As the temperature drops outside, the action is heating up inside at gyms all over Colorado in Class 3A, 2A and 1A boys basketball. Although it is still early in the season there have been many memorable performances and game-winning shots and now that takes into the present.
Here is a glimpse of some players who are doing some strong things this season.
Morgan standing tall for Highland: In 3A the Highland Huskies are turning heads, thanks to sporting a 10-0 record. Leading the way for the Huskies is Sawyer Morgan. The senior is averaging 17.9 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Morgan had nine points in the win over Liberty Common 53-44 on Tuesday. Morgan had a season-high 26 points in a 75-30 win over Vail Christian, Dec. 7. Highland and Morgan will try and keep things rolling when they visit Platte Valley (3-7) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Hermsen clears way for Heritage Christian: Heritage Christian is sporting a solid 5-3 record in the 2A ranks. A large reason why has been the play of Levi Hermsen. The senior is averaging 21.8 ppg. Hermsen scored 30 points in a season-opening 66-58 loss to Liberty Common. Hermsen and his mates entertain Clear Creek (3-6) at 7 p.m., Friday.
Martinez has been Grand for Sierra Grande: In 1A, Sierra Grande (6-2) is making some noise. Playing the loudest for the Panthers is Jadyn Martinez. The junior guard is pouring in 18.9 ppg. In his team’s most recent win over Antonito, Martinez had 22 points. Up next for Martinez and his teammates is a 6 p.m. game Friday against Lake City (0-2) and then SG will host Kim/Branson at 4:30 p.m., Saturday.
Big games looming this week
Class 3A
Strasburg (10-0) at Windsor Charter Academy (11-0), 7 p.m., Jan. 21
This a huge matchup next Tuesday. Strasburg and Windsor Charter Academy are two of the top teams in Class 3A. Strasburg faces Platte Canyon (4-4) Saturday and WCA meets Wiggins (5-5) Friday as both squads aim to keep their perfect records intact before they meet next week. Strasburg is led by Tyce Bollers (20.6 ppg) and WCA will counter with Andrew Schams (17 ppg).
Class 2A
Fowler (7-2) at Sanford (8-4), 7 p.m., Friday
This is good ol’ Southern Colorado matchup. Fowler has storied sports tradition, winning countless state titles in sports. Now the Grizzlies are strong in boys’ basketball. Fowler will try and avenge a 67-42 defeat to Sanford on Dec. 14. Fowler is paced offensively by Isaiah Montoya (15.8 ppg) and Hagen McCuistion (9.8 ppg). Sanford had won two games in a row before dropping a 61-39 decision to Buena Vista (6-1) on Jan. 14. Sanford is known for its discipline offense and stingy defense.
Class 1A
Cheyenne Wells (6-3) at Otis (5-2), 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Cheyenne Wells is in the mix at a Class 1A state championship contender. The Tigers are fueled by junior Corey Hill (24.1 ppg). CW is coming off a tough 49-46 overtime loss to Stratton on Tuesday. Hill scored 21 of his team’s points in that loss. Cheyenne Wells entertains Holyoke (7-3) at 7 p.m. Friday before taking on Otis. Otis is led by Charlie Kendrick (18.7 ppg) and Grady Bechtle (12.4 ppg).
Otis plays Idalia (4-4) at 7 p.m., Friday before the key game with Cheyenne Wells the following day.
