The following is a look at the marquee games to keep an eye on this week in boys and girls basketball.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Far Northeast (7-2) at Fort Collins (6-3), Tuesday 6:30 p.m.: Far Northeast has four players averaging double figures as the Warriors travel north to take on the Lambkins, who also boast a balanced attack led by senior guards Iseri Palacio and Jacob Pfaffinger.
No. 3 Grandview (9-0) at No. 9 Smoky Hill (7-2), Wednesday 7 p.m.: In the Centennial League opener for both teams, expect a battle as the senior duo of Lechaun Duhart and Gage Prim seek to keep the Wolves undefeated against sophomore Kenny Foster and a deep Smoky Hill squad.
No. 4 Cherokee Trail (6-2) at Cherry Creek (8-1), Wednesday 7 p.m.: Another Centennial League battle showcases senior point guard Jaizec Lottie and senior center Ian Kelly for Cherokee Trail against a pair of seasoned Bruins guards in senior Jalen Meeks and junior Dimitri Stanley.
No. 1 ThunderRidge (9-1) at No. 2 George Washington (10-1), Friday 7 p.m.: It doesn’t get any better than this as the top two teams in 5A face off in a game that could very well come down to the final possession. ThunderRidge’s top two scorers, Corey Seng and Kaison Hammonds, will need to keep pace with the George Washington scoring trio of Jervay Green, Jon’il Fugett and Calvin Fugett Jr.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
No. 8 Doherty (8-0) at 4A No. 1 Pueblo South (9-1), Tuesday 7 p.m.: Doherty faces its toughest test yet in this non-conference showdown as senior point guard Kalani Poloa heads up an offense with five players averaging double figures against a Shannan Lane-coached Colts team that has yet to lose in the state of Colorado.
No. 2 Ralston Valley (6-1) at No. 6 Lakewood (5-3), Thursday 7 p.m.: Both teams tip off Jeffco League play with this top 10 matchup, as senior Ashley Van Sickle (17.1 points per game) paces Ralston Valley against junior forward Camilla Emsbo (17.3 points per game) and the Tigers.
Loveland (7-2) at Rocky Mountain (8-1), Friday 6:30 p.m.: Creighton University commit Tatum Rembao is dropping 23.3 points per game for Loveland, so first-year coach Justine France and Rocky Mountain will have a tall task in containing her in the teams’ Front Range League opener.
No. 10 Arapahoe (6-3) at No. 1 Grandview (7-1), Friday 7 p.m.: The Warriors are still seeking a signature win following losses to No. 6 Lakewood, No. 3 Highlands Ranch and No. 2 Ralston Valley before the break, while senior Michaela Onyenwere, junior Leilah Vigil and sophomore Alisha Davis make the Wolves’ offense tough to contain.
