Saturday basketball brings a lighter schedule across the state but there are still some very important matchups to be found in every class. We make our choices for the best five games of the day.
1A: #4 South Baca at Wiley: It’s a good test for both teams in a very good District 3 that also includes #5 Springfield and Kim/Branson. South Baca has won seven straight since an opening loss to Hugoton KS including a 66-10 blowout of Cheyenne Wells on Friday. Wiley is 2-0 since Christmas; beating Granada by two points and Holly by four.
2A: #1 Holyoke vs #5 Limon: It’s a non-conference game but has plenty to do with RPI standings and post-season bracketing for a pair of clubs that have strong state championship hopes. Holyoke is second overall in RPI this week; trailing by Heritage Christian by just .008 points. Limon sits fifth in those standings.
3A: #3 Centauri vs #6 Pagosa Springs: This begins what should be a tremendous IML league race as both teams will also battle #5 Alamosa for the top spot. It’s the first of two meetings as they will meet again later in the season. Centauri is #2 and Pagosa Springs #10 in RPI and both are coming off conference wins on Friday.
4A: #7 Holy Family vs Windsor: After handing Berthoud their first loss of the season on Thursday, Holy Family can stay alone in first place atop the Tri Valley by beating the Wizards. A Windsor win creates a three-way tie with Berthoud for the top spot heading into the second half of the conference chase. They’re just one game back at 5-1.
5A: #3 Valor Christian vs Pine Creek: Coming off their solid 50-39 win over 4A #2 Pueblo West on Friday, the Eagles look to land the title at the Rampart Classic with a third win in three days. Pine Creek fell to Pueblo West 45-32 on Thursday but rallied back for a 59-40 win over Rampart last night.
