Who says Colorado can’t hoop?
Actually, many of you, with good reason.
OK, so our high school courts will probably never come close to filling big-time nets and rims with steady, significant talent. Then again, state play hasn’t been as sorry as, say, that of the New Jersey Nets.
Seriously, Colorado’s outlay and lower population aren’t conducive to developing and expanding its talent through inner competition and numbers; its college programs, particularly in upper ranks, either foolishly pass on or fail to land what abilities grow here annually and have poor relationships within the prep ranks; and today’s players and followers too many times lack necessary fundamentals and watch way too much television, respectively.
None of it helps.
I pen the above for you with confidence — I’m three days shy of completing my 30th season of watching your kids play, so I thought I’d give you the all-Devlin teams, from the 1980-81 season to this weekend’s finals of Colorado’s 89th state tournament.
For boys basketball, the array of big-time players has been spotty, yet interesting. For girls basketball, which began in the 1975-76 season, a mercurial climb in levels and talent has flattened out this season. But the girls clearly have owned the edge in landing college scholarships and earning assorted honors despite continuing to trail their counterparts in attendance.
Herewith, my opinion on the best schoolboy and schoolgirl players in three decades.
Let the debates begin.
Best boys player
Chauncey Billups, George Washington, Class of 1995
Who else would it be? He was meant to be a star and was . . . still is, in the NBA. Billups, 6-feet-3, is the best I’ve seen here at breaking the press, making free throws, recording assists, taking (and making) the big shots and employing basketball knowledge. He made the Thunderdome what it is, Colorado’s best schoolboy hoops mecca, and conducted himself in interviews like a man. Never bad-mouthed anyone. Once, after leading another blowout of West, he credited the Cowboys coach “for always having something new on defense for me.” He understood what was happening. Four-time player of the year by The Denver Post.
Best girls player
Shelly Pennefather, (now Bishop) Machebeuf, Class of 1982
Actually, she graduated in 1983 but left Colorado for New York as a senior. It was after she led Machebeuf to three consecutive midrange championships, then won another title to finish her schoolgirl career 96-0. There was a reason for that — she was on those teams. Seriously, the 6-1 Pennefather could play any position. A Parade All-American who went on to Villanova and was a three-time Big East player of the year.
BOYS
Tad Boyle, Greeley Central, Class of 1981: A 6-4, do-it-all guard who led the Wildcats to the 1981 championship (3A in a 4A system). Had a 50-point, 20-rebound game against Rocky Mountain, was named to the Converse All-America team, and Greeley Central retired his jersey after his senior season. Played at Kansas under Larry Brown and was captain as a senior on a team that included Danny Manning. Now the coach at Northern Colorado.
Matt Bouldin, ThunderRidge, Class of 2006: Probably the most complete player I’ve seen after Billups. A 6-5 guard who had under- rated speed and strength, excellent shooting range and rarely changed his expression. Opposing coaches fretted about dealing with him because he was such a matchup problem. Now nearing completion of a stellar career at Gonzaga and gaining steam to be drafted high by the NBA.
Gene Edwards, Wasson, Class of 1985: A dart of a guard. Speedy, quick and adept at most facets — he could drive to the basket, jump over defenders, make free throws, pass and, surprisingly enough, rebound at 6-2. Widely considered to be one of the top recruits of the era, he drew interest from Denny Crum and Louisville but was a Prop 48 casualty. Starred at Metro State.
Tom Hovasse, Widefield, Class of 1985: The 6-8 redhead was as comfortable away from the basket as he was near it. One of the first forwards I saw here who could shoot from distance; he would have been very special if there had been a 3-point line. His leading the Gladiators to the state title his senior season was a thing of beauty. Went on to Penn State and became the Nittany Lions’ second all-time career scoring leader.
Reggie Jackson, Palmer, Class of 2008: The first time I saw him, in a big game against Colorado Springs rival Doherty, he pulled up for a jump shot two steps inside half court. It was indicative of his confidence as well as skills. A lengthy 6-4 guard who also fared well inside, Jackson used basketball as a stage, and he had the lead role. Now playing at Boston College.
Pat Garrity, Lewis-Palmer, Class of 1994: Three-time all-stater, a 6-9 bag of skills, but yet another player who shined in college basketball out of state. How do they leave us? And not just any player — he went on to average 23 points as a senior for Notre Dame, where he became Big East player of the year and a second team All-American. Terrific 3-point shooter who also was valedictorian of his senior class as a Ranger.
Sean Ogirri, East, Class of 2004: Still owns the best crossover dribble I’ve witnessed here, an ankle-breaker who sent more opponents to the whirlpool than a slippery court. Averaged 28.5 points as a senior in leading the Angels to a title. At the Denver Coliseum as a senior in the playoffs, opposing students rode him about his crossover move before a missed shot, screaming that Ogirri thought he was Allen Iverson. Ogirri responded by scoring 41 points. Began at Wichita State, finished at Wyoming.
Mark Randall, Cherry Creek, Class of 1986: A consummate team player who also led by example. By far the fastest player 6-8 or taller I’ve seen here, a skilled, savvy bundle of power and know-how. One of those kids who was all business while enjoying the play. Went on to play at Kansas, was an All-American, all-Big Eight, academic all-Big Eight and played in the 1991 NCAA title game.
Michael Ruffin, Cherry Creek, Class of 1995: A classic 6-9 forward who was exceptional in terms of playing with his back to the basket, knowing when to pass out of the double team, rebounding, defending, blocking shots and rarely leaving the basket. He also was one of the smart players who didn’t panic if he didn’t touch the ball on offense every time down the floor. Starred at Tulsa.
Chucky Sproling, Manual, Class of 1988: One of the Denver Prep League’s storied stars, a left-handed, sleek 6-4 guard who knew how to execute virtually any shot and could beat the opposition down the floor with regularity. His limb length also made him a solid defender and passer. His 74 points (before the 3-point line) against North in 1988 remain a Colorado record. Moved on to St. John’s, where he was a regular.
Brooks Thompson, Littleton, Class of 1989: Strong and competitive, a guard who hated losing. A 6-4 lefty, Thompson led the Lions to a 24-0 record and the big-school title as a senior. Played at Texas A&M and Oklahoma State, an NBA first-round draft choice by Orlando who saw action with four other teams, including the Nuggets. After one of his early NBA games, he telephoned prep coach Ron Vlasin to say “the Lakers didn’t have anyone who could guard me.”
GIRLS
Jamie Carey, Horizon, Class of 1999: A 5-6 guard who generally did whatever she wanted on the court. Averaged 21 points as a senior and once scored 10 points in 40 seconds. Terrific range, speed and ball hand- ling. She drew defenders like a magnet, then seemed to enjoy finding the open player. An All-American by multiple publications and a James Naismith Award finalist.
Katie Cronin, Horizon, Class of 1994: A very strong 6-footer who also combined skill and athleticism. Her all-around game included helping bring the ball up against the press, posting up and shooting from the perimeter. Smart and willing to take chances, Cronin went on to Colorado State and retired as one of the program’s top two scorers.
Britt Hartshorn, Lamar, Class of 1998: The Savages won four consecutive titles with her in the lineup. It wasn’t coincidence. The 6-4 bundle of energy and power was terrific battling inside, a player who also knew how to pass out of trouble. Her size and strength as well as capabilities to get up and down the floor made her a must-see commodity.
Tracy Hill, Ridgway, Class of 1983: One of our first big stars, she was our female game’s Pete Mara- vich. Don’t argue. She remains the state’s all-time career scoring leader with 2,934 points among a crazy set of numbers. She scored 928 points as a senior, an average of 44.2. Her 59 in a game are just two off the mark. But she also is first in most points in a quarter (26) and half (39); and most points by class (928 as a senior, 889 as a junior and 735 as a freshman). Parade All-American.
Melissa Jones, Legacy, Class of 2007: Coaches always say players “see the floor well.” It was in high definition for Jones, who excelled at handling things herself as well as involving teammates. If the Lightning scored, say, 54 points in a game, she may have had 32 or so and none of her teammates minded. It was a gift. Her memorable final four as a senior included two games totaling 52 points and 26 rebounds.
Erin Scholz, Doherty, Class of 1993: In the annals of sanctioned play that date to the 1975-76 season, Scholz presents a case for being the most physically strong. She was virtually unmovable near the basket, yet was light enough on her feet to play an up-tempo pace. The first Ms. Colorado Basketball by The Denver Post in her senior season, Scholz was an All-American who later had a terrific run at CU.
Ann Strother, Heritage- Highlands Ranch, Class of 2002: Not enough space here for the 6-3 All-American guard, who was co- MVP of the first girls McDonald’s Game. Later played in the Pan-Am Games and starred at Connecticut. I’ll never forget her final schoolgirl basket, a pull-up, 20-foot jump shot right of the key that swished, sealed the title and left us with something by which to remember her.
Bridget Turner, Hinkley, Class of 1985: The first girl I saw who could dribble the ball behind her back and between her legs, and not miss a stride. She was a press- breaker. Ahead of her time, it is said Strother “played like a guy,” but Turner was doing so more than a decade earlier. Had a stellar career at CU and was a Harlem Globetrotter.
Keirsten Walters, Mullen- Heritage, Class of 1998: A 5-8 guard with a side-to-side dribble that created separation and could pass with the best of them. Broke the press and ran the offense. A regular all-stater, made the Parade as well as Street and Smith’s All-America teams. Signed with UConn, where she played with, among other notables, Sue Bird.
Abby Waner, ThunderRidge, Class of 2005: Colorado’s second- leading career scorer (2,670 points, including 910 as a senior and a record 515 in state tournament play) was about the biggest female recruit we’ve seen after being named Gatorade national player of the year. Played on three consecutive championship teams and flew around under great control. Started at Duke as a freshman, when she played in the NCAA title game.
Nikki Weddle, Montbello, Class of 1997: She had joy in her heart and expressed it through basketball. Had game too, leading the Warriors to the only championship for a Denver Prep team. A mighty-mite at 5-2 1/2 with speed and quickness. Struggled for CU’s Buffaloes but got it together with Denver’s Pioneers. She played for DU in the NCAA Tournament.
A look at some of the players as well as some coaches who deserve mention with Neil H. Devlin’s all-Devlin Team from the past 30 years:
BOYS
Also (with senior years): Tremayne Anchrum, Montbello (1991); Justin Armour, Manitou Springs (1991); Greg Barnes, Columbine (died in 2000); J.B. Bickerstaff, Regis-East (1996); Chris Crosby, Chatfield (1996); Carlos Daniel, Fairview (1994); Brian Greene, Horizon (1999); Craig Jackson, Montbello (1984); Sherlock Holmes, Mitchell (1983); Zach Latimer, Gateway (2002); Nick Mohr, Columbine (1998); Tommy Pace, Manual (1989); Johnnie Reece, Manual (1991); Charlie Simpson, Aurora Central (1983); Patrick Simpson, George Washington (2001); Tom Starkey, Green Mountain (1997); Gary Taylor, Central Catholic-Aurora Central (1983); Terry Taylor Jr., Rangeview (1985); Joel Tribelhorn, Sterling (1984); Blair Wilson, Westminster (2000); Rodney Zimmerman, Air Academy (1990).
Best coaches: Sayyid Abdal-Rahman, Montbello; Rudy Carey, Manual-East; Guy Gibbs, Regis Jesuit; Dick Katte, Denver Christian; Kelly Meek, Steamboat Springs; Dan McKiernan, multiple schools, now at Doherty; Ken Niven, Alamosa-Monarch; Gary Osse, Wheat Ridge-Chatfield; Ken Shaw, multiple schools, now at Regis Jesuit; Terry Taylor Sr., Rangeview; Ron Vlasin, multiple schools, finished at Arapahoe.
GIRLS
Also: Tricia Bader, Roaring Fork (1991); Jenny Edgerly, Boulder (1985); Emily Fox, ThunderRidge (2005); Alyssa Fressle, Highlands Ranch (2008); Lisa Hosac, Heritage (1997); Brook Meadows, Boulder (1985); Michelle Miles, Thornton (1988); Jessika Stratton, Coronado (2000); Cissy Pierce, Heritage (2004); Anna Prins, Broomfield (2009); Liz Sherwood, Highlands Ranch (2003); Ali Spence, Centaurus-Chatfield (1999); Tracy Tripp, Fort Collins (1985); Emily Waner, ThunderRidge (2003)
Best coaches: Jim Bartok, multiple schools, now at Cherokee Trail; Tom Benyo, Roaring Fork; Bobbi Brown, Boulder; Dennis Bruns, Lamar; Carol Callan, Fairview; Mike Croell, Broomfield; Jim Harrison, Pueblo South; Gail Hook, Monarch; Caryn Jarocki, Colorado Academy-Highlands Ranch; Greg Hahn, Horizon; Steve Hill, Ridgway; Karl Krug, Doherty; Dave Melton, Hinkley; John Mraule, Montrose; Darrel Parker, Sterling.
