Race is on for Colorado small-school boys state basketball titles

As far as senior seasons go, the one turned in this year by Pagosa Springs' Kain Lucero hasn't been too shabby.

After averaging a solid 11.6 points a game as a junior, Lucero has emerged as one of the most consistent scorers in Class 3A. He has topped 20 points 10 times, including a 30-point outburst against Bayfield on Feb. 15, while compiling a scoring average of 18.5 points that is good for a tie for fifth in 3A.

Lucero topped it off earlier this week by earning a roster spot for The Show, the annual state all-star game that will be held at the Pepsi Center on April 6.

And yet, as is the case with most players at this time of year, Lucero would gladly exchange his impressive stats and accolades for a chance to hoist a gold ball.

Lucero and the rest of the Pirates will begin their drive toward a possible state title when seventh-seeded Pagosa Springs takes on Colorado Academy (Denver) as the 3A quarterfinals begin at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Thursday also marks the beginning of the Class 2A finals at CSU-Pueblo and the Class 1A finals at the First Bank Center in Broomfield.

"We've had a good week of practice. This is the best ball we've played this season," said Lucero, who will attempt to regain his scoring touch after averaging just 12.8 points over the past five games. "I feel we're peaking at the right time. It's always good to peak right before the state tournament. That would be a memorable season — getting a few more wins and getting that gold ball."

Top-seeded Kent Denver (Englewood) remains the tournament favorite in 3A after allowing an average of only 33.5 points in its first two tournament victories. The Sun Devils have lost only once this season, to 1A top-seed Shining Mountain. Balanced Kent Denver is led by senior Josh Repine, who is the only Sun Devils player to average double figures at 13.2 points a game.

After knocking off 18th-seeded The Pinnacle in the first round, Colorado Academy rolls into the quarterfinals on the heels of perhaps the most impressive victory in the 3A field after knocking off second-seeded Colorado Springs Christian in the second round.

In the 2A field, top-seeded Peyton enters its quarterfinal match against Sierra Grande (Blanca) riding a 17-game winning streak following victories against Lyons and Custer County.

Second-seeded Sanford, last year's 2A state runner-up, has been nearly as hot, compiling a 16-game winning streak going into its quarterfinal matchup against No. 7 seed Resurrection Christian (Loveland).

Defending champion Denver Christian also is in the brackets as the No. 3 seed.

The Class 1A field is headed by a top-seeded Shining Mountain (Boulder) team that drew an interesting quarterfinal-round match against Norwood.

The Mavericks, led by sharpshooting guard Morgan Rummel, eliminated the Lions from the postseason last year with an upset victory in regional play. Norwood rode that momentum all the way to the 1A title game, where the Mavericks lost to Pawnee.

"We don't really think about (payback)," Shining Mountain senior Colin Cantwell said. "It's just another game. We don't want that game from last year to come into our minds and affect how we play. We just want to keep with our game and stick with what we do. There's only a week left and you have to keep fighting for it."