshman Regis Jesuit Relays
    Taylor Wilson Junior Regis Jesuit Relays


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Alexa Beckwith Senior St. Mary’s Academy 1-meter diving
    Sydney Buckley Senior Cheyenne Mountain 100 butterfly
    Eryn Eddy Junior Thompson Valley 200, 500 free; relays
    Marina Fonseca Senior Thompson Valley Relays
    Morgan Friesen Freshman Windsor 100 breaststroke
    Kamryn Holland Junior Evergreen 200 medley relay
    Lindsay Morrow Junior Evergreen 200 IM, 100 back, relays
    Josie Pearson Junior Evergreen 200 medley relay
    Kelly Sheldon Senior Thompson Valley Relays
    Bailey Smith Junior Evergreen 200 medley relay
    Brooke Stenstrom Sophomore Valor Christian 50, 100 free
    Mattea Wabeke Junior Thompson Valley Relays

  • 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

  • Boulder joins 5A girls soccer ranking

    (Ray Chen/MaxPreps.com)
    Boulder has joined this week’s 5A girls soccer ranking. (Ray Chen/MaxPreps.com)

    Boulder has joined this week’s CHSAANow.com girls soccer ranking in 5A.

    The Panthers are No. 9 following wins over Cherokee Trail and Loveland to open the season.

    Elsewhere, the 4A poll added three new teams: No. 6 Evergreen, No. 8 Sand Creek and No. 9 Battle Mountain.

    In 3A, Fountain Valley was the lone newcomer at No. 10.

    All three No. 1 teams — Mountain Vista (5A), Cheyenne Mountain (4A) and Colorado Academy (3A) — remained the same this week.

    Complete polls for all classes are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Girls Soccer Polls

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

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Mountain Vista (9) 1-0-0 98 1 1-0-0
    2 Rock Canyon 2-0-0 86 2 2-0-0
    3 Pine Creek (1) 3-0-0 74 9 3-0-0
    4 Fossil Ridge 2-0-1 57 3 2-0-1
    5 Legacy 3-0-0 52 4 3-0-0
    6 Cherry Creek 2-1-0 40 6 2-1-0
    7 Fairview 2-1-0 24 5 2-1-0
    8 Fort Collins 0-0-0 22 7 0-0-0
    9 Boulder 2-0-0 19 – 2-0-0
    10 Ralston Valley 3-0-0 14 10 3-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Castle View 12, Columbine 9, Arvada West 7, Chatfield 7, Eaglecrest 7, Grandview 7, Smoky Hill 6, ThunderRidge 3, Arapahoe 1, Greeley West 1, Horizon 1, Legend 1, Liberty 1, Mountain Range 1.
    Dropped out
    Liberty (8).

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Cheyenne Mountain (8) 2-0-1 99 1 2-0-1
    2 Valor Christian (2) 3-0-0 86 4 3-0-0
    3 Broomfield 1-1-1 64 2 1-1-1
    4 Lewis-Palmer 2-0-2 48 9 2-0-2
    5 Green Mountain 2-1-0 37 10 2-1-0
    6 Evergreen 2-1-1 36 – 2-1-1
    7 Palmer Ridge 1-1-0 34 3 1-1-0
    8 Sand Creek 2-0-0 33 – 2-0-0
    9 Battle Mountain 4-0-0 32 – 4-0-0
    10 Wheat Ridge 2-1-0 22 6 2-1-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Centaurus 14, Falcon 14, Palisade 14, Windsor 10, Englewood 9, Ponderosa 9, Pueblo Centennial 8, Air Academy 6, Mead 6, Silver Creek 6, John F. Kennedy 5, Longmont 5, Skyview 4, Golden 2, Mullen 1, Thompson Valley 1.
    Dropped out
    Air Academy (5), Mullen (7), Centaurus (8).

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Colorado Academy (7) 1-2-0 85 1 1-2-0
    2 Kent Denver 1-2-0 70 4 1-2-0
    3 St. Mary’s (2) 1-0-0 59 6 1-0-0
    4 Holy Family 0-0-0 52 5 0-0-0
    5 The Classical Academy 0-3-0 50 2 0-3-0
    6 Coal Ridge 2-0-0 42 8 2-0-0
    7 Frontier Academy 0-0-1 34 7 0-0-1
    8 Peak to Peak 0-1-1 25 3 0-1-1
    9 Manitou Springs 2-1-0 17 9 2-1-0
    10 Fountain Valley 3-0-0 15 – 3-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    The Academy 10, Liberty Common 9, Faith Christian 7, Grand Valley 6, Bayfield 5, Jefferson Academy 4, The Pinnacle 3, St. Mary’s Academy 2.
    Dropped out
    Faith Christian (10).

  • 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

  • All-state girls cross country teams for 2013 season

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

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    The athletes who won championships at their classification were named runner of the year.

    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

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Runner of the year: Lauren Gregory, Fort Collins

    First team
    Name School Year
    Lauren Gregory Fort Collins Freshman
    Erin McLaughlin Boulder Senior
    Erin Norton Grandview Senior
    Maya Browning Fairview Freshman
    Ashley Litoff Monarch Senior
    Isabelle Kennedy Fairview Senior
    Claire Green Monarch Senior

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Runner of the year: Elise Cranny, Niwot

    First team
    Name School Year
    Elise Cranny Niwot Senior
    Katie Rainsberger Air Academy Sophomore
    Alison Deitsch Palmer Ridge Senior
    Valerie Constien Battle Mountain Senior
    Greta VanCalcar Palisade Sophomore
    Lexi Reed D’Evelyn Sophomore
    Riley Cooney Mountain View Junior

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Runner of the year: Eva Lou Edwards, Bayfield

    First team
    Name School Year
    Eva Lou Edwards Bayfield Senior
    Makayla Santos Frontier Academy Senior
    Sydney Fesenmeyer Salida Sophomore
    kelsi lasota Estes park Senior
    Emily Bryant Pagosa Springs Senior
    Phoebe Powell Salida Sophomore
    Taylor Bancroft Frontier Academy Senior

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Runner of the year: Miriam Roberts, Lyons

    First team
    Name School Year
    Miriam Roberts Lyons Senior
    Natalie Anderson Hotchkiss Senior
    Rachel Rairdon Heritage Christian Academy Sophomore
    Jennifer Celis Hotchkiss Senior
    Taylor Polson Paonnia Senior
    Ginger Hutton Shining Mountain Waldorf Junior

  • All-state boys golf teams for 2013 season

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    Regis Jesuit’s Spencer Painton. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

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

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    The athletes who won championships at their classification were named golfers of the year.

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Golfer of the year: Spencer Painton, Regis Jesuit

    First team
    Name School
    Spencer Painton Regis Jesuit
    Jake Kelley Regis Jesuit
    Li Chen Legacy
    Grant Rogers Boulder
    Devyn Solano Grandview
    Aj Ott Fort Collins
    Troy Dangler Fruita Monument
    Chris Korte Regis Jesuit
    Donny Kinnaman Grand Junction
    Hunter Lee Heritage
    Neil Tillman Ralston Valley
    Sam Marley Arapahoe
    Kobe Padilla Cherry Creek

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Golfer of the year: Isaac Petersilie, Coronado

    First team
    Name School
    Isaac Petersilie Coronado
    Wilson Belk Cheyenne Mountain
    Glenn Workman Pueblo West
    Jake Staiano Valor Christian
    Jakob Rudosky Montezuma-Cortez
    Andrew Rademacher-Howe Silver Creek
    Ross Macdonald Valor Christian
    Trevor Bogus Durango
    Jackson Solem Silver Creek
    Josh Seiple Valor Christian

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Golfer of the year: Tristan Rohrbaugh, Basalt

    First team
    Name School
    Tristan Rohrbaugh Basalt
    Behrod Keshtavar Peak to Peak
    Cole Folwell Alexander Dawson
    Cameron Connor Alexander Dawson
    Hayden Nicholaides Lutheran
    Payton DeVencenty Lutheran
    Clayton Crawford Aspen
    Matt Benavidas Alamosa
    Yale Kim Alexander Dawson
    Gary Schlatter Kent Denver

  • All-state boys soccer teams for 2013 season

    The 2013 all-state boys soccer 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: Kevin del Mazo, Smoky Hill

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Nick Bannister Pine Creek Junior M
    Ben Bartlett Rock Canyon Senior M
    Javier Castruita Boulder Senior M
    Kevin del Mazo Smoky Hill Junior M
    Mason Doulliard Boulder Senior F
    Zach Fronapfel Fort Collins Junior M
    Aaron Haefner Pine Creek Senior M
    Jason Kagie Cherry Creek Senior M
    Josh Krackle Rock Canyon Senior M
    Zach Lokay Fairview Senior D
    David Meyer Pine Creek Senior GK
    William Murphy George Washington Senior M
    Ben Overholt Chatfield Junior F
    Walter Prince Smoky Hill Junior F
    Hector Rodriguez Poudre Senior F
    Jake Smith Grandview Senior M
    Klinton Spencer Liberty Senior F/M
    Nicholas Verfaillie Denver East Senior M
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Mubarak Abdulai Palmer Senior F
    Chase Breslaw Heritage Junior F
    Peter Hendricks Ralston Valley Junior M/F
    Henry Huettel Boulder Senior GK
    Jeff Ingell Highlands Ranch Senior D
    Marcus Krause Doherty Junior M
    Colton Ladyga Smoky Hill Junior D
    Dalton Lundberg Heritage Junior M
    Alexander Makic Ralston Valley Senior D
    Wesley Padgett Fruita Monument Senior F
    Jorge Rangel Grandview Junior M
    Brandon Reich Rampart Senior F
    John Schaffer Highlands Ranch Senior M
    Roberto Velasquez Highlands Ranch Junior M
    Nick Vergara Eaglecrest Junior D
    Kyle Vigil Mountain Vista Senior F

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Player of the year: Roberto Diaz, Battle Mountain

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Danny Bautista Denver North Senior F
    Antonio Chairez-Salazar Greeley Central Senior GK
    Austen Dewing Air Academy Junior F
    Roberto Diaz Battle Mountain Senior M
    Griffin Dorsey Evergreen Freshman F
    D’Angelo Escobar Skyview Junior F
    Erich Frey Cheyenne mountain Senior GK
    Ben Gibble Broomfield Senior M
    Alex Granados Air Academy Senior M
    Cameron Guzman Silver Creek Junior F
    John Herd Cheyenne mountain Senior M
    AJ Hutchison Greeley Central Senior D
    David Louthan Air Academy Senior D
    David Mcdermed Cheyenne Mountain Senior M/F
    Connor Metzger Broomfield Sophomore F
    Porter Milner Broomfield Sophomore M
    Alexis Robles Battle Mountain Senior F
    Danny Witt Niwot Senior F
    Alex Wormer Evergreen Senior D
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Chad Caruth Pueblo Centennial Senior M
    Brendan Clark Valor Christian Sophomore M
    Austin Dewing Air Academy Senior F
    Nate Flack D’Evelyn Junior M
    Matt Hornbecker Evergreen Senior GK
    Christian McBee Greeley Central Senior D
    Jaydon Moreschini Pueblo West Senior F
    Max Ortiz Summit Senior M
    Brandon Osorio Battle Mountain Senior M
    Jason Pocalyko Longmont Senior M
    Johnny Sims Air Academy Senior D
    John Sims Air Academy Senior M
    Vijah Singh Montrose Senior F
    Eric Spangler Centaurus Sophomore D
    Cruz Valdez Skyline Junior F
    Grant Webster Niwot Senior M
    Peter White Steamboat Springs Senior M/F

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Player of the year: Ethan Coit, Salida

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Brooks Benson Kent Denver Senior D
    Ethan Coit Salida Senior M
    Joseph Colarelli Fountain Valley Senior M
    Cameron Doody Faith Christian Senior D
    Clark Gebhart Colorado Academy Senior D
    Titus Grant The Classical Academy Freshman M
    Ulises Gutierrez Bruce Randolph Senior F
    Robby Jacobs The Classical Academy Sophomore F
    James Larivee The Classical Academy Senior M
    Sawyer Lincoln Manitou Springs Sophomore M/F
    JJ Myers Colorado Academy Senior F
    Andrew Peck The Classical Academy Senior M
    Conner Stephens C.S. Christian Senior D
    Jack Thomas Colorado Academy Senior GK
    Robert White Colorado Academy Senior M

  • Ball Fever: Previewing the 5A and 4A boys basketball tournaments

    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Mountain Vista is a No. 1 seed in the Ray Ball Region. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Ball Fever is a regular installment written by Thomas Trotman which rounds up boys basketball action in Class 5A and 4A.

    Colorado prep hoop fans! What an exciting time in Colorado as our big school divisions have produced one memorable regular season with some excellent team play and amazing individual performances, as well.

    The buzz about Colorado hoops is legit and we can thank a growing basketball community for that from our peewee rec leagues to competitive club ball, increasing individual personal training opportunities and truly dedicated high school staffs. The basketball product hitting the Colorado hardwood is improving and colleges of all levels are taking notice! Great time to be a part of Colorado hoops and now lets get to the madness!

    Now, on to the tournament previews:

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Ray Ball Region

    The top seed coming out of this region is an extremely hot Mountain Vista (22-1) squad which is riding a 14-game winning streak. That includes their Continental League-clinching overtime thriller vs. Highlands Ranch to cap the regular season. The confident, Denver-bound Jake Pemberton leads Vista’s fast-paced attack which keeps opponents gasping for air.

    Our Fever Crew discussed Chatfield playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder in this region after going 14-2 in league and winning the Jeffco but earning a No. 3 seed.

    Eaglecrest celebrates winning the 2013 5A boys basketball championship. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Eaglecrest celebrates winning the last year’s 5A basketball championship. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    The defending champs? Oh yes, the Eaglecrest Raptors again have a balanced attack with numerous athletes who are likely very hungry to taste the title again. Junior Blend Advili continues to be a jack of all trades for the Raptors, while LaDerian King and Jaisean Jackson’s senior leadership will make the defending champ a scary matchup. 

    Favorites: Mountain Vista and Eaglecrest. In our opinion, both are Boulder-capable teams but only one will get there. 

    Watch out for: Fort Collins can be a sneaky No. 4 seed here in our opinion. Colorado State commit Toby Van Ry and his running mate Will Duggan (Black Hills State commit) will not go down without a fight. Possible Sweet 16 match-up with Mountain Vista for Fort Collins.

    Chatfield was discussed above and they may have to face a tough, well-coached ThunderRidge squad right away. Coach Joe Ortiz and crew will use the lessons learned in the tough Continental League and be prepared should that game become reality.

    Chauncey Billups Region:

    Fossil Ridge Monarch boys basketball
    Fossil Ridge is No. 1 seed in the Chauncey Billups Region. (Pam Wagner)

    One year ago, we sat in the Fossil Ridge gym and watched that 2013 team battle Arapahoe to exciting last-second finish. While looking at their roster all one could think was, “This squad is going to be tough next year!”

    That turned out to be a huge understatement as the SaberCats have posted a perfect 23-0 season with their first league title and many voting them as our state’s No. 1 team. The SaberCats’ lead man is Alex Semadeni, who leads their balanced attack with 14 points per game. Our Fever Crew got to see many of these young men playing club ball together as well in tough venues such as Indianapolis and Las Vegas.

    Regardless of how things end up for the SaberCats, congrats are in order for coach Matt Johannsen and the entire Fossil Ridge hoops family.

    With all the attention Mountain Vista and Highlands Ranch got towards the end of the season, it may have been easy to overlook Regis Jesuit but don’t make that mistake as coach Ken Shaw will have his crew prepped for postseason action. The Raiders have a No. 2 seed but some tough potential opponents in Smoky Hill, Standley Lake and possibly an Arapahoe if both can advance to Sweet 16.

    Favorites: Fossil Ridge and Regis. After a tough two-point loss to Mountain Vista, Regis has quietly ran off seven in a row. Many feel Fossil Ridge/Regis have similar rosters and would love to see the two great coaches match wits as well.

    Watch out for:

    • A fun first-round match up in Rock Canyon and Lincoln. If you like guard play check out Lincoln’s leader Michael Sparks vs. the Jaguars tandem of Tyler Garcia and Mitch Lombard.
    • Arapahoe and Smoky Hill have impressive “Centennial-tough” league wins and wouldn’t mind playing for a rubber match after splitting their season matchups.

    Jim Baggot Region:

    Denver East Cherokee Trail boys basketball
    Denver East’s Dom Collier. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    The season had to have a bit of a “rock star” feel for this region’s top seed Denver East Angels while they had the opportunity to play top national competition in Utah, Florida and Nebraska.

    The Angels finished the season with a 19-4 mark with each loss coming out of state. CU-bound Dominique Collier and Creighton commit Ronnie Harrell lead a very celebrated starting five who all have NCAA Division I college interest and potential.

    East tasted great success last year but as we all know they came up short in the title game. They haven’t lost in Colorado this year and we’re sure coach Rudy Carey’s Angels don’t plan on it.

    Highlands Ranch suffered a 20-point post-winter break loss to Denver East in January and they would love a rematch now that the Falcons are healthy and at full strength. The No. 2 seed is led by big Zach Braxton (Weber State commit) and he has serious perimeter help with a healthy Evan Motlong along with Riley Stewart playing well. 

    Favorites: Clearly Denver East and Highlands Ranch in this region. Lots of work to be done but the city vs. suburbs fanatics would love to see this possible Sweet 16 matchup happen.

    Watch out for: 

    • Horizon will have its hands full with No. 10 seed George Washington.
    • Thomas (20 points per game) and Luke Neff over at Arvada West can heat up and cause lots of trouble in the bottom half of this region.
    • Twitter-verse seemed to show a lot of surprise at Grandview earning a No. 3 seed and they will be tested right away if the Arvada West match up plays out.
    • Heard a lot of good things about Broderick Robinson, senior averaging 20 points per for Grand Junction, and a possible match-up vs. Cherokee Trail young guns could be intriguing. 

    Bill Weimar Region:

    Legend Rangeview boys basketball
    Rangeview is on a 10-game winning streak. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    The Danny Fisher-coached Overland Trailblazers (17-6) suffered a tough one-point home loss to Eaglecrest in January, but have since run off seven straight, including avenging that loss to the Raptors to lock up the Centennial League title in OT last Friday.

    The young Blazers talent is well documented with two-sport stud Austin Conway running the show, big De’Ron Davis on the inside, and guards Reggie Gibson, Jervae Robinson making more consistent impact. Don’t be surprised if you hear that senior T’Aren Williams steps up for Overland somewhere during this playoff journey.

    The EMAC conference hasn’t gotten a lot of respect lately but one player who could make us all take notice on any given night is future CSU Ram Jeremiah Paige. The Rangeview Raiders look good as a No. 2 seed on a 10-game win streak which includes a road victory over 4A’s No. 1 ranked squad Valor Christian to finish the season.

    The Raiders could be in for a real battle if Montbello can get the win over visiting Liberty. Montbello is playing much improved ball lately and have a starting five that can compete with any in the state. The question with the Warriors will be their depth.

    Favorites: Going with the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds as the favorites here as well. Giving a slight edge to Rangeview over No. 3 seed Chaparral here as they beat them head-to-head, but that was a very different Chap team early in the season. Overland carrying some serious momentum into tourney.

    Watch out for: 

    • Speaking of young talent, Overland may just see some if Aurora Central and their young guard Ladarius Thomas can lead the Trojans to a win over Boulder.
    • More strong guard play with Dakota Ridge potentially facing Monarch.
    • As mentioned above, Chaparral could easily be a favorite in this region. Jake Holtzman, who reportedly just picked up an offer from Denver University, leads a Chap squad who won seven of their last eight. Only recent loss coming to Continental champ Vista.
    • Senior DJ Miles is a player to watch as Bear Creek visits Cherry Creek to see who gets Chap. The Creek Bruins had a fast start and proved they can play with the best (senior Griffin Parr at 12 points per game, Ceasar Jones and Will Bower lead the strong junior class). Lets see if they can regain the steam at the right time.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Rangeview Valor Christian
    All season, Valor Christian has been looked at as the favorite in 4A. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Richard Tate Region:

    The consistent No. 1-ranked team most of the season in 4A has been Valor Christian and that’s hard to argue with. The Eagles have a senior-heavy roster that has gotten close to that “gold ball” and seem primed to make another Boulder run this year.

    Senior Chase Foster (San Francisco commit; 20 points per game) is Mr. Versatility for the Eagles and he has a strong cast of sweet-shooting Garrett Baggett along with the toughness football studs Christian McCaffrey and Marcus Wilson bring.

    Valor hoops is 19-4 and their only Colorado loss comes to 5A Rangeview.

    Pueblo East got the No. 2 seed in this region. Dylan Gavin is averaging 20 points per game for East and had the team on a five-game winning streak before a season-ending loss to league champ Pueblo South.

    A player who can spark his team to a run in this region is Vista PEAK’s Romello Washington. Washington can light it up, has recent games of 25, 31, 27, with a season average of 18 per game for Vista, who are undefeated league champs.

    Favorites: Valor Christian and Pueblo East. 

    Watch out for: Ponderosa played in the brutal 5A Continental League but now look to make some noise in the 4A tourney. Will be interesting to see how Valor handles one of our states best “bigs” in 6-foot-10 Wyoming commit Jonathon Barnes should Pondo get by Mountain View.

    Guy Gibbs Region:

    Valor Christian D'Evelyn boys basketball
    D’Evelyn is the No. 1 seed in the Guy Gibbs Region. (Dennis Pleuss)

    The D’Evelyn Jaguars have a strong duo who have both averaged close to 20 points per game the entire season in Ty McGee and Grant Witherspoon. The 18-5 Jags had two late season losses to Thomas Jefferson and Wheat Ridge but their 13-1 Jeffco 4A league record won the league title and got them the No. 1 seed.

    The No. 2 seed Sand Creek in this region has a real play maker of their own in Air Force commit Dylan Clark (averaging 20 points per game, as well).

    Favorites: Have to add Denver West as a serious problem for folks in this region along with the two top seeds. Coach Ray Valdez has the Cowboys playing fundamentally sound and with a lot of fight. Sophomore Alpha Diallo is an up and coming play maker with nice court vision, scoring ability for West.

    Watch out for: Would love to have a front row seat for a potential Sweet 16 match up of Denver West vs. Sand Creek. 

    Mark Randall Region:

    Thompson Valley's Collin Smith. (Brock Laue)
    Thompson Valley’s Collin Smith. (Brock Laue)

    Two more deserving, tough Nos. 1 and 2 seeds here as well.

    Thompson Valley, 22-1 with only loss coming to 5A’s Fossil Ridge, haven’t tasted defeat since mid-December. 6-foot-5 senior Collin Smith paces the Eagles with 19 points and six rebounds per game.

    Got to take a look at Thompson Valley’s balanced play when they visited a squad with a strong senior leader of their own in Cheyenne Mountain’s Ghassan Nehme (Montana State commit). Nehme, who averages almost 27 points per game, has the Indians on a five-game streak headed into tourney play.

    Favorites: Top two seeds look good here but Longmont and Mesa Ridge very capable of mixing things up. Senior Austin Kemp will attempt to get Longmont back on track after two late-season losses. 

    Watch out for: Ghassan Nehme is an electric scorer who can put his squad on his shoulders if needed. 

    Maceo Broadnax Jr. Region:

    Denver South Thomas Jefferson boys basketball
    Denver South is the No. 2 seed in the Maceo Broadnax Jr. Region. (Mark Adams)

    Pueblo South lost their first two games of the season and have impressively ran off 21 wins in a row. Now that’s momentum headed into the tourney.

    Another impressive stat is that the Colts have four players averaging double figure scoring, led by Brian Pratt and Jared Baros right at 13 each per game.

    Denver South holds this region’s No. 2 seed and their big man in the middle, Ibrahim Sylla (Northern Colorado commit), is a double-double highlight machine above the rim. Sylla averages 14 points and 14 rebounds per game.

    Favorites: Hard to call in this extremely tough region. Stacked with competitive teams like Golden (won 10 of their last 11 games with sophomore Ryan Blodgett at 12-point and eight-rebound average) at the No. 3 seed and a No. 4 seed in Thomas Jefferson who could beat any of the top 3 if they bring their “A” game as they did in a late season win over No. 1 seed D’Evelyn.

    Watch out for: “Watch your head” as the players would say when South’s Sylla or Thomas Jefferson’s Trey Andres take flight. Two of our state’s “freakish” athletes. Denver South played a strong season finale vs. 5A No. 1 Denver East. They could carry that momentum into a tourney run. Guards Lorenzo Snoddy and Tyson Purifoy capable of big games as well. This region is tough!

    [divider]

    Whew! Get ready for some fun tourney action folks.

    Denver East/Fossil Ridge in 5A? Valor/Thompson Valley in 4A? Many have said it could play out just that way. Those have been your top big school squads all season, but we happen to remember a young man by the name of TreShawn Wilford who led the Eaglecrest Raptors on a special tournament run in 2013.

    Who could be the Wilford of this years playoffs? We’ll be watching to find out! Enjoy …

  • Regis Jesuit wins 5A girls swim title on final leg of final event

    5A girls swimming state
    More photos. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    THORNTON — You couldn’t have asked for a better finish.

    With one event remaining, the 400-yard freestyle relay, Regis Jesuit High School held a half-point lead over Fairview in the quest for the team title in the Class 5A girls state swimming and diving championships.

    The two teams  lined up by side in adjoining lanes for the 400-yard relay final. They were that way, in first and second, entering the final 100-yard leg.

    Taylor Wilson stepped up for Regis, swimming the winning anchor leg and propelling the Raiders to their second consecutive team title and third in four years.

    Wilson actually relished the challenge.

    “When I was getting ready I was smiling,” she said. “Nothing makes me happier than that kind of pressure.”

    This was a different Regis team than the ones four years prior. With no Missy Franklin piling up points, the team had to find another way to get it done. It did so, in part, by winning all three relays.

    5A girls swimming state
    More photos. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    “We can in (to the season) knowing we could make it that far,” Wilson said of repeating as state champions. “We knew it — we wanted everybody else to know it.”

    Regis finished with 254.5 points, with Fairview second with 248.

    After back-to-back second-place finishes the previous two years, ThunderRidge junior Annie Ochitwa finally earned her first state title, winning the 50 freestyle by an impressive 0.15 of a second over Lauren Moden of Legend.

    Ochitwa had finished second and third the previous two years in the 100 freestyle. Again, she rectified that by earning her second gold medal.

    The Grizzlies spent Friday night in a hotel, ate dinner and watched television. Ochitwa’s inspiration came from the Food Network.

    “Definitely cake, lots of cake,” she said of what she’d been holding off from eating while training, an indulgence with which she plans to reward herself. Then it’s back to the pool, where a repeat of her feats will provide her with off-season motivation.

    Ella Moynihan of Arapahoe, who entered the state meet as the top seed in the 200 freestyle, retained that position through the preliminaries and followed that up with a victory in the finals, winning by more than a second in defeating defending champion Erin Metzger-Seymour of Ralston Valley.

    5A girls swimming state
    More photos. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    Bailey Nero of Fossil Ridge, who took fifth in the 200 freestyle, capped off her day with the title, edging Metzger-Seymour by 0.3 of a second.

    Loveland’s Brooke Hansen surprised the field in the 200 individual medley. Seeded fourth entering the meet, she edged out top seed Madeline Myers of Ralston Valley by 0.08 of a second.

    Boulder senior Amanda Richey was the distance champion, winning the 500 freestyle by a second over Madeline Myers of Ralston Valley. The backstroke title went to sophomore Abigail Kochevar of Rock Canyon. Honors in the breaststroke went to Fossil Ridge freshman Bailey Kovac, who edged Hansen at the wall.

    Regis Jesuit sophomore Mckensi Austin won the state diving title. With a score of 494.45 points, she outdistanced Kaitlin Costello of Douglas County by 31.05 points

  • Photo gallery: No. 9 Monarch boys basketball beats Boulder

    LOUISVILLE — No. 9 Monarch improved to 8-1 this season with a 56-35 win over Boulder on Tuesday night.

    Ben Beauchamp scored 19 points, Jay MacIntyre had 13 and Shawn Kirkman had 11 for the Coyotes.