With three returning players back from last year’s state title team, you’d think that Dennis Tjaden wouldn’t have much to be worried about. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Sedgwick County coach, who led the Cougars to a title in only their second season, returns his entire frontcourt, led by his son, 6-foot-6 senior Justin Tjaden. But his backcourt may hold the key if Sedgwick County is to repeat.
“Our post will be our strong suit,” said the coach, who also has 6-6 senior Eric Canter and 6-3 senior Carson Ebke back.
Point guard Matt Green, a transfer from Silma, must excel if the Cougars are to hold off the likes of Sanford, Calhan and Colorado Springs School.
No one will have to worry about Grand Valley, the top seed in last year’s tournament which has moved up to 3A.
However, something everybody will have to deal with is the new 32-team bracket in the classification. This is a change from years past, where districts played cross-bracket with another district to determine who made it to state.
Michael Hicks, Special to The Denver Post
THE DENVER POST/ 9NEWS PRESEASON POLL
1. Sedgwick County
2. Sanford
3. Calhan
4. Holyoke
5. Colorado Springs School
6. Hoehne
7. Paonia
8. Rocky Ford
9. Meeker
10. Akron
