Way Too Early Class 5A Predictions
It’s never a bad time of year for fun guesses and predictions, right? Right. That’s why we’re bringing you the first of our “Way Too Early Predictions” we’ll be doing over the next week or so that take a very…
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Continue ReadingIt’s never a bad time of year for fun guesses and predictions, right? Right. That’s why we’re bringing you the first of our “Way Too Early Predictions” we’ll be doing over the next week or so that take a very early look at how things could play out next high school season.
To be clear, these shouldn’t be confused with our high school preview content that will start rolling out in the middle of the fall. This is just a fun way to predict what could happen based on some observations gathered so far.
With that, here’s a stab at a Way Too Early Class 5A Top 10:
1. Eaglecrest
The Raptors fell one game short of a title last year, falling to powerhouse Overland and De’Ron Davis. But Eaglecrest returns the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year in Colbey Ross, and he’s joined by a deep stable of talented and athletic guards and one of the best coaches in the state in John Olander.
2. Denver East
The Angels are always a threat, and this year should be no different. An eventual backcourt of Daylen Kountz, Jamison Washington and Joe Abiakam should rival any in the state, and they will have great size with the likes of Alex May, Momar Fall and Assane Diouf if the young 6-11 big man is healthy. A lot to like about this squad.
3. Rock Canyon
The Jaguars had a breakout season last year, threatening for the Continental League title, earning a berth in the Sweet 16 and finishing 20-5. Yes, Canyon will lose a couple of key pieces from that team in Isaac Hirsch and Noah Beck, but there is great talent coming back. It starts at the top, of course, with 6-2 2018 standout Sam Masten, who has leadership skills beyond his years. Colin Rardin and JT Bley are a pair of rising seniors who will be, as will new point guard Tyson Gilbert.
4. Rangeview
Yes, it will certainly be difficult to replicate the one-loss season the Raiders produced last season, perhaps the most memorable run in school history. Still, Rangeview and coach Shawn Palmer have a lot to like with this upcoming squad, led by talented point guard Elijah Blake, who can get it done on both ends at that position. Sharpshooter Matthew Johnson appears ready for an increased role, and 6-6 forward Ryan Ongala had a huge spring with the Colorado Miners and a strong June with Rangeview. He’ll be a key piece of the puzzle.
5. George Washington
The Patriots will have fantastic guard play with the trio of Calvin and Jon’il Fugett and two-way standout Jervay Green. And if 2018 6-8 big man Tray Pierce continues to progress like he has in recent months, the Patriots will be tough to score against inside.
6. Regis Jesuit
You can seemingly plan Regis Jesuit into the top 10 of any preseason ranking and have a good case. That is the kind of program coach Ken Shaw has created. The Raiders may be leaning on more young talent than usual if the look of their June team is any indication, but talent is the operative word. Connor Hobbs will be the elder statesman who brings poise and leadership to the backcourt. And, as we’ve chronicled extensively the past couple months, Sam Bannec has risen to the ranks of the state’s top players.
7. ThunderRidge
Joe Ortiz is another coach who has created a program that has the ability to pile up big wins year after year. The Grizzlies will trot out one of the state’s top backcourts in Kaison Hammonds, a 6-3 2018 standout who recently received a scholarship offer from the University of Denver, and Corey Seng, a 6-4 2017 guard with Division I interest.
8. Grandview
We’ve chronicled of late the great inside-out duo of Gaige Prim and Lechaun Duhart, which is coming off a collectively huge junior season. As seniors, these two have the talent and experience to take this team on their back and lead it to the top of the league standings.
9. Smoky Hill
It may seem a little bit bonkers to place a team that finished with only five wins a season ago on this list, but the young Buffaloes are oozing with talent. The top 2019 player, 6-3 guard Kenny Foster, has a year of big-time experience under his belt. John Harge, a 6-7 force is back after injuries wiped out most of his sophomore season. Will Becker, a 6-8 athletic phenom from that class continues to surge, and the Buffs welcome perhaps the best incoming freshman in the state in Quentin Rock. The talent is there for second-year coach Anthony Hardin. If it all comes together, Smoky could do some real damage.
10. Cherokee Trail
When you have the best passing point guard in the state, as Trail does in Jaizec Lottie, you have a chance to be pretty good. The Cougars also have arguably 2018’s most athletic player in Deon Barfield, who should see an increased role this season. The loss of all-state forward David Thornton will hurt, but Ian Kelly will be a key figure in the post, and Trail will have the athletes to make noise.
Others To Watch
Lakewood, Doherty, Chatfield, Fort Collins, Fossil Ridge, Chaparral, Mountain Vista, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield