Three games involving Top 10 teams were on the schedule for opening night but only two will take place as the much-anticipated game between #8 Harrison vs #11 Pueblo East (4A) was postponed because of weather. That schedule change leaves the games between #5 Golden (4A) against Arvada West and #1 Mile High Academy (1A) vs Campion Academy as the only games including a ranked club.
Mile High Academy won 21 games last year and reached the Final Four by beating Evangelical Christian on the day the state tournament was cancelled. One of the wins from last year came against Campion Academy where the Mustangs picked up a 61-47 decision. Blake Essex scored a game best 26 points in that game and his return makes Mile High one of the favorites on the small school level. Essex finished the season averaging 21 points and 14 rebounds a game and he’s joined by fellow senior Dylan McCottry (11.0 pts) back on the floor.
Golden picked up 18 wins last year; the first for coach Lou Vullo. The Demons ended that run in the second round of the playoffs in a 65-62 setback to Pueblo East. Despite losing their top two scorers, Golden is excited about the return of sophomore Alan Acevado who dropped in 11 points and pulled down four rebounds a game as a freshman. Another key returnee is Nathan Wiggins. The senior is coming of fa junior season of 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Arvada West finished 11-14 in Class 5A last year but was above five hundred (5-3) in Jeffco play. They graduated three of their top four scorers so they will lean early on the likes of Eli Ross (8.3) and Cooper Prada (6.2). Both are seniors.
Tonight marks the start of a six-week regular season where teams can play up to 14 games. They must play in at least seven to be playoff eligible. The post-season field is also trimmed to just 32 teams apiece in Classes 4A and 5A and to 24 in the smallest three divisions. League champs earn automatic bids with the remaining clubs selected on the combination of four data points; RPI, Coaches poll, Packard and MaxPreps.
