6A Centennial League Playoff Outlook
Four of the state’s top-20 6A programs have been asserting themselves at the forefront of this year’s playoff race. These rankings are based on CHSAA’s RPI metric. Smoky Hill 14-4 (4-1 Centennial) At the #2 spot in all of 6A,…
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Continue ReadingFour of the state’s top-20 6A programs have been asserting themselves at the forefront of this year’s playoff race. These rankings are based on CHSAA’s RPI metric.
Smoky Hill 14-4 (4-1 Centennial)
At the #2 spot in all of 6A, Smoky Hill’s grouping of big two-way athletes is unlike any other in the state. Their point of attack defense is spearheaded by pesky guards Lorenzo Contreras Lorenzo Contreras 5'9" | PG Smoky Hill | 2025 State CO (6.9 P, 5.9 A, 2.8 S) and Torian Gasaway Torian Gasaway 6'0" | SG Smoky Hill | 2024 State CO (8 P, 2.9 R), bringing quick instincts against opposing ball handlers. A crucial component of their offensive production comes from three guys, starting with Carter Basquez Carter Basquez 6'5" | CG Smoky Hill | 2026 State CO (11.4 P, 4.9 R, 4.6 A). The sophomore’s wide reach allows him to take advantage of his skill handling the ball, adept at attacking the rim for self created looks. Senior forward Kevin Sylla Kevin Sylla 6'8" | PF Smoky Hill | 2024 State CO (14.1 P, 7.3 R, 1.1 B) has upped his production considerably, highly active on both ends in the paint, notably displaying smooth footwork to create shots. The third is junior Kaylan Graham Kaylan Graham 6'4" | SG Smoky Hill | 2025 State CO (12.5 P, 3.7 R, 2.3 A), whose perimeter shooting and jaw dropping dunks are part of the reason this team is so entertaining. They hold depth, from the bouncy slashing guard, Jaylen Brown Jaylen Brown 6'2" | SG Smoky Hill | 2024 State CO (6 P, 2.3 R) alongside capable perimeter shooter Damian Dirden Damian Dirden 6'5" | CG Smoky Hill | 2025 State CO (7.7 P, 2.3 R).
Eaglecrest 13-4 (4-1 Centennial)
This group remains one of the more well rounded teams in the state. Led by three level scoring guard LaDavian King LaDavian King 6'1" | CG Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO (18.1 P, 4 A), whose shot creation and athleticism are a handful for even the state’s best defenders. Garrett Barger Garrett Barger 6'9" | PF Eaglecrest | 2025 State #364 Nation CO (12 P, 4.6 R) has helped with their interior defense all while bringing consistent production in the post. Additional defensive presences are Lucas Kalimba Lucas Kalimba 6'4" | SF Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO (10.4 P, 3.9 R), LaQuince York LaQuince York CO (5.3 P, 4.6 R), Gavin Gallegos Gavin Gallegos 6'5" | PF Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO (2.4 P, 2.5 R) and Sirdevin Roberts (8.6 P, 4.9 R). Guards Jason Noone Jason Noone 5'8" | CG Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO (5.9 P, 1.9 A) and Kris Coleman Kris Coleman 6'1" | SG Eaglecrest | 2027 State CO (5.1 P) have added a jolt of offense off the bench, stabilizing their second units.
Overland 10-8 (3-2 Centennial)
An especially tiresome group on defense, Overland’s high energy and size put opponents in tough situations nearly every possession. Bringing plenty of depth with their forwards, such as Isreal Littleton Isreal Littleton 6'4" | SF Overland | 2025 State CO (10.1 P, 7.1 R), who is a multi-positional defender and active downhill scorer. This goes alongside athletic interior defenders like Dontae Graham (8.1 P, 6.5 R, 1.6 B) and Ronald Henry (4.9 P, 4 R). Sophomore forward Aidan Perez Aidan Perez 6'5" | SF Overland | 2026 State CO (5.4 P, 4.7 R) will be another defender whose progress needs to be monitored throughout the coming seasons. Their perimeter offense is powered by Siraaj Ali Siraaj Ali 5'11" | PG Overland | 2025 State CO (16 P, 6.6 A, 2.3 S), a talented three level scoring guard who has continued to adjust into the lead guard role. TJ Manuel TJ Manuel PG Overland | 2025 State CO (9.2 P, 2.6 A) continues to shoot the ball well, all while pressuring the paint against the right matchups. Kymani Eason Kymani Eason 6'2" | SG Overland | 2026 State CO (5.1 P, 1.8 A) has done well competing and spacing the floor.
Cherry Creek 9-9 (3-2 Centennial)
This group’s offensive engine has been powered by lead guard Jeremiah Hammond Jeremiah Hammond 6'3" | CG Cherry Creek | 2026 State CO (13.6 P, 5.1 R), exceptionally skilled scoring the ball. Forwards Alex Condon Alex Condon 6'5" | PF Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (6.2 P, 5.1 R) and James Pearsall James Pearsall 6'7" | C Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (4.4 P, 3.2 R) keep opponents honest in the paint, bringing plenty of physicality. They bring valuable complementary guards off the bench, such as Miles Deboblt (5.1 P, 3.3 A) and Robbie Bailey (5.3 P). An x-factor wing will be Johnathan Lyons Johnathan Lyons 6'5" | SF Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO (7.1 P, 4.9 R), effectively guarding a wide variety of positions and hitting off the dribble jumpers. Guards Josiah Moham Josiah Moham 5'11" | CG Cherry Creek | 2024 CO (3.7 P, 2 R) and Matthew Lee Matthew Lee 6'2" | PG Cherry Creek | 2025 CO (3.5 P) have been steady contributors throughout this season.