Centennial

Favorite: Cherry Creek

Contenders: Grandview, Eaglecrest

Others to watch: Arapahoe, Cherokee Trail, Overland, Smoky Hill

Key players: Aly Adams, Cherokee Trail, 5-11, So.; Carrie Baird, Cherry Creek, 6-1, Sr.; Alysa Birdsall, Cherokee Trail, 6-1, Jr.; Morgan Bohl, Eaglecrest, 6-0, So.; Taylor Carlson, Overland, 5-8, Fr.; Alyson Cookes, Eaglecrest, 6-1, Sr.; Erica Denney, Grandview, 6-4, Jr.; Gabi Dewberry, Cherry Creek, 5-8, Sr.; Bailey Karst, Eaglecrest, 5-10. So.; Ashley Kelican, Smoky Hill, 5-10, Sr.; Jordan Kissman, Eaglecrest, 5-11, Sr.; Tanya Marvi, Arapahoe, 5-7, Jr.; McCall Paynter, Grandview, 5-3, Sr.; Samantha Peters, Cherry Creek, 6-2, Sr.; Theresa Read, Grandview, 5-4, Sr.; Devon Rice, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Elise Sage, Cherry Creek, 6-0, Sr.; Diedra Smith, Overland, 6-1, So.; Sarah VanGoethem, Grandview, 5-10, Sr.; Andi Weber, Cherry Creek, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: This league quite obviously is the best in Class 5A. The Centennial has the top three ranked teams in the state with Cherry Creek, Grandview and Eaglecrest, respectively. Eaglecrest has a top-notch player in setter/right side hitter Jordan Kissman, but will try out Bailey Karst, a former outside hitter and libero, opposite Kissman in order to maintain the 6-2 system that coach Tanya Bond likes. Arapahoe moves over from the Continental League and could make an impact, Cherokee Trail moves up from Class 4A, and Smoky Hill gets a new coach with Lisa Huggins, but every team other than the top three might have to battle for scraps.

Colorado Springs Metro

Favorite: Rampart

Contenders: Doherty, Pine Creek

Others to watch: Air Academy, Coronado, Fountain-Fort Carson, Liberty, Palmer, Sand Creek

Key players: Molly Frick, Doherty, 5-7, Sr.; Vanessa Gemignani, Doherty, 5-7, Sr.; Allie Hoskins, Pine Creek, 5-5, Jr.; Kelsi Klikus, Pine Creek, 5-10, Sr.; Nikki Kinzer, Rampart, 6-2, Sr.; Skylar Lewandowski, Rampart, 5-5, Jr.; Katie Schimpf, Doherty, 5-10, Sr.; Alex Tanner, Rampart, 5-4, Sr.; Lauren Yoder, Rampart, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: Rampart has the goods to go far, with power hitting from Nikki Kinzer and slick passing from Lauren Yoder. Doherty looked good at times in the summer, although the Spartans have been inconsistent defensively. Coach Julie Ortiz has moved Katie Schimpf, a real weapon hitting quick sets in the middle, to outside hitter so she can get more swings. Vanessa Gemignani remains one of the top setters in the state, but Doherty needs more efficient attacking from everyone besides Schimpf. Pine Creek lost All-Colorado setter Cindy Bathelt to the University of Florida, but still has some great defense with libero Allie Hoskins and Rachel Kosbab, plus strong hitting from Kelsey Klikus. Fountain-Fort Carson and Sand Creek have moved up to 5A, while Mitchell and Wasson have moved down to 4A. Liberty, which is also moving up to 5A, also looks strong with outside hitters Jiyoung Kim and Kristen Lee, plus middle blocker Tori Nixon and setter Tammy King.

Continental

Favorite: Mountain Vista

Contenders: Chaparral, Highlands Ranch, Ponderosa, Regis Jesuit

Others to watch: Douglas County, Gateway, Heritage, Littleton, Rangeview, ThunderRidge

Key players: Anna Atencio, Regis Jesuit, 5-5, Jr.; Aspen Becker, ThunderRidge, 6-1, Jr.; Mikayla Bouley, Chaparral, 5-5, Jr.; Megan Buckingham, Highlands Ranch, 6-0, Jr.; Kayla Collier, ThunderRidge, 5-11, Jr.; Erin Didier, ThunderRidge, 5-11, Sr.; Kendall Howard, Ponderosa, 5-5, Jr.; Skylar Johnson, Chaparral, 6-0, So.; Morgan Klukkert, Regis Jesuit, 5-10 Sr.; Rianne Lang, ThunderRidge, 5-9, Jr.; Kristina Lavrisha, Regis Jesuit, 5-8, Jr.; Hannah Margheim, Highlands Ranch, 5-9, Jr.; Sarah Miller, Mountain Vista, 5-11, Sr.; Tori Minovich, Ponderosa, 6-0, Jr.; Sarah Mueller, Chaparral, 5-8, Jr.; Holly Sabatka, Highlands Ranch, 5-8, Sr.; Becky Stewart, Ponderosa, 5-6, Jr.; Peri Tehven, Mountain Vista, 5-3, Jr.; Ariel Turner, Mountain Vista, 6-2, Sr.; Brogan Turner, Regis, 5-3, Sr.; Erica Winkler, Highlands Ranch, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: Mountain Vista has the best player in 5A with Ariel Turner, a Purdue recruit. However, the Golden Eagles lost their setter to graduation and that’s a big spot to fill. Turner’s younger sister, Kendall, a 6-foot sophomore, has made the varsity after playing down one level last season, so if the bloodline holds up, then Mountain Vista coach Kevin Cary is going to be a happy guy. Chaparral might have been the Continental favorite, but setter/hitter Mikinzie Moydell is lost for the season because of a wrist injury, while Regis Jesuit and Highlands Ranch lost a bit from their successful teams last season. The Raiders also are moving up from Class 4A and lost middle Nichole Reidel, who transferred to Rock Canyon. But the Raiders do return junior Kristina Lavrisha, who is probably the best defensive outside hitter in 5A. Highlands Ranch lost a ton, most notably outside hitter Kristina Rogers and setter Bri Smith, but Erica Winkler and Emily Nielsen are back in the middle, along with right side hitter Megan Buckingham. The outside is a little small with Holly Sabatka and Hannah Margheim. Ponderosa has quality players, especially second-team all-state libero Kendall Howard, but just not enough of them to crack the state’s preseason top 10. Rock Canyon has a new coach and enough talent to make an impact this season.

Denver Prep

Favorite: Denver East

Contenders: Denver South, George Washington

Others to watch: Lincoln, Montbello

Key players: Michelle Ball, Denver South, 5-4, Sr.; Nicole Caranza, Denver South, 5-6, Sr.; Domonique Davis, Denver East, 5-11, Sr.; Hali Groninger, Denver East, 6-1, So.;

Bailey Jensen, Denver South, 6-0, Jr.; Alyssa Milner, Denver East, 5-8, Sr.; Samantha Roberts, Denver South, 5-4, Sr.; Katie Wiefe, Denver East, 6-1, So.

Outlook: East won another city title last season, although it probably was a little closer than coach Donna Simington would have liked. The Angels again are favored this year, although Simington thinks GW will be pretty good and said Thomas Jefferson, in Class 4A, always is competitive. Although the Denver Prep League rarely is competitive with the rest of the state, East and South are the exceptions. East broke pool last year in districts and lost in a crossover match. The Angels also finished sixth this summer at the Cherry Creek tournament. They will play at the Eaglecrest tournament on Sept. 13, which annually is one of the toughest invitationals in the state. Denver South coach John Calderwood has built the Rebels into a decent team year after year.

Front Range

Favorite: Legacy

Contenders: Fairview, Fort Collins

Others to watch: Boulder, Horizon, Loveland, Monarch, Mountain Range, Northglenn, Poudre, Rocky Mountain, Thornton

Key players: Kyndra Aragon, Thornton, 5-6, Sr.; Kyra Aragon, Thornton, 5-7, So.; Amanda Brumit, Rocky Mountain, 5-5, Sr.; Virginia Clay, Poudre, 6-2, Sr.; Amy Dodge, Horizon, 6-0, Sr.; Kelly Dohn, Poudre, 5-9, Sr.; Stacey Evans, Fort Collins, 5-8, Sr.; Lauren Flanagan, Horizon, 5-10, Jr.; Domonique Garcia, Horizon, 5-7, Sr.; Kristen Harkrader, Thornton, 5-6, Sr.; Lauren Hepp, Legacy, 5-5, Sr.; Michie Johnson, Rocky Mountain, 5-9, Jr.; Jaime Kreikemeier, Fort Collins, 5-7, Sr.; Caitlyn Lehr, Horizon, 5-10, Fr.; Cali Lemay, Legacy, 5-10, Sr.; Amanda Miller, Thornton, 5-9, Jr.; Hannah Ney, 5-11, Jr.; Kelcy Perkins, Mountain Range, 5-7, Jr.; Amy Raasch, Rocky Mountain, 5-6, Sr.; Reese Roehrkasse, Fort Collins, Sr.; Jenny Saboy, Poudre, 5-4, Sr.; Kelsey Skaar, Rocky Mountain, 5-9, Sr.; Tawni Warren, Mountain Range, 5-10, So.; Kirstin Young, Legacy, 6-0, Sr.; Brianna Zimlich, Poudre, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: Legacy, with a vigorous front row attack from Cali Lemay and Kirstin Young, is the standout here. Lauren Hepp also is a fine defensive player, but the Lightning certainly needs to find a setter fast. Boulder and Fairview move into the Front Range after years in the Centennial, but only the Knights are expected to make a run at the top. Horizon has a new coach, Nicole Garcia. Fort Collins has a good blend of experience and size, with city rival Poudre, featuring University of Denver recruit Brianna Zimlich, also having some potential. Mountain Range moves up in classification this season. That makes for a crowded league, but not up there competitively yet with the Centennial or Continental.

Skyline

Favorite: Brighton

Contenders: Adams City, Aurora Central, Hinkley, Westminster

Key players: Taylor Alcantar, Westminster, 5-8, Sr.; Joscelyne Armenta, Westminster, 5-5, Sr.; Lindsey Bonadonna, Westminster, 5-5, Sr.; Kendra Brynoff, Westminster, 5-8, Sr.; Edie Cripps, Westminster, 5-3, Sr.; Emily Elliott, Westminster, 5-11, Sr.; Kaprice Glover, Brighton, 6-1, Sr; Kirstie Hastings, Westminster, 5-7, Sr.; Denicia Luna, Westminster, 5-1, Jr.; Amanda Marshall, Westminster, 5-8, Sr.; Erica Martin, Westminster, 5-11, Sr.; Amber Parsons, Brighton, 5-7, Sr.; Atilana Rentana, Westminster, 5-2, Sr.; Jasmine Sandoval, Brighton, 6-0, Sr.; Sarah Stecklein, Westminster, 5-11, Sr.; Liz Truskin, Westminster, 5-7, Sr.

Outlook: The league loses Centaurus, which shifts to the 4A Jefferson County League, and Cherokee Trail, which moves up to the Class 5A Centennial League. That leaves a clear field for Brighton, an easy favorite. Bulldogs coach Cody Van Arsdale has scheduled some good nonleague matches to get Brighton ready for the playoffs. Brighton has a big presence on the outside with 6-1 Kaprice Glover, and a versatile setter in Amber Parsons, who was previously all-league at middle blocker and outside hitter. Lexi Demaio will lead the defense. Westminster has combined with Ranum this season and will be known as the Wolves. Tim Bergman, the former Ranum coach, takes over the program and will have strength in numbers.

Jefferson County

Favorite: Columbine

Contenders: Lakewood, Ralston Valley

Others to watch: Arvada West, Bear Creek, Chatfield, Dakota Ridge, Green Mountain, Pomona, Ralston Valley, Standley Lake

Key players: Shane Brown, Lakewood, 6-1, Sr.; Alicia Dotson, Columbine, 5-9, Sr.; Rachel Gillcrist, Lakewood, 6-0, Jr.; Luisa Griz, Lakewood, 5-6, Jr.; Randee Hayes, Columbine, 6-0, Sr.; Krista Hilverding, Pomona, 6-0, Jr.; Emily Hunsucker, Pomona, 5-5, Sr.; Taylor Jordan, Lakewood, 5-6, Jr.; Megan Koop, Columbine, 6-0, Sr.; Jenna Lente, Lakewood, 5-8, Sr.; Lauren Lind, Lakewood, 5-10, Jr.; Ellen Miks, Columbine, 5-11, Sr.; Lauri O’Neill, Pomona, 5-4, Sr.; Kelsey Snider, Pomona, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: Columbine was great during the summer and has four starters better than any other group in the league. The Rebels had two all-state seniors graduate, but already look good to repeat as league champion. Lakewood has a highly experienced squad, having lost only two seniors from last season’s team and one of those was a reserve. Coach Liz Armbrustmacher also has good height in key areas, with 6-footers occupying spots at middle blocker and outside hitter. Ralston Valley has been strong for years, but had some difficulties last year at the Overland tournament. The injury situation also wasn’t good for the Mustangs last season, but they are coming into the 5A Jeffco at a favorable time. Pomona gains some height from the junior class just after the Sapp twins graduated, so it seems coach Leilani Luke still won’t get that ideal combination of big blockers and dedicated diggers.

Southwestern

Favorite: Durango

Contenders: Fruita Monument, Grand Junction, Grand Junction Central

Key players: Katerina Garcia, Durango, 5-5, Sr.; Kelley Dodds, Durango, 6-0, Jr.; Lindsey Henke, Fruita Monument, 5-5, Sr.; Haleigh Higgins, Grand Junction Central, 5-9, Jr.; Amy Kame, Grand Junction Central, 5-10, Jr.; Nikki Kikes, Fruita Monument, 6-0, Sr.; Mary McGee, Fruita Monument, 5-10 Sr.; Ann Marie Pettinato, Durango, 6-0, So.; Maia Sadler, Fruita Monument, 5-10, Sr.; Neely Surmeier, Durango, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: Durango last season had a superb duo of outside hitters, but they both graduated. So, the Demons are turning to their middle attack, which should be an easier transition than expected, as setter Katarina Garcia is the Demons’ top player. Grand Junction Central fielded a strong team last season and has talent back in middle blocker Amy Kame and outside hitter Haleigh Higgins. Fruita coach Amelia Conner can count height and experience on her side, although setter Lindsey Henke is no giant. Henke was second-team all-leaguer last year.

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