Class 2A Girls 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. (Remember these are Districts not League, Districts is what matters for qualifying for Regionals not your league schedule unless you are all in one District)
District 1
1. Sanford
2. Sargent
3. Center
4. Monte Vista
5. Del Norte
6. Crested Butte
7. Lake County
8. South Park
9. Custer County
10. Trinidad
Sanford is my preseason pick to win the District 1 tournament. Sanford reached the final 4 last season before falling to Limon in a great game. Sanford will return nearly their entire roster including their top 7 scorers. Asia Caldon, Cheyenne Caldon, and Makenzie Reynolds all return to lead a very tough defensive and offensive team. Sargent is my pick to finish 2nd this year. Sargent went 8-7 last season and made the state tournament. Sargent will have a few holes to fill with 3 of their top 5 scorers graduating. Sargent will return leading scorer Mary Willis and Bailey Asbell who played big minutes as a freshman. I think the biggest addition for Sargent this year will be Gabby Jones be able to play and will be an instant contributor. Center is my pick to finish 3rd and get to regionals. Center went 9-6 last season and made the State Tournament. Center fell in the first round but gained valuable experience for this season. Center will have a few holes to fill this season losing 3 of their top 5 scorers. Alexis Varelas and Alicia Rios lead a very strong back court. My big concern with Center is their front court. Monte Vista is my pick to finish 4th. Monte Vista went 8-6 last season and missed out on the playoffs. Monte Vista will return some talent with Chevelle Garcia, Adelia Romero, and Haley Bernal all coming back. If Monte Vista can have a season like volleyball, I could easily see them challenge for a top 3 spot but will everything come together. Del Norte is my pick to finish 5th. Del Norte went 10-6 last season and made the playoffs. Del Norte will have some holes to fill this season with 3 of their top 5 scorer leaving. Kelci Madrid and Abby Rivera must step up this season to lead a young Del Norte team. Del Norte will need depth to really step up this season for them to have a successful season. Crested Butte wraps up the top 6 of District 1. Crested Butte had some success last season going 6-7 but did not make the State Tournament. Crested Butte will have a few holes to fill but return 3 of their top 5 scorers. Blakeley Reynolds returns to lead the offense, but depth must step up to add to the scoring totals this season. Crested Butte could challenge the top 5 but the Depth is my big concern. Lake County, South Park, Custer County, and Trinidad round out the bottom of District 1.
My predictions for District 1
League Champion: Sanford
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Sanford, Sargent, Center
Dark Horse: Monte Vista
Player of the League: Asia Caldon Sr. Sanford
Others to watch for:
Cheyenne Caldon Sr. Sanford, Makenzie Reynolds Jr. Sanford, Riley Canty Sr. Sanford, Mary Willis Sr. Sargent, Bailey Asbell So. Sargent, Gabby Jones Sr. Sargent, Alexis Varela Sr. Center, Alicia Rios So. Center, Chevelle Garcia Sr. Monte Vista, Haley Bernal Sr. Monte Vista, Adelia Romero Sr. Monte Vista, Kelci Madrid Jr. Del Norte, Blakeley Reynolds Jr. Crested Butte, Jaycee Windorski So. Lake County, Mikayla Batts Sr. South Park
District 2
1. Holyoke
2. Wray
3. Sedgwick County
4. Burlington
5. Yuma
6. Akron
7. Wiggins
Holyoke is my preseason pick to win the District 2 tournament. Holyoke reached the Elite 8 before falling to league rival Wray. Holyoke will be locked and loaded for a deeper run this season. Holyoke returns most of their roster from last season including their top 8 scorers. POY candidate Kristin Vieselmeyer is back along with Lauren Herman and Elyce Talavera. This district will be no joke this year and Holyoke will be challenged all season. Wray is my pick for second place. Wray made it to the State Championship last year before falling by 13 to Limon. Wray had a great run and will also look to reload and make another run at it. Wray will return 4 of their top 6 scorers and have a solid sophomore group coming up to add depth. Karli Godsey, Larissa Salmans, and Kaycee McBride all return to lead the offense and Wray will once again look to make some noise. Sedgwick County is my pick to finish 3rd and make it to regionals. Sedgwick County went 13-3 last season and fell in the Sweet 16. Sedgwick County will look for a State Tournament berth this season and are reloading for that run. Jensen Renquist, Alison Woodhams, and Kierra Ehnes all return to lead a very potent offensive attack for Sedgwick County. I could easily see all 3 of the team mentioned make a run for the Elite 8/State Tournament berth. Burlington is my pick to finish 4th but I believe still make a run for the regional tournament as an at-large team. Burlington will have to replace their leading scorer from a season ago. Look for Trinitee Holmes and Triniti Scott to step up this season and lead Burlington. Burlington will have plenty of depth coming back as well and we will see who steps up for this team. Yuma is my pick to finish 5th. Yuma made the state tournament last year. Yuma will have to replace their leading scorer but return 5 of their top 7 scorers. Lea Richardson and Elle Roth both must step up this year to increase Yuma scoring abilities. Yuma will play tough defense but scoring is my biggest concern.
My predictions for District 2
League Champion: Holyoke
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Holyoke, Wray, Sedgwick County
Dark Horse: Burlington
Player of the League: Kristin Vieselmeyer Sr. Holyoke
Others to watch for:
Lauren Herman Sr. Holyoke, Elyce Talavera Sr. Holyoke, Karli Godsey Sr. Wray, Larissa Salmans Jr. Wray, Kaycee McBride Sr. Wray, Jensen Renquist Jr. Sedgwick County, Alison Woodhams Sr. Sedgwick County, Kierra Ehnes Jr. Sedgwick County, Trinitee Holmes So. Burlington, Triniti Scott Sr. Burlington, Lea Richardson Jr. Yuma, Addi Kessinger So. Akron, Raelyn Koenig Jr. Wiggins
District 3
1. Cedaredge
2. Mancos
3. Ignacio
4. Olathe
5. Dolores
6. Telluride
7. Ridgway
Cedaredge is my preseason pick to win the District 3 tournament. Cedaredge made the state tournament last year and will look for a deeper run this season. Cedaredge returns 3 of their top 5 scorers but only 3 of their top 7 scorers. Cedaredge bring back leadership in Megan Gastineau and Paige Mcgovern but depth is my biggest concern for Cedaredge. Mancos is my pick to finish 2nd. Mancos went 10-3 last season and did not make the state tournament. Mancos will look to change that this season and return plenty of talent. Mancos will return 4 of their top 5 scorers but must replacing their leader from last season. Rhiley Montoya and Quincy Montoya are the two players that must step up for Mancos to have a deep run this season. Ignacio is my pick to finish 3rd. Ignacio made the state tournament last season but are losing some key pieces from last years team. Ignacio will lose 4 of their top 5 scorers and will turn to some inexperience this season. Laci Brunson is the lone starter returning and I believe she could have a huge season and lead Ignacio into regionals. Olathe is my pick for 4th place. Olathe made the state tournament a season ago and will look for a return trip. Olathe will have some holes to fill losing 4 of their top 5 scorers. Makayla Millsap is the lone starter returning and depth must really step up for Olathe this season. Dolores is my pick to finish 5th. Dolores had a tough season a year ago finishing 4-8. Dolores will look to improve this season and return 2 of their top 5 scorers including leading scorer Allie Kibel. Dolores to make a big run must have depth step up and have some big nights from their leading scorer. Ridgway and Telluride round out the bottom of District 3.
My predictions for District 3
League Champion: Cedaredge
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Cedaredge, Mancos, Ignacio
Dark Horse: Olathe
Player of the League: Laci Brunson Jr. Ignacio
Others to watch for:
Megan Gastineau Sr. Cedaredge, Paige Mcgovern Sr. Cedaredge, Rhiley Montoya Sr. Mancos, Quincy Montoya So. Mancos, Makayla Millsap Sr. Olathe, Allie Kibel Sr. Dolores,
District 4
1. Limon
2. Denver Christian
3. Byers
4. Lotus School
5. Addenbrooke Classical
6. Front Range Christian
7. Platte Canyon
8. Golden View Classical
9. Clear Creek
Limon is my preseason pick to win the District 4 tournament and a favorite to win the Class 2A State Title. Limon is your defending state champions and will look to repeat. Limon will return the core of their roster from a season ago but will lose 3 of their top 7 scorers. POY candidate Trista Marx returns along with #3 scorer Michiah Leeper and #4 scorer Jentri Marx. Denver Christian is my pick to finish 2nd this season. Denver Christian did not reach the state tournament last year and will look to make it to regionals this season. Denver Christian return 5 of their top 6 scorers including leading scorer Sophie Bull and #2 scorer Kella Millican. Denver Christian will look to put it all together this season. Byers is my pick to finish 3rd in District 4. Byers will return their top 3 scorers from last year in Symantha Linnebur, Tori Shockman, and Heidi Price. Biggest concern for Byers is depth scoring and back court. Byers could have a breakout season if those things are figured out. Lotus School is my pick for 4th. Lotus School made the state tournament last season and will look for a big run this season. Lotus School returns their top 2 scorers from last season in Amana Malki and Kimberly Lagunes. These two are key for Lotus school as I feel Lotus has some depth concerns. Addenbrooke Classical rounds out my top 5 for District 4. Addenbrooke Classical went 7-5 last season but did not make the state tournament. Addenbrooke Classical will return 4 of their top 5 scorers from last season. Izzy Vigil and Veronica Rodriguez are key to Addenbrooke Classical having a big year and pushing for a regional berth. Front Range Christian, Platte Canyon, Golden View Classical, and Clear Creek round out District 4.
My predictions for District 4
League Champion: Limon
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Limon, Denver Christian, Byers
Dark Horse: Lotus School
Player of the League: Trista Marx Sr. Limon
Others to Watch:
Michiah Leeper Sr. Limon, Jentri Marx So. Limon, Sophie Bull Sr. Denver Christian, Kella Millican Sr. Denver Christian, Symantha Linnebur Byers, Tori Shockman Byers, Amana Malki Sr. Lotus School, Kimberly Lang Sr. Lotus School, Izzy Vigil So. Addenbrooke, Veronica Rodriguez Sr. Addenbrooke, Emma Budimlya Jr. Front Range Christian, Chyann Kelly Sr. Platte Canyon
District 5
1. Soroco
2. Plateau Valley
3. Rangely
4. Meeker
5. Hayden
6. Vail Christian
7. West Grand
8. Vail Mountain (Let me know if they are playing)
Soroco is my preseason pick to win the District 5 tournament. Soroco made the state tournament last year and would like to make a trip to the elite 8 this season. Soroco will return 7 of their top 8 scorers including leading scorer Kayedence Bruner. Soroco also returns some depth scoring with Eden Mayer and Peyton Parker returning. Soroco could be a contender this season. Plateau Valley is my pick to finish 2nd. Plateau Valley reached the state tournament last year and gained valuable experience. Plateau Valley returns 5 of their top 7 scorers including their top 3 from last season. Maddisyn Miller and Meloni Miller return to lead what should be an improved Plateau Valley team. Rangely is my pick to finish 3rd and get to regionals. Rangely went 6-6 last season and will look to improve on that this season. Rangely will have some holes to fill but return their top 4 scorers from a season ago. Mary Scoggins and Adelynn Halcomb both must improve this season to lead Rangely into regionals. Meeker is my pick to finish 4th this year and contend for a regional spot. Meeker had a tough season a year ago going 2-6. Meeker will look to improve this season and return their entire roster to do so. Leading scorer Sarah Kracht returns to lead Meeker offense but will the rest of the scoring step up. Depth must improve for Meeker to have a bounce back season. Hayden rounds out the top 5 of District 5. Hayden went 3-5 last season and will look to improve this year. Hayden will return 3 of their 5 scorers but must replace their leader from last season. Alison Rajzer is the player to keep an eye on for Hayden to lead the offense and look to push for a regional berth. Vail Christian, West Grand, and Vail Mountain round out the bottom of District 5.
My predictions for District 5
League Champion: Soroco
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Soroco, Plateau Valley, Rangely
Dark Horse: Meeker
Player of the League: Kayedence Bruner Sr. Soroco
Others to watch for:
Eden Mayer Sr. Soroco, Peyton Parker Sr. Soroco, Maddisyn Miller Jr. Plateau Valley, Meloni Miller So. Plateau Valley, Mary Scoggins Sr. Rangely, Adelynn Halcomb Sr. Rangely, Ryann Mergelman So. Rangely, Sarah Kracht Sr. Meeker, Alison Rajzer Sr. Hayden, Alex Schake Sr. West Grand
District 6
1. Rye
2. Hoehne
3. Crowley County
4. Fowler
5. Swink
6. Rocky Ford
7. Holly
8. Las Animas
9. John Mall
10. Swallows Charter (Let me know if they are playing)
Rye is my preseason pick to win the District 6 tournament. Rye went 15-2 last season and reached the state tournament last season. Rye also made it to the final 4 and would like another shot at winning a state title this season. Rye will have a few holes to fill losing 2 of their top 5 scorers. Rye will return Sophie Adamson and Sydney Adamson but who else steps up and scorers will be key to the success of Rye. Jordan Holgerson-Rahl could be a key contributor to Rye having a big run this season. Hoehne is my pick for second place. Hoehne went 8-7 last season and lost in the first round of the State Tournament. Hoehne gained key experience with a young team and will look for another regional berth if not a farther run. Hoehne returns 6 of their top 7 scorers this season. Trinity Martin and Ronni San Roman both return to lead the offense. Hoehne should be improved this season but can they improve enough to challenge for a state tournament spot is the main question. Crowley County is my pick to finish 3rd and gain the automatic berth to regionals. Crowley County went 6-8 a season ago and did not make the state tournament. Crowley County will look to change that this season. Crowley County returns 7 of their top 8 scorers but will have to replace their #2 scorer from last season. Avery Walter was the leading scorer a year ago and she returns to lead the offense. Look for Destinee Ybarra or Leilani Brown to step up this season on the offensive side of the ball. Fowler is my pick to finish 4th. Fowler went 7-7 last season and did not make the state tournament. Fowler will look to change that this season but will have plenty of holes to replace. Fowler will lose their top 4 scorers from a season ago but return the rest of the roster. Fowler will turn to Madi Bates and Emily Flanscha to step up this season on the offensive side of the ball and become leaders. Swink is my pick to finish 5th. Swink went 6-8 last season and did not reach the state tournament. Swink will have a few holes to fill from last season losing their #1 and #3 scorers. Swink will return #2 scorer Sidney Larrew and #4 scorer Jada Chavez who must step up this season. Swink could be in the mix for a regional spot but must improve as a team. Rounding out the top 6 is Rocky Ford. Rocky Ford went 12-3 last season and made the state tournament. Rocky Ford will lose a lot from that team losing their top 4 scorers. Rocky Ford will have to replace 36 ppg leaving to graduation. Rocky Ford will turn to Alyssa Hancock and Amber Saltzman to step up as leaders this season. Rocky Ford will be young this season and will be a year away from really making a big run. Holly, Las Animas, John Mall, and Swallows Charter round out the rest of District 6.
My predictions for District 6
League Champion: Rye
Regional Automatic Qualifiers: Rye, Hoehne, Crowley County
Dark Horse: Fowler
Player of the League: Sophie Adamson Sr. Rye
Others to watch for:
Sydney Adamson Sr. Rye, Jordan Holgerson-Rahl So. Rye, Trinity Martin So. Hoehne, Ronni San Roman Jr. Hoehne, Avery Walter Sr. Crowley County, Destinee Ybarra Jr. Crowley County, Madi Bates So. Fowler, Emily Flanscha Sr. Fowler, Sidney Larrew Sr. Swink, Jada Chavez Sr. Swink, Alyssa Hancock Jr. Rocky Ford, Amber Saltzman Jr. Rocky Ford, Nadia Cerros, Jr. Holly, Jade Casey Sr. Holly, Malia Ybarra Jr. Las Animas, Aliesia Ybarra Sr. Las Animas, Lainie Tenorio Sr. John Mall
District 7
1. Heritage Christian
2. Gilpin County
3. Union Colony Prep
4. Dayspring Christian
5. Dawson School
6. Lyons
7. Loveland Classical
8. Twin Peak Charter
Heritage Christian is my preseason pick to win the District 7 tournament. Heritage Christian went 13-2 last season losing to Limon in OT in the sweet 16. Heritage Christian this season will have their eyes on the State Tournament/Elite 8 this season. Heritage Christian will have a few holes to fill losing 2 of their top 7 scorers. Heritage Christian will return top 2 scorers Kali Siemers and Avery Hughes. Depth scoring is my big concern and who steps up and fills the #3 and #4 scorers will be key to a deep playoff run for Heritage Christian. Gilpin County is my pick to finish 2nd in the District 7 tournament. Gilpin County went 10-5 last season and made the state tournament. Gilpin County will be looking for a much deeper run this season. Gilpin County will return their entire roster and will be mostly Juniors and Sophomores so this team will continue to get better. Gilpin County returns Skyley Ramsey and Abigail Smith who led the offense last season. These two are key for Gilpin County to continue to get better this season. Union Colony Prep is my pick to finish 3rd. Union Colony Prep had a bit of a rough season a year ago going 4-9 and not making the state tournament. UCP will look to make regionals this season and have the pieces back to do so. UCP will return their entire roster from last season. POY candidate Kamryn Arnold and Cady Wood return to lead an improved UCP team. Union Colony Prep must come together and if they do could have a big season. Dayspring Christian is my pick to finish 4th. Dayspring Christian went 7-7 last season and did not make the state tournament. Dayspring Christian will look to change that this season. Dayspring Christian returns 7 of their top 8 scorers and could be poised to upset a few teams this season. Dayspring Christian return leading scorers Corrin Sides and Aliya McClanahan. Dayspring Christian will have a shot at regionals but must fix mistakes they had last season. Dawson School rounds out the top 5. Dawson School went 8-6 last season and did not make it to the state tournament. Dawson School will hope to get to regionals this season. Dawson School will have some holes to fill losing their #1 and #3 scorers from last season. Annabelle Biggar returns as the #2 scorer and will have to lead a very young offense this season. Lyons, Loveland Classical, and Twin Peaks Charter round out the rest of District 7.
My predictions for District 7
League Champion: Heritage Christian
Regional Qualifiers: Heritage Christian, Gilpin County, Union Colony Prep
Dark Horse: Dayspring Christian
Player of the League: Kali Siemers Sr. Heritage Christian
Others to watch for:
Avery Hughes Jr. Heritage Christian, Skyley Ramsey Jr. Gilpin County, Abigail Smith Jr. Gilpin County, Kamryn Arnold Sr. Union Colony Prep, Cady Wood Sr. Union Colony Prep, Corrin Sides Dayspring Christian, Aliya McClanahan Dayspring Christian, Annabelle Biggar Jr. Dawson School, Brooklyn Jr. Lyons, Lucie Smith Sr. Loveland Classical, Ella Schauer So. Twin Peaks Charter
District 8
1. Peyton
2. Calhan
3. Thomas MacLaren
4. Dolores Huerta
5. Colorado Springs School
6. Fountain Valley
7. Atlas Prep
Atlas Prep, Calhan, CS School, Dolores Huerta, Peyton, Thomas MacLaren
District 8 could be a bit down this season with a few schools not even playing last season. Peyton is my preseason pick to win the District 8 tournament. Peyton will have holes to fill off last season 6-8 team. Peyton will return their top scorer from last season but lose 4 of their top 5. Who steps up in the depth scoring department will be key for Peyton to win this District. Calhan went 5-5 last season and did not make the state tournament. Calhan will have some holes to fill as well losing 4 of their top 5 scorers. #3 scorer Danika Meyers returns and will lead a inexperienced team this season. Calhan could make noise if everyone steps up and could compete for the District crown. Thomas MacLaren is my pick to finish 3rd. Thomas MacLaren will graduate 5 seniors from last years 5-4 team. Thomas MacLaren did not post stats last season so not much is known about this team. Dolores Huerta is my pick to finish 4th and I think challenge for the #3 spot. Dolores Huerta returns 4 of their top 6 scorers. Dolores Huerta will lean on Bernice Bencomo and Lenae Guerra to lead the offense this season. If everything comes together for Dolores Huerta, they could also challenge for the District Crown. Fountain Valley and Colorado Springs School did not play last season so not much is know about this team. Atlas Prep did not post stats but went 0-7 last season so also not much is known. District 8 has a lot of question marks to be answered to see where they rank out with the rest of the Districts.
My predictions for District 8
League Champion: Peyton
Regional Qualifiers: Peyton, Calhan, Thomas MacLaren
Dark Horse: Dolores Huerta
Player of the League: Abbie Nickell So. Peyton
Others to watch for:
Danika Meyers Sr. Calhan, Bernice Bencomo Sr. Dolores Huerta, Lenae Guerra So. Dolores Huerta
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
Limon
Sanford
Wray
Holyoke
Sedgwick County
Rye
Soroco
Heritage Christian
MileHigh Prep Report 