So far, just oral commitments have been made. On Wednesday, they become real. National signing day, which has become almost a national holiday for recruiters and recruitniks across the country, is almost upon us. And while most of the names are locked into the respective choices, there are always a few that make us wait to the last minute. The Denver Post’s Gold Helmet winner, Tyler Jackson of Douglas County, will make his commitment to Boise State official. University of Colorado coach Dan Hawkins nabbed the two most-talked-about players in the state, linebacker Jon Major of Ponderosa and defensive tackle Curtis Cunningham of Columbine, to shore up the Buffs’ defense.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Continental mess. There is a logjam atop the Continental League standings, and Friday night could further stir the pot. Some intriguing games to keep an eye on include the league’s only unbeaten team, Class 5A No. 1 ThunderRidge, heading to Castle Rock to play Douglas County (11-5) at 7 o’clock. Rangeview is chasing the Grizzlies and will get a stern test at Regis, much improved under coach Ken Shaw, in a battle of the Raiders. Other Friday night Continental games of consequence include Mountain Vista at Arapahoe and Heritage at Chaparral.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Youthful ‘Cats. Game in and game out, the grind of the Class 3A Metro League would seemingly take its toll on a young, inexperienced team. St. Mary’s Academy coach Phillip Gentry, who guided the Wildcats to the state tournament two years ago and took Faith Christian to overtime earlier this month, called his young team “a bunch of gamers.” He will learn a little bit about his team over the next two Fridays. First up is league-leading Denver Christian this Friday, followed by Peak to Peak on Feb. 8.
WRESTLING
Nearing the end. It’s the penultimate weekend of the regular season, and we stand just two weeks away from regional tournaments. Saturday’s sights du jour include: Abraham Lincoln, Green Mountain, Thomas Jefferson and Thornton at Estes Park’s Thin Air Invitational.
ICE HOCKEY
Frozen Saturday. Think the line will be as long at Magness Arena on Saturday for Regis and Machebeuf 8 p.m. hockey game as it was for Barack Obama’s appearance Wednesday? Doubtful, but Coloradans do love their hockey. Saturday is chock-full of enticing matchups, mostly up the I-70 corridor. First Peak to Peak travels to Breckenridge to take on Summit at 1:15 p.m. Then at 4 o’clock, Aspen hosts Donald Geary and his Rampart Rams. At 6 p.m. in Vail, Steve Fillo’s Lewis-Palmer Rangers will try to increase their Peak Conference lead against Battle Mountain at Dobson Arena.
