Huge night for girls basketball as the schedule includes a one versus one battle in the Centennial and three other games featuring league unbeatens facing off. In the three “other games”, the winner stands a good chance of ending up with the league championship.
Lutheran at Skyview Academy: The records overall are the same (11-1) but the Lions are ranked second in Class 3A with Skyview Academy outside the poll. Both are unbeaten in the 3A Metro and tied with Jefferson Academy in first. All three teams have at least a two game edge on the rest of the conference so the winner is in great shape for a top two league finish. Lutheran is heavily favored as they slammed the Hawks 52-14 in non-league play before Christmas. The Lions fired in 10 three-pointers while Skyview Academy managed just four field goals the entire game.
Falcon at Sand Creek: It’s the first of two meetings inside the 4A Pikes Peak and it’s a huge game overall. Neither has dropped a league game so the winner will stand alone atop the standings. They also have built up a three-game cushion on third place Lewis Palmer and Air Academy. Sand Creek is ranked #4 and Falcon #8 by the coaches and the two are #2 and #5 in RPI going in. Sand Creek scores 68 points a game led by Nikki Derrell (14.9), Tiana Davis (12.5) and Krystina Hagood (12.4). Falcon averages 55 points a night with Hannah Burg (13.1), Kayla Harkema (10.2) and Billie Fiore (10.2) the top individuals.
Ralston Valley at Valor Christian: It’s only game two of the 5A Jeffco league schedule but more than likely the winner is the conference champion. Valor Christian is ranked #2 and Ralston Valley #6 in the CHSAA polls this week while the RPI has them both in the top three. Valor is 8-0 against Colorado opponents with only two of those games determined by less than 20 points (Chaparral & Pueblo West). Raegan Beers (14.8) and Kindyll Wetta (13.2) combine for 28 points offensively. Ralston Valley has lost twice in Colorado (Denver East & Regis) but has won their last five. Sydney Bevington (15.6) and Saya Sabus (10.4) are the top two scorers.
Grandview at Mullen: For the second time in three weeks, we have a battle of number one teams from inside the Centennial. Mullen and Cherry Creek were in the top spot when they faced off January 15th and while the Mustangs came up short in that one (58-38), they held onto the top spot in the 4A rankings. Grandview took over number one in 5A after topping Cherry Creek 65-40 last Friday. Addison O’Grady and Lauren Betts combined for 37 points and 26 rebounds in the win. Mullen has won three straight since the Creek loss; beating Smoky Hill, Cherokee Trail and Overland by a combined 147 points.
