Denver Post staff writer Neil H. Devlin takes a look at Classes 3A, 2A and 1A in Colorado’s basketball tournaments, which end Saturday:
BOYS
Class 3A
At Colorado State in Fort Collins reside maybe the best balance of any class and story lines worth reading. Defending champion Faith Christian (23-1) opens against Aspen (23-1). Patriot League members Yuma and Valley will be going at it for the third time this season. There’s more Patriot presence with Eaton (Seth Lobato) and Erie. Peyton (Brett Green) is powerful, Coal Ridge a newbie.
Class 2A.
There will be a new champion — 2008 winner Sedgwick County is out. And it’s just about a new field at CSU-Pueblo’s Massari Fieldhouse. Only top- seeded Holyoke and No. 8 Sanford returned from the 2008 Great 8, with Sanford the lone returner advancing to the semis. Second- seeded Meeker, Colorado Springs School (3) and Heritage Christian (4) earned the other top seeds. Lutheran-Parker (6) adds a rare Denver-area 2A inclusion.
Class 1A.
Top-seeded Caliche (Derek Weingardt) and No. 3 Crested Butte, both 24-0, are among Colorado’s four undefeated teams. And there will be tradition at a new venue, Northern Colorado in Greeley: Kit Carson (2) won in 2004 and 2007, and Hi-Plains (4) is the defending champion and won in 2006.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Class 3A
Defending champion Holy Family (Dori Gills) is in prime position and a favorite in a fresh field.
Buena Vista (23-1) is the only other returning team from the 2008 Great 8. However, be aware of Eaton, Jefferson Academy and St. Mary’s, all capable of advancing.
Class 2A.
It’s expected to be defending champion Wray’s (Stacy Post) show. The Eagles returned all five starters from last season. Next-best bets: Paonia (23-1), Sanford (19-5) and Meeker (18-6).
Class 1A.
McClave, which won three consecutive titles this decade, was the preseason favorite, and little has changed. The Cardinals (Jerrica Mallard); Deer Trail (Tae’lor Purdy), which hasn’t won since 1986; and impressive Kim head a different batch. Only McClave, Stratton (5) and Hi-Plains (8) returned from a year ago.
