Here’s a quick peek at the 5A/4A/3A Denver Prep League.
<strong>What happened in something called Season B</strong>
Basiclally, it was a three-horse race with the usual names – George Washington, Denver South and Denver East. GW ran the table at 9-0 with South a game back and East two. Of course, COVID-19 took some extra bites, including just two of the 11 teams completing full loop schedules. Overall, city teams did well to hold it together and create a competitive situation.
<strong>Teams –</strong> Denver East, Denver North, Denver South, Denver West, Far Northeast, Regis Groff, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, Northfield, and George Washington.
<strong>Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise?</strong>
Only two programs moved on to extra hoops. In 4A, George Washington earned two lopsided victories – 48-30 over Centaurus and 55-27 against Glenwood Springs. The Patriots then ran into Windsor and lost by 40, 75-35. Of course, the Wizards a few rounds later made the finale. As for 5A, Denver South lost a nail-biter, 47-45 to Castle View, which fell in the ensuing round to eventual champion Valor Christian.
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<strong>The short list of returnees to follow</strong>
[player_tooltip player_id="95224" first="Jaida" last="Redwine"], George Washington, Jr., G, 5-8
PGH-CO’s top player in the Class of 2023. Very efficient, as evidenced by her 49 percent field-goal percentage. Nice quicks and can get to the rim.
[player_tooltip player_id="263606" first="Dominique" last="Valdez"], John F. Kennedy, So., G. 5-2
A mighty-mite who can protect the ball and get it up court. Led the DPL in scoring a season ago at 23.5 ppg and was one of the top scorers in any class.
[player_tooltip player_id="95218" first="Brooke" last="Murrell"], Thomas Jefferson, Jr., F-C, 6-2
City ball is popular with our site – she’s No. 3 in the Class of 2023. Size for the city also means nice numbers – averages 20.1 points, 13.5 points and 3.2 blocks. If she improves away from the basket, watch out!
[player_tooltip player_id="117716" first="Mia" last="Trevino"], Denver West, Sr., G, 5-2
She’s not shy – attempted more than 20 field goals seven times and her low shot total for any game was 12, when she was held to nine points in a 38-30 victory over Elizabeth. Averaged 18.8 ppg.
<strong>You may also wish to keep track of …</strong>
[player_tooltip player_id="261775" first="Chloe" last="Lovato"], Denver West, Jr., G-F, 5-6
Giver her credit – she’s not afraid to mix it up. Always around the ball as she averaged 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 steals.
[player_tooltip player_id="216701" first="Nevaeh" last="Millard"], Denver South, So., G-F, 5-7
Adapted to the schoolgirl game nicely. PGH-CO 2024 No. 8. An all-around contributor with 14.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.5 steals. Lots of room – and potential – to grow.
Taysha Williams, Denver South, Jr., G, 5-5
The DPL’s No. 7 scorer returns and she’s efficient -- shot 54 percent from the field. Began the season 3-of-13, then canned 26 of her next 35 attempts over the next three games, all victories.
<strong>A short look ahead to 2021-22</strong>
Eight of the city’s top nine scorers return, so the individual talent is there. What Denver needs are teams that can grow and stand up to suburban counterparts, a regular void that needs filling. Keeping the talent within Denver city limits also is a goal.
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