COLORADO SPRINGS — The goal for Belleview Christian is always to hold its opponent to single digits each quarter. In the Class 1A boys basketball state championship game, the Bruins went above and beyond that goal.
They allowed De Beque to score just seven points in the entire first half and cruised to a 69-35 win to capture the state championship, the first for the school since winning back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000.
They knew in order to come away with that coveted championship win, the important thing was getting out to a fast start and limiting what Jaden Jordan and Wes Ryan could do for the Dragons (16-2 overall).
“It was extremely important,” senior Logan Owen said. “We knew we had to come out and hold them under 10 points (apiece). Our goal is single-point quarters. We executed and came out and got that done.”
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see sophomore standout Assane Diop dominate in multiple fascets of the game. He finished his day with a game-high 22 points and 20 rebounds. He also dished out seven assists and blocked four shots.
It’s been a theme for Diop all season and has made him one of the most talked about players throughout the entire state. Perhaps what’s most impressive is his ability to push forward even on the rarest of days when he has an off game.
“If I have a bad game, if I pass poorly or don’t do my job, (my team) always pushes me,” Diop said. “That’s the most important thing.”
He had 12 points and 12 rebounds in the first half as the Bruins (16-0) built a 36-7 lead. Those first two quarters took the pressure off the Bruins and allowed them to play the game on their terms in the second half. It also gave them relief that their game plan to slow down Ryan and Jordan was working.
“We knew coming in that Wes is a great player and we knew that he had to be our focus the whole game,” coach Timothy Owen said. “If he gets hot their whole team gets hot and thrives on his play.”
Ryan and Jordan accounted for all seven of the Dragons’ first-half points. Jordan ended the game with 13 while Ryan had seven.
Belleview Christian got points from just four players as Diop led with 22, Davin Hunter had 20, Logan Owen had 14 and Nathaniel Owen had 13.
Logan Owen will be leaving as a senior this year, but the overall outcome excites him for what this team will look to do in future years.
“I have full faith they can get it again next year,” he said.
The Bruins’ 34-point win is the biggest margin of victory in a 1A championship game as pointed out by Kevin Shaffer of ColoradoPreps.com. The previous was 31 points when Kim beat Ridgway 61-30 in 1996.
The final boys basketball coaches polls of season are out as part of the process for seeding the state basketball tournaments.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. Each vote went through an audit process.
Valor Christian 51, Doherty 19, Mullen 18, Overland 16, Rampart 15, Silver Creek 11, Chatfield 10, Horizon 8, Vista PEAK Prep 3, Arapahoe 2, Ralston Valley 1, Rocky Mountain 1
Dropped out
Valor Christian (11), Chatfield (14)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Windsor (19)
12-1
309
1
3-0
2
Longmont
10-3
249
2
1-2
3
Lewis-Palmer
10-2
235
6
3-0
4
Mead
10-3
228
5
4-0
5
Montrose
14-0
220
4
2-0
6
Pueblo Central (1)
12-2
204
3
1-1
7
Pueblo South
12-2
145
14
2-0
8
Golden
12-2
143
10
2-0
8
Steamboat Springs (1)
14-0
143
8
4-0
10
Evergreen
11-3
139
8
2-0
11
Erie
6-2
111
7
0-0
12
Holy Family
9-5
109
12
3-0
13
Green Mountain
10-4
73
11
0-2
14
Thompson Valley
10-4
62
–
2-1
15
Centaurus
4-4
44
15
0-0
Others receiving votes:
Aurora Central 33, D’Evelyn 14, Coronado 13, Pueblo East 11, Thomas Jefferson 11, Sand Creek 8, Palisade 4, Canon City 4, Frederick 3, Elizabeth 2, Mountain View 1, Falcon 1, Pueblo County 1
Dropped out
Aurora Central (13)
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
St. Mary’s (14)
13-0
416
1
4-0
2
Lutheran (14)
12-1
407
2
2-0
3
Sterling (1)
13-1
363
3
3-0
4
Manitou Springs
13-1
321
4
2-1
5
Manual
11-3
256
5
3-1
6
Centauri
12-1
251
6
2-0
7
Faith Christian
8-4
203
7
1-1
8
Englewood
13-1
180
10
4-0
9
Aspen
12-1
160
13
2-0
10
Resurrection Christian
8-3
150
8
0-0
11
Highland
13-1
144
11
3-0
12
Colorado Academy
8-1
134
8
1-0
13
Coal Ridge
11-3
106
12
2-1
14
Kent Denver
10-4
85
14
2-0
15
Colorado Springs Christian
11-3
67
–
3-1
Others receiving votes:
The Pinnacle 58, Gunnison 50, Salida 32, Brush 28, Strasburg 24, University 11, Bishop Machebeuf 9, Alamosa 6, Estes Park 5, DSST: Conservatory Green 3, Fort Lupton 3, Eaton 2, DSST: College View 1, Middle Park 1, Basalt 1, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 1, Bennett 1, Buena Vista 1
Dropped out
The Pinnacle (15)
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Wray (19)
12-0
285
1
0-0
2
Limon
13-1
258
2
3-0
3
Peyton
11-1
244
3
3-0
4
Denver Christian
12-2
194
4
3-1
5
Yuma
7-3
192
6
0-0
6
Holly
13-1
179
7
1-0
7
Sanford
9-4
165
5
1-1
8
Mancos
12-2
145
8
2-1
9
Ignacio
12-2
143
8
3-0
10
Sedgwick County
10-4
113
10
1-0
11
Del Norte
11-3
100
–
2-0
12
Fowler
8-6
50
12
0-2
13
Meeker
10-4
45
11
2-1
14
Wiggins
9-5
43
13
2-1
15
Thomas MacLaren School
6-2
25
–
0-0
Others receiving votes:
Monte Vista 18, Crested Butte 17, Lake County 14, Vail Christian 11, Lyons 10, Atlas Preparatory School 10, Vail Mountain 5, Byers 4, Dayspring Christian Academy 4, Holyoke 2, Custer County 1, Cedaredge 1, Rye 1, Golden View Classical Academy 1
Dropped out
Crested Butte (14)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Belleview Christian (12)
12-0
213
1
0-0
2
De Beque (1)
13-1
199
2
3-0
3
Merino (1)
10-4
157
5
3-0
4
Granada (1)
13-1
153
6
2-0
5
Cheraw
13-1
151
3
1-1
6
Primero
11-1
146
4
3-0
7
Mile High Academy
8-2
131
8
2-0
8
Caprock Academy
11-3
123
7
0-2
9
Briggsdale
10-2
97
11
2-0
10
Haxtun
9-5
81
10
1-1
11
Denver Jewish Day
8-2
70
13
2-0
12
Evangelical Christian
9-4
62
8
1-2
13
Sangre de Cristo
9-3
59
12
1-0
14
Genoa-Hugo/Karval
10-3
31
–
2-0
15
Kim/Branson
10-4
29
–
2-1
Others receiving votes:
Eads 27, Longmont Christian 12, Simla 10, Flatirons Academy 10, Sierra Grande 8, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 7, Elbert 6, Denver Waldorf 6, Fleming 4, Cheyenne Wells 4, Pikes Peak Christian 2, Hi-Plains 1, Dove Creek 1
After going 3-0 last week, Wray has moved up to No. 1 in the Class 2A boys basketball rankings.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.
Doherty 36, Overland 24, Rampart 23, Douglas County 23, Smoky Hill 17, Mullen 13, Silver Creek 12, Ralston Valley 10, Gateway 9, Columbine 4, Arapahoe 4, Boulder 4, Air Academy 1, Vista PEAK 1, Horizon 1
Dropped out
Doherty (13), Overland (14)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Windsor (17)
9-1
364
1
1-0
2
Longmont (1)
9-1
346
2
1-0
3
Pueblo Central (1)
11-1
276
4
2-0
4
Montrose (3)
12-0
252
6
3-0
5
Mead (2)
6-3
240
3
0-1
6
Lewis-Palmer
7-2
232
5
3-1
7
Erie (1)
6-2
192
8
0-0
8
Evergreen
9-3
178
7
1-1
9
Steamboat Springs (1)
10-0
165
8
2-0
10
Golden
10-2
163
10
2-0
11
Green Mountain
10-2
122
12
2-0
12
Holy Family
6-5
101
15
1-1
13
Aurora Central
10-1
98
11
2-0
14
Pueblo South
10-2
95
13
3-0
15
Centaurus
4-4
67
14
0-0
Others receiving votes:
Thompson Valley 54, D’Evelyn 28, Frederick 21, Pueblo East 20, Sand Creek 20, Palisade 20, Severance 16, Thomas Jefferson 14, Mountain View 11, Canon City 11, Wheat Ridge 3, Denver North 3, Elizabeth 2, Summit 2, Widefield 1, Falcon 1, Grand Junction 1, Durango 1
Dropped out
None.
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
St. Mary’s (20)
9-0
482
1
1-0
2
Lutheran (12)
10-1
431
2
2-0
3
Sterling
10-1
383
4
2-0
4
Manitou Springs
11-0
376
3
2-0
5
Manual
8-2
262
6
1-0
6
Centauri
10-1
256
5
1-1
7
Faith Christian
7-3
246
8
2-0
8
Colorado Academy
7-1
213
7
1-1
9
Resurrection Christian
8-3
200
8
1-1
10
Englewood
9-1
171
14
2-0
11
Highland
10-1
169
11
3-0
12
Coal Ridge
9-2
149
10
1-1
13
Aspen
10-1
118
15
3-0
14
Kent Denver
8-4
96
12
1-1
15
The Pinnacle (1)
11-1
93
13
2-1
Others receiving votes:
Colorado Springs Christian 56, Strasburg 55, Gunnison 37, Salida 26, Estes Park 22, Brush 18, Alamosa 15, Buena Vista 13, University 10, Bishop Machebeuf 9, DSST: Montview 9, Bennett 8, Basalt 5, Eaton 4, Moffat County 4, Eagle Ridge Academy 3, Arrupe Jesuit 3, DSST: Conservatory Green 3, Banning Lewis 3, Pagosa Springs 3, DSST: College View 2, Platte Valley 1, Lamar 1, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 1, Fort Lupton 1, Middle Park 1, The Vanguard School 1, Prospect Ridge Academy 1
Dropped out
None.
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Wray (21)
12-0
329
2
3-0
2
Limon
10-1
302
1
1-1
3
Peyton (1)
8-1
275
3
1-0
4
Denver Christian
9-1
227
4
2-0
5
Sanford
8-3
226
6
1-1
6
Yuma
7-3
216
5
0-0
7
Holly
12-1
197
8
3-0
8
Mancos
10-1
178
7
3-0
9
Ignacio
9-2
133
10
2-0
10
Sedgwick County
9-4
108
11
2-0
11
Meeker
8-3
99
8
2-2
12
Fowler
8-4
84
12
2-1
13
Wiggins
7-4
44
13
1-1
14
Crested Butte
6-3
41
15
2-1
15
Thomas MacLaren
6-2
35
–
2-1
Others receiving votes:
Del Norte 33, Monte Vista 27, Vail Mountain 21, Center 14, Holyoke 14, Byers 8, Lake County 7, Dayspring Christian Academy 6, Cedaredge 5, Vail Christian 3, Soroco 2, Clear Creek 2, Calhan 1, Dolores 1, Rye 1, Rocky Ford 1
Dropped out
Monte Vista (14)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Belleview Christian (19)
12-0
345
1
2-0
2
De Beque (1)
10-1
299
2
2-0
3
Cheraw (2)
12-0
295
3
3-0
4
Primero
8-1
262
4
0-1
5
Merino (1)
7-4
216
5
2-0
6
Granada
11-1
192
11
3-0
7
Caprock Academy
11-1
187
8
2-0
8
Mile High Academy (1)
6-2
176
7
3-1
9
Evangelical Christian
8-2
153
6
0-0
10
Haxtun
8-4
136
12
1-1
11
Briggsdale
8-2
135
10
1-0
12
Sangre de Cristo
8-3
102
13
2-1
13
Denver Jewish Day
6-2
100
8
2-0
14
Genoa-Hugo
8-3
71
15
2-0
15
Eads
9-3
61
14
2-1
Others receiving votes:
Cheyenne Wells 34, Kim/Branson 28, Flatirons Academy 27, Simla 18, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 14, Longmont Christian 8, Elbert 6, Hi-Plains 4, Sierra Grande 4, McClave 2, Fleming 2, Denver Waldorf 1, Prairie 1, Dove Creek 1
Windsor boys basketball is the new No. 1 team in this week’s Class 4A rankings.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.
Fountain-Fort Carson 32, Rampart 27, Rock Canyon 25, Ralston Valley 21, Silver Creek 20, Gateway 18, Smoky Hill 18, Douglas County 13, Mullen 12, Mountain Range 9, Columbine 5, Vista PEAK 5, Horizon 5, Rocky Mountain 5, Grandview 4, Boulder 1, Arapahoe 1, Air Academy 1
Dropped out
Rampart (15)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Windsor (18)
8-1
373
2
5-1
2
Longmont (4)
8-1
356
3
6-1
3
Mead (3)
6-2
341
1
3-2
4
Pueblo Central (1)
9-1
262
5
5-1
5
Lewis-Palmer
4-1
239
4
3-0
6
Montrose
9-0
202
7
7-0
7
Evergreen
8-2
201
6
3-2
8
Erie
6-2
195
8
4-1
9
Steamboat Springs (2)
8-0
159
14
3-0
10
Golden
8-2
137
11
4-0
11
Aurora Central
8-1
131
12
8-1
12
Green Mountain
8-2
121
15
4-1
13
Pueblo South
7-2
99
8
4-1
14
Centaurus
4-4
94
10
3-3
15
Holy Family
5-4
61
–
3-3
Others receiving votes:
D’Evelyn 54, Pueblo East 36, Thompson Valley 34, Canon City 32, Severance 32, Palisade 31, Frederick 23, Palmer Ridge 16, Mountain View 14, Coronado 14, Thomas Jefferson 12, Mesa Ridge 12, Harrison 11, Wheat Ridge 10, Widefield 10, Sand Creek 9, Mitchell 7, Littleton 7, Falcon 6, Cheyenne Mountain 5, Discovery Canyon 5, Fort Morgan 4, Elizabeth 2, Roosevelt 1, Summit 1, Alameda 1
Dropped out
Pueblo East (13)
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
St. Mary’s (16)
8-0
464
1
1-0
2
Lutheran (15)
8-1
430
2
3-0
3
Manitou Springs
9-0
363
3
2-0
4
Sterling
8-1
353
4
2-0
5
Centauri
9-0
308
5
3-0
6
Manual (1)
7-2
247
8
3-0
7
Colorado Academy
6-0
234
7
2-0
8
Faith Christian
5-3
229
6
1-0
9
Resurrection Christian
7-2
212
8
3-0
10
Coal Ridge
8-1
185
11
3-0
11
Highland
7-1
144
12
1-0
12
Kent Denver
7-3
129
10
1-2
13
The Pinnacle
9-0
128
14
1-0
14
Englewood
7-1
117
13
2-0
15
Aspen (1)
7-1
70
–
3-0
Others receiving votes:
Bennett 65, Strasburg 41, Colorado Springs Christian 39, Salida 37, Brush 36, University 24, Gunnison 22, Buena Vista 19, DSST: Montview 18, Eaton 17, Basalt 15, Arrupe Jesuit 15, Estes Park 14, Alamosa 14, Moffat County 13, Middle Park 12, Bishop Machebeuf 11, Roaring Fork 11, DSST: Byers 10, The Vanguard School 7, Woodland Park 6, DSST: Conservatory Green 6, Delta 4, Banning Lewis 3, Pagosa Springs 3, Platte Valley 1, DSST: College View 1, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 1, Eagle Ridge Academy 1, Lamar 1
Dropped out
Strasburg (15)
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Limon (18)
9-0
342
1
2-0
2
Wray (2)
9-0
323
2
3-0
3
Peyton (2)
7-1
266
7
3-0
4
Denver Christian (1)
7-1
243
4
3-0
5
Yuma
7-3
235
6
3-0
6
Sanford
7-2
222
5
2-0
7
Mancos
7-1
216
3
1-1
8
Holly
9-1
193
8
2-0
9
Meeker
6-1
139
12
2-0
10
Ignacio
7-2
115
13
3-0
11
Sedgwick County
7-4
90
11
2-1
12
Fowler
6-3
86
8
2-0
13
Wiggins
6-3
63
10
1-2
14
Monte Vista
4-3
49
–
2-0
15
Crested Butte
4-2
48
14
1-1
Others receiving votes:
Holyoke 29, Soroco 29, Thomas MacLaren 28, West Grand 22, Byers 21, Gilpin County 19, Clear Creek 16, Del Norte 16, Lyons 14, Vail Mountain 12, Center 11, Dayspring Christian Academy 10, Twin Peaks Charter Academy 7, Lake County 5, Lotus School for Excellence 5, Vail Christian 3, Cedaredge 1, Golden View Classical 1, Dolores 1
Dropped out
Soroco (15)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Belleview Christian (21)
10-0
367
1
3-0
2
De Beque (3)
8-1
328
2
3-0
3
Cheraw (1)
9-0
295
3
2-0
4
Primero
8-0
269
4
1-0
5
Merino
5-4
214
5
1-2
6
Evangelical Christian
8-2
187
6
2-1
7
Mile High Academy (1)
3-1
184
7
3-0
8
Caprock Academy
9-1
153
15
4-0
9
Denver Jewish Day
4-2
149
10
0-1
10
Briggsdale
7-2
144
14
2-0
11
Granada
8-1
143
8
3-0
12
Haxtun
7-3
138
8
2-1
13
Sangre de Cristo
6-2
109
12
2-1
14
Eads
7-2
95
13
3-1
15
Genoa-Hugo
6-3
73
–
2-1
Others receiving votes:
Cheyenne Wells 65, Flatirons Academy 52, Simla 42, Kim/Branson 27, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 18, Caliche 12, Fleming 10, Sierra Grande 8, Prairie 8, Walsh 7, Longmont Christian 7, Springfield 5, Denver Waldorf 3, Hi-Plains 3, Dove Creek 2, Idalia 1, Elbert 1, McClave 1
Belleview Christian (1A) and St. Mary’s (3A) each moved up to No. 1 in their respective boys basketball rankings this week.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.
Fairview 46, Smoky Hill 35, Rock Canyon 31, Douglas County 24, Vista PEAK 19, Silver Creek 18, Gateway 16, Mullen 15, Ralston Valley 14, Mountain Range 8, Columbine 8, Fountain-Fort Carson 7, Arapahoe 5, Grandview 3, Boulder 3, Legend 2, Highlands Ranch 2, Horizon 1, Far Northeast Warriors 1
Dropped out
Ralston Valley (11), Smoky Hill (14), Rock Canyon (15)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Mead (13)
5-0
333
1
2-0
2
Windsor (6)
6-0
287
2
3-0
3
Longmont (2)
6-0
275
3
4-0
4
Lewis-Palmer
4-1
253
4
3-0
5
Pueblo Central (1)
7-1
203
6
3-1
6
Evergreen
6-1
182
7
1-1
7
Montrose (1)
7-0
172
10
5-0
8
Erie
4-1
144
5
2-0
9
Pueblo South
6-1
131
8
3-0
10
Centaurus
3-3
125
8
2-2
11
Golden
6-2
102
11
2-0
12
Aurora Central
6-1
74
14
6-1
13
Pueblo East
2-2
72
13
1-1
14
Steamboat Springs
5-0
71
–
0-0
15
Green Mountain
5-2
70
12
1-1
Others receiving votes:
Thompson Valley 37, Canon City 32, Frederick 30, Palisade 25, Roosevelt 20, Severance 20, Sand Creek 19, D’Evelyn 19, Mountain View 16, Harrison 15, Denver North 7, Thomas Jefferson 7, Cheyenne Mountain 5, Wheat Ridge 5, Weld Central 4, Holy Family 2, Pueblo Centennial 1, Falcon 1, Durango 1
Dropped out
D’Evelyn (15)
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
St. Mary’s (9)
7-0
351
2
3-0
2
Lutheran (15)
5-1
331
1
2-0
3
Manitou Springs
7-0
276
3
3-0
4
Sterling
6-1
244
7
3-0
5
Centauri
6-0
214
5
2-0
6
Faith Christian
4-3
187
4
2-1
7
Colorado Academy
4-0
164
8
0-0
8
Resurrection Christian
4-2
155
6
1-1
9
Manual
4-2
149
11
2-0
10
Kent Denver
6-1
134
8
2-0
11
Coal Ridge
5-1
116
13
3-0
12
Highland
6-1
107
12
2-0
13
Englewood
5-1
82
14
2-0
14
The Pinnacle
8-0
66
–
3-0
15
Strasburg
5-1
61
–
2-0
Others receiving votes:
Buena Vista 48, Colorado Springs Christian 46, Eaton 44, Salida 35, Brush 31, Aspen 21, University 20, Alamosa 18, Estes Park 17, The Vanguard School 10, Bishop Machebeuf 9, Gunnison 9, Bennett 8, Pagosa Springs 8, DSST: Byers 8, DSST: Conservatory Green 6, Arrupe Jesuit 5, Basalt 5, Platte Valley 4, Moffat County 4, Woodland Park 2, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 1, Frontier Academy 1, Liberty Common 1, Fort Lupton 1, Roaring Fork 1
Dropped out
Eaton (10), Buena Vista (15)
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Limon (20)
7-0
349
1
2-0
2
Wray (2)
6-0
319
2
3-0
3
Mancos
6-0
271
3
1-0
4
Denver Christian (1)
4-1
216
5
1-0
5
Sanford
5-2
210
7
2-1
6
Yuma
4-3
208
6
2-0
7
Peyton
4-1
197
12
3-0
8
Holly
7-1
188
8
3-1
9
Fowler
4-3
143
4
1-2
10
Wiggins
5-1
111
14
1-1
11
Sedgwick County
5-3
107
8
2-1
12
Meeker
4-1
106
10
1-1
13
Ignacio
4-2
75
11
3-0
14
Crested Butte
3-1
70
13
1-0
15
Soroco (1)
5-1
48
–
2-1
Others receiving votes:
West Grand 40, Monte Vista 34, Holyoke 29, Gilpin County 22, Byers 19, Clear Creek 19, Del Norte 18, Thomas MacLaren 14, Lyons 13, Vail Mountain 11, Dayspring Christian Academy 10, Center 8, Vail Christian 5, Golden View Classical 4, Dolores 4, Rye 4, Cedaredge 3, Atlas Prep 2, South Park 1, Heritage Christian 1, Swallows Charter Academy 1
Dropped out
West Grand (15)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Belleview Christian (16)
7-0
298
2
3-0
2
De Beque (2)
5-1
255
1
0-1
3
Cheraw
7-0
237
6
2-0
4
Primero
7-0
219
5
3-0
5
Merino (1)
4-2
160
4
2-1
6
Evangelical Christian
6-1
157
12
2-0
7
Mile High Academy (2)
0-1
123
3
0-1
8
Haxtun
5-2
118
7
1-1
9
Granada
5-1
111
8
1-1
10
Denver Jewish Day
4-1
94
15
1-0
11
Flatirons Academy
4-1
80
13
1-1
12
Sangre de Cristo
4-1
79
11
1-1
13
Eads
4-1
73
–
1-1
14
Briggsdale
5-2
68
8
2-1
15
Caprock Academy
5-1
66
–
2-0
Others receiving votes:
Cheyenne Wells 61, Simla 61, Genoa-Hugo 52, Denver Waldorf 49, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 38, Kit Carson 28, McClave 17, Kim/Branson 11, Springfield 10, Longmont Christian 10, Sierra Grande 8, Creede 8, Ouray 7, Walsh 7, Elbert 4, Fleming 3, Idalia 3, Dove Creek 2, Prairie 2, Arickaree/Woodlin 1
This week’s boys basketball rankings added eight new teams across the five classes.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.
Denver East 49, Fairview 40, Fountain-Fort Carson 31, Chatfield 29, Vista PEAK 28, Mullen 27, Rampart 23, Silver Creek 22, Highlands Ranch 10, Mountain Range 8, Gateway 7, Denver South 7, Legend 6, Arapahoe 4, Grandview 3, Poudre 3, Douglas County 3, Boulder 3, Skyline 2, Heritage 2, Air Academy 1, Columbine 1, Horizon 1
Dropped out
Denver East (12)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
1
Mead (17)
1-0
386
1
2
Windsor (5)
1-0
305
5
3
Longmont (3)
1-0
302
3
4
Lewis-Palmer
1-1
290
2
5
Erie
1-0
218
6
6
Pueblo Central (1)
2-0
209
7
7
Evergreen
2-0
189
8
8
Pueblo South (1)
2-0
152
13
9
Centaurus
1-0
148
11
10
Montrose
0-0
145
8
11
Golden
1-2
138
4
12
Green Mountain
3-0
104
–
13
Pueblo East
1-1
76
10
14
Aurora Central
0-0
66
15
15
D’Evelyn
1-1
42
–
Others receiving votes:
Frederick 38, Sand Creek 37, Harrison 36, Palisade 35, Wheat Ridge 33, Roosevelt 32, Palmer Ridge 30, Steamboat Springs 28, Coronado 22, Cheyenne Mountain 21, Thompson Valley 20, Canon City 19, Mountain View 14, Discovery Canyon 13, Holy Family 13, Thomas Jefferson 11, Eagle Valley 10, Denver North 9, Fort Morgan 9, The Classical Academy 9, Summit 8, Northfield 7, Severance 7, Weld Central 4, Falcon 2, Widefield 1, Pueblo Centennial 1, Lincoln 1
Dropped out
Frederick (12), Harrison (14)
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
1
Lutheran (18)
3-1
414
1
2
St. Mary’s (10)
4-0
399
2
3
Manitou Springs
4-0
299
4
4
Faith Christian
2-2
273
3
5
Centauri
4-0
262
5
6
Resurrection Christian
3-1
258
6
7
Sterling
3-1
241
8
8
Colorado Academy
4-0
189
10
9
Kent Denver
4-1
125
–
10
Eaton
2-2
120
7
11
Manual
2-2
117
11
12
Highland
4-1
116
12
13
Coal Ridge
2-1
91
8
14
Englewood
3-1
78
14
15
Buena Vista (1)
3-0
70
–
Others receiving votes:
Salida 50, University 49, Bishop Machebeuf 47, The Pinnacle 44, Colorado Springs Christian 36, Alamosa 35, Moffat County 31, DSST: Byers 22, Strasburg 22, DSST: Montview 22, Platte Valley 18, Aspen 17, Bennett 16, The Vanguard School 14, Middle Park 12, Brush 11, Estes Park 11, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 11, Arrupe Jesuit 11, Stargate 10, Liberty Common 9, Peak to Peak 8, SkyView Academy 7, Gunnison 7, Banning Lewis 6, Jefferson Academy 5, Basalt 5, DSST: Conservatory Green 3, Fort Lupton 2, Woodland Park 2, Prospect Ridge Academy 1, Pagosa Springs 1, William Smith 1, Lamar 1, Roaring Fork 1
Dropped out
University (13), Bishop Machebeuf (15)
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
1
Limon (25)
5-0
430
1
2
Wray (2)
3-0
381
2
3
Mancos
5-0
316
5
4
Fowler
3-1
283
3
5
Denver Christian
3-1
262
8
6
Yuma (1)
2-3
261
4
7
Sanford
3-1
231
6
8
Holly
4-0
203
8
9
Sedgwick County
3-2
174
7
10
Meeker
3-0
133
11
11
Ignacio
1-2
126
10
12
Peyton
1-1
111
13
13
Crested Butte
2-1
84
12
14
Wiggins
4-0
79
–
15
West Grand
3-0
53
–
Others receiving votes:
Monte Vista 41, Vail Mountain 35, Holyoke 33, Gilpin County 25, Soroco 23, Del Norte 22, Clear Creek 22, Swallows Charter Academy 20, Thomas MacLaren 19, Byers 17, Vail Christian 16, Sargent 12, Atlas Prep 10, Rocky Ford 9, Dayspring Christian Academy 6, Olathe 6, Telluride 5, Cedaredge 5, Rye 4, Lake County 4, Golden View Classical 4, Dolores 3, Front Range Christian 3, Addenbrooke Classical 3, Center 2, Lyons 2, Crowley County 1, Swink 1
Dropped out
Holyoke (14), Monte Vista (15)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
1
De Beque (14)
5-0
358
1
2
Belleview Christian (7)
4-0
302
3
3
Mile High Academy (3)
0-0
243
2
4
Merino (1)
2-1
220
6
5
Primero
4-0
217
7
6
Cheraw
5-0
215
10
7
Haxtun (1)
4-1
182
8
8
Granada
4-0
179
11
9
Briggsdale
3-1
177
5
10
Cheyenne Wells
4-0
139
–
11
Sangre de Cristo
3-0
131
8
12
Evangelical Christian
4-1
114
12
13
Flatirons Academy
3-0
100
14
14
Kit Carson
2-3
75
4
15
Denver Jewish Day
3-1
67
13
Others receiving votes:
Rocky Mountain Lutheran 49, Genoa-Hugo 45, Eads 44, McClave 36, Simla 35, Denver Waldorf 32, Hi-Plains 19, Kim/Branson 18, Caprock Academy 16, Fleming 14, Walsh 12, Caliche 12, Longmont Christian 11, Springfield 11, South Baca 11, Idalia 10, Prairie 10, Sierra Grande 8, Cotopaxi 3, Dove Creek 3, Arickaree/Woodlin 2
De Beque has taken over at this week’s Class 1A boys basketball rankings, and the polls as a whole added 14 new teams.
The rankings, voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Association. They are a factor in the postseason. During the regular season, the poll will release each Monday.
Fairview 45, Douglas County 36, Chatfield 26, Vista PEAK 22, Rampart 21, Legend 18, Heritage 16, Silver Creek 14, Fountain-Fort Carson 14, Rock Canyon 13, Mullen 13, Grandview 13, Highlands Ranch 10, Pomona 7, Denver South 6, Columbine 4, Arapahoe 4, Poudre 4, Legacy 3, Boulder 2, Horizon 1, Skyline 1
Dropped out
Fairview (12), Grandview (13), Legend (14)
Class 4A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Mead (22)
1-0
402
1
1-0
2
Lewis-Palmer
2-0
345
2
2-0
3
Longmont (1)
2-0
303
3
2-0
4
Golden
2-0
293
5
2-0
5
Windsor (3)
1-0
261
4
1-0
6
Erie
1-0
207
8
1-0
7
Pueblo Central (1)
2-0
204
10
2-0
8
Evergreen
1-1
165
6
1-1
9
Montrose
1-0
133
7
1-0
10
Pueblo East
1-0
123
11
1-0
11
Centaurus
1-1
117
12
1-1
12
Frederick
2-0
115
–
2-0
13
Pueblo South
2-0
95
–
2-0
14
Harrison
1-1
73
8
1-1
15
Aurora Central (1)
3-0
72
–
3-0
Others receiving votes:
Palmer Ridge 69, Sand Creek 57, D’Evelyn 50, Green Mountain 47, Cheyenne Mountain 44, Palisade 39, Roosevelt 35, Mountain View 35, Coronado 20, Holy Family 16, Widefield 15, Denver North 15, Canon City 13, Thomas Jefferson 12, Eagle Valley 11, Steamboat Springs 11, Lincoln 10, Thompson Valley 10, The Classical Academy 9, Mitchell 8, Discovery Canyon 8, Northfield 7, Glenwood Springs 5, Riverdale Ridge 5, Grand Junction Central 4, Weld Central 4, Severance 4, Pueblo Centennial 3, Wheat Ridge 3, Berthoud 1, Falcon 1, Pueblo County 1
Dropped out
Cheyenne Mountain (13), Holy Family (14), Green Mountain (15)
Class 3A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Lutheran (20)
2-0
381
1
2-0
2
St. Mary’s (4)
2-0
313
7
2-0
3
Faith Christian (2)
1-1
304
2
1-1
4
Manitou Springs
2-0
263
4
2-0
5
Centauri
1-0
228
8
1-0
6
Resurrection Christian
1-1
187
5
1-1
7
Eaton
1-1
171
8
1-1
8
Sterling
0-1
169
3
0-1
9
Coal Ridge
1-0
159
10
1-0
10
Colorado Academy
2-0
141
–
2-0
11
Manual
0-1
110
6
0-1
12
Highland
2-1
84
–
2-1
13
University
0-2
63
11
0-2
14
Englewood
2-1
61
–
2-1
15
Bishop Machebeuf
2-0
49
–
2-0
Others receiving votes:
Alamosa 46, Colorado Springs Christian 45, DSST: Byers 37, The Vanguard School 37, Strasburg 35, Kent Denver 32, Estes Park 24, Platte Valley 22, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 22, Gunnison 19, Salida 17, Bennett 14, DSST: College View 13, Roaring Fork 9, Brush 9, Lamar 8, Liberty Common 8, Moffat County 7, Woodland Park 7, Buena Vista 5, Aspen 4, Basalt 3, DSST: Montview 3, Grand Valley 3, DSST: Conservatory Green 2, Pagosa Springs 2, Fort Lupton 2, Montezuma-Cortez 2
Dropped out
Alamosa (12), Gunnison (13), DSST: Byers (14), The Vanguard School (15)
Class 2A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
Limon (20)
2-0
326
1
2-0
2
Wray (1)
2-0
280
4
2-0
3
Fowler
1-1
230
3
1-1
4
Yuma (1)
0-2
226
2
0-2
5
Mancos
2-0
202
11
2-0
6
Sanford
2-1
174
5
2-1
7
Sedgwick County
2-0
166
10
2-0
8
Denver Christian
1-1
140
6
1-1
9
Holly
1-0
122
8
1-0
10
Ignacio
0-1
117
8
0-1
11
Meeker
2-0
95
13
2-0
12
Crested Butte
1-0
91
12
1-0
13
Peyton
0-1
90
7
0-1
14
Holyoke
2-1
84
14
2-1
15
Monte Vista
1-1
44
–
1-1
Others receiving votes:
Vail Mountain 33, Vail Christian 28, Wiggins 25, Clear Creek 22, West Grand 14, Dayspring Christian Academy 13, Sargent 12, Center 10, Soroco 10, Gilpin County 10, Golden View Classical 8, Del Norte 8, Cedaredge 7, Lotus School for Excellence 6, Thomas MacLaren 6, Swink 6, Olathe 6, Telluride 5, Akron 4, Byers 4, Dolores 3, Front Range Christian 3, Rye 2, Calhan 2, Heritage Christian 2, Crowley County 1, John Mall 1, Dawson School 1, Lyons 1
Dropped out
Vail Mountain (15)
Class 1A
RK
TEAM
W-L
PTS
PVS
LW
1
De Beque (10)
2-0
280
2
2-0
2
Mile High Academy (6)
0-0
258
1
0-0
3
Belleview Christian (3)
3-0
206
8
3-0
4
Kit Carson
2-0
189
4
2-0
5
Briggsdale
2-0
185
5
2-0
6
Merino (1)
1-0
184
3
1-0
7
Primero
2-0
159
6
2-0
8
Haxtun
2-0
122
10
2-0
9
Sangre de Cristo
1-0
100
8
1-0
10
Cheraw
2-0
87
–
2-0
11
Granada
2-0
75
13
2-0
12
Evangelical Christian
1-1
71
12
1-1
13
Denver Jewish Day
1-1
60
–
1-1
14
Flatirons Academy
2-0
58
–
2-0
15
Genoa-Hugo
1-1
54
7
1-1
Others receiving votes:
Rocky Mountain Lutheran 40, Cheyenne Wells 32, McClave 32, Denver Waldorf 31, Kim/Branson 23, Longmont Christian 23, Pikes Peak Christian 22, Eads 21, Fleming 20, Springfield 11, Sierra Grande 8, Cotopaxi 8, Walsh 8, Arickaree/Woodlin 7, Caliche 6, Flagler 3, Prairie 2, Ouray 2, Caprock Academy 1, Simla 1
Two years ago was the best feeling that Wes Ryan and the De Beque Dragons could have ever hoped for. They were standing on the floor of Massari Arena, hoisting the Class 1A boys basketball state championship.
It was a moment that the team will never forget, and one that it badly wants to experience again.
As the 2021 season kicked off on Monday, the CHSAANow.com No. 2 Dragons feel they have the pieces and the mental wherewithal to battle through the season and emerge with yet another state championship win.
“The ultimate goal is always going to be that state championship,” Ryan said.
That was certainly the goal a year ago. After claiming the program’s first boys basketball title since 1998, the Dragons entered the 2020 state tournament as the No. 4 seed. A three-point loss to Briggsdale ended any dreams of a repeat, though the tournament would eventually be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the loss still stung. With as much offseason work that could be done, the Dragons now enter the 2021 refreshed and a bit more focused on the task at hand.
“The whole team has been a lot more mature on and off the court,” Ryan said. “There were a few problems that we had last year that we’re not really noticing this year.”
What they will notice is Ryan’s production that he hopes to carry over from last year. As a junior, he averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game which was a big reason why his team again advanced to the 1A state tournament.
“Wes brings so much,” De Beque coach Jake Higuera said. “He brings leadership. He brings all of the knowledge of being one of our main guys as a sophomore. He has such a strong work ethic. And as good as he’s been in the past, he’s looking pretty solid this year.”
Jaden Jordan is also back for his senior season after averaging nearly 13 points and over seven rebounds per game. He also led the Dragons in assists with nearly five per game.
Junior Logan Winfield scored just under 10 points per game and should increase his role this season. At 6-foot-5, Dante Dejulio should provide a strong presence in the post to round out a solid group of players hoping to fulfill their championship ambitions.
“The guys that are coming back, it’s a good core of guys,” said. “They understand this year that it was tough transitioning to the role that everyone had (after they had won a title). Not really knowing what to expect. I think our boys have an idea of what to expect this season.”
What they should expect is a tough gauntlet of competition in the 1A field. Mile High Academy enters the season as the No. 1-ranked team and Briggsdale, the team toppled the Dragons in the 1A tournament, is sitting at No. 5.
It’s going to be a challenge ahead for any team looking to be the final one standing when the season is over. But many De Beque players know the feeling of claiming a championship and are heading into the 2021 hoping to experience that feeling once again.
