Despite changes, Kent Denver and Cherry Creek remain Colorado boys tennis favorites

By now, explaining that Kent Denver (Englewood) is a top-flight contender in the Class 4A state tournament sounds as "Colorado Boys Tennis 101" as the notion that Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village) is the team to beat in 5A.

Both of those statements are as glaringly true as always as the tourney approaches, Thursday-Saturday. (Class 4A will play at Pueblo City Park, 5A at Gates Tennis Center in Denver). But this year has a quite different flavor for each squad, as unforeseen circumstances have led to some lineup changes, and in Creek's case, a change at the top.

We'll start with Kent Denver in 4A, where the Sun Devils are aiming to become the first team other than Cherry Creek or Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs) to win at least three state titles in succession. After capturing their second straight crown last year, it appeared virtually imminent that the Sun Devils' singles alignment would be precisely the same this fall.

But as it is, all three are different. Senior Willie Gold (runner-up at No. 1 singles last season) is back at No. 2 singles, where he won it all in 2013. Casey Ross (runner-up at No. 2 singles last season and the No. 3 champ in 2013) has vaulted to No. 1. And Jack Moldenhauer, runner-up at No. 3 singles last season as a freshman, has been replaced by junior Niko Hereford.

"Niko beat Jack Moldenhauer in two straight challenge matches, so Jack is playing No. 1 doubles with Kevin Adams," Kent Denver coach Randy Ross explained. "Same story for Casey. He won two challenges over Willie, so he took over No. 1."

Despite the reorganization, Kent Denver remains a favorite. The Sun Devils edged Colorado Academy (Denver) 86-78 last season even without a singles championship. Three titles on the doubles circuit tipped the scales for the Sun Devils.

CA remains a top-flight challenger with reigning No. 1 singles champion Mac Mease and No. 3 title-winner Noah Forman back in their customary spots. Freshman Richter Jordaan will be a tough out at No. 2 singles.

"Colorado Academy is tough this year and it's going to be a very fun tourney," Ross said. "Their team is strong at every position and experienced. We are also strong and experienced, with new guys only at No. 4 doubles (Alex Wilmer and Oliver Greenwald). But they are experienced tourney players also."

Other 4A individuals of note include four semifinalists from last season: Niwot's Max Petrak and Allen Fu; Air Academy's Stefan Orton-Urbina, and Greeley Central's Connor Clancy. All have ascended to No. 1 this season other than Fu, who will compete at No. 3.

Cherry Creek has always been the benchmark in 5A with an unprecedented 40 state titles, a mark seemingly as untouchable as Cy Young's 511 career pitching wins. But this year is different, because for the first time in a quarter century, the Bruins have a new head coach.

Art Quinn has taken over the reins from the retired Kirk Price, who won state crowns in 23 of his 25 seasons at the helm. Cherry Creek finished second those other two seasons. But the Bruins aren't only undergoing a leadership transition. Like Kent Denver, there has been some reorganization from within.

Ethan Hillis finished runner-up at No. 1 singles last season as a sophomore, but this season it's junior Ryan James manning the top spot.

"Ryan has been exceptionally dedicated to improving his craft in the offseason, challenge season, and this season," Quinn said. "Ethan Hillis chose not to play high school tennis this year, and Ryan was able to bring his game to fruition, earning the No. 1 spot."

Another junior, Robby Hill, is the man at No. 2 after finishing runner-up at No. 3 last season.

"Like the rest of our team, Robby will work hard to maximize his efforts," Quinn said. "We have all had our trials and our triumphs. I would put his prospects with those of all of our players, and our team. A state championship is within his, and all of our powers."

Sophomore Mitch Johnson represents the Bruins at No. 3. Cherry Creek also is notoriously tough at doubles, where the Bruins won three of four last season.

Another intriguing story in 5A is Boulder, which also underwent a coaching change. Doug Kazarosian made the jump from Broomfield, and his regional champion Panthers return all three of their single players. No. 1 Kap Smith, No. 2 Jackson Hawk and No. 3 Cutter Esson all reached the state semifinals last season for a Panthers squad that finished fourth.

Denver East (third last season) brings back No. 1 Kai Smith and No. 2 Charlie Franks, each a semifinalist last season. Fairview (Boulder) graduated two state champions from a second-place squad last season, but the Knights return one. That's senior Alec Leddon, who won at No. 3 singles and has made the jump to No. 1.

Schedule

All matches start at 9 a.m. each day at each site. The first two rounds at each position will be played Thursday. Semifinals are scheduled for Friday morning, with playbacks set to start after completion of the semifinals. Championships and third-place matches are at 9 a.m. Saturday.