Girls 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
Merino is the host of Region 1 and sit as the #1 overall seed in the Regional Tournament. Merino has made the successful transition from Class 1A to Class 2A and look to make a deep run this season. Merino took 3rd in their district 2 tournament falling to Sedgwick County 63 to 54. Merino did bounce back the next night to beat Akron 55 to 31. Merino has just 3 losses on the year to teams hosting regionals in their respective classes. Merino is led in scoring by Kya Piel (13.8 ppg) and Makenna Sutter (11.8 ppg). Merino also has solid depth scoring from 3 other players all averaging over 7 ppg in Jade Powell (7.9), Jay Lynch (7.1), and Brooklyn Sutter (7.1 ppg)
Addenbrooke Classical enters regionals as the #32 seed in the regional tournament and have a record of 15-6. Addenbrooke Classical took 3rd in the District 7 tournament defeating Golden View Classical 41 to 16. Addenbrooke Classical is having their most successful season in their programs short history breaking the 10 win more. Addenbrooke Classical started playing in 2019-2020. Addenbrooke Classical is led in scoring by Caitlin Brooke (10.2 ppg) and Reena Lanzen (8.4 ppg). Addenbrooke also has 3 other players scoring over 5.0 ppg in Lucia Rodriguez (7.2), Azariah Ortiz (6.8), and Cici Torrez (5.2).
Hoehne comes into regionals as the #16 seed and sit with a 19-3 overall record. Hoehne finished second in the District 6 tournament being upset by Fowler 45 to 42. This is the second straight year of Hoehne making it to the regional tournament, and the first back-to-back appearance since 2016/2017 and 2017/2019. Hoehne will be looking for their first State Tournament appearance since 2014-2015. Hoehne does not have a girl scoring over 10.0 ppg but have 5 girls scoring over 7.5 ppg in Janae Ramos (9.6 ppg), Kaylah Crosson (8.8 ppg), Ronni San Roman (8.4 ppg), Ellegra Gutierrez (8.3 ppg), and Alessa Cantoria (7.7 ppg).
Denver Christian enters regionals as the #17 seed and sit with a record of 14-7 overall. Denver Christian finished second in the District 7 tournament falling to Gilpin County 39 to 31 in the district championship. Denver Christian is on a solid run of making it to regionals besides the 2020–2021-year Denver Christian has reached the regional tournament every year since 2013-2014. Denver Christian has not made it to the State Tournament (Elite 8) since 2007-2008. Denver Christian is led in scoring by Kamiree Fuller (15.0 ppg), Anna Everett (10.8 ppg), and Natalie Beattie (9.5 ppg). The lone other player over 5.0 ppg for Denver Christian is Sydney Fitzgerald (5.9 ppg). Hoehne vs Denver Christian will be one of the best games in the opening round of regionals.
Region 2
Fowler is the region 2 host and enter the regional tournament as the #8 seed. Fowler won the district 6 tournament upsetting Hoehne 45 to 42 in the district championship. Fowler ended the year winning 8 out of their 9 last games. Fowler is making back-to-back appearances in the regional tournament something they have not done since their run of 6 straight appearances ranging from 2013 thru 2018. Fowler is looking for their first state tournament (Elite 8) appearance in the Maxpreps era 2006-2007. Fowler is led in scoring by Randi Maestas (11.4 ppg) and Jaslyn Bates (8.4 ppg). Fowler does have 3 other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Andrea Maestas (6.9), Jordan Bates (6.5), and Graci Osborne (5.1).
Haxtun enters regionals as the #25 seed and have an overall record of 7-13. Haxtun lost in the quarterfinals to Akron 46 to 26 but played in the toughest league in Class 2A girls. Haxtun is playing their first year of Class 2A making the move up from Class 1A. I believe this is Haxtun first trip to the regional tournament since 2019-2020. Haxtun is led in scoring by Cassidy Goddard (11.2 ppg) and Bobbi Starkebaum (11.0 ppg). Haxtun has one other player breaking the 5.0 ppg mark in Emily Anderson (5.6).
Wiggins comes into the regional tournament as the #9 seed and have a overall record of 15-7. Wiggins lost in the Quarterfinals to Sedgwick County 47 to 27 and will be looking to bounce back from the tough loss. Wiggins is making back-to-back appearances in the regional tournament and looking for a return trip to the State Tournament something they did last season. Wiggins is led in scoring by Kennedy Kerr (10.7 ppg) and Raelyn Koenig (9.0 ppg). Wiggins has solid depth scoring in Riley Hunt (8.8 ppg) and Tyleigh Fehseke (6.1 ppg).
Center enters regionals as the #24 seed and sit with a overall record of 11-10. Center reached the semifinals of the District 1 tournament before falling to Sanford 60 to 25. Center is having one of their most successful runs under coach Jan Vigil reaching the regional tournament 4 straight years something never done in the Maxpreps Era (starting in 2006). Center is led in scoring by Alicia Rios who is averaging 14.2 ppg and 3.9 spg. Center is getting good depth scoring from Ximena Miranda (5.7 ppg), Alexia Badachi (5.2 ppg), and Ciara Paiz (4.8 ppg).
Region 3
Gilpin County is your region 3 host and enter the regional tournament as the #5 seed. Gilpin County sits with a 17-4 record overall. Gilpin County won the District 7 Tournament defeating Denver Christian 39 to 31. Gilpin County will be making its fourth straight appearance in the regional tournament going back to 2019-2020 all under coach Jeff Schuessler. Gilpin County will be looking for their first state tournament appearance since 2011-2012 when they made it in Class 1A. Gilpin County is led in scoring by Skyley Ramsey (13.2 ppg) and Abigail Smith (9.9 ppg). Gilpin County also has two other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Faith Ramsey (6.6) and Kailee Starkey (5.3).
Caliche enters the regional tournament as the #28 seed and have a 7-13 overall record. Caliche lost in the quarterfinals of the district tournament to Merino 68 to 25. Caliche is making their first trip to the regional tournament since 2014-2015. This is also the most successful season Caliche has had since 2016-2017. Caliche is led in scoring by Karsyn Huss who is averaging 18.6 ppg and 6.4 rpg. Caliche is getting depth scoring from Ava Hernandez (9.8 ppg) and Hallie Lewis (5.7 ppg).
Heritage Christian comes into regional with a 16-5 record and the #12 seed in the regional tournament. Heritage Christian finished second in the District 4 tournament falling to Dayspring Christian 47 to 42. Heritage Christian to advance to the state tournament will need at least one revenge win. Heritage Christian is on a very successful run for girls basketball making it to regionals every year since 2010-2011. Heritage Christian will be looking to return to the state tournament something they have not done since 2018-2019. Heritage Christian is led in scoring by Avery Hughes who is averaging 15.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, and 5.2 apg. Heritage Christian does have plenty of depth scoring with 4 other girls averaging over 5.5 ppg in Harper Siemers (6.6 ppg), Kate Green (5.9 ppg), Natalie Samuelson (5.8 ppg), and Mikaela Harvey (5.6 ppg).
Plateau Valley enters regionals as the #21 seed and come in with a 12-8 record. Plateau Valley reached the District Finals as the #3 seed and finished in second losing to Rangely 40 to 38. Plateau Valley is returning to regionals something they have not done since 2020-2021 and before that it was 2014-2015 since they reached the regional tournament. Plateau Valley is led in scoring by Emaline Ealey (11.5 ppg) and Caley Shiflett (9.6 ppg). Plateau Valley has some depth scoring as well with Dani Moore (6.8), Maddisyn Miller (5.1), and Kaylee Lang (4.8).
Region 4
Dayspring Christian is the region 4 host and enter as the #4 seed in the regional tournament. Dayspring Christian has a 17-4 overall record and are the District 4 Champions. Dayspring Christian defeated Heritage Christian 47 to 42 in the district 4 tournament. Dayspring Christian is looking for back-to-back trips to the State Tournament something I believe they have not done in the Maxpreps Era (2006). Dayspring Christian is led in scoring by senior Aliya McClanahan who is averaging 17.0 ppg and 8.8 rpg. Dayspring Christian gets depth scoring from Ebi Omofoma (10.4 ppg), Faith Hayward (8.7 ppg), and Lily Beauvais (6.5 ppg).
Holly enters regionals as the #29 seed and have a overall record of 11-11. Holly took 3rd place in the District 6 tournament defeating Crowley County 47 to 44. That win helped lock Holly into the regional tournament. Holly will make its return to regionals something they have not done since 2019-2020. Holly is led in scoring by Averee Davis (10.2 ppg) and Nadia Cerros (8.7 ppg). Holly has three other players averaging over 5.0 ppg in Graci Morlan (8.4), Emma Frey (6.0), and Josie Kissell (5.4).
Limon comes into the regional tournament with a 15-6 overall record and the #13 seed in the regional tournament. Limon reached the district 8 semifinals before falling to Burlington 58 to 50. Limon is looking to keep their streak alive of reaching the State Tournament (Elite 8). That streak stretches back to 2017-2018 and is all under coach Bart O’Dwyer that includes a State Championships as well. Limon is led in scoring by Jentri Marx (11.4 ppg) and Katelyn Tacha (8.6 ppg). Limon has 3 other players averaging over 4.8 ppg in Brynlyn Owens (7.9), Paige Hutsell (6.4), and Jazzy Rosler (4.9).
Mancos enters regionals as the #20 seed and come in with a 15-6 overall record. Mancos is the district 3 champion after defeating Ridgway 49 to 24. Mancos is one of the lone district champions not hosting a regional and will have that chip on their shoulder. Mancos is making their 4th straight appearance in the regional tournament one of their longest streaks in the Maxpreps Era (2006). Mancos is led in scoring by a trio of players all averaging over 10.0 ppg in Claire Goodwin (16.0 ppg), Quincy Montoya (12.7 ppg), and Teya Yeomans (10.3 ppg). Mancos vs Limon will be one of the better opening round games of regionals.
Region 5
Sedgwick County is the region 5 host and the #2 overall seed in the regional tournament. Sedgwick County ended the season on a hot streak winning the District 2 Tournament defeating Wiggins 47 to 27 but also winning 7 straight games to end the year. Under coach Scott Dille, Sedgwick County is making their 4th trip to regionals and will be looking for their first Elite 8 appearance in that time span. Sedgwick County is led in scoring by Abigail Dille (15.4 ppg) and Jensen Renquist (12.9 ppg). Sedgwick County has had solid depth scoring from Lainee Nein (8.2 ppg) and Avery Goddard (5.5 ppg) but the biggest addition was a healthy Kierra Ehnes who is back after injury.
Crowley County enters regionals as the #31 seed and have a record of 11-11. Crowley County had to sweat things out falling in the 3rd place game of the District 6 tournament to Holly 47 to 44. Crowley County I believe is making their first trip to regionals in the Maxpreps Era (2006) and having their most successful season 2013-2014. Crowley County is led in scoring by Jude Meyer (6.2 ppg), Mckinna Cuckow (5.8 ppg), and Ashlyn Berg (5.7 ppg).
Wray comes into regionals with an 11-8 record and seeded as the #15 seed in the regional tournament. Wray lost in the Quarterfinals to Sedgwick County 42 to 38. Wray played one of the toughest schedules in Class 1A girls. Wray continues their great tradition reaching regionals every year since 2014-2015. Wray will look to return to the great 8 something they missed out on last year. Wray is led in scoring by Larissa Salmans (13.3 ppg) and Sidney Freeman (8.0 ppg). Wray has good depth scoring with 3 additional players scoring over 5.0 ppg in Sydnee Cheek (6.9), Johana Anderson (6.2), and Sharon Greek (5.2).
Monte Vista enters regionals as the #18 seed and come in with a 13-7 record overall. Monte Vista reached the semifinals of the district 1 tournament before falling to Del Norte 34 to 28. Monte Vista is making back-to-back appearances in the regional tournament something they have not done since 2015/2016 & 2016/2017. Monte Vista has not reached the State Tournament (Elite 8) in the Maxpreps Era (2006). Monte Vista is led in scoring by Lexi Marquez (7.3 ppg) and Syriah Bernal (7.0 ppg). Monte Vista also has some depth scoring with Zariah Archuleta (6.1 ppg) and Alyssa Ortega (6.0 ppg). Monte Vista vs Wray will be one of the top games in the opening round of regionals.
Region 6
Rangely is the region 6 host and enter as the #7 seed in the regional tournament. Rangely is 17-4 overall and winners of the District 5 tournament. Rangely defeated Plateau Valley 40 to 38 to capture the district crown. Rangely is having one of their best season record wise since 2017-2018 and make back-to-back appearances at regionals. Rangely is led in scoring by a pair of players breaking the 10.0 ppg mark in Annika Cantrell (10.3) and Ryann Mergelman (10.3 ppg). Rangely also some depth scoring with Miah Wren (9.8 ppg) and Ashlynn Ducey (7.5 ppg). All this is done with just 1 senior.
Elbert enters regionals as the #26 seed and have an overall record of 11-8. Elbert lost in the quarterfinals to Byers 40 to 22. Elbert has made the transition for Class 1A to Class 2A and done well reaching the regional tournament and keeping a five year streak alive. Elbert is led in scoring by Kaci Hudson (11.1 ppg) and Bri Collins (7.2 ppg). Elbert does have some depth scoring with two players breaking the 4.5 ppg mark in Kim Hurd (6.5 ppg) and Melanie Hermes (4.5 ppg).
Akron comes into regionals as the #10 seed and sit with a 13-9 record overall. Akron finished 4th in the tough Lower Platte League losing in the 3rd place game to Merino 55 to 31. Akron will be making back-to back appearances at regionals something they have not done since 2015-2016. Akron is led in scoring by junior Addi Kessinger who is averaging 20.4 ppg and 11.5 rpg. Akron also has some depth scoring in Kinsey Grauer (9.5 ppg), Addie Weis (4.0 ppg), and Taylor Benish (4.0 ppg).
Evangelical Christian enters regionals as the #23 seed and have a 10-10 record. ECA lost in the quarterfinals of the District 8 tournament to Limon 53 to 24. ECA will be looking to bounce back from the loss. ECA has made the transition to Class 2A well making their third straight appearance to the regional tournament. Evangelical Christian is led in scoring by Elana Sutton (11.8 ppg) and Sarah Caldwell (10.3 ppg). ECA also has solid depth from Reagan Schultz (6.2 ppg).
Region 7
Del Norte is your region 7 host and some into the regional tournament as the #6 seed. Del Norte sits with a 17-5 record and winners of their last 4 games. Del Norte won the district 1 tournament over Sanford 32 to 25 in a defensive showcase by both teams. Del Norte continues their run of success reaching the regional tournament every year since 2010-2011. Del Norte will be looking to return to the state tournament something they have missed out on since 2019-2020. Del Norte is led by senior Kelci Madrid who is averaging 16.6 ppg and 5.7 rpg. Del Norte has some depth scoring from Abigail Rivera (9.5 ppg & 9.5 rpg) and Baylie Laymon (4.1 ppg).
West Grand enters regionals as the #27 seed and come into the game with a 10-8 record overall. West Grand reached the semifinals of the District 5 tournament before falling to Rangely 41 to 18. West Grand makes its return to regionals they last appeared in 2019-2020. West Grand is led in scoring by Sage Wheatley (12.9 ppg) and Sage Lechman (7.8 ppg). West Grand does have 3 other players scoring over 5.0 ppg in Morgan Nelson (6.5 ppg), Sara Lechman (6.3 ppg), and Taylor Martinson (5.0 ppg).
Simla comes into the regional tournament as the #11 seed and have a record of 15-7 overall. Simla entered the District 8 tournament as the #1 seed but was upset in the district championship by Burlington 66 to 54. Simla has also transitioned well back into Class 1A having a successful season and reaching the regional tournament for the 7th straight season. Simla is hoping to reach the State Tournament (Elite 8) after missing last season. Simla is led in scoring by Kylie Maranville (13.2 ppg) and Ryann Eurich (9.7 ppg). Simla has solid depth scoring with Katie Gotschall (7.9 ppg), Jillian Nipple (7.9 ppg), and Amara Mazerall (5.3 ppg).
Byers enters regionals as the #22 seed and have a 9-12 record overall. Byers reached the semifinals in the district 8 tournament before falling to Simla 63 to 27. Byers will be looking to bounce back and try and pull the upset. Byers is making back-to-back trips to regionals and they will look for their first trip to the state tournament in the Maxpreps era (2006). Byers is led in scoring by a trio of players of Heidi Price (9.9 ppg), Sophie Linnebur (6.5 ppg), and Anna Vetter (6.2 ppg).
Region 8
Burlington is the region 8 host and come into the regional tournament as the #3 overall seed. Burlington sits at 17-4 overall and ended the season on a 7-game winning streak. Burlington won the District 8 tournament defeating Simla in the district Championship 66 to 54. Burlington is making their 3rd straight appearance to regionals and they are looking for their first state tournament appearance something they have not done since either 2010-2011 or 2008-2009. Burlington is led in scoring by Kiyarra Williams (20.7 ppg) and Trinitee Holmes (15.1 ppg). Burlington has some depth scoring with Reagan Simpson (7.6 ppg) and Whitney Cure (5.9 ppg).
Sargent enters regionals as the #30 seed and come in with a 9-10 record. Sargent lost in the quarterfinals to Center 26 to 15. Sargent is keeping a solid streak alive of reaching regionals dating back to 2017-2018. Sargent is led by Angelise Sandoval, Bailey Asbell, and Megan Peterson.
Sanford comes into the regional tournament as the #14 seed and enters with a 16-6 record overall. Sanford was upset in the district finals falling to Del Norte 32 to 25. Sanford will be looking to bounce back from that loss. Sanford has built a tradition for their girls program making it to regionals every year since 2009-2010 including a state title. Sanford also reached the state tournament last season and hope to make a return. Sanford is led in scoring by Makenzie Reynolds (10.8 ppg) and Alyssa Edgar (10.6 ppg). Sanford has had depth scoring by Shasta Bond (5.9 ppg) and Brooklyn Reynolds (5.0 ppg).
Hayden enters regionals as the #19 seed and come in with a record of 11-7 overall. Hayden reached the District 6 semifinals before falling to Plateau Valley 34 to 32. They will be looking to snap a two game losing streak. Hayden is making the return trip to regionals something they have not done since 2019-2020. Hayden is led in scoring by Ivan Svoboda (11.9 ppg) and Jenna Kleckler (10.8 ppg). Hayden depth scoring comes from two players in Tessa Booco (9.3 ppg) and Ema Schlim (4.3 ppg). Hayden vs Sanford will be one of the tougher games in the opening round of regionals.
MileHigh Prep Report 