Mid Season 5A Rankings (Part 1)

<p>During the holiday break, we have gotten a chance to see some of the top teams in pre-conference play. Many of the top teams have already faced other top talent, love seeing teams not back down from competition. This year is looking to be a fun one with a ton of talented teams in the 5A conference.</p> <p><strong>1. ThunderRidge (5-0)</strong></p> <p>The defending state champs have shown no sign of their dominance coming to an end anytime soon. They are being led by the best player playing locally in Colorado, Wake Forrest commit [player_tooltip player_id="759280" first="Zach" last="Keller"]. But Zach is not the only weapon on this team as they have shown the most depth in the state. They also have the number one sophomore, 6'4 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="1168989" first="Andrew" last="Crawford"], who has looked great with the ball in his hands. [player_tooltip player_id="618859" first="Jackson" last="Brennan"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1168971" first="Thomas" last="Walkowiak"] have been great energy guys for the team. They have already beaten three top 10 teams (Eaglecrest, Smoky Hill, and Fossil Ridge) and will be the team to beat for the remainder of the season.</p> <p><strong>2. Fossil Ridge (9-1)</strong></p> <p>Fossil Ridge has emerged as the top team from up North this season in 5A. They are being led by West Texas A&amp;M commit [player_tooltip player_id="1284414" first="Brock" last="Mishak"], whose competitive nature has set an example for his teammates to follow. They have also been helped by the emergence of junior [player_tooltip player_id="1167509" first="Nick" last="Randall"] who is looking like one of the best forwards in the state. Another player who has stood out for them is guard, Ty Brown who has been one of the toughest on-ball defenders in the state. This team has beaten Denver East, Chaparral, and Cherry Creek, and the only loss has come to ThunderRidge.</p> <p><strong>3. Denver East (9-1)</strong></p> <p>Denver East is back on top again and we should not be surprised. East is led by the senior duo of [player_tooltip player_id="759275" first="Quis" last="Davis"] and Aquir Dawam. [player_tooltip player_id="759275" first="Quis" last="Davis"] is one of the best leaders in the state who brings great energy on and off of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="1053581" first="Aguir" last="Dawam"] is a combo forward who has great rim-protecting abilities and is a great finisher above the rim. These two are accompanied by the Samuel brothers, who have been good defenders and exciting pieces in their starting lineup. This is a fast-paced team that is hard to score against due to their length and athleticism. So far this season their only loss is from Fossil Ridge and they have beaten Eaglecrest, Horizon, and Douglas County. </p> <p><strong>4. Regis Jesuit (5-3)</strong></p> <p>Regis Jesuit has had arguably the best backcourt in Colorado led by two standout juniors. Those juniors are point guard [player_tooltip player_id="1284427" first="TaRea" last="Fulcher"] and lights out shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="921110" first="Archer" last="VanSickle"]. Also, senior [player_tooltip player_id="965809" first="Kyle" last="Sandler"] made his return this season, he is one of the best defenders and spot-up shooters in the state. They also have emerging big man [player_tooltip player_id="1284438" first="Matt" last="Yost"] who is a great rebounder and skilled post player. With the injury to junior [player_tooltip player_id="973003" first="Cole" last="Records"] Regis has seen senior Tavian Wilsea who has been shooting a very efficient %62 from three-point land. Regis Jesuit losses all come against top Arizona high school teams and have yet to see many top teams in Colorado, but are one of the most talented and balanced teams in the state.</p> <p><strong>5. Rock Canyon (5-3)</strong></p> <p>Rock Canyon is another team like Regis whose record may be deceiving as they also took some close losses against top competition in Arizona. Rock Canyon is a team that does not have a standout player or duo as they have a ton of very good players. Down low, [player_tooltip player_id="1141754" first="Braxton" last="Jones"] has been leading the team in points and rebounds, he is a hustle player who knows how to get in good positions on the floor. 6'6 senior [player_tooltip player_id="759285" first="Chris" last="Schlesinger"] has been one of the best finishers at the rim and draws in the defense to find open teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="1284528" first="Gavin" last="Hershberger"] is one of the better point guards in the state and has been controlling the pace for Rock Canyon this season. This team may not have a huge big man down low but is filled with long athletes and shooters that will take them far this year.</p>