Players to watch

Avery Bang, F, Sr., Chaparral — A Northern Colorado commit, the 6-foot-2 Bang is a defensive cornerstone (2.3 bpg, 1.3 spg) and reliable post presence (10.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) alongside her sister Payton (13.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg).

Raegan Beers, Sr., C, Valor Christian — After losing last year to a torn ACL, the 6-foot-3 Oregon State commit returns to a Valor team that won a 5A title without her. Rated the 10th-best senior in the nation by ESPN, Beers is an automatic double-double (17.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg) with shooting range and shot blocking ability (2.1 bpg).

Lauren Betts, Sr., C, Grandview — Rated the country’s No. 1 recruit by ESPN, the 6-foot-7 senior is Stanford-bound after her fourth varsity season. While her career totals speak to Betts’ dominance (1,116 points, 719 rebounds, 253 blocks and 118 assists), her impact on both sides of the court remains immeasurable.

Ramiyah Byrd, Jr., G/F, The Vanguard School — One of two returning all-state players for the Coursers — junior G Juliana Garcia (17.2 ppg, 3.3 apg) is the other — the 6-foot-1 Byrd is a disruptive defender (3.4 spg, 2.1 bpg) and skilled offensive weapon (13.6 ppg, 2.9 apg).

Sam Crispe, Sr., F, Arapahoe — Committed to play for Boston University next year, the 6-foot-2 power forward is looking to build on a 5A allstate junior season that saw her average 17.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

Kilah Freelon, Sr., F, Mullen — The Texas Tech recruit didn’t have big offensive numbers as a junior (7.1 ppg, 1.9 apg), but the 5-foot-11 forward’s ability to frustrate opposing offenses (6.6 rpg, 2.4 spg, 1.5 bpg) alongside 6-3 senior Imani Perez (1.8 bpg, 1.0 spg) is invaluable.

Gracie Gallegos, Sr., F, Mullen — The Mustangs’ quest for a third consecutive 4A title will include a heavy dose of Gallegos, a 6-foot-1 all-state forward committed to UC San Diego who averaged 16.4 points on 40% 3-point shooting last winter.

Elizabeth Gentry, So., C/PF, Columbine — Once again, a Gentry will factor heavily into the success of a Rebels team. And much like her older brothers — FBS tackles Andrew (Virginia) and JT (BYU) — the 6-foot-3 post (10.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg) is a lock to play college ball as well.

Macey Huard, Jr., G, Valor Christian — A key contributor to the Eagles’ run to the 5A championship last winter, the 6-foot-2 Huard (11.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.2 spg) headlines a talented junior class that also includes guard Ali Wetta.

Marya Hudgins, Sr., G/F, Grandview — The Santa Clara commit is a skilled 6-foot wing (13.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg) who can set up her teammates (3.7 apg) and stretch the floor with an outside shooting touch (36% from 3) that demands attention.

Raelyn Kelty, Jr., F, Lutheran — The returning 3A all-state forward is an offensive hub (12.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.8 steals) for a Lions team looking to take the next step after falling a win short of a state title.

Gabby Louther, PG, Sr., Pueblo West — The UC San Diego recruit is a long, athletic 5-foot-11 guard (12.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 spg) who impacts every facet of the game for the Cyclones.

Jayda Maves, Jr., G, Green Mountain — The 5-foot-8 guard made a leap offensively for the Rams last year as a 4A all-state selection, scoring 18.0 points per game on 54% shooting. With 88 3s in two varsity seasons, she’s a threat from just about anywhere.

Grace Moyers, Sr., G, Erie — The 5-8 sharpshooter led the Tigers to the Great 8 last season with averages of 20.7 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game. With 868 points and 132 3s, the Wyoming commit could take down multiple career milestones this season.

Brooke Murrell, Jr., Thomas Jefferson, F/C — The 6-foot-2 post submitted a double-double every time she stepped on the floor as a sophomore (11 games), averaging an eye-popping stat line of 20.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.7 assists per game.

Alex Pirog, Sr., F, Highlands Ranch — The latest in a long line of talented players for Caryn Jarocki’s Falcons program, the 6-foot-3 Montana recruit has a strong a two-way game (12.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 2.2 spg) that will only be helped by the return of senior wing Taylor Ray.

Olivia Reed, Sr., F, Windsor — The 6-foot Colorado Mesa recruit posted 10 double-doubles while averaging 14.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.5 steals in 18 games as a 4A all-state selection last winter.

Jaida Redwine, Jr., G, George Washington — In just two varsity seasons, the 5-foot-9 guard has scored 609 points on 47% shooting. With career averages of 3.8 steals and 2.9 assists per game, she’s not just a scorer, either.

Cora Schissler, Sr., G, Platte Valley — A do-itall sparkplug for the defending 3A champions, the 5-foot-3 all-state returnee is entering her fourth season as a varsity starter with career totals of 838 points, 131 steals and 137 3-pointers.

Grace Talbot, Sr., G, Chatfield — A double-digit per-game scorer in all three varsity seasons, the UC San Diego commit expanded her playmaking role last year while averaging 15.7 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game.