5A Jefferson County League ’21-22

&nbsp; Here’s a quick peek at the Class 5A Jefferson County League <strong>What happened in something called Season B</strong> Check this out -- the Valor Christian Eagles won their league games by 2, 32, 55, 39, 49, 34, 38 and 48 points. Ralston Valley was the one that lost by 2 – and was 7-1. Chatfield (6-2) and Columbine 5-4 kept it honest, if not interesting. . <strong>Teams –</strong> Arvada West, Bear Creek, Chatfield, Columbine, Dakota Ridge, Lakewood, Pomona, Ralston Valley, Valor Christian. &nbsp; <strong>Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise?</strong> Valor Christian had a shortened 17-0 season, but it was still 17-0. It was capped by a 67-42 pounding of surprising Regis Jesuit in the finale. Columbine had the misfortune of running into Grandview in the second round, when Ralston Valley also was eliminated – by final-four team Highlands Ranch. Arvada West, Chatfield and Lakewood were first-round losers. <strong> </strong> <strong>The short list of returnees to follow</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95173" first="Grace" last="Talbot"], Chatfield, Sr., G, 5-6</strong> Combo guard will have the ball in her hands plenty. PGH-CO 2022 No. 18 was Jeffco’s No. 2 scorer (15.7 ppg) a season ago.. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117682" first="Saya" last="Sabus"], Ralston Valley, Sr., G, 5-8</strong> PGH-CO 2022 No. 22. Reasonable shooter – 44 percent from the floor, 38 percent beyond 3-point line and 78 percent on free throws. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117697" first="Jessica" last="Bollwahn"], Columbine, Sr., F, 6-1</strong> Solid junior season – averaged 12.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals. A slasher from the wing, working on her outside game who also can push the tempo. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="210292" first="Macey" last="Huard"], Valor Christian, Jr., G-F, 6-2</strong> PGH-CO 2023 No. 2. Nice ceiling, legitimate outside-shooting threat who also has sound knack of posting up down low, giving her the versatility to keep her among the state;s elite. &nbsp; <strong>You may also wish to keep track of …</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="216675" first="Elizabeth" last="Gentry"], Columbine, So., F, 6-3</strong> Coming off a strong freshman season – regular minutes, 10.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95238" first="Tania" last="Hodge"], Bear Creek, Jr., G, 5-6</strong> Final game of ’20-21 produced a career-high 22 points. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117702" first="Wakinyela" last="Bear"], Dakota Ridge, Sr., G, 5-6</strong> Gritty player on most watch lists; scoring should jump from the past season’s 9.1 ppg. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="207100" first="Talea" last="Kuennen"], Chatfield, Jr., G, 5-6</strong> Looking to improve 30 percent shooting from a season ago. &nbsp; <strong>A short look ahead to 2021-22</strong> Left-siders of the metropolitan area, Jeffco may have balked when Valor was inserted into the loop, but the Eagles have uplifted the play. They are serious contenders again as Colorado returns to normal scheduling. They also have brought Jeffco back to the high level established by southeastern-area schools.