GIRLS BASKETBALL: Class 5A Metro

PREDICTED FINISH

1. DOHERTY: Easily the best team in the city and possibly second in Colorado behind nationally ranked Highlands Ranch. The Spartans return four starters from last season's 23-2 team that finished second in state. Post player Ambrosia Anderson (14.4 ppg) committed to Brigham Young, Val Willhoit (9.3 ppg) signed with Colorado State and Julie Richards to Colorado-Colorado Springs. Junior Alisha Godette (11.1 ppg) will go to a DivisionI school. The Spartans are experienced and strong at every position, but don't have a deep bench.

2. PALMER: The Terrors return three starters from last season's team. They will be tough on defense and have good scorers in guard Lindsay Chesla (13.7 ppg) from the outside and Kacy Owens (signed to University of Portland) on the inside.

3. CORONADO: Also experienced, the Cougars will battle Palmer for second. Shonda Graham (10 ppg, 8.5 rpg) returns along with seven other letterwinners. Quickness and strong defense will keep opponents in check and scores low.

4. AIR ACADEMY: The Kadets lost three frontline players and are left small and inexperienced. They will have to fight in a powerful league.

5. WASSON: The Thunderbirds graduated key players from last season's 4-16 team and are left small and inexperienced. They will have to rely on speed and enthusiasm to get them wins.

6. RAMPART: In a rebuilding season, the Rams will have to battle. They are small and inexperienced.

FIVE QUESTIONS

1. Does Doherty have enough to win the state title?

In almost any other year, Doherty would be favored. But Highlands Ranch is ranked No. 1 in the country by USA Today and has to be considered the favorite. We might know more Friday night, when Doherty hosts Highlands Ranch to open the season.

2. Can anyone in league come within 10 points of Doherty?

Only one team did last season. Palmer lost by 3 in the first meeting but was beaten by 18 later in the year.

3. So what is Doherty's weakness?

The Spartans aren't very deep. They'll play seven girls in meaningful games, which is fine provided they don't get into foul trouble.

4. With Doherty clearly the best team in the league, what is the best race of the season?

Palmer and Coronado tied for second last year and both return a host of players.

5. What about everybody else?

After losing key players, the three remaining teams in the league might be left to a league of their own. The top three teams are so dominating, making it a bad year to have a less-than-great team.

LEAGUE'S BEST

Offensive team: Doherty

Defensive team: Doherty

Shooting team: Palmer

Fast break: Doherty

Size: Doherty

Quickness: Coronado

Scorers: Ambrosia Anderson (Doherty), Lindsay Chesla (Palmer), Alisha Godette (Doherty)

Outside shooter: Chesla

Low-post offensive player: Anderson

Perimeter defenders: Ami Nunn (Coronado), Val Willhoit (Doherty)

Low-post defender: Shonda Graham (Coronado)

Ballhandler: Willhoit

YOU KNOW IT'S COMING

DOHERTY will play a 1-1-3 matchup zone virtually all the time.

Copyright 2001
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