Colorado + Predictions

State 2005. Arvada West vs Cherry Creek

Ski season is, sadly, nearing its end. That means that the junior scene in Colorado is finally getting up and running. Two weeks into the season, here's a quick update.
The Second Annual East Invitational tournament will take place in a few weeks (April 8-9). The tournament will be the first opportunity for many teams to play eachother. Even sooner, Colorado State's Rocky Mountain Invite (RMI-March 24-25) will have a high school division this year. High school teams slated to play in RMI: Denver East HS, Arvada West HS, Broomfield HS, and "a few others" (quoted from one of the CSU Hibida players). It should be interesting to see these teams match up in tournament play.
To most of you, none of these names ring any bells; there is a reason. East HS makes an annual trip to the Madison mudbath, Cherry Creek HS (my team) headed to westerns last year, and five Coloradans made it to the Seattle junior team USA tryouts this year. Other than that, most of Colorado ultimate is very much contained to, well, Colorado. This year, however, Colorado plays host to Westerns and I'm hoping that all that changes.

Current Rankings in Colorado (based on UPA Score Reporter RRI):
1. Broomfield 2-0
2. Arapahoe 2-0
3. Denver East 1-0
4. Lakewood 1-0
5. Colorado Academy 1-0
6. Dakota Ridge 0-1
7. Arvada West 0-1
8. Jefferson County Open School 0-1
9. Fairview 1-0
10. Denver North 1-1
11. Boulder 0-2
12. PS1 0-1
13. Columbine 0-1
14. Monarch 0-2
Unranked: Cherry Creek, Regis, Overland, Grandview, Watershed School, possibly more.
Surprises: Jefferson County Open School nearly upset Lakewood in a 14-16 loss. I'm not certain of the circumstances, but I'm surprised as Jeff Co seems to be eternally underdeveloped (they are a middle school/high school combination) while Lakewood is the obvious pick for the state title.
With that said, here are my predictions for state in May (expect them to change as more and more results pour in).

1. Lakewood- The team is incredibly deep. They have enough players that they could likely form and A, B, and C team if they so desired. Their only shortcoming may be their neglect to develop newer players. They have an experienced core that should have few problems leading the team to a victory.
2. Broomfield-The only team that was up and running in the fall (competing in Club Mixed Sectionals). I also believe they lost few players and had a reasonably strong season last year.
3. East- Though they lost two of their strongest players in the last year, they return with tons of experience including all-star players. Being coached by an elite club player can't hurt either.
4. Cherry Creek- (my team) This is more of a goal than a prediction, but bias is an obvious problem with any player written prediction. Also, I would be disappointed to do any worse. CCHS has never finished below 6th place in a Colorado tournament.
5. Colorado Academy- Colorado Academy is one of the teams in Colorado that seems to step up to the plate every year. Some of their success may come from the fact that they have such a strong soccer program (that gives them a ton of ulti players). I expect them to return yet again.
6. Fairview- Although they did not show much experience in the fall preview tournament last year, they are being coached by Richter (Bravo/ex-Mamabird) and Hector Valvadia (sp?). I'd expect any team coached by such world class players to perform well in a slightly underdeveloped ultimate atmosphere such as Colorado.
7. Jefferson County Open School- This is based purely on speculation. They have a solid captain returning at handler and have a fresh crew of kids who want to learn and play the game. They may be a bit of a surprise for a lot of teams at the upcoming East Invite.
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That is the end of the predictions I'll make, if I make too many, it's just easier to be wrong.
-harrison fast