5A Centennial League Preview
With high school tryouts underway this week for the winter season, it’s time for us to take a look into the top conferences around the state. The Centennial league is one of the most competitive leagues in the state, with…
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Continue ReadingWith high school tryouts underway this week for the winter season, it’s time for us to take a look into the top conferences around the state. The Centennial league is one of the most competitive leagues in the state, with a lot of talent. Last year, it was Grandview that ran away with the league title with Overland and Smoky Hill right behind them. Here is a look into the Centennial league this year which yet again should be one of the toughest conferences on a nightly basis.
2018-2019 Standings:
Grandview 12-2, Overland 10-4, Smoky Hill 10-4, Eaglecrest 9-7, Mullen 7-7, Creek 6-8, Arapahoe 1-13, Cherokee Trail 1-13
Early Season Favorite: Overland
There is no easy way to predict a favorite in this league, with every night being a tough match up. I look for Overland to lead the way this year in the Centennial league, behind arguably one of the best big men in the state with Graham Ike. Hezekiah Swanson is also returning this year who will have a big impact, last season he averaged: 13.2 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.2 RPG. The Trailblazers also added Vincas Veikalas and Valentinas Ulinas who both will have huge impacts for them, and give other teams in the league fits. Both attended the BBCO showcase and made their presence felt on both ends of the court. It will be interesting to see how they fit into the Overland lineup, which has several juniors who played big minutes for them returning for their senior season.
Grandview will be right at the top of the league again this year and should have a chance to compete for first place with players like Caleb McGill and Lian Ramiro leading the way for the Wolves. The Wolves do a nice job of playing at their pace and slowing down their opponents who often want to get out and push the ball. Every team knows they’re getting into a hard fought battle when they play Grandview, the big question this year for the Wolves will be their supporting cast and how they will have an impact. CJ Thomas and Tanner Holtman are the only other two returning players who saw some varsity minutes last year.
Dark-Horse Favorite:
I am going to put three teams in this category as I believe; Smoky Hill, Eaglecrest, and Cherry Creek will all be competing for a top four spot in the league when its all said and done. Although Smoky Hill will be without Kenny Forster, the Buffaloes have a deep and talented roster with senior point guard, Quinten Rock leading the way. Jalen Weaver should be in for a breakout year for the buffaloes as well, he averaged: 11.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG last season and had a huge AAU summer. Smoky Hill will also rely on Jordan Whitaker this season, he put up 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG for them last season. Eaglecrest this season will have to rely on, Ty Robinson and Zion Ruckard to carry most of the load after losing Aaron Bokol, who led them in scoring last season at 18.3 PPG. Junior, Skylar Wilson will also play a big role for Eaglecrest this year. At 6’6, he is able to stretch the floor and knock down the long range shot as well as take his defender off the dribble. I look for him to have a breakout year.
I put Cherry Creek with this group as well, because of their talented backcourt which led them to an elite eight appearance last season. Sebastian Cole is the senior leader of the group, who has one of the prettiest mid-range games in the state. To go a along with juniors, Julian Hammond III and Myles Purchase. Julian had a huge sophomore year for the Bruins, leading them in scoring (20.5 PPG) and rebounding (6.0 RPG). Myles averaged: 13.0 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 SPG last season as a sophomore and should look to build off of that. He has great vision and is one of the quickest guards in the state. It will be interesting to see how this trio of guards are able to grow this year after a successful playoff run last season. The question for the Bruins will be how their bigs, Chance Hausman, Arden Walker, and Gunner Helm play on a nightly basis.
Most Improved:
I look for Arapahoe to make a jump this year under first year head coach Troy Pachner. They have a talented back court with Bryson Stephens and Korey Hess leading the way. Bryson averaged: 13.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG last season for Arapahoe. Hess hasn’t been able to play much do to injury, but has had a solid summer showing he’s ready to help lead Arapahoe. He is a downhill attacking guard which will open up more opportunities for Stephens to get open looks on the perimeter.
Conference Predictions:
- Overland
- Grandview
- Smoky Hill
- Eaglecrest
- Cherry Creek
- Mullen
- Arapahoe
- Cherokee Trail