Last season’s Class 1A champion Hi-Plains Patriots, who knocked off Eads in the quarterfinals and Kit Carson in the final, lost several starters to graduation – most notably Cody Henry, the all-state player of the year.
That leaves the Kit Carson Wildcats atop 1A heading into the 2006-07 season, having narrowly lost in the state final to Hi-Plains 55-52.
“Our goal is to get back to the state tournament and win the whole thing,” said coach Jim Trahern, entering his 23rd season.
But when your goal is to win the whole thing, it’s easy to sometimes overlook what it means to get there, as Trahern understands.
“Hopefully, my team will not look ahead, but look at each game and have fun, because that’s what it’s supposed to be all about – to have fun,” he said.
No. 2 Eads looks to challenge Kit Carson in the High Plains League, with junior Keenan Gooden leading the way.
Elsewhere, No. 3 Idalia hopes to take control of District 5 from fourth-ranked Hi-Plains.
Another battle for district power will take place in District 8, with No. 6 Shining Mountain fighting No. 7 Community Christian for the top spot, and both could be dangerous in the playoffs.
No. 5 Peetz is looking forward to a top spot in District 4, but will have to battle several contenders, including eighth-ranked Pawnee.
