5A/4A Pikes Peak Preview

<p>With the high school season just around the corner, it’s time for us to take a look at some of the top conferences across the state. Next up we head out to Colorado Springs to take a look at the Pikes Peak league that has typically been run by powerhouse Lewis-Palmer but feels as if there will be a shakeup this year with a new sheriff in town. There are also other young and talented teams ready to put their name in a hat and this is how I feel it shakes out this season. </p> <p><strong>Conference Commentary</strong></p> <p><strong>Favorite</strong>: <strong>Cheyenne Mountain </strong></p> <p>When you have a player like New Mexico signee <strong>Javonte Johnson</strong> leading the way, you’re in good hands. <strong> </strong>Last season as a junior he led the conference in scoring and was also one of the best rebounders as well. He is a player that is on every single team’s scouting report as he put up 22.4 points and over nine rebounds a game and still there is nothing that can be done. He can shoot, dunk, board and get others involved and this is a year that he is a final candidate for Mr. Basketball as I am expecting some huge games from him. Alongside him is <strong>Jaedn Harrison </strong>who is the equalizer that does a bit of everything and will have to get some help from <strong>Brad Helton </strong>and <strong>Wade Jones </strong>should also step up and be perfect compliments for him. This team will have a few growing pains I expect but will find a groove and make some noise heading into the playoffs.</p> <p><strong>Should Compete: Palmer Ridge, Discovery Canyon, Lewis-Palmer</strong></p> <p><strong>Dark-horse standouts: Sand Creek </strong></p> <p>Sand Creek was a team that was one of the youngest teams in the conference last year to now being a team with chemistry and a year to get better. The nucleus of this team is still intact and their starting point guard, <strong>Markus Ramirez</strong>, who put up 13.3 points a game as a sophomore and has his sights on something bigger this upcoming season as he is an explosive weapon that makes this happen. The two players I am excited to see if they make the jump is <strong>Gabe Brock</strong>(9.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and <strong>Izaiah Jordan</strong>. Brock will be one of the better big men in the class which will separate him. He should have his way this season and put up a double-double for the year. He is the Senior of the bunch and a playmaking big. Jordan is a player that can come in and provide energy and all of the hustle plays. He is capable of having a few big games as well. I like this Sand Creek bunch this year.  </p> <p><strong>Team to watch: Discovery Canyon </strong></p> <p>Discovery Canyon is a team that should be entertaining this season. They have a big-time scorer in <strong>Daryn Whisman</strong>(16.7 ppg) that can truly alter games himself. He makes the defense pay often with his jump shot but also can get to the rim or create for himself. He is a must-watch player that will be on a few teams radars this season and will hope to get some help from <strong>Jaxon Smith</strong> who when he is on can contribute in big ways and will be a year older and better as well as<strong> Ethan Hall</strong> that will also come into a very important Senior year hoping to make a splash in a league that is wide open. Discovery Canyon should be a fun team to watch and compete on a nightly basis.</p> <p><strong>Conference Predictions</strong></p> <p>1) Cheyenne Mountain</p> <p>2) Sand Creek</p> <p>3) Discovery Canyon</p> <p>4) Lewis-Palmer</p> <p>5) Vista Ridge</p> <p>6) Falcon</p> <p>7) Palmer Ridge</p> <p>8) Air Academy</p>