5A Final Four Preview
That bright light at the end of the tunnel is the state championship trophy and Chatfield, Eaglecrest, Overland, and Rangeview will be one step closer to basking in its glow after tonights semi-finals games.
In the first game the undefeated Rangeview Raiders (26-0) take on the Eaglecrest Raptors (24-2) in a match up of Aurora teams. The Raiders have a bevy of talent that has great chemistry, while the Raptors have mastered the team concept this year behind a talented junior.
The Raiders are lead by seniors Tyrei Randall and Elijah Reed. Randall a 6’5 wing and Reed a 6’4 forward are tough and athletic that can play inside and out. The Raiders also depend on an underrated back court of senior Jalen Guidry and junior Elijah Blake. Guidry and Blake are very good facilitators and scorers.
Eaglecrest has been in three of the last four final fours but only one Raptors has much final four experience which is Colbey Ross. Many consider Ross one of the top juniors in the state and he has lead his team very well this year. Ross has the ability to score but he can set up others as well. Eaglecrest has gotten very good production from 6’5 forward Ikenna Ozor this season. A bit of an unknown before the season but he is one of the most efficient player in the paint and was a major factor in Eaglecrest Great 8 win.
This game comes down to turnovers and the paint. Rangeview has feasted on turnovers this season and that is what fuels their runs. Eaglecrest must not turn the ball over. Neither team shoots the three extraordinarily well so rebounding will be key for both teams and neither team can afford to miss unchallenged lay ups either. Whoever finishes the best around the rim will win this game.
In the final game of the night Overland takes on Chatfield. Overland is 23-3 on the season and defending state champion with the core of that team returning. Chatfield is 24-2 and some would say a Cinderella type of team.
Overland has the best big man in the state in senior DeRon Davis and is surrounded by the best supporting cast. The Trailblazers Robinson, Gibson, and Wang are major players and Stephenson and Halliburton are more than just glue guys. Anyone of those players can have a big night and very few teams can match there athleticism.
Chatfield is far from a Cinderella story. Cinderella’s don’t have only two losses in the season. The Chargers might have the best team chemistry in 5A. They play fast and lose. There are five players that average more than eight points per game for Chatfield led by senior guard Cam Pearson. But don’t sleep on the rest of the team Miks and Welch are very good guards with the green light and passing ability. Senior forward Josh Frenette will have his hands full in the paint tonight.
Overland has been on a mission since losing to Grandview in February and the Trailblazers will be very hard to beat. Overland doesn’t play slow but they aren’t PHI SLAMA JAMA either. Overland is one of the toughest defensive teams in recent memory. How many other teams have limited a final four team to just seven made field goals in a game. If Overland plays through Davis, shares the ball, and limits turnovers they will be playing on Saturday for the championship. However if Chatfield can get Davis in foul trouble, if they can make their transition three pointers, don’t turn the ball over, and pressure Overland into shooting an above average number of three pointers and missing, then the Chargers might have a chance.
See you in BOULDER!
