Most intriguing teams in the East Metro Athletic Conference
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 most interesting conferences around the state. This time around we got to the EMAC conference that’s been dominated as of late by the Rangeview Raiders, let’s see who accompanies them in this conference preview.
Team Name: Rangeview Raiders
Last Year’s record: 16 – 9
Head Coach: Shawn Palmer
Assistant coaches: Jon Sobolewski
Returning Starters: Jodaun Dotson (Jr.), Ryan Ongala (Sr.) and Christian Speller (So.)
Other Returners:
Devin Collins (Sr.), Jaden Gale (So.), Ayden Clayton (Sr.) and Christopher Speller (So.)
Known Newcomers (transfers or players now on varsity):
Isaiah Hayes (So.), Eric Jackson (Sr.) DJ Pigford (Fr.) and Cade Palmer (Fr.) Amanuel Bulbula (Sr.) Quincey Jewett (Jr.)
Outlook: Rangeview is a team that combines youth with experience. They have four sophomores that will be playing a large amount of minutes next to one of the most under-rated guards in the state of Colorado, Jodaun Dotson. Dotson (8 ppg and 4 apg) started as a sophomore and is one of the top defenders in the state, he looks to be improved heading into his junior season. Alongside him is 1st Team All-EMAC player and Emporia State University verbal committee Ryan Ongala (10 ppg and 8 rpg). Ongala is a man amongst boys and looks like he might lead the team in points, blocks and rebounds. A player that has emerged in Spring lead as a player that’ll make an immediate impact as a sophomore is Isaiah Hayes. This is a strong young bunch that look to be set up for years to come.
What to expect: Expect a team that will have some early challenges, specifically in their non-conference games with having to play underclassmen extensive minutes, while I do expect them to win the EMAC yet again, I expect them to start off slow and build from there, but by January/February, we will see a solid Shawn Palmer led team that’s ready to make noise as one of the dark horse teams heading into the playoffs.
Team Name: Aurora Central Trojans
Last Year’s record: 1-22
Head Coach: Robert Harrison
Assistant coaches: Larry Taylor, Marcus Shelton, Chris Kelly
Returning Starters: Mike Thompson (Jr.)
Outlook: It’s hard to have high expectations for a team that only won one game last year, however, this is a team that will turn a few heads this year and compete with most teams in the state. While I expect a few more wins, the reality of the situation is there will be plenty of growing pains along the way. Mike Thompson was one of the few bright spots for this team last year as a sophomore and he welcomes in a young core set to improve. I expect some blowout games from him as he looks to compete with Rangeview to stay afloat in the EMAC conference. If the Trojans hit their stride early, they could be the most improved team in the state.
What to expect: There are plenty of teams who could make jumps next season, but the Trojans have the chance to take the biggest leap, expect to see an improved team. This is a team that’s seems to have bought in with Coach Harrison’s system and with their new players they’re looking to show that last year was just an off-year and this This is a bunch that is coachable, they play until the final whistle and they will.
Team Name: Gateway Olympians
Last Year’s record: 6-17
Head Coach: Jason Dixon
Assistant coaches: Nicholas Dixon, Dan Feldman, Micheal Cox
Returning Starters: Michkaleke (man man) Baker Sr, James Willard III Sr., Dalian (Dj) Wilson So.
Other Returners (including year): Jacob Hice Sr, Noah Harrison So, Anthony Guyton Sr.
Known Newcomers (transfers or players now on varsity): Kywan Jones, Marcus Hill, Elijah Knight
Outlook on season: The Olympians are a gritty team determined to make the playoffs. They have a well-balanced attack with strong guard play and they’ll be stout inside. All-conference guard Michkaleke (man man) Baker earned his nickname as he averaged 15 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and looks to improve those numbers to give his team a chance to win night in and night out. Sophomore sensation Dalian Wilson (5 ppg and 4rpg) look to fill out the starting lineup alongside Baker and James Williard III in their quest for a winning season full of progression.
What to expect: Expect to see a team that gets off to a much better start than last year. Their wins from last year were all in conference as the team got off to a slow-start before picking up their play in the lateral half of the season. Michkaleke Baker did it all for the Olympians last year as he led in almost every category (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocked shots) if the team can get off to a stronger start, I expect for this hidden gem to make his name as one of the best seniors in the state. Coach Dixon said that he challenged his team to leave a legacy behind this year that’s hard to beat. . expect to see a strong team that tries to make some noise near playoff time, they just hope, it’s enough to get them in.