Contenders: Green Mountain, Arvada West, Dakota Ridge, Columbine, Ralston Valley
Key players: Kelsey Anderson, Arvada West, 5-6, Sr.; Chrissy Armstrong, Chatfield, Jr.; Janelle Baal, Dakota Ridge, Sr.; Lindsey Boyd, Standley Lake, 5-5, Jr.; Theresa Clark, Lakewood, 5-6, Sr.; Randee Hayes, Columbine, 6-0, Sr.; Erica Hicks, Lakewood, 5-10, Sr.; Kirsten Johnson, Ralston Valley, 5-10, Sr.; Mikey Kenney, Arvada West, 5-10, Sr.; Kristina Kules, Chatfield, Sr.; Liz Malik, Arvada West, 6 -0, Sr.; Brittany Mesch, Standley Lake, 5-10, Sr.; Olivia Moschetti, Ralston Valley, 5-7, Sr.; Chelsea O’Brien, Chatfield, 6-0, Sr.; Adaugo Osuala, Green Mountain, 5-8, Jr.; Katie Rosa, Lakewood, 6-2, Sr.; Danielle Stephan, Green Mountain, 6-1, Sr., Dilan Sutliff, Chatfield, 5-8, Sr.
Outlook: Lakewood returns All-Colorado guard Erica Hicks and three others who saw significant time last season, so the Tigers are the early pick in a league that is anything but a sure thing. Green Mountain, behind steals master Adaugo Osuala, is on the rise, as is Arvada West. Dakota Ridge lost its four college-bound seniors from last season, but the Eagles would like to skip start-over mode and immediately rejoin the fray. Columbine is trying to rise above its second-tier contender status, and might have the chance with a senior-based squad. Ralston Valley moves up from 4A.
Jefferson County League 2007-08
Favorite: Dakota Ridge
Contenders: Columbine, Lakewood, Arvada West, Green Mountain
Key players: Carly Cator, Lakewood, 5-9, Sr.; Kelli Culver, Pomona, 6-0, Jr.; Corrissa Gillan, Pomona, 5-5, Sr.; Jennifer Gold, Wheat Ridge, 5-6, Sr.; Kait Goodall, Lakewood, 5-10, Sr.; Rachel Hardinger, Green Mountain, 5-9, Sr.; Randee Hayes, Columbine, 6-0, Jr.; Lindsi Holm, Dakota Ridge, 6-0, Sr.; Mikey Kenney, Arvada West, 5-9, Jr.; Sam Miller, Wheat Ridge, 5-6, Sr.; Adaugo Osuala, Green Mountain, 5-8, So.; Brooke Pendergraft, Dakota Ridge, 5-11, Sr.; Molly Ramirez, Columbine, 5-7, Sr.; Breanna Williams, Columbine, 6-0, Jr.
Outlook: Dakota Ridge is becoming a year-in, year-out favorite in the league, and this season is no different as the Eagles return their top two players in Lindsi Holm and Brooke Pendergraft. Lakewood was closing the gap, but will be hampered by the transfer of Taylor Johnson to Highlands Ranch. The Tigers still have talent, most notably forward Kait Goodall. Columbine has been close with its all 6-foot front line, but still is waiting for a breakout season. Arvada West has a new coach in Tim Slabach, who took over for Greg Hahn, who went back to his former post at Horizon. In addition, Shawn Larson takes over at Standley Lake. Pomona (9-15 last season) could be among the league’s more improved teams, while Green Mountain sophomore Adaugo Osuala could be the league’s most exciting newcomer.
