The state tournament begins today for the top classes. A look at top 10 players to watch in the boys and girls playoffs:
Boys
Syd Donaldson, Longmont: Trojans’ leading scorer has propelled them to a top seed.
Jordan Gregory, Pueblo East: Arguably the most dynamic point man south of Colorado Springs.
Darragh O’Neill, Fairview: Big scorer, virtually automatic at the free-throw line and as pesky of a frontcourt defender as there is in the field.
Kyle Engelhardt, Lewis-Palmer: The Rangers’ rock, a stable force who may help send them back to the final four.
Roderick Taylor, Montbello: Big, strong and the Warriors’ leading force inside, where their strength lies.
Bud Thomas, Regis: The best player they have, a consistent, smooth scorer who’s also underrated as a rebounder and a defender.
Martin Thomas, Fountain-Fort Carson: Strong and probably the key component on a talented first five.
Trevor Wages, Chatfield: If he gets the ball on offense with regularity, the 6-foot-8 senior is perhaps the biggest matchup problem.
Dominic Williams, Abraham Lincoln: Emerging with an all- around game, the junior is one of the few capable of taking over.
Kamryn Williams, Sierra: At a school historically devoid of individual stars, he’s at the head of the Stallions’ latest wave of balance and talent.
Girls
Brooke Jelniker, ThunderRidge: Versatile senior bound for Kansas who hopes to carry the Grizzlies back to Boulder.
Alexus Johnson, Monarch: Emerging sophomore who’s a physical, inside force.
Alison Gorrell, Conifer: Scoring machine makes the Lobos a legitimate 4A threat.
Amy Kame, Central (G.J.): Fact is, she’s making a serious bid for player of the year.
Jamie Katuna, Longmont: Savvy, gritty point guard who knows how to run the Trojans’ show.
Kim Lockridge, Heritage: A steadying influence who’s sound and makes few mistakes.
Kaitlyn Mileto, Mesa Ridge: Undisputed Grizzlies’ leader; tops in production too.
Quincey Noonan, Legacy: A Lightning cornerstone, excelling in areas beyond scoring.
Hayley Thompson, Mullen: Physically ready to play in college — mentally too.
Sendy Valles, Highlands Ranch: Missed the first half of the season because of transfer rules, but could be the main reason the Falcons are the 5A favorite.
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
