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Leading a roster that includes two of the best players in Class 2A would be an enviable job for any coach in the classification.

But beyond returning the reigning state tournament most valuable player in Justine Sandersfeld, and a first-team all-state selection in Amanda Brown, Limon coach Mark Brown has even more to work with.

Limon has the kind of roster that could, according to most coaches in the class, win the school its fourth title in five years. A supporting cast of experienced playoff players and solid athletes throughout the lineup again make the Badgers the team to beat in 2A.

“I thought that was our advantage last year,” Mark Brown said. “That experience went a long way. They get to the playoffs and they know what they’re doing. They’re not nervous. It’s more like, ‘We’re here, let’s play.”‘

Limon capped an undefeated (26-0) season last year with a 58-54 overtime thriller over Las Animas. Sara Stone, a guard not among the team’s leading scorers and who has since graduated, decided that game with two key 3-pointers.

“We are looking to have another good year,” Brown said. “We’ll have to see if the newer players can step in. Hopefully we’ll have some more depth.”

Las Animas graduated Danielle Miller, the player of the year, but returns senior Nikki Howe and two juniors, Kelsey Miller and Rae Ann Miller. The Trojans begin the year ranked No. 2.

“They have enough to probably win it,” Brown said of Las Animas.

Crowley County should be a favorite among the Sante Fe League teams behind senior Diane Owen, and will face Las Animas in District 4.

Holyoke, out of the Lower Platte, will contend behind seniors Kia Kassman and Kendra Knight. The Dragons then will contend with Lyons, Akron, Wiggins, Wray and others in District 2.

Byers rounds out the top five and will compete with Limon in the Union Pacific, then later in District 8 with Peyton and Simla, all ranked teams.

Class 2A top players