Games of the Week: Rivalry Week

<p>As the regular season is coming to an end many teams are having their rivalry games and many with high stakes! Here are our picks for the top games of the week.</p> <p><strong>Monday: Centaurus @ Mead</strong></p> <p>This is a big match-up in 4A between two top 10 teams, both teams currently have records of 16-4. Mead is the defending state champion and bringing back their three top scorers from last year: [player_tooltip player_id="1284466" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"], [player_tooltip player_id="1284551" first="James" last="Shiers"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1284601" first="Nick" last="Basson"]. Centaurus is a surprising success this year after only playing nine games last year going 4-5. Centaurus is led by their senior duo of John Lewicki and Kevin Bedford. The 6’7 big man, Kevin Bedford will have his hands full going up against 7’1 [player_tooltip player_id="1284551" first="James" last="Shiers"]. Both players have been exceptional rim protectors this year averaging above 3 blocks per contest. The match-up between the top scorers John Lewicki and [player_tooltip player_id="1284466" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"] is the most intriguing. John Lewicki is a fluent, 6’4 athlete who can score all over the court, but looks best near floater to layup range. [player_tooltip player_id="1284466" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"] is a thrilling scorer who has unlimited range, shifty handles, and great footwork. This will be a competitive game in a great atmosphere at the Mavericks home court.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday: Eaton @ Sterling</strong></p> <p>Eaton and Sterling have been traditionally both been great 3A teams and have followed that tradition this year. Sterling is being led by one of the best players in 3A, [player_tooltip player_id="618870" first="Jackson" last="Keil"], who is a great shooter from the outside and a creative finisher at the basket. Eaton has two very good juniors, Walker Martin and Zac Grable, Martin is a very good set shooter and Grable is the team’s leader who often is trusted to run the point guard spot. Accompanying Keil is junior [player_tooltip player_id="1284480" first="Ryder" last="McConnell"], he is a high IQ combo guard who makes the right plays on the court. On Eaton sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1369790" first="Mitch" last="Haythorn"] has been a great hustle guy, who has caught my eye by always being in the mix, shooting the three-ball, and taking charges. This small town rivalry should be a good one.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday: Air Academy @ Doherty</strong></p> <p>Air Academy and Doherty have been two of the best teams from down south this year. For Air Academy, 6’4 junior [player_tooltip player_id="921102" first="Corbin" last="Garver"] has led the charge, he is a do-it-all wing who rebounds, shoots the ball well from deep, and can finish above the rim. Doherty is also led by a junior standout, 6’3 guard [player_tooltip player_id="921099" first="Christian" last="Drummond"], he is a very two-way player who gets it done on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. At the power forward spot, there is a very intriguing match-up between Grant Featherson and [player_tooltip player_id="1019153" first="Drew" last="Reichart"]. Both players are strong combo-forwards who both are known for playing hard. In this game, both teams will need help from supporting role players and both of these teams have very good depth, this should make for a great match-up.</p> <p><strong>Thursday: Horizon @ Rocky Mountain</strong></p> <p>On Thursday night we head up North once again for the match-up between the number 8 ranked team in 5A, Horizon, and Rocky Mountain. Horizon has had some of the best chemistry of any team in the state, they are super unselfish and always keep the ball moving. Rocky Mountain has one of the top seniors in Colorado, North Alabama commit [player_tooltip player_id="918906" first="Aidan" last="Kuhl"]. This year Kuhl is one of the leading scorers in the state averaging 24.7 points a game. Horizon is being led by 6’2 combo-guard [player_tooltip player_id="918907" first="Coby" last="Jimenez"], who has been doing it all for his team, boxing out, jumping in passing lanes, cleaning the offensive glass, and finding open teammates. He is accompanied by three senior teammates all averaging above ten points a game, [player_tooltip player_id="618866" first="Esmond" last="Griffin"], [player_tooltip player_id="1360051" first="Kyle" last="Northrup"], and Tabor Robinson. On Rocky Mountain, big man [player_tooltip player_id="1284576" first="Charlie" last="Dortch"] will be a tough guard as he can be effective with his back to the basket and spreading the floor. </p> <p><strong>Friday: Mountain Vista @ Rock Canyon</strong></p> <p>Every year this game seems to be one of the most anticipated match-ups of the year between cross-town rivals. Rock Canyon has one of the best gyms for big games and always brings great energy for big games. Both of these teams are very balanced and deep. Leading the charge for Mountain Vista is big man [player_tooltip player_id="1284559" first="Caden" last="Stevens"], he has been one of the most impressive juniors this season being a top-notch defender, good passer for his size, and great finisher around the rim. Rock Canyon is also being led by a junior, [player_tooltip player_id="1284528" first="Gavin" last="Hershberger"], who is a high IQ guard. This game will be decided by each team’s supporting cast and surely the crowds will have a big part as well!</p>