5A-4A Northern League 2021-22

&nbsp; Here’s a quick peek at the 5A/4A Northern League. <strong>What happened in something called Season B</strong> The 10-team league certainly had a potpourri of seasons during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Northern had three legitimate Class 4A teams in Windsor, which ended 16-2; Holy Family (13-2 overall, 6-0 as the league champion); and Erie (13-4). However, only one other team was above .500 (Mead at 8-4); three others had double-figure losses in a 14-game regular season (Longmont, Greeley West and Skyline); and Silver Creek played only eight games (the Raptors were 3-5) due to COVID-19 issues. &nbsp; <strong>Teams –</strong> Centaurus, Erie, Greeley Central, Greeley West, Holy Family, Longmont, Mead, Silver Creek, Skyline, Windsor. &nbsp; <strong>Which playoff team(s) made the loop’s most noise?</strong> Windsor’s Wizards had a terrific season before getting blasted in the championship game by three-time 4A champion Mullen 67-44 at a near-empty World Arena in Colorado Springs, clearly one of the least attended finales since sanctioning in the early 1970s. The Northern had a second final-four team in Holy Family, which also lost to Mullen. The Tigers have made three consecutive semifinals. And Erie advanced to the quarterfinals. <strong> </strong> <strong>The short list of returnees to follow</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="117710" first="Grace" last="Moyers"], Erie, Sr., G, 5-8 PGH-CO 2022 No. 12 and hands down the best player in the league. Led the Northern in scoring a year ago (20.7 ppg) and shot a blistering 91 percent from the free-throw line. Does she have the leadership – and help -- for another run in her? &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="207078" first="Olivia" last="Reed"], Windsor, Sr., F, 6-0 PGH-CO 2022 No. 21 and seasoned playoff participant. Stable, regular contributor. Averaged 14.4 ppg in a run to the tit;le game. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="118724" first="Laura" last="Gensert"], Centaurus, Jr., G, 5-10 PGH-CO 2023 No. 19. Good size and range in the backcourt. Went for 13.7 ppg as a sophomore; being counted on for more scoring this time. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="118722" first="Christine" last="D’Epagnier"], Longmont, Jr., G, 5-7 Under-the-rader player who could create some buzz this season. Averaged 12.7 ppg for Trojans, willing to lead. . <strong>You may also wish to keep track of …</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="316813" first="Jackie" last="Stephenson"], Mead, Sr., F, 5-11 PGH-CO 2022 No. 61. Unsung inside – averaged 12.3 points and 8.4 rebounds. A comer worth a look. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="145418" first="Charlotte" last="Brennan"], Mead, Jr., G, 5-5 Shot 52 percent from the field a year ago in rolling to 12.7 ppg. Part of a strong returning crew for the Mavericks. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="118718" first="Tathis" last="Arredondo"], Greeley Central, Jr., G, 5-6 PGH-CO 2023 No. 24. Has some quicks, ball distribution a plus. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="117722" first="Edie" last="Morrow"], Mead, Sr., F, 6-11 Averaged 11.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 steals; Mavs will be asking for more of the same. &nbsp; <strong>A short look ahead to 2021-22</strong> A top-heavy group will have the usual contenders. Holy Family will have to be unseated; Windsor is gearing up for another run; Erie is primed to challenge again; and Mead has four players returning who averaged double-figure scoring. Another strong playoff showing in a return to normalcy is a distinct possibility. &nbsp;