The New Year – 2025 – is here and now it is time to see how the second half of the season unfolds for the Colorado boys basketball teams in Class 3A, 2A and 1A.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the teams and players who are turning heads at this young juncture in the season.

STRASBURG MAKING NOISE EARLY: In 3A, Strasburg, which has never won a boys basketball state championship in school history, is off to a great start this season sporting a 6-0 record.

Strasburg has been powered offensively by senior Tyce Bollers. The smooth guard is averaging 19.7 ppg and nearly 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

The play of Bollers is no surprise as he averaged 18.8 ppg a year ago. Up next for Bollers and his Strasburg mates is a home game with Peyton (3-4) at 6 p.m., Jan. 7.

CROWLEY HAS A GUNNER: Crowley County is No. 1 in the latest CSHAA RPI rankings in 2A, thanks to sporting a 4-1 record. The team’s lone loss is to Simla 63-62 in overtime on Dec. 14. The Cubs are No. 3 in the 2A RPI Rankings.

The key for success for Crowley County has been Gunner Hughes. The 6-foot-4 senior is pouring in 25 points per game, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.

Hughes has been suiting up on the varsity since his freshman year. For his career he is averaging 16.6 ppg. Crowley’s most recent win was a 74-29 decision over Custer County on Dec. 17.

The Chargers return to the court at 7 p.m., Jan. 7, when they travel to Pueblo West to take on Swallows Charter Academy (3-4).

TUFF ENOUGH: In Class 1A, McClave seemingly always is a perennial power, and the Cardinals once again look to be a force.

The Cardinals are No. 4 in the 1A CHSAA RPI Standings. McClave is sporting a 5-1 record. McClave’s lone loss was 60-42 to reigning Class 3A champion Yuma on Dec. 13.

Fueling the McClave attack is Tuff Kelley. The sophomore is scoring nearly 16 ppg and grabbing 8.7 rebounds. Kelley’s sophomore season is continuing the momentum he built as a freshman when he scored 15.3 ppg and averaged 9.3 rebounds.

Kelley and his teammates have an extended break not playing again until hosting Eads (Jan. 10) and Hoehne (Jan. 11).

With so much of the season left to played, it is hard to put a lot of stock in one game but here are some others to watch.

Class 3A

Highland (7-0) at Stargate School (7-1), 7 p.m., Jan. 7

Highland is No. 2 in CHSAA’s RPI rankings, thanks to its current win streak. The Huskies are coming off wins over Forge Christian (52-50) and SkyView Academy (55-36). Highland’s leading scorer is Sawyer Morgan (18.4 ppg). Stargate will counter with senior Hunter Roark (18.9 ppg)

Class 2A

Simla (4-1) at Byers (6-1), 7 p.m., Jan. 10

Simla’s lone blemish record-wise this season is the one-point loss to Strasburg. The Cubs are a legitimate state championship contender, and they are paced by sophomore Tatum Kocerha (23.2 ppg) and senior Caston Cox (15 ppg).

Byers will answer with junior Quincy Eacret (13.7 ppg) and senior Cameron Eastwood (10 ppg). The Bulldogs lone defeat was 62-57 to Bennett on Dec. 10.

Class 1A

Cheyenne Wells (4-2) at Granada (4-2), 6 p.m., Jan. 10

This game will feature one of the top players in 1A in Cheyenne Wells junior Corey Hill.

The 6-foot-8, 255-pounder is averaging 25.5 ppg and 15.3 rebounds. Granada counters with Maddox Coleman (18.7 ppg).

This will be a good early-season test for both squads.