Boys Basketball 1st and 2nd Round Predictions and Great 8 Projections Class 3A
Some very good games in the first and second rounds. The right to play in the Great 8 and at Hamilton gym are on the line.
Class 3A
Quadrant 1
Pick: Lutheran
Lutheran picked up the huge upset of Manual to win the Metro League. Lutheran was rewarded with the #1 seed but did not draw an easy Quadrant. Lutheran awaits the winner of St. Mary’s and Roaring Fork. Both teams have proven they can play with anyone, but I am still picking Lutheran to advance to the Great 8.
Quadrant 2
Pick: Kent Denver
The higher seeds in the first round will be challenged. DSST-Stapleton faces Pagosa Springs and Kent Denver faces DSST-Byers. Both teams can push the higher seeds, but I expect a DSST-Stapleton vs Kent Denver round 2. I am going with Kent Denver in that game especially since Kent Denver pulled a nice upset win over Faith Christian.
Quadrant 3
Pick: Delta
Delta vs Faith Christian could be the best game of the second round. Delta must first get by the defending state champion in Bayfield, but I think they do. Faith Christian also must contend with Eaton, but I see Delta vs Faith Christian in the second-round game. I think Delta gets by Faith Christian, but this game could go either way. A lot of upset happen in the #5 vs #12 matchup!
Quadrant 4
Pick: Vanguard
This is the lone District Championship rematch. Vanguard and C.S Christian are on a collision course to meet in the second round. I think Vanguard gets by them again but playing a team for the third time will be tough on Vanguard.
Quadrant 5
Pick: Sterling
Sterling is hoping to make a push for a State Title. In their way will be the winner of the Platte Valley vs Alamosa game. I keep thinking Alamosa cannot make a push for a Great 8 berth, but they keep surprising me. I think they beat Platte Valley, but I think Sterling is to much and advance to the Great 8.
Quadrant 6
Pick: Centauri
A great rematch is on the line if Centauri and Montezuma-Cortez meet up in the second round. Centauri has a tough game with University, but I think the Falcons advance. Montezuma-Cortez has some momentum winning the intermountain championship, but I think Centauri pulls the upset to advance to the great 8.
Quadrant 7
Pick: Resurrection Christian
Coal Ridge vs Resurrection Christian in the second round could be a great matchup. Coal Ridge finished third in the Western Slope. Resurrection Christian finished second in the Patriot League. I think Resurrection Christian is playing good basketball right now, but Coal Ridge is also playing good basketball. I am going with Resurrection Christian, but I expect a good game.
Quadrant 8
Pick: Manual
Manual I think is the favorite to win this Quadrant. Manual has been tough to stop this year and I don’t think Colorado Academy or Lamar can contend with Manual. I have Manual advancing to the Great 8.
Great 8 State Tournament Bracket
The Bracket is not rearranged after the first two round and is continued. With that said here is my Great 8 Projections
#1 Lutheran vs #9 Kent Denver
#4 Delta vs #5 Vanguard
#2 Sterling vs #10 Centauri
#3 Manual vs #11 Resurrection Christian
