With the calendar ready to flip to February on Sunday it is that time of the year for prep boys basketball to begin shifting into the next gear.
With state championships to be decided in the middle of March in all classifications teams with eyes on the ultimate prize have established their identities.
That certainly seems to be the case in the Class 3A, 2A and 1A boys rankings.
For the second week in a row, Banning Lewis Academy (13-0), Strasburg (12-1) and Yuma (13-1) round out the top three in the CHSAA rankings.
Strasburg is coming off a shocking 56-41 loss to Brush on Jan. 27. Brush’s win over Strasburg was stunning considering Brush had a 1-3 record before meeting the Indians.
With the win, Brush improved to 7-7 on the season and is paced by freshman Donovan Bauer-Reeves who is scoring 15.8 ppg. The Beetdiggers are No. 30 in the CHSAA Selection & Seeding Index.
In 2A, there was a slight change at the top. Byers, after two more wins, improved to 9-1 but is now No. 2 behind Simla. Twin Peaks Classical Academy, which was No. 1 two weeks ago, before dropping to No. 3. Heritage Christian (9-3) sits in the No. 4 spot.
The 1A rankings have Nucla (14-0) still atop the chart, followed by Cheyenne Wells (11-1) and Stratton (9-3).
Class 3A
Liberty Common (10-2) at Strasburg (12-1), 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30
This game is a chance for Liberty Common to prove that it’s the real deal and it catches a reeling Strasburg team, which may or may not be a good thing.
Liberty Common is No. 7 in the CHSAA Index and since losing to Yuma (63-52) on Jan. 6, the Eagles have soared to six consecutive wins, including a 72-39 drubbing of a talented Wiggins (10-5) squad Tuesday.
The Eagles’ offense is fueled by Caiden Castillo (18.5 ppg) and junior Grayson Clay (15.7 ppg). Strasburg, honestly and likely, fell victim to overlooking Brush in its defeat earlier this week.
The previous game, on the road on Jan. 23, Strasburg ousted Resurrection Christian (61-52). The same Resurrection Christian that beat the Indians a year ago to win the 3A state championship.
Strasburg looks to return to its winning ways with Brody Hopwood (19.5 ppg), Nick Glatfelter (13.2 ppg) and Cade Hemhill (11.9 ppg) all who are scoring in double figures.
Class 2A
Limon (5-7) at Las Animas ( 7-4), 6:30 p.m., Jan. 30
Just two years ago, Limon was sitting atop the 2A boys basketball mountain. The Badgers broke a 60-year title drought in boys basketball, muscling past Sanford 54-27.
Fast-forward to the present and the Badgers are trying desperately to stay in the postseason conversation.
Limon is coming off a 50-34 defeat to talented Simla squad on Jan. 27, and the Badgers sit in the No. 17 spot in the RPI rankings in this key matchup against Las Animas which is No. 18 in the RPI rankings.
Limon is led on offense by Keagan Mellott (10.8 ppg). Las Animas will counter with Aaron Vargas (15.1 ppg) and Kree Wallace (10.3 ppg).
Class 1A
McClave (9-2) at Holly (7-5), 4 p.m., Jan. 31
McClave has its eyes on a state championship. The Cardinals won state in 2022 and 2025 and are on a mission to win the school’s fourth boys basketball state crown in 2026. McClave’s first boys hoop title came in 2013.
This week, the Cardinals have their hands full. Before clashing with Holly, McClave faces Granada (9-1) Friday.
McClave is No. 4 in the seeding index and Granada is No. 14.
If McClave can get by Granada they will venture to take on Holly. McClave’s top offensive scorers are junior Tuff Kelley (19.3 ppg) and senior Mason Barr (10.5 ppg) and they will try and help the Cardinals bounce back after losing to Stratton (70-65) on Jan. 24.
Holly is a gritty team riding a two-game winning streak, claiming victories over Springfield (52-33) and Las Animas (70-46).
The Wildcats are led by Drayden Williams. The junior is averaging 12.8 ppg.
