Fresh off an impressive win over University on Tuesday, 2nd ranked Faith Christian (3A) hits the court again this evening against another quality opponent in St Mary’s. The Pirates are playing their season but open the year ranked 7th. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARK PASSAMANECK.
Caleb Clark exploded for 32 points as Faith Christian dumped University 80-43 on Tuesday. He hit 11 of 17 shots as the Eagles connected on 53 percent of their shots overall. Geo Velarde (14) and Luke Wenger (10) also reached double figures.
St Mary’s won 19 games last year and will again be able to score with the return of Sam Howery (20.5) and Luke Stockelman (16.7). Each also pulled down over six rebounds per game. Other key returnees include Cyrus Hernandez (6.5), Andon Mindrup (6.0), John Klein (5.5) and Owen Barton (5.0).
With no state champions crowned last year, I guess we can call Yuma the two-time defending state champion in Class 2A. The Indians grabbed the top trophy in both 2018 and 2019 and they open their season at 3A Brush this evening. Clay Robinson is their team leader after averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and nearly three steals as a sophomore. He pushed the Indians back to the state semifinals last season.
Brush collected just seven wins last season but pushed Yuma in the matchup before falling 55-50. They were led by underclassmen Tyler Barfuss (10), Cesar Hinojos (10) and Keegan Link (9) who all return for another season.
#6 Denver Christian (2A) could get pushed by Dayspring Christian this evening. The host Eagles finished 14-9 last year and return their top two scorers in Christian Still (20.4) and Malachi Fast (10.7). Denver Christian (18-6) was eliminated by Peyton (44-40) in the regional finals last season. The Thunder welcome back their top three scorers in Ben Buhler (17.9), Henry Vandenberg (11.1) and Ethan Liebert (8.9). Vandenberg also topped the club with 7.8 rebounds and totaled 20 points and 12 rebounds in last year’s win over the Eagles.
#10 Sedgwick County picked up a 53-40 win at Potter Dix on Tuesday and they have another Nebraska opponent tonight. Perkins County has played 16 games; winning seven. They’re coming off a 51-44 loss to Holyoke two nights ago.
In Class 1A, #8 Belleview Christian looks for a second win after downing Longmont Christian 75-60 on Tuesday. Logan Owen (24), Assane Diop (20) and Nathaniel Owen (16) did most of the damage offensively. Diop also collected 22 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and six blocks.
Denver Jewish Day (1-0) also won their season opener beating Vail Christian 61-48 on Wednesday. Jon Kochavi finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds. Foonberg added 17 points and both players finished with three treys in the win.
Briggsdale (20-4) looks to build on their state semifinal appearance from last Spring but the 5th ranked Falcons have some holes to fill entering their season opener tonight. They lost leading scorer Wyatt Patton (17.1) and key support players in Ty Dill (7.8) and Luke Lambertson (7.7). Returnees include the junior duo of Braden Krise (11.2) and Malik Carlson (8.9). Front Range Baptist ended up 5-15 a year ago.
Genoa Hugo (12-10) returns five players averaging between 6-11 points so expectations are high for the Pirates. They’re led by Wyatt Miller who led them in scoring (11.1), rebounds (7.1) and steals (3.0). Colby Simmons (8.5), Triston Lindt (8.3), Keenan Hinton (7.3) and Levi Miller (6.0) also return. Kiowa opened the season with a 43-38 loss to Byers on Tuesday despite 21 points from Dustin Wenz.
Below is the full top 10 schedule for Thursday night. Final scores can be sent to Colorado Preps by text at 970.380.7737.
CLASS 1A
FINAL: #5 Briggsdale beat Front Range Baptist 64-39
FINAL: #7 Genoa Hugo beat Kiowa 42-34
FINAL: #8 Belleview Christian beat Denver Jewish Day 42-38 (OT)
CLASS 2A
FINAL: Brush beat #2 Yuma 55-51
FINAL: #5 Sanford beat Custer County 62-22
FINAL: #6 Denver Christian beat Dayspring Christian 79-62
FINAL: #9 Holly beat Wiley 52-40
FINAL: #10 Sedgwick County beat Perkins County NE 55-35
CLASS 3A
FINAL: #7 St Mary’s beat #2 Faith Christian 103-84
FINAL: #4 Manitou Springs beat Rye 57-20
CLASS 4A
FINAL: #10 Pueblo Central beat Canon City 60-47
