Jan 29th-Mar 2nd–Games of the week
Another week of great basketball, while there’s sure to be some good basketball throughout the week, looks like Friday night brings us some of the best basketball for the week. This week looks a bit different as we’re having our first look at a game of the week in the 3A class as some scoring leaders go at it. Take a look at who else makes it for games of the week.
Tuesday
Vanguard vs. Buena Vista
Not often do you hear about The Vanguard Coursers and I’m unsure why, they’re 13-1 and playing some of the most entertaining basketball in the state, despite them being in 3A. They’re putting up a whopping 76 points a game and a lot of that has to do with Jr. Guard Seth Fuqua who’s putting up 26.9 points a game, good for 5th in the state in scoring. He’s also averaging 4.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds as well which has made it easier for players like Carter Milroy and Dominique Clifford as well. Vanguard is fun. The team they’re going against, Buena Vista isn’t having as strong a year as they sit at 6-8 on the season but you can’t say they aren’t enjoyable. They score 60 points a game and the most interesting part of that is their Senior Cade Carroll is averaging more than 50% of their buckets. He’s leading the state in scoring at 32.8 points a game. This is a battle between two of the top five scorers in the state going head to head in what to be has expected a VERY high scoring game.
Wednesday
Smoky Hill vs. Cherokee Trail
The last time these two teams faced up against each other it was a thriller as Cherokee Trail escaped with an overtime upset against the then Top-5 Buffaloes. It was Seniors Deon Barfield (19 points), Kamron Bode (14 points) and Champion Martin (11 points) who secured the win for the Cougars and they look to show that last game wasn’t just a fluke. On the opposite end, Smoky Hill has had a few early hiccups that have led to losses, but look to avenge their early losses in the season. They’re coming off of a convincing 67-55 win against Grandview who they lost to earlier in the season as well. They had four starters finish with double digit scoring but it was Kenny Foster who led all scorers with 19 points. John Harge has been on a dunking rampage, Quinten Rock has balanced the team and William Becker does it all as a big man, it seems that the Buffaloes are starting to come on and make a run for a state tournament bid. How strong they finish off is another question. This should be a good game but I’m giving the edge to Smoky Hill in this one.
Friday
Rampart at Fountain Fort Carson
Another battle of the Springs against Rampart and Fountain Fort Carson. Fort Carson is an up and down team that plays to the level of their competition but will need a strong game if they want to come out on top. They’re currently riding a two game winning streak and before that lost an overtime game to Doherty. They’re attempting to get right and coming on at the right time. Keyshawn Maltbia and Rashon Barron have been getting it done and will be what they ride against a very talented Rampart squad. Rampart fell to this squad earlier in the month and is now playing at the level that was expected of them this year. Josh Kavalec and Xavier Johnson have done it all for the Rams and are a duo you must go out and see, if you’re in the Springs on Friday, this is the game to get out to.
Rock Canyon vs. Chaparral
This is the Friday night hammer and game of the week as we have two of the best teams in the state going at it to kick off the weekend. Rock Canyon is the best team in the state until someone knocks them off. They’re 17-0 on the season and that’s due to some fine play by Tyson Gilbert, Blake Williams and Sam Masten. Taking a look at the rest of their schedule this might be their last big challenge so it’s up to Chap to issue them their first lost. Chaparral will have to be at their best if they want to take down a team this complete. Chap will definitely be rested as they’ll have a full week off in between games and will need it as Ronnie DeGray III, Kobe Sanders and Joseph Dalton have been on a tear as of late. They’ve been blowing teams out and looking strong heading into state tournament time and a win here would be their biggest win of the season. This should be a packed house as its Prep Hoops game of the week.
Thunder ridge vs. Highlands Ranch
Thunder ridge is having another great year as they’re a Top-5 team and sit at 15-1 on the season. This is one of the most balanced teams in the state with Austin Holt, Tyler Cruickshank, Justin McCaw and Kaison Hammonds heading them. They score, rebound and defend at a very high level with both the starters and a composed back-up unit all in sync which makes them an elite group. When they’re playing at their best, there isn’t many teams in the state that can hang with them but Highlands Ranch will try their best to rattle the momentum that they’ve gathered as they aren’t having too shabby of a season themselves. They sit at 13-4 thanks in part to some inspiring play by Brendan Sullivan who’s the only player scoring in double-figures at 22.5 points per game. Beside him are Thomas Hammond and Jaden Courage who have been key contributors as well. They’ll need every one of their players all at their best if they want to come up away with the upset.