It’s a good season to be in big schools. The reasons? Consensus is there’s nothing resembling a clear-cut team favorite, and the individual talent is lighter and spread out over a field that can’t wait to begin because of it.
It seems almost everyone likes their chances.
If two-time defending state champion East wants a third in succession, which has occurred once (Manual, 1948-50), maintaining its place among the elite falls to returning starters DaVaughn Thornton and Troy Wiese, and speed and quickness throughout a roster notable for its defense. The Denver Prep League also has George Washington (Thomas Bropleh and Tyrelle Millard) coming off a quarterfinals showing; up from 4A is two-time defending champion Abraham Lincoln.
Suburban ball is expected to be more of threat than in the past three seasons (Mullen won in 2006). Talented Eaglecrest (with top player Gage Wooten) broke into its first semifinals the past season, and Regis (R.J. Demps and junior Bud Thomas) has experience and leadership.
Former Jefferson County 4A power Ralston Valley enters with Pierce Hornung as the state’s top player, a multifaceted, 6-foot-5 talent bound for Colorado State.
Douglas County’s ThunderRidge has had more unexpected personnel changes than usual but is among a half-dozen that can challenge in the Continental; another strong Centennial crew includes Mullen as significant challengers; Fairview could stand out in the Front Range; and of the out-of-towners, Colorado Springs’ Doherty, Fort Collins and Central (G.J.) appear to be the best bets.
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
THE DENVER POST/ 9NEWS PRESEASON POLL
1. East
2. Eaglecrest
3. Regis
4. George Washington
5. Fairview
6. Ralston Valley
7. Mullen
8. Fort Collins
9. ThunderRidge
10. Doherty
