Class 1A Boys State Tournament Predictions
We are a few days from the State Tournament kicking off. We will have predictions out Today, Tomorrow and Wednesday. I will give my predictions for all 4 Classes boys and girls. Wednesday we will preview Class 1A thru 3A Boys & Girls. If you would like to share your predictions, I would love to see everyone’s thoughts. 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 1A Boys State Tournament Predictions
Elite 8 Predictions
#1 McClave over #9 Elbert 3rd Best Match of Opening Round
This is not a typical #1 vs #9 matchup. McClave is playing great basketball, and they dominated at regionals defeating both opponents by 20+ points. McClave will be contending with a team who is playing their best basketball of the season. Elbert played good basketball at regionals defeating both Kit Carson and host Sierra Grande. Elbert also has a two-point loss to Cheyenne Wells at the end of February. I give the edge to McClave due to tournament experience but look for this to be a great game.
#4 Stratton over #5 Primero
Stratton has been on a tear since January winning 17 straight games including wins over Cheyenne Wells and McClave. Stratton dominated at regionals, winning both games by over 20+ points and in the regional finals defeated Holly 64 to 41. Primero was picked by many to be upset at regionals but were able to show they deserved to be in the Elite 8. Primero dominated in the opening round of regionals defeating Eads 66 to 42 then defeated Cheraw 42 to 32 in the regional finals. Stratton vs Primero should be a great matchup, and both teams feature very talented floor leaders. I am going with Stratton due to their state tournament experience and tough schedule.
#2 Otis over #7 Flatirons Academy Best Match of the Opening Round
It could be the best matchup of the first round. This is not a true #2 vs #7 matchup, and both teams have been battle tested all year. Otis was dominate to open regionals defeating Hanover 67 to 21. Otis was then tested by Arickaree in the regional finals but were able to get the 51 to 43 win. Otis is on a 19-game winning streak entering the State Tournament. Flatirons Academy played one of the most difficult schedules in Class 1A and faced off against many top teams in Class 3A & Class 2A. Flatirons Academy was tested in both games of regionals defeating Caliche 58 to 47 then playing a barn burner against Granada 53 to 50. Both Otis and Flatirons Academy have State Tournament experience, and this will come down to who plays their style of basketball.
#3 Cheyenne Wells over #6 Kim/Branson 2nd Best Match of Opening Round
Another Great Matchup in the Elite 8. IMO the 2nd best matchup in the opening round of the state tournament. Cheyenne Wells has won four straight games heading into the Elite 8 with their last loss coming to McClave 44 to 40. Cheyenne Wells played very well at regionals defeating Ouray 62 to 22 and Evangelical Christian 46 to 28. Kim/Branson has won 11 straight games entering the state tournament and they have turned it up to another gear. Kim/Branson on their 11-game winning streak picked up big wins over Granada, Holly, and Sangre De Cristo. Kim/Branson took control early in their opening round game against Denver Academy of Torah and in the Reginal Finals they were tested by a pesky Prairie team but got the 48 to 38 win. Cheyenne Wells vs Kim/Branson will be all about style of play. Whoever controls the tempo wins this game.
Consolation Round
#9 Elbert over #5 Primero
#6 Kim/Branson over #7 Flatirons Academy
Semifinal Round
#1 McClave over #4 Stratton
#2 Otis over #3 Cheyenne Wells
Championship Saturday
#1 McClave over #2 Otis (State Championship)
#3 Cheyenne Wells over #4 Stratton (3rd Place Game)
#6 Kim/Branson over #9 Elbert (5th Place Game)
I think we are in for some AMAZING games In the Class 1A. I think the 8 teams who reached the state tournament all have a different scenario on how they can hoist the State Championship. I am very excited to see how everything boils down and I could easily see myself being way wrong, but I am excited for 3 great days of basketball. Remember to follow the scores of the games check out our Facebook page & twitter. We plan on having pictures posted on Facebook as well. We will also have updates on the website as well. Good Luck to all teams.
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