Boys Basketball Class 2A Regional Preview
Then end of the season is near. Regionals is the next step for teams wanting to win a state championship. You must first win your region to advance to the state tournament. Plenty of great matchups in regionals and should make for a fun weekend.
Region 1
Crowley County is the regional host and enter the contest at 22-0. They won the district 6 tournament defeating Holly 50-27. Crowley County ended the season defeating Holly by the biggest margin this season 23. Crowley County is the #1 overall seed and will have that target on their back. Crowley County has been led this season by Gunner Hughes (16.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and Elijah Mcneil (10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg). Crowley County also has 3 other players averaging over 5.5 points per game in Blevyns Brown (7.5), Anthoni Walter (6.2 ppg) and Malaki Mcneil (5.8 ppg).
Rangely enters regionals as the #32 seed and have a record of 12-10. This is the most successful season Rangely has had since 2017-2018. Rangely took 4th in the District 5 tournament falling to Vail Mountain 67 to 62. Rangely will look to pull the biggest upset of the tournament if they can upset the #1 overall seed. Rangely is led by a pair of players who average over 10 ppg in Kevin Wren (12.5 ppg) and Marstan Wagner (10.3 ppg). Rangely also has 3 players averaging over 6 ppg in Fisher Winder (8.1), Kenyon Cochrane (6.1 ppg & 7.0 rpg), and Andrew Dorris (6.0).
Denver Christian enters regionals as the #16 seed and finished the season with a 13-9 record. Denver Christian lost in the district championship to Golden View Classical 56-51 but did pick up the upset in the Semifinals to reach the district finals. Denver Christian will be looking for a return trip to Loveland this year. Denver Christian is led in scoring by Derrin Quinn (12.6 ppg) and Micah Kortenhoeven (12.0 ppg). Denver also has depth scoring with 3 players averaging over 5.5 ppg in Jackson Schroder (7.1), Zac Beijer (5.8), and Devon Van Andel (5.7).
Del Norte enters regionals as the #17 seed and finished the season with a 13-8 record. Del Norte reached the semifinals before losing to Sanford 65 to 43. Del Norte will be looking for the small upset in the first round and most people probably consider their game against Denver Christian as one of the best first round games. Del Norte is led by senior Ben Parra who is averaging 21.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. Michael Laymon (7.3 ppg), Tytus Atencio (5.8 ppg), and Camden Crowell (5.7 ppg) all provide depth scoring for Del Norte.
Region 2
Heritage Christian is the region 2 host and the #8 seed overall seed in the state tournament. Heritage Christian is the District 4 champions and they defeated Union Colony Prep 45-32 in the District Championship. Heritage Christian will look to avoid upsets as they got a tough regional draw as the #8 seed. Heritage Christian is led in scoring by Raul Bertinatio (13.0 ppg) and Levi Hermsen (12.1 ppg). Heritage Christian also has 4 players averaging over 6 ppg in Shane Moseley (7.1), Alec Lundy (7.0), Nolan Buehrrlen (6.1), and Nehemiah Baldwin (6.0).
Holyoke enters regionals as the #25 seed and have a record of 11-11. Holyoke finished in 4th place in the District 2 tournament losing to Wiggins 66 to 55. Holyoke will be looking for an upset in the first round to advance to the regional finals for the second year in a row. Holyoke is led by a trio of scorers in Wyatt Sprague (15.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Cash Weber (12.4 ppg), and Reid Sprague (11.6 ppg). Colby Weber also provides some depth scoring with 6.7 ppg.
Evangelical Christian comes into regionals with a 18-3 record and the #9 seed. ECA reached the semifinals in the District 8 tournament before falling to Simla 60 to 44. ECA has transitioned well into Class 2A and will look to pick up a pair of wins to reach the Class 2A State Tournament (Elite 8). ECA has 3 players averaging over 10 ppg in Jared Guest (15.8 ppg), Michael Kim (14.1 ppg), and Brock Jones (10.3 ppg). ECA does have some depth scoring with Jacob Slankard averaging 8.6 ppg.
Cotopaxi enters regionals as the #24 seed and finished the regular season with a 14-6 record. Cotopaxi was upset by Monte Vista in the District Tournament 55 to 45. Cotopaxi should be well rested for regionals and will look to avenge their 64 to 55 loss to ECA from earlier in the season. Cotopaxi is led in scoring by Ty Coleman (18.1 ppg) and Terrance Evans (13.0 ppg). Cotopaxi does have some depth scoring with Gary Jarvis (7.1) and Joel Tezak (5.4).
Region 3
Plateau Valley is the region 3 host and sit with a record of 17-3. Plateau Valley sit the #5 seed in the regional tournament. Plateau Valley continues a history of success under coach Mike Vig and this is the 6th year out of 7 they have reached the regional tournament. Plateau Valley won the District 5 tournament defeating Vail Christian 42 to 40. Plateau Valley is led in scoring by Ethan Morse (12.2 ppg) and Jack Vig (11.7 ppg). Plateau Valley also gets solid depth scoring from Jackson Bevan (9.4), Parker Richardson (5.6), and Parker Ralston (4.9).
Telluride enters regionals as the #28 seed and have a record of 12-8 overall. Telluride finished second in the District 3 Tournament losing to Mancos 51 to 34. This is the second straight year Telluride has reached regionals and they look for a win this year. Telluride is led in scoring by Townes Merritt (12.2 ppg) and Grayson Berry (11.8 ppg). Telluride also has 3 players scoring over 6 ppg in Will Metheny (8.2), Tony Ordonez (7.8), and Cash Livermore (6.3).
Vail Christian enters regionals as the #12 seed and finished the regular season with a 16-3 record. Vail Christian finished second on the District 5 tournament falling to Plateau Valley 42 to 40. Vail Christian has continued it success under coach Sheldon Kuhns as they have reached regionals in every year but 1 since 2011-2012. Vail Christian will look to reach the state tournament something they have not done since 2012-2013. Vail Christian is led by a trio of scorers in Quinn Downey (21.0 ppg), Theo Moritz (11.8 ppg), and Will Neumann (10.8 ppg).
Hoehne enters regionals with a 14-8 record and the #21 seed in regionals. Hoehne took 4th in the District 6 tournament losing to Fowler 51 to 34. Hoehne makes it first return trip to regionals since 2019/2020 and will look for a pair of upsets. Hoehne is led by Dario Vezzani who averages 14.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Hoehne has solid scoring behind Dario with 4 players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Jace Rogers (7.2), Tanner Rusk (6.1), Levon Bachicha (5.5), and John Terry (5.1). Hoehne game vs Vail Christian will be one of the top games in the first round of regionals.
Region 4
Wray is the region 4 host and enter with a record of 16-6 overall record. Wray is the #4 seed, and they look for back-to-back-to-back trips to the State Tournament. Wray won the district 2 tournament defeating Merino in the district championship 56 to 42. Wray as the #4 seed will be one of the favorites to win the State Championship. Wray is led by 4 players all averaging over 12.0 ppg in Chris Arambula (13.9 ppg & 7.9 apg), Rafael Trejo (13.5 ppg), Ab Ruiz (13.3 ppg & 7.2 rpg), and Joey Uyemura (12.0 ppg).
Vail Mountain enters regionals as the #29 seed and have a 11-10 record overall. Vail Mountain took 3rd in the District 5 tournament defeating Rangely 67 to 62. Vail Mountain needed that win in the third-place game to help lock up their spot in the regional tournament. Vail Mountain is led in scoring by Tommy Steele (10.9 ppg), Spencer Hurd (10.4 ppg), and Christian Mills (9.3 ppg). Vail Mountain also has 4 players scoring over 5.0 ppg in Mason Geller (5.8), Jack Schwartz (5.5), Nolan Kim (5.4), and Trevor Donovan (5.1).
Wiggins comes into the regional tournament with a14-8 record and the #13 seed. Wiggins took 3rd place in the District 2 tournament defeating Holyoke 66 to 55. Wiggins is on a run of success for basketball with 3 straight trips to regionals and before that their last trip to regionals was 2011-2012. Wiggins will look for some revenge if they plan to make it to the state tournament. Wiggins is led in scoring by Cole Kerr (20.5 ppg) and Omar Perez (11.2 ppg). Wiggins also has good depth scoring from Trey Huwa (7.1) and Alan Carrazco (6.9).
Byers enters regionals as the #20 seed and have a record of 11-9 overall. Byers ended the season on a tough note not reaching the semifinals in the district tournament and losing 5 of their last 7 games. Byers will be looking to get back on track and look for their second straight win over Wiggins on the season. Byers reached regionals a year ago and look for a deeper run. Byers is led in scoring by 4 players all averaging over 9.5 ppg in Wyatt Harris (12.9 ppg), Quincy Eacret (10.4 ppg), Chase Long (9.7 ppg), and Zach Cary (9.6 ppg). Byers vs Wiggins will be one of the best games in the first round of regionals.
Region 5
Simla is the region 5 host and enter as the #2 seed overall. Simla has a 19-3 record overall and are winners of the District 8 tournament defeating Limon 50 to 48. Simla as the #2 seed is another team that is considered a favorite by many. Simla also is another team who moved from Class 1A to Class 2A and is having great success as this is their best season record wise since 2014-2015. Simla is led by 4 players all averaging over 9.0 ppg in Caston Cox (16.7 ppg), Brent Bowker (10.8 ppg), Brandon Glover (9.9 ppg), and Treven Kocerha (9.4 ppg).
Las Animas enters as the #31 seed and have a 10-10 overall record. Las Animas was able to sneak in as one of the last teams in after losing in the Quarterfinals to Fowler 55 to 30. Las Animas will look to pull a huge upset if they can beat Simla. Las Animas is making their first trip to regionals since 2007-2008. Las Animas is led in scoring by Bryan Aguilar (12.4 ppg) and TJ Ortiz (12.4 ppg). Las Animas also has some depth scoring with Jackson O’Connor (10.8) and Brander Nichols (7.0).
Custer County comes intro regionals as the #15 seed and sit with a record of 16-5. Custer County will be looking to shake off a tough end to the season after being upset in the semifinals of the District 1 tournament by Monte Vista 43 to 41. Custer County is making back-to-back appearances in the regional tournament something they have not done since their run of success in 2007 thru 2012. Custer County is led in scoring by 4 players all scoring over 9.2 ppg in Garrett Olomon (15.9 ppg), Cameron Penkoff (15.5 ppg), Aidan Zehr (12.8 ppg), and AJ Stoltzfus (9.3 ppg).
Front Range Christian enters regionals as the #18 seed and have a 15-6 record. Front Range Christian was upset in the Semifinals of the District 7 Tournament but bounce back to take 3rd place with a 75 to 28 win over Gilpin County. Front Range Christian is having their most successful season since 2013-2014 and capped it off by reaching the regional tournament. Front Range is led by So. Shane Curry who is averaging 26.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg. Front Range Christian has solid depth scoring with another 3 players all over 7.0 ppg in Ian Woo (13.6 ppg), Zach Szabo (10.7 ppg), and Nolan Potts (7.9 ppg). Front Range Christian vs Custer County will be one of the best games in the first round of regionals.
Region 6
Sanford is the region 6 host and enter regionals as the #7 seed. Sanford won the District 1 tournament defeating Monte Vista 45 to 36. Sanford had a rough patch early in the season at 1 point losing 5 straight games. Sanford ended the season winning 11 of 12 games including the district championship. Sanford has reached the state tournament every year since 2011-2012 other than 2018-2019 when they lost in the regional finals. Sanford is led in scoring by McCray Larsen (15.4 ppg), Cash Caldon (11.9 ppg), and Ben Sittler (9.8 ppg).
Haxtun enters regionals as the #26 seed and have a 10-9 overall record. Haxtun lost in the Quarterfinals as the District 2 tournament to Wiggins 65 to 47. Haxtun is playing their first year in Class 2A and have played tough with close games against Holyoke, Yuma, and Merino in OT. Haxtun is led in scoring by Michael Gerk (15.9 ppg) and Maclin Tempel (13.4 ppg). Haxtun also has good depth scoring from Ryland Wolff (9.1), Keegan Colglazier (4.4) and Kyle Fryrear (4.2).
Merino comes into regionals as the #10 seed and have a 14-7 record. Merino has also made the leap from Class 1A to 2A and have found success finishing second in the District 2 Tournament losing to Wray 56 to 42. Merino has had good success the past few seasons I think mainly due to the fact of them playing in a 2A League, (Same goes for Haxtun). Merino is led in scoring by Tyler Miller who is averaging 19.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg. Merino has plenty of depth scoring with 3 other players averaging over 7.5 ppg in Kaden Piel (12.1 ppg), Jaxson Samber (8.5 ppg), and Slayter Goss (7.6 ppg).
Monte Vista enters regionals as the #23 seed and sit with a 13-8 overall record. Monte Vista ended the season on a strong note finishing second in the district tournament as the #5 seed including back-to-back upsets of #4 Cotopaxi (55-45) and #1 Custer County (43-41). This is just the third appearance for Monte Vista at regionals since 2013-2014. Monte Vista is led in scoring by Memphis Garcia (10.0 ppg) and Azariah Hurtado (7.7 ppg). Monte Vista has 3 other players scoring over 5.0 ppg in Andrew Chavez (7.2), Alex Felix (5.2), and Addan Heredia (5.2). Monte Vista vs Merino will be one of the best games in the first round of regionals.
Region 7
Golden View Classical is the region 7 host and all games will take place at Colorado Christian University. Golden View Classical is the #6 seed and enter regionals with a 16-5 record. Golden View Classical ended the season on a 11-game winning streak including winning the District 7 Championship. This is just the 4th year of the program and they have found their most success with a regional visit. Golden View Classical is led by a pair of seniors in Jakob Gonzales (20.7 ppg &7.9 rpg) and MZ Wahlers (16.0 ppg & 4.3 apg). Golden View Classical does have some depth scoring with 3 players over 4.5 ppg in Aodhan Linehan (6.4), Miles Lindgren (5.0), and Tim Young (4.6).
Akron enters regionals as the #27 seed and have a record of 8-12 overall. Akron lost in the Quarterfinals to Holyoke 41 to 32. Akron played tough all season with some close losses to Merino (by 4), Wiggins (by 4), Fleming (by 3), and Holyoke (by 3). Akron will make its first appearance at regionals since they last made it in 2018-2019. Akron is led in scoring by Ryan McCaffrey (12.8 ppg) and Anderson Filla (11.7 ppg). Akron does have 3 players scoring over 4.5 ppg in Ivan Losa (6.2), Caleb Poss (5.0), and Braxton Demers (4.5).
Holly comes into regionals as the #11 seed and have a record of 17-5 overall. Holly lost in the district 6 championship to Crowley County 50 to 27. Holly continues their run of success in basketball they have made regionals every year since 2011-2012. Holly will be looking for their first appearance at the state tournament since 2018-2019. Holly is led in scoring by Devin Eaton (12.9 ppg), Truman King (11.9 ppg), and Andre Salgado (10.7 ppg). Holly also has some depth scoring with Colby Swopes (8.4) and Julian Terrazas (5.4).
Mancos enters regionals as the #22 seed and have a record of 16-5 overall. Mancos won the District 3 Tournament defeating Telluride 51 to 34. Mancos has also had a good run of success with basketball reaching the regional tournament every year since 2017-2018. Mancos is the lone district champion to not host a region and will look to prove they were deserving of it. Mancos is led in scoring by Kaiden Wyatt (13.8 ppg) and Brian Veach (13.6 ppg). Mancos also has 3 other players all scoring over 7.2 ppg in Andrew Jaime (9.7), Chris Medina (8.9) and Darren Daves (7.2).
Region 8
Limon is the region 8 host and enter regionals as the #3 seed overall. Limon is another team people have pegged as a favorite to win the State Championship. Limon lost in the District Championship to Simla 50 to 48. Limon will be looking to bounce back after that loss and get back on track. Limon is making their 15th straight appearance at regional all under coach Dirk Pedersen. Limon will also be looking for their 5th straight appearance at the state tournament the last time they did not make it was 2017-2018. Limon is led in scoring by Kaden Becker (15.4 ppg) and Jordan Rockwell (14.9 ppg). Limon does have 3 other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Treyton Marx (7.0), Dontarius Arnold (5.8), and Michael Hoffman (5.7).
Elbert enters regionals as the #30 seed and have a record of 11-8 overall. Elbert lost in the quarterfinals of the District 8 tournament to Simla 61 to 41. Elbert is another team who made the jump from Class 1A to Class 2A and found success with 11-8 record and a trip to regionals. Elbert will be looking for revenge in the first round as they lost to Limon back in January 84 to 62. Elbert is led by junior Logan LaFollette who is averaging 17.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Elbert does have good depth scoring with 5 other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Eli Cornell (9.5 ppg), Tayden Wangerow (8.5), Ethan Tesman (7.1), Caleb Cornell (6.5), and Peyton Mcdonald (5.4).
Burlington comes into regionals as the #14 seed and sitting at 11-9 overall. Burlington reached the semifinals of the District 8 tournament falling to Limon 47 to 45. Burlington to reach the state tournament will be looking for revenge. This is the first trip for Burlington to regionals since 2019-2020 when they reached the regional finals. Burlington is led by Keziah Williams (19.7 ppg), Henry Goodnow (11.9 ppg), and Garrett Richardson (10.3 ppg). Burlington does have two other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Daniel Chacon (6.3) and Logan Boyd (5.5).
Fowler enters regionals as the #19 seed and have a 12-10 record overall. Fowler took 3rd place in the District 6 tournament defeating Hoehne 51 to 34. Fowler will be making their 6th straight appearance in the regional tournament under coach Mark Lowther. Fowler last appearance in the state tournament was in 2019-2020. Fowler will have to pull back-to-back upsets to get to the state tournament this year. Fowler is led by a trio of scorers all averaging over 10.0 ppg in Gage Gottbehuet (14.1 ppg), Harrison Proctor (10.5 ppg), and Landyn Mason (10.4 ppg). Fowler vs Burlington will be one of the better games in the first round of regionals.
MileHigh Prep Report 