Eaglecrest is the easy No. 1, because the defending champion Raptors return All-Colorado senior Courtney Karst and all-state junior Jordan Kissman to a talented roster that includes a California transfer. After years of chasing Grandview, the Raptors get the pressure that comes with defending a title. Most of the Centennial League – especially Cherry Creek – will be chasing them, but the gulf between the top teams is significantly smaller. Just about every coach is saying the same thing: It’s a wide-open race. Mountain Vista should have a little extra chip on its shoulder after last season’s bizarre playoff scenario, while Colorado Springs will be tough with its top trio of Doherty, Pine Creek and Lewis-Palmer. Columbine will improve midseason with a transfer and injuries healing up, giving Jefferson County its first legitimate 5A contender in years.
Teams to watch
1. Eaglecrest; 2. Cherry Creek; 3. Mountain Vista; 4. Doherty; 5. Pine Creek; 6. Lewis-Palmer; 7. Columbine; 8. Grandview; 9. Heritage; 10. Smoky Hill.
Returning all-state players
Amanda Arterburn, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Carrie Baird, Cherry Creek, Jr.; Cindy Bathelt, Pine Creek, Sr.; Gabi Dewberry, Cherry Creek, Jr.; Ann Dylla, Heritage, Sr.; Vanessa Gemignani, Doherty, Jr.; Courtney Karst, Eaglecrest, Sr.; Jordan Kissman, Eaglecrest, Jr.; Ariel Turner, Mountain Vista, Jr.; Lauren Van Orden, Grandview, Sr.; Breanna Williams, Columbine, Sr.; Shelby Workman, Loveland, Sr.
