With teams on the homestretch of their regular season schedules and the playoffs set to begin in a couple of weeks, here’s a look at five championship favorites in Class 6A boys basketball. The Final 4 and championship are March 7-9 at the Denver Coliseum.
Valor Christian
Record/RPI: 17-2, 4th
Key Wins: Chaparral, Regis Jesuit, Rock Canyon, Mountain Vista
Championship Case: The Eagles have three double-digit scorers in junior point guard Cole Scherer, senior shooting guard Eli Kim and junior forward Brady Wynja. With that balance, and first-year coach Jeff Platt’s ability to get his squad to make key defensive stops in prime-time games, the 2017 Class 4A champions are in position to make a run at their first Class 6A crown.
ThunderRidge
Record/RPI: 17-3, 3rd
Key Wins: Valor Christian, Cherry Creek, Douglas County
Championship Case: Rock Canyon is the only team able to upend the Grizzlies in-state this year, in a 48-44 game on Jan. 26 where ThunderRidge shot just 36% from the floor. Consider that an anomaly: In addition to senior point guard and CU commit Andrew Crawford, the Grizzlies have the overall size, depth and talent to add to coach Joe Ortiz’s championship resume.
Mountain Vista
Record/RPI: 15-3, 2nd
Key Wins: Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Chaparral, Regis Jesuit, Rock Canyon
Championship Case: After graduating their top two scorers from last season, the Golden Eagles reloaded and are led by junior guard Cal Baskind while his brother Wes Baskind is also making significant contributions. Senior guard Jacob Hoefs and sophomore center Oliver Junker are also averaging double-digit scoring, making Mountain Vista capable of its first title.
Smoky Hill
Record/RPI: 14-5, 6th
Key Wins: South Medford (Ore.), Valor Christian, Eaglecrest
Championship Case: The Buffaloes have the state’s most athletic team — the big question is if that will carry them to a first title. Senior forward Kevin Sylla has come into his own, while sophomore point guard Carter Basquez and junior guard Kaylan Graham are also averaging double-digit scoring. They’ve had a couple recent blips in league play but remain very dangerous.
Chaparral
Record/RPI: 15-5, 7th
Key Wins: Cherry Creek, Regis Jesuit, Douglas County
Championship Case: With a senior-heavy roster, the Wolverines have plenty of experience in addition to a couple of standout freshmen. Senior Gavin Carter paces the team in scoring, followed by freshman guards Christian Williams and Luke Howery. If the latter two youngsters keep elevating their game, the 2012 Class 5A champs will be in the mix at the Denver Coliseum this year.
Other Contenders
Rock Canyon (see: big win over ThunderRidge), Eaglecrest (junior point guard LaDavian King can carry them far), Douglas County (three double-digit scorers), Cherry Creek (in every game, and beat Smoky Hill last week), Regis Jesuit (led by Colorado coaching mainstay Ken Shaw), Fruita Monument (Class 6A’s only unbeaten team), Denver East (defending champ always shows up for the playoffs), Ralston Valley (junior sharpshooter Tanner Braketa is back from summer knee surgery).
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