Colorado’s Saturday matchups to watch
Colorado is getting back to basketball. After an extended break for the holidays, the state’s high school basketball schedule is ramping back up with some big games on Saturday. We take a look at some of the biggest matchups of…
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Continue ReadingColorado is getting back to basketball.
After an extended break for the holidays, the state’s high school basketball schedule is ramping back up with some big games on Saturday. We take a look at some of the biggest matchups of the first day back in action, in order of tip-off time.
Pueblo Central (5-5) at Sierra (4-3), noon
It is always must-see action when Central’s Mike Ranson takes the floor. The Northern Colorado-bound guard leads the NATION in scoring at 37 points per game. On Saturday he will face one of the state’s top perimeter defenders in Sierra junior CJ Jennings, who has also gotten it done on the offensive end to the tune of 18 points per game. This is a big momentum matchup for two teams with designs on making noise in the Class 4A playoffs.
Prospect matchup to watch: Ranson vs. Jennings
Prediction: Pueblo Central
George Washington (5-6) at Arapahoe (5-3), 1 p.m.
The Patriots have won four of their past five games after a 1-5 start. George Washington has found success in its balance, with four players averaging double figures. Sophomore Daylen Kountz (22 points per game) has been nothing short of one of the state’s best players. The Warriors were on a three-game losing streak before falling to Dakota Ridge last time out. Brad Jansen’s group is much improved since last season, executing well in the half court.
Prospect matchup to watch: Kountz vs. Arapahoe junior Kyle Lukasiewicz.
Prediction: George Washington
Smoky Hill (2-5) at Rock Canyon (9-2), 1 p.m.
Prep Hoops Colorado will be on hand for our first live look at the Jaguars, who have won nine of 10 since their opening-night loss to Eaglecrest. Rock Canyon’s only loss since came in a division title game at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas earlier this month. Senior 6-4 guard Isaac Hirsch has made big strides this season, averaging 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The young Buffaloes are making strides with each game of experience they gained, but they are still looking for a signature victory as league play nears.
Prospect matchup to watch: Smoky Hill freshman guard Kenny Foster vs. Rock Canyon sophomore guard Sam Masten
Prediction: Rock Canyon
Denver East (5-4) at ThunderRidge (9-0), 2 p.m.
A welcome back treat, indeed. Both teams return to state action after playing in out-of-state tournaments before the holiday break. The Grizzlies, who swept through to a title at the Phoenix Union Classic, are playing as well as anyone in the state, with versatile big man Clay Verk providing consistent scoring in the post. That opens up so much space for players like Troy Brady, who is an eye-popping 55 percent (22-of-40) from 3-point range. Deron Harrell has been playing well on both sides of the ball of late for the Angels, who are still learning how to gel together a talented roster with diversely talented pieces. This game will say a lot about both teams.
Prospect matchup to watch: Denver East senior guard Jack Buckmelter vs. ThunderRidge sophomore guard Kaison Hammonds
Prediction: ThunderRidge
Boulder (5-2) at Chatfield (6-1), 5 p.m.
A great matchup featuring a pair of teams that will fight for their respective league titles in the Front Range and JeffCo. The Panthers bounced back from back-to-back losses against Cherokee Trail and Eaglecrest with a victory over an athletic and talented Aurora Central team. Boulder excels, under first-year coach Jack Clarke, at sharing the ball on offense and working into open looks. They shoot 48 percent as a team from the 3-point line. Chatfield went into the break with a 67-66 overtime victory over Palmer, and its only loss this season has come at the hands of ThunderRidge. Junior Mike Vrabel has been a solid under-the-radar presence for the Chargers.
Prospect matchup to watch: Boulder senior guard Landon Taliaferro vs. Chatfield senior guard Riley Welch
Prediction: Chatfield
Regis Jesuit (6-0) at Grandview (5-2), 6 p.m.
This will be only Regis’ fourth game this season against a Colorado school. They are 3-0 against in-state schools, including a 62-59 victory over Doherty four days before Christmas. The Raiders are as well-coached as any team you’ll find, and they have shared the scoring up and down a deep lineup. A pleasant surprise has been 6-2 senior guard Michael Wambsganss, who has averaged 10.8 points per game and has made 20-of-21 free throws. Grandview, meanwhile, has been much improved this season, led by superlative junior guard Lechaun Duhart, who is averaging 21.1 points per game.
Prospect matchup to watch: Regis Jesuit senior forward Geoff Kelly vs. Grandview junior forward Gage Prim
Prediction: Regis Jesuit