The C3 Challenge wrapped up its final day of action on Thursday, and it was a familiar summer power that came out on top.
Overland (6-0) made an undefeated run to it second straight tournament title, beating Chaparral (5-1) in the championship game. The Trailblazers have looked in midseason form the last couple weeks, gelling as a unit and sharing the ball while piling up victories. After winning back-to-back state titles in 2015 and 2016, Overland has the the early look of a team that could be contending for more hardware in 2018.
Here’s the all-tournament team from the three-day event, as selected by C3 organizers:
John Harge, Smoky Hill
Connor Staib, Mountain Vista
Te’Rae Johnson, Vista Peak
Adam Thistlewood, Golden
Sam Masten, Rock Canyon
Tyson Rodgers, Cherokee Trail
Matt Wheelock, Regis
Ronnie DeGray, Chaparral
Kobe Sanders, Chaparral
Tucson Redding, Overland
Lalou Oke, Overland
Some final observations:
— It will be hard to find a better backcourt tandem this season than Sam Master and Tyson Gilbert of Rock Canyon. Both are heading into their senior seasons and now have the benefit of a full year of chemistry under their belts. Coach Kent Grams has seemingly let the pair run the show and orchestrate the attack on both sides of the ball this month, and the results have been encouraging. Both can score from multiple spots on the floor and also are unselfish.
— Doherty is starting anew without leading scorer Brevin Brimble or coach Jarris Krapcha, but they have some promising starting blocks in guard Duke Carey and forward Kyrele Benford. There is still enough experienced firepower on this team to make it dangerous in the 5A picture.
— Tyson Cruickshank continues to develop as a promising point guard for ThunderRidge. He’s an intelligent player who handles the ball well and makes the right plays. It helps that he can also shoot the ball at a high rate.
— Buckle up and enjoy the point guard battle the next three years between Smoky Hill’s Quentin Rock and Chaparral’s Kobe Sanders. Both these players have the potential to be the complete package at the position and will undoubtedly have some big battles ahead.