Optimism and history hang over Class 4A this season. Optimism comes from the lack of an obvious preseason No. 1. History comes from last March, when Sierra dramatically won it all on the strength of its depth, teamwork and selflessness.
Without a clear heavyweight contender, the Stallions begin the season No. 1 in a top 10 that should be in plenty of flux. Behind seniors Kamryn Williams and Jahmall Fountain, coach Otis Johnson’s Stallions have enough talent and experience to be the team to beat.
But the preseason talk includes plenty about Lewis-Palmer (Kyle Engelhardt) and Thomas Jefferson (Ray Riley), and the gap below the top three teams is small.
Take the South Central League, where last year’s No. 1 and finalist Pueblo South has ruled for years. The Colts (Tyrell Williams) will be a factor, but Pueblo East (Jordan Gregory), Pueblo Central (Donte Lucas) and Pueblo West will make it a true race.
“It’s the first time it’s been balanced in a long time,” Pueblo Central coach Brad Ranson said.
The prognosis fits every league. Colorado Springs looks deeper than usual. Lining up behind the Stallions and Rangers should be Cheyenne Mountain (Logan Mueller), Widefield, Harrison and a pesky Falcon.
The Jefferson County League appears to start with Golden (Ryan Stokes), but D’Evelyn, Wheat Ridge, Conifer and Evergreen will add drama by January.
The Northern League has long been 4A’s top crucible, a fact that shouldn’t change with early favorite Longmont (Sydney Donaldson) getting the nod over Broomfield (Nick Halliday), Sterling, Fossil Ridge and Windsor.
Western Slope might have the least amount of congestion, as Steamboat Springs appears to be the leader over young Glenwood Springs and Delta squads.
4A BOYS HOOPS
4A top 10
1. Sierra
2. Thomas Jefferson
3. Lewis-Palmer
4. Longmont
5. Broomfield
6. Sterling
7. Golden
8. Pueblo South
9. Pueblo East
10. Pueblo Central
4A players to watch
Name School Yr.
Sydney Donaldson Longmont 6-4 Sr.
Kyle Engelhardt Lewis-Palmer 6-4 Sr.
Jordan Gregory Pueblo East 6-0 Jr.
Nick Halliday Broomfield 6-7 Sr.
Donthe Lucas Pueblo Central 6-7 Sr.
Ray Riley T. Jefferson 5-10 Sr.
Ryan Stokes Golden 6-3 Sr.
Xavier Talton Sterling 6-2 So.
Kamryn Williams Sierra 6-4 Sr.
Tyrell Williams Pueblo South 6-5 Sr.
