3A METRO LEAGUE BOYS’ BASKETBALL REPORT #3 By Doug Wright

Basketball With Dark Background On A Wood Gym Floor

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Doug Wright is covering the 3A Metro League. Doug is the PA announcer for Colorado Academy and has attended at least 5 straight 3A Sta

3A METRO LEAGUE BOYS’ BASKETBALL REPORT #3

By Doug Wright

As the Metro League season moves into its final week, here is an update on the results and prospects of the boys’ teams. There are no changes at the top end of our rankings. We also include each team’s RPI, which will say a lot about whether a team will make the State 3A tournament. Two Metro League teams, Bishop Machebeuf and Colorado Academy, are “on the bubble” around the 32^nd and final spot for the State tournament, and the final league regular season and league tournament games are particularly meaningful for those teams as a result.

#1 (Previously #1) Lutheran (15-2, 8-0 Metro League, RPI #4) remains the team to beat in the Metro League and is a strong contender for a State championship. Lutheran has mowed down all of its Metro League opponents by large margins, including #2 Faith Christian, and recently defeated a strong Sterling team on the road as well. Currently ranked #2 in the MileHigh Prep Report rankings and the CHSAA 3A poll, the Lions’ final regular season game against Metro League #3 and defending Class 3A State champion Manual should be a harbinger of the strength of their postseason prospects.

#2 (Previously #2) Faith Christian (13-3, 6-1 Metro League, RPI #2) has fairly easily handled all Metro League teams except for #1 Lutheran, including strong wins over #3 Manual and #4 Jefferson Academy. Faith Christian is a solid bet for the runner-up position in the Metro League and to make noise in the State championship in March.

#3 (Previously #3) Manual (9-6, 5-2 Metro League, RPI #16) suffered a surprising setback to #7 Colorado Academy in its Metro League opener and also lost to #2 Faith Christian, but appears to be back on track lately as evidenced by several league wins and a non-league win at TriPeaks opponent Manitou Springs. An upcoming game at #1 Lutheran will be an important gauge of the defending 3A champion’s postseason prospects.

#4 (Previously #4) Jefferson Academy (12-4, 4-3 Metro League, RPI #14) was handled fairly easily by the top three Metro League teams. A State tournament berth is assured due to the Jaguars’ RPI, but the Jaguars will need to rekindle their early season form to make waves in the Metro League and State tournaments.

#5 (Previously #5) Kent Denver (9-7, 5-3 Metro League, RPI #24) has won its “winnable” games against lesser Metro League opponents but not games against the leading league teams. A recent win over rival Colorado Academy was promising. Remaining league regular season games against #6 Bishop Machebeuf and #2 Faith Christian will provide insight into the postseason prospects for the Sun Devils.

#6 (Previously #6) Bishop Machebeuf (8-8, 5-2 Metro League, RPI #30) bounced back from a narrow loss to #3 Manual with wins against Prospect Ridge Academy and Peak to Peak. Tough matchups against #5 Kent Denver, #2 Faith Christian and #4 Jefferson Academy remain for the Buffaloes. An RPI of 30 puts Bishop Machebeuf on the bubble for the State tournament; those games should boost their RPI, but one or more wins would help more.

#7 (Previously #7) Colorado Academy (8-8, 4-3 Metro League, RPI #32) has been unable to build on its surprising defeat of defending State champions #3 Manual and has lost to other higher ranked teams while defeating lower ranked teams. Squarely on the bubble at RPI #32, the young Mustangs will likely need a couple wins down the stretch to secure a spot in the State championships.

#8 (Previously #8) Peak to Peak (6-10, 2-6 Metro League, RPI #48) has struggled to find wins in the Metro League following a strong start to the season with four consecutive wins. A win over Prospect Ridge Academy in its final league game may give the Pumas some hope heading into the Metro League tournament.

#9 (Previously #9) Prospect Ridge Academy (2-14, 0-7 Metro League, RPI #62) hasn’t been competitive against the higher ranked Metro League opponents. Fortunately, the Miners finish their regular season against fellow lesser lights Skyview Academy, Peak to Peak and Stargate School, so we will see how these bottom four teams shake out.

#10 (Previously #11) Stargate School (3-12, 1-6 Metro League, RPI #63) moves out of last place in the Metro League rankings by virtue of a two point victory at Skyview Academy. A game against Prospect Ridge Academy affords the Eagles an opportunity to double their league win total.

#11 (Previously #10) Skyview Academy (5-11, 0-7 Metro League, RPI #44) lost at home to Stargate School, relegating the Hawks to the Metro League basement. Similar to Stargate School, a potential win at home over Prospect Ridge Academy provides some hope for Skyview Academy as the season winds down.

te Tournaments for boys and girls.