Week 2-Games of the day
One week into the season is a small sample size to say this is going to be an entertaining year of high school basketball, but with the preseason No.1 ranked team falling in both 4A and 5A, it’s safe to say—this is going to be a wonderful year of high school basketball. Here are the week 2 games of the day which we deem, worth the price of admission.
Monday, December 4th
Brighton vs. Grandview
Brighton was on a bad end of a blow-out loss to Smoky Hill and is looking at this as a bounce back spot against another very good team. It looks as if they loaded up the front end of their schedule to prepare them for league play and will have played two of the most talented teams in the Centennial league. Senior, Ben Boone is ready to take this team to new heights and show that last year’s 21-4 record wasn’t by accident. If you plan on coming to this game, it’s to see how prepared Grandview Wolves are to defend their throne as Centennial league champs.
Players to watch: Ben Boone, Gunner Gentry, Dayne Prim, Davon Walker, Lian Ramiro
Tuesday, December 5th
Eaglecrest vs. Rock Canyon
Eaglecrest is a bit further than other teams as they already have three games under their belt which has allowed them to build chemistry, work out a few kinks and figure things out from their first game in which they fell to British Columbia Christian Academy in the Highlands Ranch Tournament. Since then, they look to have it figured out as they’re coming off back-to-back wins and now face maybe the stiffest opponent they’ll see all year, Rock Canyon. RC took down the No.1 team in the state and will now be the squad that other teams are gunning for. With Sam Masten, Tyson Gilbert and Blake Williams all playing well and with great chemistry to start out the year, it’s going to be tough to knock them of their course at bringing in the gold ball at seasons end. This will be an interesting game and one to make sure you get to early.
Players to watch: Sam Masten, Tyson Gilbert, Blake Williams, Xaiv’ion Jackson, Jalen Talbott
Wednesday, December 6th
Cherry Creek vs. Gateway
Cherry Creek is a team that returns six seniors and three juniors so they’re a very experienced team ready to prove themselves. Dimitri Stanley is coming off of a strong year and wants to make this one even more special. They’ll need to be at their best if they plan on being one of the best teams in conference and it all starts Wednesday with ultra-entertaining Gateway. Gateway goes as guard Michkaleke Baker goes. He’s coming off a year where he averaged 15 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and makes for one of the most amusing guards that the state has to offer. If you head to the Gateway game, expect to say “Ooo” quite a few times.
Players to watch: Dimitri Stanley, Michkaleke (Man Man) Baker
Thursday, December 7th
Overland vs. Rock Canyon
If you don’t get the chance to see Rock Canyon play on Tuesday, maybe it’s best to get out to Thursday’s game that will be just as good. They’re No. 1 and each night a team will have to play their best if they want a chance at winning. Overland is a fun bunch and plays hard each night. What they lack in skill, they make up for in hustle as they’re a well-coached team that has the capabilities of surprising a few teams this year. They fell last week to a solid Regis squad and their schedule doesn’t get any easier with having RC this week. The Trailblazers will need Stephen Hayes, Tucson Redding and Daijon Smith to be at their best if they want to turn the ship around.
Players to watch: Masten, Gilbert, Williams, Redding, Hayes, Smith
Friday, December 8th
GW vs. Overland
Overland easily has the toughest schedule in the state to start out the year. Regis, Rock Canyon and now George Washington all in a two week span is not ideal for any team, but builds character and will have them looking like seasoned vets come mid-season. The battle of the guards will have this as one to get out to, especially if you didn’t get out to a game earlier in the week. GW is a balanced team that was humbled this week by Rock Canyon so they’ll be playing to make a point each time out. This is quite the match-up to end the week with and will be jam-packed so get there early.
Players to watch: Redding, Hayes, Smith, Jon’il Fugett, Xavier Cooper, Tre Cooper, Devon Carter