5A/4A Pikes Peak Preview
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…
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Continue ReadingWith 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.
Conference Commentary
Favorite: Cheyenne Mountain
When you have a player like New Mexico signee Javonte Johnson leading the way, you’re in good hands. 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 Jaedn Harrison who is the equalizer that does a bit of everything and will have to get some help from Brad Helton and Wade Jones 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.
Should Compete: Palmer Ridge, Discovery Canyon, Lewis-Palmer
Dark-horse standouts: Sand Creek
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, Markus Ramirez, 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 Gabe Brock(9.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and Izaiah Jordan. 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.
Team to watch: Discovery Canyon
Discovery Canyon is a team that should be entertaining this season. They have a big-time scorer in Daryn Whisman(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 Jaxon Smith who when he is on can contribute in big ways and will be a year older and better as well as Ethan Hall 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.
Conference Predictions
1) Cheyenne Mountain
2) Sand Creek
3) Discovery Canyon
4) Lewis-Palmer
5) Vista Ridge
6) Falcon
7) Palmer Ridge
8) Air Academy