MileHigh Prep Report Class 3A Boys Basketball Preseason Rankings
I am just going to quickly give the rankings and a quick breakdown of what they are returning. We are still planning on doing a Media Poll and that will be released Wednesday or Thursday. If you are interested in voting, please send me a message.
Class 3A
| Rank | Team | Notes |
| #1 | Highland Lost in the Sweet 16 to Eagle Ridge | Highland had a successful season last season and will look to build off last season success and reach the Elite 8 in Class 3A. Highland returns their top 6 scorers including Hyatt Tolle (16.8 PPG), Sawyer Morgan (14.4 PPG), Carson Steinke (13.5 ppg), and Colton Steinke (13.5 ppg). Highland will be the early favorite and have the talent. |
| #2 | Faith Christian Lost in the Sweet 16 to Manual | Faith Christian had a good season last year after lower expectations and now they have expectations again this season. Faith Christian returns their top 5 scorers but will be searching for depth as the season goes on. Keegan Paige (16.0 PPG), Carson Jasa (13.0 PPG), and Master Diggins (9.9 PPG) all return and lead a talented Faith Christian team. |
| #3 | Centauri Runner Ups | Centauri had a great run last season reaching the State Championship. Centauri will look to reload and make another run this season. Centauri does lose their top two scorers from last season but have plenty of weapons coming back. Chaz Holman (9.5 ppg) will return to be the leader this season as will Kaleb Anderson, Leighton Curtis, and Mason Sowards. |
| #4 | Salida Lost in Sweet 16 to Centauri | Salida had a solid season last year and return plenty of talent as they look for a deeper run this year. Salida return their top 3 scorers from last season but lose key depth. Tristan Jackson (18.9 ppg), Nate Yeakley (10.4 ppg), and Chase Diesslin (10.4 ppg) all return. Main concern for Salida is depth after the top 3. |
| #5 | Manual Lost in the Elite 8 to Sterling | Manual fell in the Elite 8 to Sterling but had a successful season. Manual will have some reloading to do this season and will turn to Deshawn Fox (11.4 ppg) to be a leader this season. Jemir Wyatt, Andre Coleman, and Davari Outling all must take big steps this season if they plan on making a big run. |
| #6 | Platte Valley Lost in the First Round to Eagle Ridge | Platte Valley had a successful reloading season last year reaching the First Round of the Tournament and falling by just 1 to Eagle Ridge Academy. Platte Valley will now look to take that next step this season. Max Zenk (21.4 ppg) and Zach Uyemura (14.2 ppg) both return as leaders. The main question for Platte Valley is depth and can anyone else breakout as a third option. |
| #7 | C.S Christian Lost in the First Round to Eaton | C.S Christian had a solid season last year and reached the State Tournament. C.S Christian fell to Eaton in the first round but gained valuable experience. Nathanael Davies (18.8 ppg) and Casey Orawiec (10.0 ppg) both return to lead C.S Christian. Plenty of depth returns as well and look for C.S Christian to be a top team this season. |
| #8 | Yuma Defending Class 2A State Champions | Yuma makes the jump into Class 2A this season and they will have some reloading to do heading into this season. Yuma physical defense will give fits to teams in Class 3A. Javier Duran (9.6 ppg), Forest Rutledge (7.0 ppg), and Jesus Ross (6.7 ppg) are three players I think could have breakout season for Yuma. Look for Yuma to make some noise in Class 3A right away. |
| #9 | Strasburg Did not Qualify for the State Tournament | Strasburg did not qualify for the State Tournament last season but made some noise at the end of the season knocking off some good teams in the league tournament. Strasburg will return their leaders in Austin Velasco (12.1 ppg) and Landen Martin (9.6 ppg) but depth must step up this season. Strasburg will look to build off last season success and make a deep playoff run. |
| #10 | Prospect Ridge Lost in the First Round to Sterling | Prospect Ridge reached the State Tournament last year and fell in the first round to Sterling. Prospect Ridge had a successful year picking up key upsets along the way. Prospect Ridge will now look to take the next step and make a deep run. Max Vacco (17.3 ppg) and David Agbosse (10.0 ppg) both return to be leaders and we will see if Prospect Ridge can make a run. |
| #11 | Pinnacle Lost in the First Round to Centauri | Pinnacle reached the State Tournament last year and fell in the first round to Centauri. Pinnacle has key pieces returning to make a deep run this season. Robert McClinton (17.9 ppg) and Daunte Dominguez (11.4 ppg) both return but my main question mark for Pinnacle is depth scoring and rebounding. |
| #12 | Cedaredge Lost at Regional Finals Class 2A | Cedaredge had a great end to their season upsetting Holly at Regionals and nearly reaching the Elite 8 in class 2A. Cedaredge now makes the move to Class 3A and they will look to make an impact immediately. Gideon Gilmore (14.1 ppg), Luke Maxey (12.4 ppg) and Kevin Barron (9.0 ppg) all return to lead a talented Cedaredge team. |
| #13 | Brush Lost in the First Round to Manual | Brush reached the state tournament a year ago and will look to build off that season. Brush will have a bit of reloading to do this year. Brush will turn to Aidan Gutierrez, Robert Gonzalez, and Owen Rudel to step up this season. Brush will be looking to leadership and someone to take over as the top rebounder this season. |
| #14 | Roaring Fork Did not Qualify for State Tournament | Roaring Fork did not qualify for the State Tournament a season ago but return key pieces from last season to try and push for a state tournament spot. Roaring Fork will return River Byrne (10.6 ppg) and Noel Richardson (10.3 ppg) to be leaders, but depth scoring must step up this year. Roaring Fork has potential but can they take that next step is key. |
| #15 | Lake County Lost at Regionals in Class 2A | Lake County reached regionals last season in Class 2A and now they make the move to Class 3A. Lake County will have key pieces back to challenge right away in Class 3A but do have a few holes to fill. Adrian Medina (13.6 ppg) and Jonathan Valdez (10.8 ppg) return for Lake County but finding new depth at scoring will be key for Lake County this season. |
| Teams to Watch for: | Vanguard, Florence, St. Mary’s, Ignacio, Bayfield, Montezuma-Cortez, Bennett, Peyton, Estes Park, Rye, Lyons |
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