Change is a relative word in Class 4A this season.
With the graduation of its core supergroup, the three-time defending champion Broomfield Eagles appear to have finally opened the door to some friendly competition.
That’s partly true, but don’t expect a drastic departure from the recent status quo. The Eagles (Autumn Chase, Sarah Hix and Renae Waters) will still be tough, and the preseason No. 1 is Mullen, which was the last team other than Broomfield to win state.
“We’ll still be really big,” Eagles coach Mike Croell said of his frontcourt, which includes 6-foot-2 junior post Bre Burgesser.
Chase (knee) is expected to return in January.
After nearly ending Broomfield’s dynasty in last season’s final, Mullen’s trio of Hayley Thompson, Kirsten Hess and Jordan Scott gives the Mustangs unmatched backcourt size and versatility.
The Mustangs have good depth and experience, in addition to the benefit of playing great competition throughout the regular season in the 5A Centennial League.
Broomfield’s gap at the top of the Northern League should be reduced to inches with Longmont (Jamie Katuna and Megan Carpenter), Thompson Valley (Jordan Sibrel) and 2009 semifinalist Fossil Ridge in the mix.
Conifer gets the early nod in the Jefferson County League thanks to its standout, versatile junior Alison Gorrell.
Jeffco should be deeper, however, with Centaurus (Nikki Lindow), an experienced Evergreen, D’Evelyn and traditional strengths Wheat Ridge and Golden in the mix.
John F. Kennedy (Gabriela Zarate) is out for its second 4A Denver Prep League crown a year after being the local Cinderella squad.
4A GIRLS HOOPS
4A top 10
1. Mullen
2. Broomfield
3. Longmont
4. Mesa Ridge
5. Conifer
6. Centaurus
7. Montrose
8. Thompson Valley
9. Fossil Ridge
10. Evergreen
4A players to watch
Name School Yr.
Hanna Bowden Montrose 6-0 Sr.
Ellie Carter Pueblo East 5-5 Sr.
Autumn Chase Broomfield 5-8 Sr.
Alison Gorrell Conifer 5-10 Jr.
Jamie Katuna Longmont 5-6 Jr.
Colleen King Steamboat Spr. 6-1 Sr.
Nikki Lindow Centaurus 6-0 Sr.
Kaitlyn Mileto Mesa Ridge 5-9 Jr.
Jordan Sibrel Thompson Vy. 6-1 Jr.
Hayley Thompson Mullen 6-0 Sr.
