4A/3A Colorado League 2021-22
Here’s a quick peek at the 4A/3A Colorado League. What happened in something called Season B There are no proverbial basketball factories here, but the shortened season made for a competitive league chase. Weld Central (6-0) ran the Colorado…
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Here’s a quick peek at the 4A/3A Colorado League.
What happened in something called Season B
There are no proverbial basketball factories here, but the shortened season made for a competitive league chase. Weld Central (6-0) ran the Colorado table. Thornton (5-1), Aurora Central (4-2) and Eagle Ridge Academy (3-3) kept up the pressure. Skyview, a two-time defending league winner, did not field a team because of district COVID concerns and had more than half of its players see action on multiple area teams.
Teams – Arvada, Aurora Central, Eagle Ridge Academy, Englewood, Fort Lupton, Skyview, Thornton and Weld Central.
Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise?
Weld Central and Thornton were the only Colorado League teams to advance, both in 4A. Weld Central, the 11th seed, was handled 52-33 by No. 22 Glenwood Springs – one of only three opening-round games in which the favored team did not advance — and Thornton, the 19th seed, was tamed 54-36 by No. 14 Northridge.
The short list of returnees to follow
Marina Boltz Marina Boltz 5'5" | PG Skyview | 2022 State CO , Skyview, Sr., G, 5-6
PGH-CO 2022 No. 53. League’s No. 4 scorer in ’20-21 (12.2 points). Had a season-high 25 for Thornton in a 57-25 spanking of Eagle Ridge Academy and has totalled 690 career points.
Reygan Garcia, Fort Lupton. Sr., G, 5-3
Went for 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds, and isn’t shy – she attempted 19-or-more shots a dozen times in ’20-21 and seeks to improve her 20-percent performance.
Jonae Harris, Englewood, So., F, 5-8
Key part of Pirates team a season ago that had only one upperclassman. Averaged 10.6 rebounds, third-best in 3A. Will only gain confidence and improve offensively around the basket.
Mikayla Espinosaz, Skyview, Sr., G, 5-6
PGH-CO 2022 No. 25. Transfer from The Academy during the past school year. Averaged 18.9 points and is 64 points from reaching 1,000 for her career. Signed with Metro State.
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Jaliyah Mora, Englewood, So., G, 5-4
Along with Harris, another key part of returning Pirates talent. Willingness is there; polish is still being developed in terms of ball protection and shooting percentage. But has gained valuable, meaningful minutes.
Jennifer Jaramillo Jennifer Jaramillo 6'1" | C Skyview | 2022 State CO , Skyview, Sr., F-C, 6-2
Needs work, yes, but her height and length in this particular league can’t be overlooked. It remains a factor. Otero JC signee.
A short look ahead to 2021-22
Spread over two classifications, the Colorado group is fighting an uphill battle against regular powers, but returns a mix of senior know-how as well as some younger talent that may close some of the gap. Plus, Skyview returns as a team to help the upper portion of the loop. A return to a regular schedule will allow league teams to face more of what’s out there and prepare them for improved league play and, possibly, a better showing in the playoffs.