Must-see Denver Prep League games …

&nbsp; City ball in Colorado, the Denver Prep League, has been lean and really not that mean since sanctioning in the 1975-76 season – downtown courts have produced only two state titles (1997, Montbello, and 2010, Denver East) and not nearly as many higher-end recruits as in suburbs. However, a shorter season may only highlight inner-city positives, some of which are featured below in the 11-team, multi-classification DPL: &nbsp; <strong>Saturday, March 6, George Washington vs. Denver South, 1 p.m.</strong> They tied for the city crown a year ago and will end this 14-game regular season head-to-head. The faces should be familiar – a grand total of four seniors are gone from a year ago, when freshmen contributions also abounded. It’s the likes of GW’s [player_tooltip player_id="95224" first="Jaida" last="Redwine"] (2023), [player_tooltip player_id="95127" first="Maya" last="Whiteside"] (signed with Long Island) and [player_tooltip player_id="95174" first="Anisa" last="Turner"] (2022) versus the newly nicknamed Ravens (from Rebels) and [player_tooltip player_id="116758" first="Timiya" last="Guevara"] (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), [player_tooltip player_id="145436" first="Tay" last="Williams"] and [player_tooltip player_id="95219" first="Briasia" last="Johnson"] (2023s). Stepped-up city performances that lead to deep playoff showings, even in a shorter season, will be remembered for years. &nbsp; <strong>Saturday, Feb. 4, Far Northeast at Denver East, 1 p.m.</strong> The FNE Warriors won by 30 points (73-43) a year ago, so keep that in mind. And even with the Warriors having to replace three of their top four scorers – Daiyah Carter (2023) returns – the DPL usually comes down to one or both of these two teams. Naveah Golden (2023) and [player_tooltip player_id="203438" first="Rhae" last="Schulz"] (2021) figure to head Denver East’s interests that almost always include speed and quickness, and remain as elite as any concern league play. The Angels have won 93 of their past 96 DPL games. &nbsp; <strong>Also keep an eye on …</strong> Long ago, Denver East realized the importance of high-powered nonleaguers and it will open against very good Highlands Ranch ([player_tooltip player_id="95123" first="Payton" last="Muma"], signed with Gonzaga) on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 5:30 p.m. GW also will have a turn against Highlands Ranch, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Denver South has a nonleague date with Jefferson County’s Lakewood ([player_tooltip player_id="116780" first="Mariah" last="Ramos"], 2021) on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. &nbsp;