The race for the Class 5A Jeffco League girls’ basketball title is anything but clear-cut.
It could literally be a seven-team race down the stretch for the conference crown. Arvada West under new head coach Greg Hahn, who led Horizon High School to a girls’ state basketball title, seemed to have the inside track before league play began Friday. However, the Wildcats suffered a crushing 52-48 home loss to Chatfield in their conference opener.
The way I see it, there won’t be a dominant team on the 5A Jeffco girls’ side this season. Dakota Ridge is probably the favorite with the Holm sisters, Lauren and Lindsi, leading the charge. Dakota Ridge ran the table in league last year to take the conference title.
Don’t be surprised if Lakewood makes some noise. The Tigers have been known for having a fairly easy non-league schedule and then struggling through their conference schedule. Lakewood has already defeated league rivals Pomona and Standley Lake at the Denver Prep League Showcase.
Despite its opening season loss, A-West will scratch into the mix for the league title.
As for the 4A girls’ side, the Jeffco/Skyline Challenge tournament gave a nice preview of what the 4A Jeffco League has in store. Ralston Valley has emerged as the front-runner after knocking off Conifer, D’Evelyn and Evergreen to capture the tournament title last Saturday.
The one downer for the Mustangs was losing starting senior guard Morgan Gomer for the season because of a knee injury. That could hurt Ralston Valley down the road, but the Mustangs should have enough depth to overcome the injury.
D’Evelyn got off to a good non-league start but lost to Ralston Valley and Golden at last week’s tournament before conference play begins Friday, Jan. 20.
Golden is the two-time defending league champions and are always dangerous with senior Blakelee Midyett leading the Demons.
The game to watch this Friday will be the league opener, with Golden at Ralston Valley at 7:30 p.m. It’s a good bet the winner will be the eventual conference champ.