BASKETBALL: Gazette rankings

Boys Pikes Peak Top 10

1

DOHERTY

Patrick Hannaway leads an athletic, talented group that should flourish despite graduating four starters from a team that reached the round of 16. Last season: 18-4.

2

PALMER

Brandon Nolan and James Lane form the best backcourt in the city. The Terrors have a tradition of playing tough defense, and that will continue.

Last season: 16-6.

3

RAMPART

The tall Rams return the leading scorer from Class5A in Kevin Wagstaff. Future Division I football player Jamaal Lewis can play hoops, too. Last season: 12-8.

4

LEWIS-PALMER

Forwards Bobby Burling and Will Stingley are now juniors, supported by four returning lettermen and members of a 15-4 JV team. Last season: 21-5.

5

MITCHELL

The Marauders graduated 62 points per game, but return Corey Council and a host of other solid athletes. Don't dismiss them. Last season: 21-4.

6

SIERRA

B.J. Bacon and David Crane will lead Sierra to its seventh straight state semifinal. There. You can't be surprised this time.

Last season: 14-13.

7

WASSON

See the Thunderbirds. See the Thunderbirds run. And run. And run some more ... Last season: 4-16.

8

CAON CITY

With a tall, senior-laden team, the Tigers are a solid choice to win their first South Central League title since 1987. Last season: 18-7.

9

WIDEFIELD

The quick Gladiators lost their entire starting lineup (four graduated, one transferred) but return 6-6 Jamil Salaam. Last season: 9-14.

10

FALCON

The Falcons are coming off their best season in three years. With a solid backcourt, the improvement continues. Last season: 14-7.

Girls Pikes Peak Top 10

1

DOHERTY

Ooooh, this was a tough choice. Three future Division I players. Height. Quickness. Balance. Coaching. Like we have to justify this one.

Last season: 23-2.

2

PALMER

The Terrors are led by Miss Outside (Lindsay Chesla) and Miss Inside (Kacy Owens) as they battle for second in the 5A Metro League

Last season: 15-6.

3

CORONADO

You can't spell "Coronado" without a 'D', and the Cougars, with seven returning letterwinners, play it as well as almost anyone around here.

Last season: 12-9.

4

LEWIS-PALMER

Amy Bladow and Lindsey Laband are master of the inside game. It could be worse: The volleyball stars could be spiking the ball off your forehead.

Last season: 18-5.

5

PINE CREEK

Hello, coach Duane Bright. Welcome to Pine Creek. We have a welcome gift for you: Tiara Harris, the best player in the 4A Metro League. You're welcome. Last season: 19-5.

6

LIBERTY

The Lancers advanced to the round of 16 and were the city's most improved team last season. Nicole Rivera and Michelle Judy return to push Liberty further. Last season: 15-9.

7

WIDEFIELD

Elyse Wright and Lauren Mason are the core now. By season's end, the talented sophomore class should provide the needed support.

Last season: 25-2.

8

COLORADO SPRINGS CHRISTIAN

Led by Courtney Jackson, the Lions look to reach the state semis after three consecutive losses in the quarterfinals. Last season: 20-5.

9

ST. MARY'S

Last season, when the Pirates started five sophomores and won, it was a good story. This season, they're just good. Last season: 15- 6.

10

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

Only one starter returns, but that starter is Dawn Higginbotham, a state-placing high jumper who averaged 10 rebounds per game. Last season: 16-8.

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