5A Centennial League ’21-22

Here’s a quick peek at the Centennial League. What happened in something called Season B Permitted only to play league games, Centennial teams – seven in Class 5A and one in 4A – settled for two full go-rounds in the regular season. As usual, Grandview rolled through unscathed (14-0). The only other power came from Mullen (12-2) and Arapahoe (10-4).   Teams – Arapahoe, Cherokee Trail, Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Grandview, Mullen, Overland, Smoky Hill.   Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise? Most everyone thought Grandview would walk to a championship, but the Wolves, ranked nationally at various points, were knocked off by Regis Jesuit in the semifinals, clearly the upset of the season. Arapahoe also won two 5A playoff games. As for Mullen, it took its third consecutive 4A crown, winning its final 11 games.     The short list of returnees to follow Lauren Betts Lauren Betts 6'7" | C Grandview | 2022 State #1 Nation CO , Grandview, 2022, 6-7, C PGH-Colorado’s top prospect headed to Stanford. And has any other schoolgirl in state history been better at posting up or playing with her back to the basket?   Sam Crispe Sam Crispe 6'1" | PF Arapahoe | 2022 State CO , Arapahoe, 2022, 6-2, F Second-leading scorer (17.1) in a good league and is under-rated – she was sneaky good and quite consistent.   Kilah Freelon Kilah Freelon 6'0" | PF Mullen | 2022 State CO , Mullen, 2022, 6-0, F Raw talent and it’s real, particularly her stride and jumping ability. If she adds some offensive polish, look out!   Gracie Gallegos Gracie Gallegos 6'1" | SF Mullen | 2022 State CO , Mullen, 2022, 6-0, G-F Headed to UC-San Diego. She enters 2021-22 as the top player in 4A. She’ll have the ball much more thsan in previous seasons.   Marya Hudgins Marya Hudgins 6'0" | SF Grandview | 2022 State CO , Grandview, 2022, 6-0, G-F Her versatility will be vital to Wolves’ hopes. She’ll be asked to keep Betts happy as well as be at the front of a second wave of scoring.   You may also wish to keep track of … Charley Gordon Charley Gordon 5'4" | SG Cherry Creek | 2022 State CO , Cherry Creek, 2022, 5-4, G Experienced Bruins leader will run the team’s show.   Abby Morgan Abby Morgan 5'11" | PF Arapahoe | 2022 State CO , Arapahoe, 2022, 5-11, F Another returnee inside for Warriors, who figure to compete inside.   Lacie Roffle, Eaglecrest, 2023, 6-0, F A good, all-around talent trying to lead the Raptors out of the big-school doldrums.   Imani Perez Imani Perez 6'3" | PF Mullen | 2022 State CO , Mullen, 2022, 6-2, C Defense and rebounding are there regularly; offense still developing.   A short look ahead to 2021-22 One of the premier leagues in Colorado for years should be top-heavy again and there’s a very real possibility that it could sweep the 5A and 4A championships in March.