Denver Post staff writer Jon E. Yunt takes a look ahead at the action in high school sports:
BOYS BASKETBALL
Keeping up with the Joneses
The preseason hype surrounding Colorado Academy continues. The Mustangs, who have pointed to this season for some time, were 6-0 in December, including close games against Sheridan and Strasburg. Now the fun begins. Led by Phil and David Jones, C.A. enters Class 3A Metropolitan League play tonight against Dick Katte and his Denver Christian Crusaders, and Saturday the Mustangs face top-ranked and unbeaten Faith Christian in Arvada.
The Metropolitan’s third undefeated team, Denver Lutheran and 6-foot-11 3/4 center Trevor Williams, also starts league play Saturday, against Kent Denver. A big win over one of the league’s stalwarts would go a long way for the improving Lights.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
A rare visit
We usually have to wait until state tournament time to catch a glimpse of Durango in any sport. That is not the case this week when the No. 9 Demons make the trek to Highlands Ranch to take on the top-ranked Falcons. Before entering Southwestern League play next week, Katerina Garcia, who averages 25 points, will try to take down the Falcons, who have not lost an in-state game since February 2007.
ICE HOCKEY
Something’s gotta give
The puck drops at 5:45 p.m. Friday at South Suburban Family Sports Center in a battle of unbeaten teams — Regis and Lewis-Palmer. The defending champion Raiders have outscored their opponents 46-8, including an 8-2 thumping of Kent Denver last Saturday, in running to a 7-0 record. Nick Davis leads the team in goals (nine) and Gregg Davis in assists (nine). It will be the first game for the visiting Rangers since an impressive 4-0 blanking of Steamboat Springs before the break.
The nonconference game highlights a nine-game Saturday schedule that includes Steamboat at Rampart (Sertich Ice Center, 1:15 p.m.) and 8-0 Bishop Machebeuf in Breckenridge to play Summit at 3:30 p.m.
WRESTLING
Westy’s big winner
Westminster heavyweight Moises Alcala pinned Legacy’s Shawn Jenkins in the finals of the Northern Colorado Christmas Tournament last month and was the champion of a 40-man bracket. Alcala, who finished fifth last season at the state wrestling tournament for Ranum, and his Wolves teammates host their inaugural invitational Saturday. There is no shortage of tournaments to attend from Pueblo to Gypsum to satisfy your grappling cravings.
