CHSAA state basketball Nice 8 scouting report

A take a look at every of the Class 6A Nice 8 matchups set for this weekend on the Denver Coliseum:

BOYS

Class 6A

Saturday at Denver Coliseum

No. 1 Rangeview (25-0) vs. No. 9 Regis Jesuit (19-6)

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Gamers to observe: RV — LaDavian King, 6-2, sr. (16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.4 apg); Marceles Duncan, 6-5, fr. (14.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.1 bpg, 2.6 apg); Archie Weatherspoon, 6-3, so. (13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.5 apg). RJ — Eric Fiedler, 6-8, jr. (23.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg); Lucas Dickinson, 6-5, sr. (15.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.0 apg); Alec Roumph, 6-4, sr. (10.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 apg).

What to know: The final time Rangeview entered the Coliseum unbeaten, COVID reduce its bid for perfection quick. Now, the Raiders are again to complete the job with a brand new forged, together with switch guard LaDavian King, who was on the incorrect finish of a Closing 4 heartbreaker final yr with Eaglecrest. The different Raiders on this matchup are not any strangers to the massive stage. Ken Shaw’s Regis Jesuit program reached the Closing 4 two years in the past and is within the Nice 8 for the sixth time since 2015. 4 of these earlier 5 groups misplaced within the quarterfinals.

No. 5 Valor Christian (21-4) vs. No. 4 Ralston Valley (23-2)

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Gamers to observe: VC — Cole Scherer, 6-2, sr. (26.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.0 apg); Brady Wynja, 6-6, sr. (14.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.2 apg); Ryan Mandes, 6-3, sr. (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 spg). RV — Tanner Braketa, 6-1, sr. (18.7 ppg, 5.5 apg); Caiden Braketa, 6-3, jr. (16.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.4 apg); Zeke Andrews, 6-6, jr. (10.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.9 apg).

What to know: The defending champion Eagles return with 2024 Mr. Colorado Basketball Cole Scherer on a heater for the reason that begin of February (22.5 ppg on 58.5% capturing). The Japanese Washington commit’s one off recreation throughout that span? A 5-for-15 evening vs. Ralston Valley that ended with Scherer banking in a game-winner. These heroics ended R.V.’s 19-game win streak to begin the season — a run that included a 65-58 win over Valor. Northern Colorado commit Tanner Braketa and brother Caiden have R.V. within the Nice 8 for the primary time in 17 years and able to win the rubber match.

No. 2 Eaglecrest (23-2) vs. No. 7 ThunderRidge (20-5)

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Gamers to observe: EAG — Anthony Nettles, 6-0, sr. (15.8 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.3 spg); Garrett Barger, 6-9, sr. (12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg); Lucas Kalimba, 6-5, sr. (12.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg). TR — Drew Paine, 6-8, jr. (18.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.4 bpg); Kael Carney, 5-11, sr. (10.8 ppg, 1.1 spg); Ulysses Brown, 6-5, sr. (9.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg).

What to know: A yr in the past, these two produced an on the spot traditional within the Closing 4 selected a last-second T-Ridge putback. Each groups have retooled since, with switch guard Anthony Nettles taking part in the position of LaDavian King for Eaglecrest, and junior huge man Drew Paine taking the baton from a gifted senior class to steer ThunderRidge again to the Nice 8 for the fourth time in 5 seasons. The Raptors are 23-1 since dropping their opener at Regis Jesuit, however performed simply two video games (1-1) in opposition to Nice 8 qualifiers.

No. 6 Mountain Vista (20-5) vs. No. 3 Chaparral (21-4)

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Gamers to observe: MV — Cal Baskind, 6-0, sr. (20.4 ppg, 2.2 apg, 2.0 spg); Oliver Junker, 6-8, jr. (15.3 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.7 bpg); Carlos Arocho, 5-11, sr. (7.8 ppg, 5.6 apg, 4.2 rpg). CH — Christian Williams, 6-2, so. (19.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg); Luke Howery, 6-5, so. (17.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 5.6 apg); Luke Williams, 6-9, jr. (8.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.4 bpg).

What to know: Mountain Vista returns to the Coliseum in search of redemption after final yr’s buzzer-beater loss to Smoky Hill within the Nice 8. Cal Baskind and Oliver Junker, who had been each on the courtroom for that heartbreaker, mixed for 50 factors in a double-overtime win over Overland within the Candy 16. Now they get a date with essentially the most gifted sophomore duo within the state in guards Christian Williams and Luke Howery. They had been additionally on the dropping aspect of a Nice 8 matchup with Valor final winter.

Class 5A

Friday at Denver Coliseum

No. 16 Inexperienced Mountain (16-9) vs. No. 25 Sand Creek (20-6)

Time: 10:15 a.m.

Gamers to observe: GM — Simon Lunsford, 6-4, sr. (17.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg); Sam Mielenz, 6-3, so. (13.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg); Jake Swanson, 6-4, jr. (10.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg). SC — Elijah Brotherns, 6-1, sr. (13.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.4 spg); Mathew Starks, 6-2, sr. (9.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.6 spg); Josh Kotto, 6-3, sr. (8.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.7 apg).

What to know: A pair of Cinderellas meet in a Nice 8 matchup few noticed coming. Inexperienced Mountain clinched its first Nice 8 journey in 16 years with a 55-42 upset of No. 1 Lutheran within the Candy 16. Sand Creek beat eighth-seeded Severance (47-40) and ninth-seeded Cheyenne Mountain (59-57) in succession after rising from the play-in spherical. The Scorpions’ final win got here on a frantic end that noticed Jaylen Brantley sink the go-ahead bucket on one finish and Elijah Brotherns make the game-saving block on the opposite.

No. 21 Falcon (17-8) vs. No. 4 Montrose (19-6)

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Gamers to observe: FA — Tyler Cox, 6-4, sr. (12.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg); Jeremiah Potts, 5-10, sr. (11.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.3 apg); Aiden Wooden, 6-3, jr. (8.5 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.2 spg). MO — Kaleb Ferguson, 6-5, sr. (16.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.1 spg); CJ Rocco, 6-4, jr. (8.2 ppg, 1.3 bpg); Brody Cooling, 6-2, sr. (4.4 ppg, 3.9 apg).

What to know: The opposite pair of glass slippers in a topsy-turvy 5A bracket belong to Falcon, which turned a 4-4 December into its first state quarterfinal journey in seven years with wins over No. 12 Eagle Valley (62-56) and No. 28 Mountain View (63-56). Now they face a Western Slope energy in Montrose — a program that’s reached the Nice 8 3 times in 5 seasons. The Pink Hawks permit simply 36.68 factors/recreation and appeared to have righted themselves after closing out the common season 3-4.

No. 2 Mesa Ridge (24-1) vs. No. 7 Standley Lake (20-5)

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Gamers to observe: MR — Bryce Riehl, 6-1, sr. (17.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 spg); Zander Iwanski, 6-3, sr. (11.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg); J’marius Jones, 5-11, jr. (6.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.8 apg). SL — Derrek Sims, 6-1, sr. (15.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.0 spg); Asher Serlen, 6-8, so. (14.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg); Titus Schrecengost, 5-11, so. (11.9 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.7 spg).

What to know: Mesa Ridge’s 5A three-peat bid is alive and properly, with the Grizzlies getting into the Coliseum on a 24-game win streak behind the abilities of all-everything guard Bryce Riehl. Solely two of these wins got here in opposition to Nice 8 qualifiers, nonetheless. Up subsequent is a Stanley Lake squad that’s getting into uncharted territory. The Gators have had simply two profitable seasons since 2012 (the opposite was final yr’s 14-10 marketing campaign) and that is their first journey to the Nice 8 in a minimum of twenty years. May as properly begin in opposition to the perfect.

No. 6 Windsor (19-6) vs. No. 3 Dakota Ridge (19-6)

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Gamers to observe: WI — Madden Smiley, 6-3, jr. (20.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.3 apg); Brady Kingsley, 5-9, jr. (12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg); John Backhaus, 6-4, sr. (11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg). DR — Ethan Berninger, 6-5, sr. (22.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.7 apg); Nathan Esau, 6-4, sr. (14.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.7 apg); Cody Rominger, 6-2, sr. (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg).

What to know: Windsor is seeking to go one step additional after falling simply quick within the 5A title recreation in opposition to Mesa Ridge final winter. Junior Madden Smiley has scored in double-figures in all however one of many Wizards’ 25 video games and reached the 20-point plateau in each of their playoff wins. Dakota Ridge has a lethal scorer of its personal in senior Ethan Berninger, who’s reached 30 factors 3 times within the Eagles’ final 5 video games and is capturing 40% (70 of 176) from 3-point vary. The Eagles have misplaced within the Nice 8 two years in a row.

GIRLS

Class 6A

Saturday at Denver Coliseum

No. 1 Grandview (22-3) vs. No. 8 Denver East (17-8)

Time: 4 p.m.

Gamers to observe: GV — Sienna Betts, 6-4, sr. (23.8 ppg, 17.0 rpg, 5.1 apg, 3.3 bpg); Ava Chang, so. (14.8 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.3 spg); Deija Roberson, 5-11, sr. (8.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg). DE — Evelina Otto, 6-5, sr. (16.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 2.5 bpg); Grace Corridor, 5-7, so. (12.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 4.0 spg); Mairead Hearty, 6-3, jr. (10.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.3 bpg).

What to know: The Grandview ladies juggernaut is again on the Coliseum after a yr away seeking to reclaim the 6A state title it received in 2023. McDonald’s All-American Sienna Betts is lower than 50 factors shy of changing into the fourth Colorado prep ladies basketball participant to report 2,000 profession factors and 1,000 rebounds. Three extra wins, and the UCLA commit may have a 3rd state title, too. First up is Denver East, which has the scale in Evelina Otto and Mairead Hearty to offer Betts issues. Since beginning the season 1-7, the Angels have misplaced as soon as.

No. 5 Pine Creek (23-2) vs. No. 4 Cherry Creek (18-7)

Time: 7 p.m.

Gamers to observe: PC — Brooklyn Stewart, 6-3, sr. (19.9 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.3 bpg); Alli Dreessen, 6-1, jr. (12.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg); Leekaya Burke-Perryman, 5-3, sr. (11.7 ppg, 5.6 apg, 2.7 spg). CC — Braelynn Barnett, 6-1, sr. (11.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg); Molly Dorighi, 5-8, sr. (11.1 ppg, 3.1 spg); A’Neya Chambers, 5-10, sr. (9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.3 spg).

What to know: Led by Oklahoma commit Brooklyn Stewart, the Eagles are within the Nice 8 for the primary time in program historical past. In the event that they’re to advance, they’ll must get previous a Cherry Creek program with loads of big-game expertise. In actual fact, that is Nice 8 journey No. 4 for Braelynn Barnett and A’Neya Chambers, who’ve began since their freshman seasons. Even with classmate and Alabama commit Tianna Chambers unavailable this winter, the Bruins have confirmed themselves harmful with a 5-4 report vs. 5A/6A Nice 8 groups.

No. 2 Valor Christian (23-2) vs. No. 7 Legend (20-5)

Time: 11:45 a.m.

Gamers to observe: VC — Peyton Jones, 5-11, jr. (24.1 ppg, 3.4 spg); Quinn VanSickle, 5-8, sr. (18.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.4 apg); Camryn Gunter, 6-2, jr. (11.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg). LEG — Mason Borcherding, 6-1, sr. (13.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg); Grace Stanley, 5-4, sr. (10.1 ppg, 4.0 apg, 3.2 spg); Maley Wilhelm, 5-7, sr. (9.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.8 spg).

What to know: Valor enters the weekend using a 30-game win streak in opposition to Colorado competitors that dates again to final yr’s 6A title run. The Eagles are 5-0 in opposition to fellow 6A Nice 8 qualifiers this winter, together with a 69-42 thrashing of Legend in December. Blue chip prospect Peyton Jones and Pepperdine commit Quinn VanSickle mixed for 50 factors in that rout. If the Titans are going to reverse that consequence, they’ll want somebody apart from Boise State commit Mason Borcherding (24 factors, 13 rebounds) to step up.

No. 6 Highlands Ranch (22-3) vs. No. 14 Riverdale Ridge (20-5)

Time: 8:45 a.m.

Gamers to observe: HR — Ezra Simonich, 5-10, sr. (15.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.8 apg); Jayda Rogers, 6-0, fr. (12.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg); Tori Baker, 5-7, sr. (9.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.7 apg). RR — Brihanna Crittendon, 6-3, jr. (26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.3 spg); Chloe Parker, 5-8, jr. (11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg); Shay Vigil, 5-4, jr. (11.3 ppg, 3.0 spg, 2.7 apg).

What to know: A yr after main Riverdale Ridge to its first state title in Class 4A, five-star phenom Brihanna Crittendon has the Ravens again on the Coliseum in this system’s first 6A season. Her last-second block sealed a Candy 16 win over No. 3 Broomfield. Now comes a date with Caryn Jarocki’s Eagles, who’re making their tenth Nice 8 look in 11 seasons. DU commit Tori Baker is the ground basic, however a gifted trio of freshmen Jayda Rogers and Kimora Banks-Thomas and sophomore Addie Moon provides HR depth.

Class 5A

Friday at Denver Coliseum

No. 1 Air Academy (24-0) vs. No. 8 Durango (19-6)

Time: 4 p.m.

Gamers to observe: AA — Tatyonna Brown, 6-2, sr. (19.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg); Lydia Flowers, 6-0, sr. (13.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.3 spg); Kinley Asp, 5-11, jr. (13.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.3 apg). DU — Claire Goodwin, jr. (13.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.0 spg); Mariah Maestas, 5-7, sr. (8.1 ppg, 2.3 spg); Ellie White, sr. (6.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg).

What to know: The Coliseum has been a website of heartbreak for Air Academy, with the Kadets squandering double-digit leads in season-ending losses to Northfield (2024) and Roosevelt (2023) the final two years. Now they enter the penultimate weekend eyeing redemption, with Kansas commit Tatyonna Brown and D-I recruit Kinley Asp main 5A’s lone unbeaten. Durango survived a rock battle in opposition to Montrose (32-23) to succeed in the Nice 8 for the second time in three years, however must hit one other stage vs. the Kadets.

No. 5 Inexperienced Mountain (23-2) vs. No. 4 Roosevelt (22-3)

Time: 8:45 a.m.

Gamers to observe: GM — Kantyn Pearson, 5-9, jr. (13.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg); Ella Cockrum, 5-6, so. (12.2 ppg, 2.2 spg); Addie Evans, 5-11, so. (8.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 spg). RO — Kyla Hollier, 6-1, jr. (26.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 3.8 spg); Ryanne Bahnsen-Value, 6-0, sr. (17.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.0 apg); Payton Terry, 5-7, sr. (6.9 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.3 spg).

What to know: Two-time defending 5A champion Roosevelt, led by the D-I tandem of Kyla Hollier and Ryanne Bahnsen-Value, brings its suffocating protection again to the Coliseum eyeing a three-peat. Every of the Riders’ three losses this season got here to groups taking part in within the Coliseum, the final a 65-44 setback at No. 6 Mullen on Jan. 6. No one has come inside single digits of them since. Though Inexperienced Mountain, winners of twenty-two straight and within the Nice 8 for the fourth time in six years, is sort of sure to check that.