Class 2A Boys Basketball District Predictions
Basketball practice kicked off November 15th & the first games is November 29th. We dive into each District and predict who wins each district plus who we think are the three teams to automatically qualify for regionals. Remember in Class 2A that the top three teams all automatically qualify for regionals and the remaining 8 are selected via RPI. We also will give a Player of the League, Dark Horse, and other Contender Predictions.
District 1
1. Crested Butte
2. Sanford
3. Lake County
4. Center
5. Del Norte
6. Monte Vista
7. Custer County
8. Trinidad
9. South Park
10. Sargent
Crested Butte is my preseason pick to win the district 1 tournament. Crested Butte made the state tournament last year falling by 3 to Ignacio in the first round. Crested Butte is poised for a big run this season and return 3 of their top 5 scorers. Crested Butte will have some depth questions, but top 2 scorers Erik Wasinger and Alan Prieto should be able to power Crested Butte this season. Sanford is my pick for second place. Sanford lost in the second round to Ignacio in a fun game. Sanford will lose some key pieces from last years team. Cash Caldon, Kelton Gartrell, and Ethan Larson must all take big steps this season for Sanford to challenge for the District Crown. Also, a new head coach for Sanford will be something different to see. Lake County is my pick to finish third and get the final automatic berth. Lake County moves into this district this season (According to the bulletin). Lake County made the state tournament a season ago and fell in the second round. Lake County will lose 4 of their top 5 scorers but return their leading scorer from a season ago in Adrian Medina. Lake County will have to find key depth and look for a pair of seniors to step up this season for Lake County. Center is my pick to finish 4th. Center lose 3 of their top 5 scorers but return a pair of talented guards to help fuel this team. Abraham Echauri and Victor Almeida must step up big this season, but the biggest question mark is who plays in the front court. If Center has players to step up, then I see them easily challenging for the #3 spot in this league. Del Norte is my pick to finish 5th. Del Norte lose key starters in their #2 and #4 scorers along with their #1 and #2 rebounders. Del Norte will lean heavily upon guards Ben Parra, Brenna Velasquez, and Tyler Gallegos but who steps up on the rebounding department and front court for this team. If the front court problem is solved, then I also feel as if Del Norte can push for a #2 or even #3 spot in this District. Monte Vista is my pick to finish 6th. Monte Vista made the playoffs a season ago but lose nearly their entire starting 5. Monte Vista will look to anchor their offense on big man Alex Felix. Some younger players played minutes off the bench but who else steps up for Monte Vista is the key this season. Custer County, Trinidad, South Park, and Sargent round out the rest of the district.
My predictions for District 1
League Champion: Crested Butte
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Crested Butte, Sanford, Lake County
Dark Horse: Center
Player of the League: Erik Wasinger Sr. Crested Butte
Others to watch for:
Alan Prieto Sr. Crested Butte, Grayson White Sr. Crested Butte, Cash Caldon So. Sanford, Kelton Gartrell Sr. Sanford, Ethan Larsen Sr. Sanford, Adrian Medina Jr. Lake County, Abraham Echauri Sr. Center, Victor Almeida Sr. Center, Ben Parra Jr. Del Norte, Brenna Velasquez Sr. Del Norte, Alex Felix Jr. Monte Vista, Ben Penkoff Sr. Custer County, Joe Ross Sr. Trinidad, Silas Newton Jr. South Park, Trenton Paskett So. Sargent
District 2
1. Wray
2. Yuma
3. Holyoke
4. Wiggins
5. Akron
6. Sedgwick County
7. Burlington
Wray is my preseason pick to win the District 2 tournament. Wray is your defending State Champions. Wray will have a few pieces to replace from that team losing 2 of their top 5 scorers and leading scorer from a season ago. Wray still has plenty coming back with POY candidate Bryant Schoenthal returning along with key contributors Jaden Dodsworth and Andrew Trejo. Wray, I feel is very poised to make another big run this season. Yuma is my pick to finish 2nd in the District Tournament. Yuma reached the Final 4 a season ago before falling to Wray. Yuma is poised for another big run this season losing just 1 senior from last years team. #1 scorer and POY candidate Clay Robinson is back along with #2 scorer Javier Gamboa. Yuma will push Wray for the district title, and I believe are two teams who can compete for a state championship. Holyoke is my pick to finish 3rd and get the automatic berth to regionals. Holyoke went 7-8 a season ago and reached the State Tournament. Holyoke will look for a deeper run this season and have the talent to do so. Nearly the entire roster returns including their top 3 scorers Wyatt Sprague, Ethan Johnson, and Miles Sprague. Holyoke will hope to push for an Elite 8 berth. Wiggins is my pick to finish 4th and compete for an at-large berth. Wiggins reached the playoffs a season ago and reached the Elite 8. Wiggins will have a few holes to fill with 3 seniors graduating. No stats were posted for Wiggins last year, but they will at least return 2 of their top 5 scorers plus plenty of depth. Akron rounds out the top 5 for District 1. Akron could be a surprise team this year. Akron will return 4 of their top 8 scorers and look to build off a successful Football season. Ivan Losa and Ryan McCaffrey were the top 2 scorers a season ago and look for them to build on last year’s success. Sedgwick County and Burlington round out the rest of the district.
My predictions for District 2
League Champion: Wray
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Wray, Yuma, Holyoke
Dark Horse: Wiggins
Player of the League: Bryant Schoenthal Sr. Wray
Others to watch for:
Jaden Dodsworth Sr. Wray, Andrew Trejo Sr. Wray, Clay Robinson Sr. Yuma, Javier Gamboa Sr. Yuma, Wyatt Sprague So. Holyoke, Ethan Johnson Sr. Holyoke, Miles Sprague Sr. Holyoke, Ivan Losa Jr. Akron, Ryan McCaffrey So. Akron, Henry Goodnow Jr. Burlington
District 3
1. Mancos
2. Ignacio
3. Olathe
4. Cedaredge
5. Dolores
6. Telluride
7. Ridgway
Mancos is my preseason pick to win the District 3 tournament. Mancos reached the state tournament a year ago falling in the sweet 16. Mancos will look for an Elite 8 and State Tournament appearance again this season. Mancos returns most of their roster from a season ago. POY Candidate Connor Showalter is back alongside Evan Sehnert, Kail Wayman, and Edgar Hernandez. Mancos gained valuable experience last season and look for a deep run. Ignacio is my pick to finish 2nd in the District tournament. Ignacio reached the Elite 8 last season and would like to make another appearance this season. Ignacio will have some retooling to do this season returning just 1 of their top 5 scorers but POY candidate Gabe Tuscon will lead an always potent offense for Ignacio. Olathe is my pick to finish 3rd. Olathe moves into this district this season and will be a contender right away. Olathe returns 4 of their top 5 scorers from last years 6-8 team. Olathe will lean heavily upon #1 scorer Jerrel Vigil and #2 scorer Xzavier Waterman. Olathe will look to take the next step this season and reach regionals. Cedaredge is my pick to finish 4th. Cedaredge lose key pieces from last years 8-6 team. Cedaredge will return just 2 of their top 5 scorers but #1 scorer Gideon Gilmore will be the player to watch. Cedaredge will need depth to step up and mainly at the guard position. If the backcourt can step up Cedaredge could contend for a regional berth. Dolores is my pick to finish 5th. Dolores went 5-9 last season and will look to improve this season. Dolores will have some key position to fill returning just 2 of their top 5 scorers. Tru Seekins will become the main scoring threat but who else steps up around him will be the key for Dolores to have success. Telluride and Ridgway round out the rest of District 3.
My predictions for District 3
League Champion: Mancos
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Mancos, Ignacio, Olathe
Dark Horse: Cedaredge
Player of the League: Connor Showalter Sr. Mancos
Others to watch for:
Evan Sehnert Sr. Mancos, Kail Wayman So. Mancos, Edgar Hernandez Sr. Mancos, Gabe Tuscon Sr. Ignacio, Jerrel Vigil Sr. Olathe, Xzavier Waterman Sr. Olathe, Gideon Gilmore Jr. Cedaredge, Tru Seekins Sr. Dolores, South Livermore Sr. Telluride, Cooper Ahern Sr. Ridgway
District 4
1. Denver Christian
2. Limon
3. Byers
4. Golden View Classical
5. Lotus School
6. Front Range Christian
7. Clear Creek
8. Platte Canyon
9. Addenbrooke Classical
Denver Christian is my preseason pick to win the District 4 tournament. Denver Christian reached the Elite 8 last season and will look for a deep run this year. Denver Christian is posed for a big run returning 3 of their top 5 scorers including POY candidate Ben Buhler. Denver Christian will need depth scoring to step up to upset the runner ups in Limon. Limon is my pick to finish 2nd. Limon was your runner up a season ago falling in OT to Wray. Limon will have some holes to fill losing their top 3 scorers from last year. Brady Rockwell, Trey Hines, and Kaden Becker all return but who steps up to be the main scorer is the biggest question mark for Limon. Limon lost over 40 ppg to graduation and that is the main reason I have them as #2 in the district. Byers is my pick to finish 3rd and I think challenge for the District Title this season. Byers went 8-6 last season and missed the State Tournament. Byers will look to change that this season. Byers returns their top 5 scorers from last season including #1 scorer Zach Cary and #2 scorer Wyatt Harris. Byers has more than enough talent to challenge this year for the district title, but will they put everything together is the question. Golden View Classical is my pick to finish in 4th place. Golden View Classical went 9-5 last season but did not make it to the state tournament. Golden View Classical played a weak schedule last season so plenty of question marks rise up for this team. Golden View Classical will return nearly their entire roster and will be junior heavy this season. Jakob Gonzales and MinZheng Wahlers lead the team in scoring and will look to power Golden View Classical to a regional berth. Lotus School is my pick to finish 5th. Lotus School went 7-5 last season but did not reach the playoffs. Lotus school will return 3 of their top 5 scorers from a season ago including their top 2 scorers Adani Hassan and Petros Tareke. Lotus School will look to upset a few teams to get to regionals. Front Range Christian, Clear Creek, Platte Canyon, and Addenbrooke Classical wrap up District 4.
My predictions for District 4
League Champion: Denver Christian
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Denver Christian, Limon, Byers
Dark Horse: Golden View Classical
Player of the League: Ben Buhler Sr. Denver Christian
Others to Watch:
Xander Neu Sr. Denver Christian, Brady Rockwell Sr. Limon, Trey Hines Sr. Limon, Kaden Becker Jr. Limon, Zach Cary So. Byers, Wyatt Harris Jr. Byers, Rocco Messer Sr. Byers, Adani Hassan Sr. Lotus School, Petros Tareke Sr. Lotus School, Ben Bolz Sr. Front Range Christian, Colin Hendrickson So. Clear Creek, Kyler Edwards Sr. Platte Canyon, Landon Church Sr. Addenbrooke Classical
District 5
1. Vail Christian
2. Plateau Valley
3. Meeker
4. Vail Mountain
5. Soroco
6. West Grand
7. Rangely
8. Hayden
Vail Christian is my preseason pick to win the District 5 tournament. Vail Christian reached the playoffs last season but fell in the first round. Vail Christian will be looking for a deeper run this season and return the talent to do so. Vail Christian returns their entire roster from last year including their top 3 scorers, Leo Rothenberg, Connor Downey, and Vincent Nowicki. Vail Christian is poised for a big season and a shot at the State Tournament. Plateau Valley is my pick to finish 2nd in the District 5 tournament. Plateau Valley went 6-8 last season and missed the state tournament. Plateau Valley will look to change that and make a run for regionals. Plateau Valley returns their entire roster from last season including #1 scorer Payton Ferganchick and #2 scorer David Crowhurst. Plateau Valley has the returning players but comes down to can they put everything together to make a deep run. Meeker is my pick for third and a berth to regionals. Meeker made the state tournament last year but fell in the sweet 16 to Peyton. Meeker will have some big holes to fill losing 4 of their top 5 scorers. Liam Deming is the lone top 5 scorer returning and Meeker success will depend on who else steps up to be leaders this season. Vail Mountain is my pick to finish 4th in this District. Vail Mountain made the state tournament last year and fell in the first round to Fowler. Vail Mountain will look for a regional berth again this season. Vail Mountain will have a few holes to fill losing 2 of their top 5 scorers from last year. Cole Pattison returns as the #1 scorer and will anchor the front court. Back court play will be key to Vail Mountain making the regional tournament and upsetting one of the top 3 teams. Soroco is my pick to finish 5th. Soroco went 8-6 last season and missed the state tournament. Soroco will look to change that this season but have some holes to fill losing their top scorer from last season. Jed Kirby and Joey Mclaughlin both return to anchor the offense for Soroco but replacing key scoring is key for a big season for Soroco. West Grand, Rangely, and Hayden round out District 5.
My predictions for District 5
League Champion: Vail Christian
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Vail Christian, Plateau Valley, Meeker
Dark Horse: Vail Mountain
Player of the League: Payton Ferganchick Sr. Plateau Valley
Others to watch for:
Leo Rothenberg Sr. Vail Christian, Connor Downey Sr. Vail Christian, Vincent Nowicki Sr. Vail Christian, David Crowhurst Sr. Plateau Valley, Liam Deming Sr. Meeker, Cole Pattison Sr. Vail Mountain, Jed Kirby Sr. Soroco, Joey Mclaughlin Sr. Soroco
District 6
1. Holly
2. Rye
3. Fowler
4. Hoehne
5. Swallows Charter
6. Rocky Ford
7. Crowley County
8. Swink
9. Las Animas
10. John Mall
Holly is my preseason pick to win the District 6 tournament. Holly was upset in the sweet 16 and will look to make a deeper run this season. Holly will have a few holes to fill losing 3 of their top 5 scorers but return key leaders with their #2 scorer Josue Avalos and #3 scorer Dakota Eaton. Holly keys to success will come in depth scoring and who else steps up to be contributors this season. Depth is my big concern with Holly. Rye is my pick to finish second in the District tournament. Rye went 8-6 a season ago and missed the state tournament and this year will push for a regional berth. Rye lose their top scorer from a year ago but return the rest of the roster. Camden Steele and Brock Benz both return to lead the team in scoring. Rye will look to put everything together for a shot at the District title. Fowler is my pick to finish 3rd and get to regionals. Fowler has had a good run of success, but this year will have a lot of holes to fill. Fowler will return just 1 of their top 6 scorers this season. Scott Mobbley will anchor the team well the rest of the team come up to speed. Fowler lack of experience does concern me but with good program tradition means they should be ready to step up. Hoehne is my pick to finish 4th but I believe could push for a top 3 spot this season. Hoehne went 5-9 last season and did not make the state tournament. Hoehne will return nearly their entire roster and should be poised to compete for a regional spot. Hoehne returns their top 5 scorers including Dario Vezzani and Aiden East both should anchor an improved Hoehne team. Swallows Charter is my pick for 5th place. Swallows Charter went 7-7 last season and missed the State Tournament. Swallows Charter would like to change that this season and will return some key pieces to challenge for a regional spot. Swallows Charter returns 3 of their top 5 scorers including Amari Williams and Stephen Wietzke. Swallows Charter will have to replace their #1 scorer from last season but if successful could challenge for a top 3 spot in district. Rocky Ford rounds out the top 6. Rocky Ford went 7-7 last season and missed the playoffs. Rocky Ford will have key pieces back to try and make a run for a regional berth. Rocky Ford will return 7 of their top 8 scorers including their #1 scorer Izaiah Tapia and #2 scorer Shaun Gonzales. The back court could be the biggest concern for Rocky Ford, but this team has the talent to push for a top 3 spot as well. Crowley County, Swink, Las Animas, and John Mall round out the rest of the District.
My predictions for District 6
League Champion: Holly
Regional Qualifiers: Holly, Rye, Fowler
Dark Horse: Hoehne
Player of the League: Josue Avalos Sr. Holly
Others to watch for:
Dakota Eaton Sr. Holly, Camden Steele Sr. Rye, Brock Benz Sr. Rye, Scott Mobbley So. Fowler, Dario Vezzani Jr. Hoehne, Aiden East Sr. Hoehne, Amari Williams So. Swallows Charter, Stephen Wietzke Sr. Swallows Charter, Izaiah Tapia Jr. Rocky Ford, Shaun Gonzales Sr. Rocky Ford, Terrance McNeil Sr. Crowley County, Rashaun McNeil Sr. Crowley County, Clay Roweth Sr. Swink
District 7
1. Lyons
2. Dawson School
3. Heritage Christian
4. Dayspring Christian
5. Union Colony Prep
6. Gilpin County
7. Twin Peaks Charter
8. Loveland Classical
9. Poudre Community Academy
District 7 is up in the air with most teams having some big holes to fill. Lyons is my preseason pick to win the District 7 tournament. Lyons made the state tournament last year but fell in the first round to Monte Vista. Lyons will have some holes to fill returning just 2 of their top 5 scorers from last year. Gage Basey and Nathan Richardson I believe return to lead a potent Lyons offense. Depth scoring will be the key to Lyons having a successful season. Dawson School is my pick to finish 2nd. Dawson School had a tough season a year ago going 4-9 but gained valuable experience in the process. Dawson School will return 2 of their top 5 scorers including their #1 scorer Ethan Duster and #3 scorer Jackson Parker. Dawson School will also be looking for depth and should be a team that reaches regionals. Heritage Christian is my pick for 3rd place and the berth to regionals. Heritage Christian like most school in District 7 have some holes but return leading scorer Samuel Lundy. Heritage Christian will have some scoring depth and I think could challenge for the District crown. Dayspring Christian is my pick for 4th place. Dayspring Christian will have a big hole to fill with their #1 scorer graduating. Malachi Fast and Joe Davenport will be tasked with stepping up and leading the offense for Dayspring Christian. Replacing 24 ppg will not be easy so look for a more team effort this season. Union Colony Prep is my pick for 5th place. Union Colony Prep will lose their #1 scorer from last season and will look to replace him. Union Colony Prep will return #2 scorer Richard Mata and #3 Scorer Kian Shaffer. Depth could also be a concern for Union Colony Prep. Gilpin County, Twin Peaks Charter, Loveland Classical, and Poudre Community Academy round out District 7.
My predictions for District 7
League Champion: Lyons
Regional Qualifiers: Lyons, Dawson school, Heritage Christian
Dark Horse: Dayspring Christian
Player of the League: Gage Basey Sr. Lyons
Others to watch for:
Nathan Richardson Jr. Lyons, Ethan Duster Dawson School, Jackson Parker Fr. Dawson School, Samuel Lundy Sr. Heritage Christian, Noah Green Sr. Heritage Christian, Malachi Fast Jr. Dayspring Christian, Joe Davenport Jr. Dayspring Christian, Richard Mata Jr. Union Colony Prep, Kian Shaffer Jr. Union Colony Prep, Trey Lindberg Jr. Gilpin County, Issac Kiesser Sr. Twin Peaks Charter, Caedon Meyer So. Loveland Classical
District 8
1. Peyton
2. Calhan
3. Thomas MacLaren
4. Atlas Prep
5. Colorado Springs School
6. Dolores Huerta
Atlas Prep, Calhan, CS School, Dolores Huerta, Peyton, Thomas MacLaren
Peyton is my preseason pick to win the District 8 tournament. Peyton reached the final 4 last season before falling to Limon. Peyton will look to reload and make another big run this season. Peyton will have some holes to fill losing 2 of their top 5 scorers. Peyton will return their leading scorer Gibson Gellerman and #4 scorer AJ Lashley both should be key contributors on offense. Depth scoring is my biggest concern for Peyton but the success they had last season should be motivation for this year. Calhan is my pick to finish second in District 8. Calhan went 7-4 last season and missed the State Tournament. Calhan will be hungry for a regional berth and should have the pieces to make a run. Calhan will have to replace their top 2 scorers from last year but look for Zach Peterson and Ryan Campbell to lead the offense this season. Thomas MacLaren is my pick to finish 3rd. Thomas MacLaren made the state tournament last year and went 6-2 but covid shortened their season. Thomas MacLaren will look to fill a few holes and make another run towards regionals. Thomas MacLaren will return 2 of their top 5 scorers including leading scorer Michael Brophy. Depth scoring will be key for a big run from Thomas MacLaren this season. Atlas Prep is my pick for 4th place, but I could easily see them in the top 2 or top 3 this year. Atlas Prep reached the state tournament last year and return their top 2 scorers from last season. Kunu Nickal and Devante Johnson both return to lead Atlas Prep, but my biggest concern will be depth with 5 of their top 8 scorers graduating. Colorado Springs School and Dolores Huerta round out District 8.
My predictions for District 8
League Champion: Peyton
Regional Qualifiers: Peyton, Calhan, Thomas MacLaren
Dark Horse: Atlas Prep
Player of the League: Gibson Gellerman Sr. Peyton
Others to watch for:
AJ Lashley Sr. Peyton, Hunter Gotschall Jr. Calhan, Zach Peterson Sr. Calhan, Michael Brophy Sr. Thomas MacLaren, Kunu Bickal Sr. Atlas Prep, Devante Johnson Sr. Atlas Prep, James Holman Sr. Colorado Springs School
State Tournament Predictions
With Regional being seeded by RPI it’s really tough to come up with regional seeding predictions. Instead, I plan on just picking the 8 teams I think will go to the State Tournament.
Elite 8 State Tournament Teams
Wray
Yuma
Denver Christian
Limon
Mancos
Peyton
Crested Butte
Holly
MileHigh Prep Report 