Examining Colorado’s unbeaten squads
Already, the two Class 5A teams that began the season ranked Nos. 1 and 2 (Overland and ThunderRidge) have lost a combined four games. Meanwhile, three teams from Aurora (Regis Jesuit, Eaglecrest and Rangeview) remain undefeated in 5A, while Longmont…
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Continue ReadingAlready, the two Class 5A teams that began the season ranked Nos. 1 and 2 (Overland and ThunderRidge) have lost a combined four games. Meanwhile, three teams from Aurora (Regis Jesuit, Eaglecrest and Rangeview) remain undefeated in 5A, while Longmont and Pueblo South are still unblemished in 4A.
Here’s a closer look at the five undefeated teams in Colorado’s two highest classifications.
Eaglecrest
Sure, De’Ron Davis wasn’t in the lineup on Friday night when the Raptors took down Overland, but Eaglecrest’s domination of the Trailblazers in that game, which helped it improve to 10-0, showed this team is for real.
Of course, it all begins with Colbey Ross, the superlative junior point guard who has already netted several mid-major Division I offers. The attacking Ross scored 27 points against Overland and has shown an ability to score at will, while consistently playing under control and knowing the right buttons to press for his teams.
But the supporting cast, a fast, athletic bunch that loves to get out and run, has been a major reason why the Raptors look like state title contenders. Junior Ikenna Ozor and sophomore Victor Garnes are averaging 10.1 points per game apiece.
And Eaglecrest’s victims this season have been a who’s who of quality teams. Among the teams the Raptors have beat: Rock Canyon, Boulder, Highlands Ranch, Palmer (twice) and Overland.
Rangeview
The Raiders are 8-0 entering tonight’s matchup against talented Cherokee Trail. Shawn Palmer’s experienced squad has run past opponents at every turn this season, using its length and athleticism on the perimeter to wreak havoc, cause turnovers and create transition opportunities.
Rangeview has one of the more underrated players in the state in senior EJ Reed, who has done absolutely everything for the team during its perfect start. He’s averaging 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds 2.5 assists and one block per game.
And Tyrei Randall, one of the state’s top two or three unsigned seniors, has been a dynamic and consistent scorer, leading the team at 17.6 points per game.
So how dominating has Rangeview been? All but one of their victories — a 65-63 win over Cherry Creek on Dec. 17 — has been by 10 points or more, and five victories have been by more than 20 points.
Longmont
The Trojans haven’t lost a regular-season game since 2014. This season’s group is 8-0 and led by highly experienced, led by Boise State-bound swingman Justinian Jessup.
But the Trojans have also have received a huge boost from fellow senior Kolton Bachman, who is averaging 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
The Trojans have been reliably stingy on defense. They’ve allowed no more than 46 points in a game this season, and they’ve held teams to less than 40 points in five of their eight victories.
Pueblo South
While Mike Ranson, Colorado’s leading scorer, draws big attention in Pueblo, and rightfully so, the city’s best team is South, and the Colts just might have the pieces to make a strong run at a state championship.
Balance is the operative term at South. The Colts have FOUR players averaging right at 12 points per game or more. Junior Deshiloh Stanley (11.9) and seniors Brett Devries (12.0), Isiah Pannunzio (12.4) and Maleek Johnson (17.1).
The Colts, who are also getting 7.0 points per game from sophomore Lawrence Ramos, have victories over Lewis-Palmer, Golden and Mead this season.
Regis Jesuit
We examined the fast start of the Raiders in our League Lookout article a couple days ago. Click here for a closer look at what has made Ken Shaw’s team sprint to such a quick start.