Teams Starting League Play on Fire: Front Range Fringes

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Northern League</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently 12-3 and 4-0 in league play, <em>Windsor </em>is among the most experienced 5A programs given their playoff success with familiar names in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With [player_tooltip player_id='1509232' first='Madden' last='Smiley'] at the helm, Windsor will be among the most dangerous 5A programs for the foreseeable future thanks to his ease of access in the paint. Comfortable leveraging his size as a backcourt playmaker to not only be a scoring threat but facilitate for perimeter shooters, there is only so much opposing defenses can do outside of sending double teams.&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1848635' first='John' last='Backhaus'] continues to provide steady two-way impact for this group at roughly 6'4, comfortably spacing the floor and finishing around the rim regardless of possible contact. Adept operating off of passes, whether that be a kick out or simple swing along the perimeter, he works to make his reads quickly while the defense is not set.&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1871245' first='Brady' last='Kingsley'] is a must follow thanks to his confident shooting, always a threat to heat up for a volley of threes. Adept operating off the ball, the guard is a fantastic cutter, rarely content with his positioning within the halfcourt.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2200432,"width":"231px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/7-Brady-Kingsley.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/7-Brady-Kingsley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2200432" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1871245' first='Brady' last='Kingsley'], G</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2546910' first='Tedese' last='Keyworth'] remains a steadying presence should Smiley get off the floor or simply if they look for another playmaker in the halfcourt. Leading this group in assists per game (3.7), the guard continues to seek attempts around the rim, eager to capitalize on multiple defenders being sent his way.&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1622287' first='Marcus' last='Martinez'] cannot be overlooked for this group, providing steady three point shooting. Still an important role player within this group's context, Windsor still will lurk around once playoff season arrives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Colorado Springs Metro - South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Producing about as productive a record in regards to winning over the past couple seasons, <em>Mesa Ridge</em> is off to another great start going 11-1 and 3-0 in league play. [player_tooltip player_id='1369853' first='Bryce' last='Riehl'] has taken up the torch, leading this group with his potent shotmaking and aggressive defense. Nothing new here except a greater opportunity to showcase his abilities. [player_tooltip player_id='2403481' first='Zander' last='Iwanski'] has had an increased role this season, as a do it all glue guy with an impressive frame to guard up when necessary. Although not shooting it from distance to the same efficiency as last season, he has worked to become a much more versatile offensive weapon by upping his assists (3) per game. Still bringing plenty of gravity from distance, should he get any sort of advantage on the drive, opposing defenses have trouble slowing him down given his physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2746719,"width":"239px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/IMG_4160-1-crop-3015x1980-1737580135.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/IMG_4160-1-crop-3015x1980-1737580135.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2746719" style="width:239px;height:auto" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2382304' first='Brian' last='Lamar Jr.'], W</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2382304' first='Brian' last='Lamar Jr.'] is a new name to this group's core rotation, bringing defensive versatility to switch against just about anyone at the 5A level. Still showing upside as a spot-up shooter, this group remains intriguing given their ability to provide ample floor spacing off of kickouts. A large part of Mesa Ridge's success not just this season but through prior years is their gritty defense, bringing a willingness to be physical not found by many programs in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='2382297' first='J'marius' last='Jones'] is another new addition to this rotation, embodying all the little things this program looks for on the defensive side with constant energy and a peskiness that irritates opposing offenses. As he continues to add confidence to his scoring abilities, Mesa Ridge still has untapped offensive potential with Jones. [player_tooltip player_id='2737263' first='Eligah' last='Myles'] is the last name on the depth chart with plenty of minutes, as a physical rebounder who truly plays bigger than his 6'2 frame would imply.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->