Post Preps Insider is your daily source for news, story lines, top games and more information on Colorado high school sports — brought to you by Denver Post preps editor Kyle Newman.
The 2018 CHSAA boys basketball state playoffs begin with first round action in Class 5A and 4A on Wednesday night across the state. Here are the top games to watch in both big-school classifications.
Class 5A
No. 48 Arapahoe at No. 17 Rangeview, 7 p.m.: In the Post Preps Radio Game of the Week, the Warriors (4-19) need a big performance by senior captain Braxton Reinders in order to take down the Raiders (17-6), who are led by the guard play of senior Devin Collins and junior Jodaun Dotson.
No. 41 Rocky Mountain at No. 24 Douglas County, 7 p.m.: For the Huskies (14-9) finished the regular season with a winning record and host a playoff game. Senior Cam’ron Dunfee & Co. are intent on making the most of it against coach Brian Tafel’s Lobos (9-14).
No. 37 Bear Creek at No. 28 Lincoln, 7 p.m.: The Bears (15-8) were victorious in four of their last five contests and feature a balanced offense with three scorers averaging double digits, while coach Dre Calloway and are riding a four-game win streak of their own.
No. 46 Chatfield at No. 19 Vista Ridge, 7 p.m.: With three straight losses to close the regular season, the Chargers (11-12) must find a way to recalibrate and play tough interior defense who are paced by 6-foot-5 junior forwards Tristan Pratt and Micah Hilts.
Class 4A
No. 45 Littleton at No. 20 Mead, 6 p.m.: The Lions (8-15) have a tough task ahead of them in containing scoring combination of junior Jax Wilke and senior Derek Edwards, but Littleton also boasts offensive firepower in senior captains Jason Levy and Justin Cutter.
No. 41 Standley Lake at No. 24 Vista PEAK Prep, 7 p.m.: After finishing as runner-up to 5A Rangeview in the East Metro conference, for the visiting Gators (10-13) considering coach Keenon Clement’s crew is riding a six-game win streak.
No. 39 Erie at No. 26 Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.: headlines a varied attack for the Tigers (11-12), who must focus on locking down the top scoring threats for the Spartans (12-11) in sophomore guard Darius Hornbuckle and senior forward Kahlil Clark.
No. 34 Sierra at No. 31 Kennedy, 7 p.m.: The Stallions (12-11) look to senior point guard Derrian Reed and sophomore forward Imani Grigsby to over the Commanders (13-10), as coach Adam Hooker’s program makes its first postseason showing in four years.
