Ellis Jones is part of a strong senior class that has elevated Denver Science & Technology - Green Valley Ranch in its second season in the Class 3A ranks.
File photo by Jeffery Tucker
Jared Lewis knew that coming into his first season as the boys basketball coach at
Denver School of Science & Technology: Green Valley Ranch, the program needed an identity.
The Raptors were in their first season of CHSAA-sanctioned play last winter, and there was plenty of talent already assembled. Lewis simply took those pieces and helped to bring them together as one.
"It was very different. At first, when we were freshmen and sophomores, the school didn't really have expectations for us. So we kind of had to build it for ourselves," DSST senior
Jadyn Michael said. "Coach Lewis came in last year and kind of changed the whole culture of the school.
"It was a big shock, but it was a good thing though."
Lewis said it took some time, but eventually things clicked. The Raptors went on to win 18 games, a district tournament and the school's first-ever Class 3A state playoff contest. The run came to an abrupt halt at the hands of eventual state champion Colorado Springs Christian in an 81-35 defeat, but the groundwork had already been laid.
More than a month into the 2015-16 season, DSST-Green Valley Ranch is off to an 8-0 start and is ranked fifth in 3A headed into Tuesday's Confluence League contest with
Eagle Ridge Academy (Brighton).
"It was actually a blessing to go down to Colorado Springs. The kids had never traveled to another city for a game, and getting a win (over Roaring Fork in the first round), they saw there was a light at the end of the tunnel," Lewis said. "Coming into this year it was just a whole lot easier. Everyone from day one was champing at the bit to get going."
A strong senior class has led the way this season, paced by Michael (21.9 points per game) and
Ellis Jones (19.9 ppg).
Balin Carter and
Michael White average roughly 10 points a game for a team that shoots more than 50 percent from the floor.
The Raptors may be small, but they make up for a lack of size with an up-tempo style that allows the team to get up and down the floor quickly. A variety of scoring options doesn't hurt, either.
Jadyn Michael, Denver Science & Tech - GVR
File photo by Jeffery Tucker
"I think it's really important. Everyone plays as a team," Jones said. "If one of us is getting locked down or one of us is having a bad night, we're a family and everyone picks each other up. That goes the same for all our teammates – it's not just Jadyn and I."
The Raptors have had only one test through the first eight games, but it was one that helped launch the program to another level. On Dec. 18, DSST went to Lutheran (Parker) and knocked off last year's state semifinalist 57-55.
The team trailed by 10 with three minutes to go before rallying to upend the Lights, currently ranked third in the state.
"To date it was the biggest win of the program. To go on the road and get a win like that – even more so we were missing two starters in that game. The guys persevered," Lewis said. "I think it was amazing and now it just wasn't lip-service – we do believe we can be one of the better teams in the state and be there at the end to compete for it all."
Through it all Lewis has continued to preach a family mentality and holding each other accountable, from the players to the coaching staff. There is also the academic challenge of attending the charter school, where 100 percent of graduates have gone on to attend 4-year colleges and universities, according to the DSST web site.
Another DSST school,
Denver Science & Tech Stapleton, is ranked second in 3A. The schools have no connection other than being under the same charter.
Lewis said the players are already held to a higher standard academically, so it's important to do the same athletically.
"I think the more selfless we can be," he said, "if we think about others first, I think that helps us grow and helped the culture of this program."
DSST-Green Valley Ranch will get another chance to play Lutheran late in the season – this time on its home floor. It will be yet another reminder of the competition level the squad will face in the postseason.
For their part, the seniors are eager to leave their mark on the program, the school and the community.
"We're very proud. Me and Ellis have been here a while, and we saw it grow," Michael said. "Now everyone is kind of hyped on us in the community, but at the same time, we know there is still work to be done. We haven't really done too much yet."
