Season Preview: 4A Colorado 7
There has been some shakeup in the 4A Colorado 7 league, with last year’s co-champ, Vista PEAK moving into the East Metro and Elizabeth moving out as well. Those schools have been replaced by Conifer and Arvada. So how will…
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Continue ReadingThere has been some shakeup in the 4A Colorado 7 league, with last year’s co-champ, Vista PEAK moving into the East Metro and Elizabeth moving out as well.
Those schools have been replaced by Conifer and Arvada. So how will that shake up the balance of the league?
Here’s our take:
1. Fort Morgan (Last season: 16-8, 13-1, tied for first)
The Mustangs will benefit from their two top scorers from a season ago. That includes powerful junior Trey McBride, who averaged 16.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Senior Tate Kembel (10.5 points per game) also returns.
2. Weld Central (10-13, 8-6, tied for third)
The Rebels have a good deal coming back from a team that made big strides in league play. Reece Mettler, a 6-2 senior forward, was one of the better players in the league last season, averaging 13.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season. Bryan Gudka, a 5-11 senior, added 12 points per game.
3. Skyview (15-9, 8-6, tied for third)
Look for 5-11 junior guard Deyvon Butler, who averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season, to have a big impact as the Wolverines aim to replace a good deal of senior talent. Skyview also added 5-8 guard transfer Angelo Garcia, who averaged 10.3 points for Englewood last season.
4. Alameda (6-17, 2-12, seventh)
There is a lot to like about what the Pirates bring back this season, led by a trio of seniors. Anthony Lawson, a 5-9 guard who averaged 12.3 points and 3.2 rebounds last season, 5-10 Casey Pruitt (11.3 points and 2.7 rebounds) and 5-10 Christopher Montes (9.7 points and 4.6 rebounds) will make Alameda a tough out.
5. Conifer (14-9, 6-9 in 4A JeffCo)
The Lobos are finding a new home after playing in the loaded JeffCo League last season. Conifer must replace to key cogs in Jack Studer and Steve Moe, but they should be ready for the competition. Look for 5-11 senior guard Abe Martin to play a key role.
6. Fort Lupton (10-13, 7-7, fifth)
It won’t be easy to replace Patrick Vasquez, who did a little bit of everything for the Bluedevils last season. But Jim Roedel should have his younger players up to speed quickly, and 5-8 senior guard Elijah Vargas (6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season) brings good experience to the table.
7. Englewood (4-19, 1-13, eighth)
Brock Breazeale, a 5-9 senior guard, performed well at the Prep Hoops Top 250 event and is among those who have the Pirates looking for a turnaround.
8. Arvada (0-23, 0-15 in JeffCo)
The Bulldogs will turn to a large group of seniors as they aim to rebound, including 6-5 forward Ian Fonseca, who pulled down five rebounds per game last season.
Preseason Player of the Year
Trey McBride, 6-5 senior forward, Fort Morgan
All-Colorado 7 League Team
Tate Kembel, 6-0 senior guard, Fort Morgan
Angelo Garcia, 5-9 senior guard, Skyview
Anthony Lawson, 5-9 senior guard, Alameda
Reece Mettler, 6-2 senior forward, Weld Central
Trey McBride, 6-5 senior forward, Fort Morgan