As usual, our top games list for Wednesday is focused on the Centennial and Jeffco conferences, but this week there’s also a huge game inside the 2A Mile High. We break down the matchups.
Ralston Valley at Columbine: The Mustangs are 2-0 in the 5A Jeffco and share the top spot with Dakota Ridge (3-0) but a win tonight gives Ralston Valley command of the title chase. They knocked off Valor Christian last week (60-58) and a win over Columbine tonight gives them victories over their top two league challengers. Dakota Ridge has not faced either the Rebels and Eagles but they meet those two and Ralston Valley over a seven day period starting next week. Caden Gigstad (26) and Caleb Rillos (20) totaled all but 14 points in Ralston’s win over Valor last week. They combined to hit 18 of 33 shots with Gigstad knocking in six three-pointers and Rillos two. Gigstad also had five assists. Columbine conversely lost to Valor Christian (64-45) to begin league play. The Rebels actually led 26-20 at halftime but were outscored 27-4 in the third quarter. They were also missing Luke O’Brien (25.3) in the game. The senior has scored at least 20 points in 13 of 15 games.
Cherry Creek at Overland/Grandview at Arapahoe: Cherry Creek and Grandview are both 7-1 with a two game edge on all others in the 5A Centennial. Grandview has the tiebreaker thanks to a win over the Bruinsl last week but both need wins tonight to keep a share of the lead. It won’t be easy as the Centennial is extremely deep with almost every team having talent to win against any opponent. Grandview beat Arapahoe 62-40 earlier this season. Caleb McGill (18), Tanner Holtman (16) and CJ Thomas (14) all reached double figures and they outrebounded the Warriors 36-16. Arapahoe was led by Bryson Stephens with 14 points. Cherry Creek outscored Overland 76-65 in their first meeting. Julian Hammond (23) topped all scorers but Myles Purchase (15), Chance Hausman (13) and Sebastian Cole (10) all had key stretches. Overland picked up 15 points from Trevon Deden, 14 from Vinni Veikalas and 10 from Joseph Editone. The Bruins are 5-3 in league play and battling Smoky Hill in third.
Dayspring Christian at Highland: These are two of the three remaining league unbeatens in the 2A Mile High as they’re tied with Denver Christian in first place. Of the three, Dayspring Christian is the only one not in the top 10 as Highland is #2 and Denver Christian #4 this week. The Huskies blew past Twin Peaks Charter 89-41 on Tuesday and will face Dawson on the road Friday so they’re in the middle of a busy week. The showdown with Denver Christian is set for the 14th. Tate Bessire (23.6) has been under 20 points only twice this season and he matched a season high with 29 points in last week’s crucial win over Heritage Christian. He also leads the team in assists (6.1) and steals (5.3). Jace Bessire (15.1), Bowen Tolle (14.3) and Holden Morgan (13.4) all average at least 13 points a game for an offense scoring 85 a night. Dayspring Christian has won six straight since a loss to Estes Park. Their other loss is against Peyton (35-25) back in early December. Christian Still (20.1) and Malachi Fast (10.5) combine for nearly 31 points a game while Caden Bonell adds nearly eight points and rebounds per contest. The Eagles also host Denver Christian on Friday so wins in both give them control of the league chase.
Schedule changes: Couple of notes involving top 10 teams as games from last night were postponed to this evening. Those include 4A #2 Cheyenne Mountain and their game with Discovery Canyon and 1A #9 Evangelical Christian at Miami Yoder. The matchup between Pueblo West and Pueblo East was pushed back to Monday.
