5A/4A Front Range League Preview

<p>With the high school season just around the corner, it’s time for us to take a look at some of the conferences across the state. Next up is the 5A/4A Front Range league which is one of the largest conferences in the state with 13 teams. While it is top-heavy there are a few teams at the bottom that are ready to make a name and attempt to create a shift. <strong>Fairview</strong> ran the table last season and I feel as if they will again this upcoming year but that is not to say that other teams will not put a bid in and compete. He is a look at the Front Range league that should have a new team or two compete for the top spot and also how I see things shaking out.</p> <p><strong>Conference Commentary</strong></p> <p><strong>Favorite</strong>:<strong> Fairview</strong></p> <p>This is the year that <strong>Jalen Page</strong> should completely dominate in this league as he will come in as the top-rated player in the conference. That is not to say that he has not had his way with the league in previous season but with a big year where he is one of the top unsigned seniors he should up his 14.2 points and 6.2 rebounds a game and be the player that the offense runs through while also setting the tone on the defensive end as well. Page should take over and also be the top scorer as well as the rebounder in the conference this year that schools should be over as he has great size and skill to help a college next season. Alongside him is <strong>Greysen Carter</strong>(10.3 ppg) who is a guard with the size that can score in multiple ways. He and <strong>Mark O’ Neill</strong> will provide some assistance as bigger guards that will make it difficult on opposing teams on both ends of the court and they should be able to own the inside battle on most teams. This will be an experienced bunch that plays together.</p> <p><strong>Should Compete: </strong></p> <p><strong>Dark-horse standouts:  Boulder </strong></p> <p>Boulder is one of those teams that just stick with you. They are scrappy, they are well-coached and come in with a game plan and sticks with it. They do a good job of taking your best thing away from you while also slowing down the game and executing. This bunch that they have this year is fun as they are led by returning leading scorer <strong>Tyler Turner </strong>(12.6 ppg) and also <strong>Giles Schmid</strong> (7.6 ppg). Both players are capable of scoring in multiple ways but rely on getting to the rim and attacking. They can step out and shoot it but would rather get a basket inside and they have the size to score over smaller defenders with ease. This is also a group that has some underrated players that are ready to take over. <strong>Pete Boyle</strong> just recently signed to Pomona college, he is a forward that gives his all on the court and size creates mismatches. Two other players that we got to see this summer who are poised for larger roles are <strong>Drake Arthur</strong> and <strong>Jimmy Starr</strong> who are both solid guards that can contribute. Excited to see how this group pans out this year.</p> <p><strong>Team to watch: Horizon </strong></p> <p>This is easily one of my favorite teams in the state and a team that I will go out of the way to watch. So many of their players stood out and had incredible summers that I feel that it will cultivate to them having a stellar season. They will be one of the most improved teams in the state and while I feel that they are two years away from being a top-5 team in the state – why not make some impressions now? <strong>Brock Wisne </strong>is a top-5 player in the class of 2022 and is a skilled big man that makes others around him better. He uses his 6’8 frame to dominate down low but what separates him from almost any other big in the state no matter the class is his ability to put the ball on the floor as well as open up the floor with his shooting. He moves well without the ball and will be a matchup nightmare due to his versatility. Another player that got his feet wet last year as a freshman that is ready to show that he also is a top-10 player in the 2022 class in point guard <strong>Xavier Harris</strong>. He is a high IQ guard that plays above his age. Harris controls the pace and also is learning as he goes. He has great court awareness, a strong feel for the game and gets to the rim easy for open baskets. This year he will be a floor general that gets others involved as he is surrounded by a solid bunch and both will have to lean on Senior combo-guard <strong>Daric Conkright</strong>. This will be a fun team to watch that will only continue to get better.</p> <p><strong>Conference Predictions</strong></p> <p>1) Fairview</p> <p>2) Boulder</p> <p>3) Horizon</p> <p>4) Broomfield</p> <p>5) Fossil Ridge</p> <p>6) Monarch</p> <p>7) Fort Collins  </p> <p>8) Legacy</p> <p>9) Poudre</p> <p>10) Greeley West</p> <p>11) Loveland</p> <p>12) Rocky Mountain</p> <p>13) Mountain Range</p>