Prep Hoops Colorado 4A Team Rankings: Week 1
Each year during the high school season we will rank the teams in Divisions 5A down to 3A, with a quick explanation on each.
With the season officially tipping off with a big slate of games Wednesday, here is our first set of 4A rankings:
1. Valor Christian (0-0)
Yes, Valor fell to Pueblo West, which also returns its core of key players, in last year’s state title game. But motivation can be a powerful factor, and the Eagles should have plenty of it in their second season under coach Troy Pachner.
2. Pueblo West (0-0)
Can David Simental and the Cyclones repeat? They certainly won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this season. Still, talent like West has can beat you even when it’s coming through your front door.
3. Sand Creek (0-0)
The best prospect in the state is hungry. Can D’Shawn Schwartz help the Scorpions bounce back from last season’s first-round upset loss and make a deep run in February?
4. Golden (0-0)
Adam Thistlewood could be in for a breakout junior season. Senior Kayden Sund, in his last high school season before taking his talent to the RMAC, does a little bit of everything. And the Demons have a deep bench that doesn’t relent. They won’t be an easy out for anyone.
5. Sierra (0-0)
C.J. Jennings may be as good as any player in the state, and when he puts the Stallions on his back, they are hard to stop. And Sierra’s complementary pieces are really maturing.
6. Holy Family (0-0)
Pete Villeco’s team plays with constant energy and toughness. The Tigers were young last season, but now they have a talented roster that also has good experience.
7. Vista PEAK (0-0)
The move to the East Metro league should be a good step up in competition for PEAK, which has a deep roster of quick, talented guards.
8. Mead (0-0)
When you have a point guard as steady and talented as Michael Ward, you have a good starting point.
9. Evergreen (0-0)
Mike Dillon, a 6-5 versatile forward, is one of the classification’s top players and is coming off an impressive summer.
10. Longmont (0-0)
Yes, the Trojans lost Justinian Jessup and much of the rest of the cast that played in back-to-back state final fours. But Jeff Kloster is one of the best coaches in the state and their should be plenty of good young players in the pipeline who have been groomed to fit his style.