The following is a look at the marquee games to keep an eye on this week in boys and girls basketball. (All rankings and records are current as of Monday.)
BOYS BASKETBALL
No. 2 (12-2) vs. Far Northeast (7-3), Tuesday 7 p.m., Thunderdome: In a Denver Prep League matchup, the Patriots are coming off consecutive blowout wins over Chaparral and Rangeview following their first in-state loss, to ThunderRidge, on Jan. 6. The Warriors, meanwhile, boast a balanced offense led by senior Aaris Bonds, in addition to three other scorers averaging in double figures.
Ponderosa (8-4) at Chaparral (8-6), Wednesday 7 p.m.: This Parker rivalry and Continental League showdown features a Ponderosa team paced by junior Connor Hawk and senior Peyton Ingalls against a youthful yet talented Wolverines team highlighted by a trio of sophomores – Ronnie DeGray III, Joseph Dalton and Bryce Matthews.
No. 4 Eaglecrest (9-3) at No. 10 (10-3), Friday 7 p.m.: This Centennial League battle features two of the most dangerous teams in 5A. Look out for a battle down low as Eaglecrest seniors Josh Walton, Ikenna Ozor and Nate Bokol look to control the glass against the Buffaloes’ 6-foot-8 junior tandem of John Harge and Will Becker. Listen to this game live on Post Preps Radio at denverpost.com/preps
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Far Northeast (10-3) vs. George Washington (10-2), Tuesday 5:30 p.m., Thunderdome: Before the boys do battle, two rising city girls programs take to the court as senior guard Davenport Brantley and George Washington take on freshman phenom Tosjanae Bonds and the Warriors in Denver Prep League play.
(5-6) at No. 9 Mullen (6-7), Wednesday 7 p.m.: Cherokee Trail senior Taryn Foxen is among the top point guards in the Class of 2017 and leads a capable Cougars team against senior Whitney Jacob, senior Tori Galvan and the Mustangs in Centennial League action, who are a Class 4A title contender despite their losing record so far.
No. 1 Grandview (11-1) at No. 5 (8-4), Saturday, 1 p.m.: The unquestioned top team in the state gets its latest Centennial League test on the road against Cherry Creek, where the Wolves’ unstoppable scoring trio of senior guard Michaela Onyenwere, junior forward Leilah Vigil and sophomore center Alisha Davis do battle against a deep Bruins team paced by standout freshman point guard Jana Van Gytenbeek.
