Most Intriguing Teams From The Continental League
The 2017-2018 Colorado high school basketball season’s right around the corner as many teams have already started their fall leagues giving us a glimpse of what’s to come in a highly anticipated season as this year seems to be the year of balance. As of right now, there’s no team that stand head and shoulders above the rest as in previous years meaning each team must bring their best each and every night. .excited yet!?
To prepare fans for the upcoming season, Prep Hoops is going to be putting together preseason team capsules for some of the most intriguing teams in some of the strongest conferences around the state. First up is the 5A Continental League.
ThunderRidge Grizzlies
Last Year’s record: 24-3
Head Coach: Joe Ortiz
Assistant coaches: Mike Broyles, Bob Rusk, Ryan Moats
Returning Starters: Kaison Hammonds Sr., Justin McCaw Sr., Bailey Verk Jr.
Other Returners: Tyson Cruickshank Sr. Kevin Sax. Jr. Austin Holt. Jr. Casey Fowler Sr. Robbie Hess Sr.
Known Newcomers (transfers or players now on varsity): Garrett Arnold Fr. Nolan Marold Fr.
Outlook: When a team loses a player like 1st Team All-State Guard Corey Seng due to graduation, there’s usually a huge drop off. I don’t see that from this bunch as 1st All-State Senior Guard Kaison Hammonds (14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists) will do all that he can to lead his team to a state title. .the Grizzlies are in good hands. Him alongside Senior G Justin McCaw, who averaged 8.5 points last year as well as do-it-all pg Tyson Cruickshank look to have what it takes to be in the mix when it’s all said and done. Bailey Verk Jr. should be the X-factor for this unit that has high expectations for the upcoming year.
What to expect: It’s known what you’re getting from a Joe Ortiz led team, a ferocious; yet disciplined bunch that’s going to bring it every night. Traditionally, the Grizzlies have big guards that can shoot the ball, play defense and help out on the glass. That certainly is the case again. Due to the guard play, many teams will have fits with this Grizzlies team. This will be an up-tempo and guard dominated squad that will play well together and remain as a top team in Colorado.
Rock Canyon Jaguars
Last Year’s record: 23-4 overall
Head Coach: Kent Grams
Assistant coaches: Nick Mahan, Mike Woods, Mike Evans, Tommy Gilbert
Returning Starters: Sam Masten (SR), Tyson Gilbert (SR), Joe Bryson (SR), Nick Janedis (SR)
Other Returners: Blake WIlliams (SR), Matt Rich (SR), Jaylen Eikenberg (JR),
Outlook: Rock Canyon not only has what arguably may be the best frontcourt in Colorado but should get consideration as one of the best backcourt’s in the Midwest region. ESPN has 1st team All-State member Sam Masten (22.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg.) as the #1 recruit in Colorado. The University of Northern Colorado commit alongside the #5 rated recruit in the state and 2nd-Team All-Conference guard, Tyson Gilbert (12.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.1 apg) make up for one of the best duos we’ll see all year and have them looking to be heavy favorites come March. The Jaguars return a core of mostly seniors and with another year under their belt, it will be hard to beat this team.
What to expect: What to expect is lots of wins from this group in a very strong conference. They have a dynamic backcourt in Gilbert and Masten but also return 6’8 bigman Joe Bryson who will dominate the boards, 6’6 forward Blake Williams who can guard multiple positions and shoot the ball relatively well and also 6’6 forward Nick Janedis who’s their best defender and most consistent rebounder. With this type of balance, the Jaguars will be around and I expect to see them in the mix and playing for the gold ball when it’s all said and done.
Chaparral Wolverines
Last Year’s Record: 15-10
Head Coach: Tellus Truesdale
Assistant Coaches: Nate Rohnert, John Spears
Returning Starters: Ronnie DeGray III (Jr.), Wayne Fish (Sr.), Kobe Sanders (So.), Bryce Matthews Jr.), Joseph Dalton (Jr.)
Other Returners: Tanner Giles
Outlook: Chaparral will now have another year of chemistry under their belts and when you return essentially your whole team you’re set up to make a major leap from the previous year. The Wolverines have an equally balanced team and they’ll cause matchup issues each night with their depth. They return their leading scorer Ronnie DeGray-(15.3ppg 5.7 rpg) who can do it all with additional help from Wayne Fish (10.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Bryce Matthews (11 ppg 5.4 rpg) and Joseph Dalton (12.4 ppg 3.5 rpg) who finished off last year on a high note.
What to expect: With how many players they have returning, chemistry and experience shouldn’t be an issue. There will be three players in the starting line-up that played significant minutes as freshman, they’re now juniors and should be a bit more comfortable, therefore, better expected results. Last year they made it to the Sweet 16, if they all buy in, they definitely have the potential to make it even further. Head Coach Tellus Truesdale showed the ability to get the most out of his young players last season and will need to do so again in the always challenging Continental league.