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March Madness has officially begun! For the Class 5A boys hoops fan, today is one of the most anticipated day of the year.
Eight of the best teams in the state all under one roof in four exciting matchups. This year’s lineup has some surprises but it looks like it will not lack for excitement.
There is simply no easy route to Boulder.
JOHN CASEY REGION
(1) Arapahoe vs. (2) ThunderRidge.
Huge home wins led to the 4 p.m. match up between Arapahoe and ThunderRidge at the Coliseum.
Arapahoe pulled off a tough overtime win over Legend in order to advance. The win secured three consecutive seasons without a loss on their home floor for the Warriors. Impressive home streak.
There was definite controversy over Denver East pulling a lower seed than ThunderRidge and having to visit the “Grizzlies Den” for the second time this season. ThunderRidge, which lost by three to the Angels in January, turned the tables with a three-point win.
Arapahoe and ThunderRidge haven’t seen one another since some intense battles in the DU summer league, but now they meet on the big stage and when it’s all on the line.
RW TRUSCOTT REGION
(4) Rangeview vs. (3) Cherry Creek.
Rangeview and Cherry Creek will tangle in the Coliseum’s 7 p.m. matchup. These are two teams on hot streaks, and their contrasting styles should make for an intriguing game.
Rangeview has won each of its playoff battles easily by double digits, while Cherry Creek found a way to grind out a road victory over No. 2 seed Ralston Valley. This will be the first time these teams face one other this year, and Rangeview’s second trip to the Coliseum in as many years.
GLENN WILSON REGION
(5) Mountain Vista vs. (2) Highlands Ranch.
After winning its first playoff game at home with ease, Mountain Vista became surprising road warriors with wins at Aurora Central and red-hot Fairview. This squad has removed any doubt they are ready for the big stage.
Highlands Ranch will be the third heavy weight Vista will face in a tough region. The Falcons had a bit of a skid in late-season Continental play, but a regular season ending win over Denver East and, most recently, a five-point home win over tough Centennial league foe Grandview has placed Highlands Ranch in the 5:30 p.m. game today.
We can only hope its as exciting as the Feb. 16 triple-overtime game between the two teams — which was won by Highlands Ranch at Mountain Vista.
RAY BALL REGION
(1) Chaparral vs. (2) Columbine.
The 8:30 p.m. game will be well worth the wait as No. 1-seeded Chaparral faces No. 2 Columbine.
Chaparral had two tougher-than-expected wins over Dakota Ridge and Fountain-Fort Carson, but this talented roster loves the big stage and has proven they can step up when it counts. Columbine will counter Chaparral’s explosive perimeter with a balanced inside-out attack, which proved too strong for Mullen and No. 3 seed Fruita Monument most recently.
Thomas Trotman, a high school basketball parent and director of the Colorado Truth basketball club, provides insight into the prep basketball scene.
