Class 3A Boys Basketball State Tournament Predictions
We have reached the end of the road and for 8 teams it’s time to compete for the State Championship. Some great matchups in the first round and looking forward. I am going to give my prediction for the Great 8 and then I will move forward from there. I will try and give an update after each day during the State Tournament.
Great 8
#1 St. Mary’s over #8 Eagle Ridge Academy
A battle of two different styles and who controls the tempo wins this game. Eagle Ridge Academy will have the slight size advantage and will look to slow the temp of the game. If this game turns into a track meet St. Mary’s will have the advantage. I also think St. Mary’s experience proves to be a difference. I do not think this will be a blowout and expect a good game.
#5 Centauri over #4 Colorado Academy
This is another great matchup. Colorado Academy will be the favorite in this game. They are senior lead and played a difficult schedule. Centauri has shown this year that they can upset top teams and they will need to be able to do that to advance. Centauri seems to be playing there best basketball and look for them to use their physical defense to advance.
#2 Sterling over #7 Manual
The best game in the Elite 8 in Class 3A. This will be a battle. This was a 4-point game when they meet earlier this year and I expect another very close game. Manual vs Sterling is typically a Final 4 game but this year it happens in the Elite 8. Both teams have prolific scorers and depth scoring will be the difference. I am going with Sterling in a great matchup.
#3 Aspen over #6 Resurrection Christian
A great first game to kick off the 3A state tournament. Experience vs Youth is the theme in this game. Aspen comes in senior loaded with the experience of a deep tournament run a year ago. Resurrection Christian is a young team who has surprised many by reached the Elite 8. I do think this will be a good game and come down to execution and style of play. I think experience proves to be the difference and I am going with Aspen in a close game over Resurrection Christian.
Final 4
#1 St. Mary’s over #5 Centauri
This could be a rematch of an earlier season game where Centauri upset St. Mary’s. That was a home game for Centauri and on a neutral court it’s not easy to beat a team again. St. Mary’s has not lost since that loss to Centauri and would be looking for the revenge. Centauri would have to repeat the same recipe, but I think St. Mary’s gets them in a close game.
#2 Sterling over #3 Aspen
These two teams meet a year ago in the Elite 8 with Sterling grabbing the 54-52 win. If this matchup happens again, I think we are looking at a very similar game and it would be a fun game to watch. Both teams will be coming off hard fought wins. Again we would see top scorers in this game but I think the tougher schedule for Sterling has them prepared for this game. I am going with Sterling in a close game over Aspen.
Championship Saturday
State Championship
#1 St. Mary’s over #2 Sterling
3rd Place Game
#3 Aspen over #5 Centauri
MileHigh Prep Report 