4A/3A Colorado League 2021-22

&nbsp; Here’s a quick peek at the 4A/3A Colorado League. <strong>What happened in something called Season B</strong> 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. &nbsp; <strong>Teams –</strong> Arvada, Aurora Central, Eagle Ridge Academy, Englewood, Fort Lupton, Skyview, Thornton and Weld Central. &nbsp; <strong>Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise?</strong> Weld Central and Thornton were the only Colorado League teams to advance, both in 4A. Weld Central, the 11^th 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 19^th seed, was tamed 54-36 by No. 14 Northridge. <strong> </strong> <strong>The short list of returnees to follow</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="117715" first="Marina" last="Boltz"], 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; <strong>You may also wish to keep track of …</strong> 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. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="207137" first="Jennifer" last="Jaramillo"], 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. &nbsp; <strong>A short look ahead to 2021-22</strong> 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. &nbsp;