Class 3A Boys State Tournament Predictions
We are a few days from the State Tournament kicking off. I have decided to deem Tuesday as Prediction Tuesday. I will give my predictions for all 3 Classes boys and girls. Tomorrow we will have something special for all 3 classes boys and girls. If you would like to share your predictions shoot me a message or email, would love to talk basketball with anyone! Also, remember we are not cheering against any team, this is something we have done since we started the website, and we are wrong all the time!
Class 3A Boys Regional Prediction Review
Class 3A Boys was relatively quite this year compared to last season. Only one double digit seed (#10 Banning Lewis) advanced into the Elite 8 and only two teams were upset (VIA Seed) in the regional finals. I picked 7 of the 8 teams to make it to the Elite 8 only missing #6 Highland.
Class 3A Boys State Tournament Predictions
Elite 8 Predictions
#1 Forge Christian over #9 Salida
A rematch of last year’s State Championship and should be a solid rematch. Forge Christian comes into regional after being tested by Stargate School in the regional finals 52 to 41. Salida hit the road to Peyton for their region and cruised to the regional title winning both games by 20+ points. I honestly think this will be a great matchup and could be a one or two possession game. Don’t let the seeds fool you here this is closer to a #1 vs #4 matchup and the math supports that. I could see either team winning this game.
#5 Centauri over #4 Yuma
Another great matchup between two completely different styles of play. Yuma likes to score in bunches averaging 67.4 ppg and Centauri is more defensive focused averaging 54.4 ppg but only gives up 39.2 ppg. Centauri advanced to state with a solid win over Manual 61 to 37 while Yuma advanced to state with a solid win over Windsor Charter 56 to 50. Whoever controls the style of play wins this game! We also have a pair of great coaches squaring off in Larry Mortensen for Centauri and Dave Sheffield for Yuma. Both teams have a shot of winning this game.
#10 Banning Lewis over #2 Bishop Machebeuf
Bishop Machebeuf continues their great run this season and they played well at regionals. Machebeuf was pushed by Ignacio in the opening round by they ran past Crested Butte in the regional finals 70 to 40. Banning Lewis hit the road for their regionals and gathered a pair of solid wins. Banning Lewis defeated Meeker in the regional finals 73 to 50 to make the trip to State. Banning Lewis is the underdog on paper. Keys to winning this game will be defense and controlling the style of play. Machebeuf scores 75 ppg while Banning Lewis scores around 59 ppg. I am going with the upset as I think the tougher schedule Banning Lewis has played will be key.
#6 Highland over #3 Vanguard
I had a very hard time picking this game and have bounced back and forth of who I am picking. Both teams can score in bunches and I expect a scores in the high 60’s low 70’s. Both teams come into state with momentum. Vanguard cruised into state with a pair of 20+ point wins. Highland was tested in their regional final defeating Strasburg 63 to 57. Highland is playing their best basketball of the season and that is why I am going with them.
Final Four Predictions
#1 Forge Christian over #5 Centauri
#6 Highland over #10 Banning Lewis
Championship Saturday
#1 Forge Christian over #6 Highland (State Championship)
#5 Centauri over #10 Banning Lewis (3rd Place Game)
As I mentioned above, I think we are in for four great games to open the state tournament. I think all four games will be competitive this year. I can easily make the case for any of the 8 teams to win this year. The Elite 8 is nearly unpredictable and should make for a great day of Basketball. Remember to follow the scores of the games check out our Facebook page & twitter. We will also have updates on the website as well. Good Luck to all teams.
MileHigh Prep Report 