Note: For more photos from Tim McDonald, click here.

Mountain Vista senior Caden Stevens has more blocked shots (21) than missed attempts from inside the perimeter (18) this winter.

Denver East’s D’Aundre Samuels, who’s been flirting with a triple-double all season, accomplished the rare high school feat last week with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 STEALS.

It’s the type of production that likely can’t be sustained. But, for now, the early magic from Stevens and Samuels has their teams sitting among the hottest in the state headed into the holiday break.

In this week’s look at boys basketball, let’s dive into a few of the big-school teams currently streaking.

Class 6A

No. 1 Mountain Vista (6-0): Stevens is shooting 66% while averaging 18.5 points and 7.3 rebounds through six games for the undefeated Golden Eagles.

The senior combined for 64 points in three games last week while missing just 14 shots.

Mountain Vista was a round of 16 team last season. At least early this winter, it has looked the part of a state contender.

It will end its 2022 slate at home against Westminster Tuesday.

No. 8 Denver East (9-2): At this point, Denver East coach Rudy Carey is just piling onto his state-record win total after passing Dick Katte for most wins as a boys basketball coach on Dec. 13.

He’s up to 880 as his Angels have won nine straight.

At the helm, Samuels averaged 27 points in four games last week and had a triple double in a 73-67 win over Northfield Thursday.

Per MaxPreps, Denver East won’t play until Jan. 14 against Douglas County.

Monarch (5-1): The Coyotes, just outside the top-10 rankings, have had a strong start to the winter.

Zane Miley scored 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting in their 79-75 win over Denver South last week.

Their lone loss of the season came to 5A No. 2 Mead on Dec. 9.

Monarch will close its 2022 schedule at home against No. 10 Regis Jesuit Wednesday.

Class 5A

No. 1 Mesa Ridge (8-0): The Grizzlies have used a balanced attack and a brotherly duo to dominate the early portion of their schedule.

Beating Pine Creek, TCA and Falcon last week, their average win margin is up to 29.6 points this winter.

The Riehl brothers have led the way, with junior Tevin averaging 15.1 PPG and sophomore Bryce at 12.1.

Mesa Ridge is home against Lewis-Palmer Jan. 5.

No. 2 Mead (8-1): The Mavericks haven’t lost since their season opener against No. 3 Frederick last month.

They won the Palisade Winter Classic last week, beating Grand Junction Central, Fruita Monument and Silver Creek. They’ve also beaten No. 4 Lewis-Palmer and 6A Monarch this month.

Tucker Mills had his second 30-point game of the season in the win over Fruita Monument Friday.

Mead is home against Longmont Jan. 6.

No. 3 Frederick (6-0): The Golden Eagles have fallen in the rankings despite their unbeaten start. Little does it matter.

Luke Justice (20 PPG) and Matias Aldana (14.5) have been great together as senior leaders. Harry Singh has, too.

In a win over Erie Friday, Justice had 22 points and Singh had 19 points, six assists and three steals.

Frederick is at Fort Morgan Wednesday.

Class 4A

No. 1 Holy Family (5-1): The Tigers, following a 59-57 loss to 5A No. 7 Vista PEAK Prep to start the year, have won five straight while outscoring teams by 18.2 points.

Even more impressive, it’s been thanks to contributions from all over the court. Five different players have led them in scoring through six games this season.

The last was Jaxon Grable, who had 16 points while going 4 for 7 from 3 in a 72-41 win over University.

Holy Family is at 6A Broomfield Tuesday and Lutheran Thursday.

No. 6 Pueblo Central (4-2): The Wildcats dropped their opener against 5A No. 1 Mesa Ridge, then rattled off four straight wins.

Xavier Davis has scored at least 13 points in each of his first five games of the season. He had a season-high 25 against Canon City earlier in the month.

Pueblo Central is currently at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.

No. 9 Pagosa Springs (6-1): The Pirates moved inside the classification’s top-10 this week thanks to five straight wins and a 41-38 win over 3A No. 2 Salida Thursday.

Last week, they followed up that win over Salida with a 31-point victory over Buena Vista.

Blake Laner was averaging 15.4 points per game and eight rebounds coming into last week.

Pagosa Springs is home against Durango Wednesday.