With the graduation of two-time Class 1A player of the year Talli Han- sen, the door is open for teams to be more competitive against two-time defending state champion Eads.
McClave, winner of three straight titles before Eads’ current run, looks to regain its dominance, which included three championships in eight seasons.
Led by senior guard Jerrica Mallard, a first-team all-stater as a junior, the Cardinals have a promising outlook, coach Dick Peecher said.
“We are very confident,” he said. “We can go eight-to-10 players deep, and this could be a very good team.”
Several teams begin with a new coach, including Aaron Dille, who coached clubs and camps in Phoenix before taking over the Deer Trail Eagles.
He has two talented sisters in senior Tae’lor and freshman Bay’lee Purdy. “Tae’lor is just blowing out teams,” said Dille of his point guard, who averaged 23 points per game last season. “Playing with her makes everyone better, and she is one of those players who can dominate.”
Shaun Hummel, Special to The Denver Post
THE DENVER POST/ 9NEWS PRESEASON POLL
1. McClave
2. Kim
3. Eads
4. Caliche
5. Deer Trail
6. Dove Creek
7. Stratton
8. Fleming
9. Flagler
10. Briggsdale
