Four teams ranked in the top three of their respective class have season openers tonight as those contests top the girls’ basketball schedule. Included on that list are top ranked Briggsdale (1A) and Rye (2A) along with #3 Sanford (2A) and #2 Centauri (3A). PHOTO PROVIDED BY CENTAURI SCHOOLS.
Centauri was a Final Four team in Class 3A after downing University 52-34 the day the rest of the season was cancelled. Courtney Hamilton finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in that game is one of the top returnees for the Falcons this year. She was third in scoring (8.8) and first in rebounds (6.4) overall. Other key returnees include Brenna McDaniel (9.2), Ashtyn Haslett (6.5) and Brynli Sowards (5.4) who all enter their senior season.
Tonight’s game with Pueblo County (0-1) is a tough opener and will also serve as good preparation for a key stretch where the Falcons meet Alamosa on Friday, Durango next Tuesday and then Delta and Rye the following weekend. County lost to Palmer Ridge 53-29 on Wednesday and was outscored 36-23 over the final three quarters.
After posting a 24-1 record in 2019-20, Rye is likely chomping at the bit to get the 2021 season underway. They open the season ranked atop the 2A polls based on last year and the number of returnees from that squad. That list includes double-digit scorers Jolee Ortiz (13.5), Sophie Adamson (13.0) and Sydney Adamson (10.6). Chloe Richardson (6.9), Morgan Elarton (3.9) and Aurora Ramos (3.0) also return in their supporting roles. That group led the Thunderbolts to the state quarterfinals last season where they came up short to Sanford (46-31).
Manitou Springs will be a tough out as they have great tradition including a 19-win season last year. They lost their top scorer to graduation but will have Alexia Vigil (9.6), Grace Allen (9.5), Abigail Parker (5.5) and Alexis Harper (4.4) back on the floor.
Sanford (16-7) returns three of their top five scorers from that team and should battle #8 Del Norte for the Southern Peaks championship again. Asia Caldon (8.5) and Cheyenne Caldon (7.9) headline the roster this year and together combined for six rebounds a game and 33 three-pointers on the season. They’ll be favored against Custer County (8-12) after beating them 55-8 a year ago.
Class 1A top ranked Briggsdale (22-2) had a great season but has had to live with a disappointing 45-42 loss to Cotopaxi in the state quarterfinals since last March. They step on the court for the first time since that loss as they host Front Range Baptist tonight. Kyle Krise (20.6) and Shelby Hoffman (14.8) are the top returnees for the Falcons but five others who averaged between 2.8 and 9.6 points per game are also back.
Front Range Baptist (14-8) was a solid club a year ago. They return the duo of Brook Sutton (10.8) and Amber Bats (9.3) but lost to Briggsdale 65-34 last season.
One other note on Class 1A as the scheduled game between #7 Lone Star and Longmont Christian is off due to COVID issues at Longmont Christian. That leaves the Longhorns matching up with #10 Flatirons Academy on Saturday as their season opener.
Elsewhere, #8 Del Norte (2A) seeks a 2-0 start as they meet Swink. The game is part of a rugged week one slate that included a 44-39 win over Alamosa on Tuesday and a road trip to Rye on Saturday. 4A #6 Sand Creek has their season opener on the slate this evening. They swept through the Pikes Peak conference (14-0) on their way to a 23-2 record last year. Three double-digit scorers return for the Scorpions in Nikki Derrell (14.5), Kianna Lemons (11.2) and Tiana Davis (10.7).
Below is the top 10 schedule for Thursday. Final scores can be sent to Colorado Preps by text at 970.380.7737.
CLASS 1A
FINAL: #1 Briggsdale beat Front Range Baptist 67-11
FINAL: #5 McClave beat Manzanola 78-4
#7 Lone Star at Longmont Christian (PPD)
FINAL: #10 Flatirons Academy beat Loveland Classical 68-4
CLASS 2A
FINAL: #1 Rye beat Manitou Springs 44-30
FINAL: #3 Sanford beat Custer County 62-22
FINAL: #8 Del Norte beat Swink 51-30
CLASS 3A
FINAL: #2 Centauri beat Pueblo County 56-13
CLASS 4A
FINAL: Pine Creek beat #6 Sand Creek 71-40
