Class 1A Girls Basketball District Predictions
Basketball practice kicked off November 14th. We dive into each District and predict the winner of each district. Remember Class 1A has changed the way to qualify for Regionals. You now must just be ranked inside the top 32 of the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index to make it to Regionals or win your District. District winners also host if they are ranked inside the top 16 of the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. I also predict the 32 teams I think qualify for Regionals at the end.
District 1
1. Dove Creek
2. North Park
3. Nucla
4. De Beque
5. Caprock Academy
District 1 will be a combination of the 1A/2A Western Slope League and the 1A/2A San Juan League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. Dove Creek is my pick to win the District 1 tournament. Dove Creek is loaded again and looking for a much deeper run in the State Tournament. I expect them to be the heavy favorite in this District. North Park and Nucla could give Dove Creek a run but I expect both of these teams to try and push for regional spots. North Park will turn to new leaders this season but have enough back to push for a top spot. Nucla returns nearly their entire roster and we should see them take a big step this season. De Beque is my dark horse pick to reach regionals. De Beque relied on a very young core last season, and they return and should be improved this season. De Beque will need depth to step up though.
My predictions for District 1
District Champion: Dove Creek
Regional Contenders: Dove Creek, North Park, Nucla
Dark Horse: De Beque
Player of the League: Lexi Gray Sr. Dove Creek
Others to watch for: Kylie Gatlin Jr. Dove Creek, Rylee Hickman Sr. Dove Creek, Dezirae Gonzales Jr. North Park, Candis Staats Sr. Nucla, Halee Smith Jr. Nucla, Ally Sandidge So. De Beque, Rachel Graham Jr. De Beque, Brooke Chang Sr. Caprock Academy
District 2
1. Cheyenne Wells
2. Kit Carson
3. Granada
4. McClave
5. Cheraw
6. Wiley
7. Eads
District 2 will be a combination of the High Plains League and Arkansas Valley League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. My pick to win District 2 is Cheyenne Wells. Cheyenne Wells will be led by a young core, but my main concern is who else steps up along side Paige Ryser. Kit Carson will be the main challenger to Cheyenne Wells this season. Kit Carson will lose their top scorer but return their core from last season. Kit Carson has the weapons this year to make a deep run. Granada and McClave I have as regionals contenders. Granada will return their top 6 scorers and look for this team to try and make a run. They will have to all step up this season. McClave may take a small step back losing their top two scorers and leaders from last season. McClave will be looking for new leaders to step up this season but are my dark horse pick to make a run for that District title. Cheraw, Wiley, and Eads could all make noise as well in District 2 but need players to step up with most teams losing key starters.
My predictions for District 2
District Champion: Cheyenne Wells
Regional Contenders: Cheyenne Wells, Kit Carson, Granada, McClave
Dark Horse: McClave
Player of the League: Paige Ryser So. Cheyenne Wells
Others to watch for: Izzy Trevino-Lopez Jr. Cheyenne Wells, Shaylee Scheler Jr. Cheyenne Wells, Tess Johnson Sr. Kit Carson, Kenzie Waggoner Sr. Kit Carson, Torrie Randel Sr. Kit Carson, Kiana Herrera Sr. Granada, Trinidie Quintana Sr. Granada, McKayla Kiniston Jr. McClave, Kennedy Vallejos Sr. McClave, Chloe Weber So. McClave, Abby Provost Sr. Cheraw, Crislyn Miell Jr. Cheraw, Grace White Sr. Wiley, Madison McDowell Jr. Eads
District 3
1. Springfield
2. Kim/Branson
3. La Veta
4. South Baca
5. Walsh
6. Manzanola
7. Primero
District 3 will be a combination of the Arkansas Valley League and the Fishers Peak League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. Springfield is my pick to win the District 3 Tournament. Springfield will lose their top scorer from last season but return the rest of the roster including 3 players over 7.8 ppg. Springfield will need some other depth to step up but they are the early favorite in District 3. Kim/Branson I believe is the main threat to Springfield. Kim/Branson will also have to replace their top scorer but return two scorers over 8.5 ppg. Depth is my main concern with Kim/Branson especially if they plan on challenging Springfield for the top spot. La Veta and South Baca I think are regional contenders as well. La Veta showed signs of improvement last season. They return their top 3 scorers and should improve again. South Baca could take small step back this season losing 3 of their top 4 scorers. They will have limited depth as well and we will see what South Baca can do behind the returners from last season. Walsh, Manzanola, and Primero are still in rebuilding mode but have plenty or returners to try and make improvements this season.
My predictions for District 3
League Champion: Springfield
Regional Contenders: Kim/Branson, La Veta, South Baca
Dark Horse: South Baca
Player of the League: Emmalee Buhrle Sr. Kim/Branson
Others to watch for: Lainee Leathers Jr. Springfield, Brakelle Westphal Sr. Springfield, Kendall Myers Sr. Springfield, Ava Warner Sr. Kim/Branson, Aspen Autry So. La Veta, Kendyl Eddleman Sr. La Veta, Tami Morgan Sr. La Veta, Kate Elmore Jr. South Baca, Emily Hume So. Walsh, Eva Anderson Jr. Manzanola, Hailey Harris Sr. Primero
District 4
1. Briggsdale
2. Fleming
3. Prairie
4. Weldon Valley
5. Longmont Christian
District 4 will be a combination of the North Central League and One team from the Mile High League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. I believe that District 4 will be a two horse race between Briggsdale and Fleming. Either could be picked as the winner of this District. I am going with Briggsdale as my District 4 winner. Briggsdale will return some key pieces from last season but replacing a good senior class is key. Who steps up for Briggsdale this season? Fleming as mentioned is the main challenger to Briggsdale. Fleming will also return plenty of key pieces but must replace their top scorer and main guard. Fleming will turn to a good senior class to step up and fill the void. Prairie will also have a good shot at reaching regionals. Prairie will return all but their top scorer from last season. They will be searching for other girls to step up but I think Prairie has a good shot at regionals. Weldon Valley could also be in the mix for a regional spot. Weldon Valley was led by a strong freshman class last year and if they can take that next step could easily be in position to fight for a regional spot. Longmont Christian and Peetz will be rebuilding programs after not having a season last year.
My predictions for District 4
League Champion: Briggsdale
Regional Contenders: Briggsdale, Fleming, Prairie
Dark Horse: Weldon Valley
Player of the League: Jenna Krise Jr. Briggsdale
Others to watch for: Peyton Nicklas Sr. Briggsdale, Macie Klem Sr. Briggsdale, Kally Kirkwood Sr. Fleming, Madi Serrato Jr. Fleming, Alliyah Nelson Sr. Prairie, Annie Onufrak So. Weldon Valley
District 5
1. Stratton
2. Otis
3. Lone Star
4. Arickaree
5. Idalia
6. Hi-Plains
7. Flagler
8. Bethune
District 5 will be a combination of the YWKC and the Upper Plains League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. District 5 could be way down this year with multiple teams losing key players. Stratton is my pick to win District 5. Stratton returns their top scorer but will need other girls to step up and help with the scoring. Stratton, I believe will be challenged by Otis, Lone Star, Arickaree/Woodlin, Idalia, and Hi-Plains. Otis returns the most of any team in District 5 but will have to show improvement after a 5-win season. Lone Star lose a great senior class and will look for some younger players to step up. Could be a bit of a rebuilding year for Lone Star. Arickaree/Woodlin also loses their top scorer but return the rest of their roster. My only concern is scoring for Arickaree/Woodlin as no players return who scored over 6.0 ppg. Idalia also lose a great senior class and will look for some new leaders to step up. Hi-Plains also returns their entire roster but will also have to show improvement. If Hi-Plains can average more than 38 ppg they could be dangerous this season. Flagler and Bethune will be rebuilding this season.
My predictions for District 5
League Champion: Stratton
Regional Contenders: Stratton, Otis, Lone Star
Dark Horse: Hi-Plains
Player of the League: Sedonia Isenbart Jr. Stratton
Others to watch for: Clare Miltenberger So. Stratton, Alli Hornung Jr. Otis, Hailey Stivers Sr. Otis, Rowan Tribelhorn Sr. Otis, Aleighcea Kuntz Jr. Lone Star, Wynter Van Ness Sr. Arickaree/Woodlin, Jaylen Kechter So. Idalia, Jessica Sayles Jr. Hi-Plains, Caelan Church Jr. Hi-Plains, Madison Crisp Jr. Flagler, Peyton Ruhs Jr. Bethune
District 6
1. Sangre De Cristo
2. Sierra Grande
3. Moffat
4. Centennial
5. Antonito
6. Lake City
7. Creede
District 2 will be the Southern Peaks 1A League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. Sangre De Cristo is my pick to win District 6. Sangre De Cristo will have some reloading to do and will rely on key returners like Peyton Metz to carry until the rest of the squad steps up. Sierra Grande, I believe will be the main challenger and there are loaded with talent as well. Sierra Grande returns their top scorer and 4 of their top 5. They also have a big win at regionals last year to boost their confidence. Moffat and Centennial I believe could challenge for regional spots. Moffat will also return a talented squad. If Moffat can break the 35ppg mark, they will be dangerous this season. Centennial lose a key piece to last years team and will look for other players to step up. I have worries about their depth but if they come to play watch out. Antonito may also be a team to watch but would need depth to step up. Lake City and Creede will be looking to keep building their program.
My predictions for District 6
League Champion: Sangre De Cristo
Regional Contenders: Sangre De Cristo, Sierra Grande, Moffat
Dark Horse: Centennial
Player of the League: Peyton Metz Sr. Sangre De Cristo
Others to watch for: Idahlia Garcia Jr. Sangre De Cristo, Palma Enriquez Jr. Sangre De Cristo, Mariana Loya Sr. Sierra Grande, Mia Esquer-Montoya Sr. Sierra Grande, Paige Hammel So. Moffat, Kamryn Hauger Sr. Moffat, Xiomara Maestas Sr. Centennial, Jayden DeLeon Sr. Centennial, Patricia Silvas Sr. Antonito, Kadance Simons Jr. Lake City,
District 7
1. Kiowa
2. Hanover
3. Deer Trail
4. Genoa-Hugo
5. Pikes Peak Christian
6. Miami-Yoder
7. Cripple Creek
District 7 will be a combination of the Black Forest League, Upper Plains League, and West Central League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. Kiowa is my pick to win the District 7 tournament and they will be the heavy favorite in this District. Kiowa will be returning their top two scorers from last season, but the main question is who steps up next. I only see Hanover as a team that could possibly challenge Kiowa in this District. Hanover returns their top scorer but needs depth to step up along side to really challenge Kiowa. Hanover, I think has enough to make it to regionals but with depth stepping up could really make a run. Deer Trail, Genoa-Hugo, Miami-Yoder, and Pikes Peak Christian all have solid pieces coming back but all 4 teams struggled last season and lose seniors from their teams. I will be interested to see which of the 4 teams steps up this season.
My predictions for District 7
League Champion: Kiowa
Regional Contenders: Kiowa, Hanover
Dark Horse: Genoa-Hugo
Player of the League: Kendra Byrd Sr. Kiowa
Others to watch for: Jordan Perreault Jr. Kiowa, Lavana Sweazy Jr. Hanover, Alex Donovan Sr. Deer Trail, Baylee Kelly Sr. Genoa-Hugo, Lydia Davis Sr. Miami-Yoder
District 8
1. Flatirons Academy
2. Belleview Christian
3. Rocky Mountain Lutheran
4. Front Range Baptist
5. Denver Waldorf
6. Mile High Academy
7. Denver Jewish Day
District 8 is the 5280 League. Remember all District will be seeded by the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Winning your district is the one way to guarantee your berth into the state tournament. Flatirons Academy is my pick to win District 8 and I am not sure who challenges them in this District. Flatirons Academy is the early favorite to repeat as Class 1A State Champions. Flatirons Academy returns their entire roster from last season. Belleview Christian and Rocky Mountain Lutheran will be the two mains schools to try and upset Flatirons Academy. Belleview Christian returns their top 3 scorers but must improve again to competition this season. Rocky Mountain Lutheran returns 3 of their top 5 scorers and must also improve against the top competition in Class 1A. Front Range Baptist is my pick to try and sneak into regionals. Front Range Baptist returns their top 2 scorers and they will try and get into regionals this season. The rest of the league will be rebuilding this season.
My predictions for District 8
League Champion: Flatirons Academy
Regional Contenders: Flatirons Academy, Belleview Christian, Rocky Mountain Lutheran
Dark Horse: Front Range Baptist
Player of the League: Kenlee Durrill Sr. Flatirons Academy
Others to watch for: Emma Cox Jr. Flatirons Academy, Emily Dehaan Jr. Flatirons Academy, Bethany Long Sr. Belleview Christian, Victoria Mallory Sr. Belleview Christian, Ginny Shade Jr. Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Sophia Thiel Jr. Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Katie Jaques Jr. Front Range Baptist, Liberty Sutton Sr. Front Range Baptist, Hanna Witkoff Sr. Denver Waldorf
Regional Predictions
I am going to pick the 32 teams I think qualify for Regionals. Remember to qualify for Regionals you either need to win your District or be in the top 32 of the CHSAA Seeding & Selection Index after Districts.
District 1
Dove Creek, North Park, Nucla
District 2
Cheyenne Wells, Kit Carson, Granada, McClave, Cheraw
District 3
Springfield, Kim/Branson, La Veta, South Baca
District 4
Briggsdale, Fleming, Prairie
District 5
Stratton, Otis, Lone Star, Arickaree, Idalia
District 6
Sangre De Cristo, Sierra Grande, Moffat, Centennial
District 7
Kiowa, Hanover, Genoa-Hugo
District 8
Flatirons Academy, Belleview Christian, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Front Range Baptist
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