The following is a look at the marquee games to watch for this week in boys and girls basketball:
BOYS BASKETBALL
Overland (1-0) at No. 8 (3-0), Friday 7 p.m.: After a statement win in the season opener against , the new-look Blazers—which graduated every starter from last season’s 5A title run—seem to be underestimated, while the Patriots are coming off a victory over No. 2 in the Rock Canyon/ tournament championship.
No. 6 Lakewood (3-0) at No. 5 (3-0), Friday 7 p.m.: This early-season top 10 showdown features some of the best guard play in the state as Kolton Peterson and the Tigers battle Jaizec Lottie, KJ Sapp and the Cougars.
Rangeview (2-1) at No. 4 Grandview (1-0), Friday 7 p.m.: Senior Matthew Johnson will have to continue to get buckets for the Raiders to match the playoff success they had last season, while reloaded Grandview is led by the dynamic senior combo of point guard Lechaun Duhart and 6-foot-8 center Gage Prim.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
No. 3 Lakewood (2-2) at No. 10 Arapahoe (3-0), Tuesday 7 p.m.: The Tigers were busy honing their chops in the La Jolla Country Day Tourney in Arizona for the first week of the season and look to junior guard Hannah Renstrom to lead the offense and catalyze the 6-foot-4 Emsbo twins down low. Meanwhile, the Warriors boast solid senior leadership and an array of key underclass players such as junior Maggie Wortman, sophomore Eliana McClarie and sophomore Grace Cadorette.
No. 2 Mullen (2-0) at Heritage (4-0), Thursday 6 p.m.: Senior Whitney Jacob leads the balanced Mustangs in pursuit of a state championship, while the Eagles have jumped out to an impressive start thanks to the play of senior Haily Cechini, senior Olivia Woods and sophomore Miranda Smith.
No. 1 Grandview (1-0) at Regis Jesuit (2-1), Friday 7 p.m.: After defeating No. 2 in the season opener, Michaela Onyenwere and the Wolves take on an Aurora rival in sophomore sensation Francesca Belibi and the Raiders.
