The high school boys basketball season in Class 3A-1A is completing one more week of action – for most teams – before teams depart for the Christmas break. Here’s a look at some players who are standing tall and some games to watch before teams return for the new year – 2024.

Player PropsTuff Kelley, McClave: The freshman starred last weekend at the tradition-rich Lamar Holiday Tournament. Kelley had 18 points against Springfield, 16 against Holly and pumped in 15 against Eads – all wins. It was the second-consecutive year McClave won the Lamar Holiday tourney. For the season, Kelley is averaging 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds both team-highs.

Kelley helped the Cardinals improve to 5-2 on the season. They are ranked No. 2 in the latest CHSAA.com Class 1A rankings. Kelley and his McClave mates are off until Jan. 4 when they visit Cheyenne Wells.

Peyton Miller, Forge Christian: The point guard for the 3A school out of Arvada that was formerly known as Faith Christian, is having a strong season, averaging a team-best 15.2 ppg and 4.4 rebounds. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound senior has led the FC to a 4-1 record and the top spot in CHSAA’s Dec. 18 rankings for 3A. Miller has shown marked scoring improvement this season considering he averaged 4 points a game his two previous seasons.

Quick Rewind

Loveland Classical is making noise in the 2A ranks, moving up to No. 5 in the latest CHSAA.com Seeding Index. LC is coming off wins over Dawson School (65-28) and Addenbrooke Classical Academy (69-46) last week. LC is paced in scoring by Caedon Meyer. The senior is averaging 18.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg both team-highs. LC doesn’t return to the court until Jan. 9 when it hosts Ascent Classical Academy.

Games To Watch

Fowler vs. Flatirons Academy, (Fri., 5 p.m., at Denver Christian Tournament): Fowler is off to great start this season, posting a 4-0 record and No. 7 spot in CHSAA’s latest 2A index. The Bison are 2-2 and are coming off a 61-42 defeat to highly touted Merino on Dec. 8. Fowler is led by senior Gage Gottbehuet, who is pouring in 16.3 ppg and 7.8 rebounds. A year ago, the 6-foot-3 forward averaged 14.4 ppg and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Sanford at Thomas MacLaren School (Thurs., 1:30 p.m.): Sanford has a 2-1 record on the young season and is No. 10 in the latest CHSAA.com index in Class 2A. Since losing its season-opener to Salida, Sanford has run off wins against Ignacio (45-38) and Centauri (57-54).