Undefeated Manitou Springs, Peyton boys' basketball battle among games to watch this week

While we're in the thick of league play, this week we look at a couple of nonconference matchups and a cross-classification game.

Naturally, a couple of league games still make the list, and deservedly so, as teams battle to stay at or near the top in order to help with any chance of making the rapidly approaching playoffs.

With the debut of the boys' and girls' RPI standings, every win becomes that much more important.

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Sierra (10-3) at TCA (6-4)

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Where: The Classical Academy

What to know: Sierra is looking to run the 4A CSML table for a second consecutive season. With a showdown against Mesa Ridge early next week, the Stallions can't afford to look past the Titans, whose only league loss is to Mesa Ridge. CJ Jennings leads Sierra with an average of 22.2 points. Day Tuck averages 8.2 ppg, while Dondre Savage averages 7.8 ppg and 10.8 rebounds. TCA is led by Erik Cilek's 18.9 ppg and 9.3 rebounds. Jared Belcher adds 13.8 ppg.

Manitou Springs (10-0) vs. Peyton (8-0)

When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peyton High School

What to know: Neither team has lost a game this season. Manitou doesn't play again until the trek to Peyton, while Peyton travels to Miami-Yoder on Thursday and Swink on Friday. The 2A Panthers will be looking to take down the 3A Mustangs in hopes of showing they can hang with the bigger school. Both teams are atop their respective conferences and hoping to stay unbeaten. Lucas Rodholm continues to lead the Mustangs with 16.4 points per game. Cole Sienknecht is second at 14.4 and Davyn Adamscheck third at 13.4. Dominic Gentile leads the Panthers with a 16.6 ppg average, while Seth Anderson averages 13.1 ppg and 8.4 rebounds. Gage Gellerman adds 11.9 ppg.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Ellicott (6-2) vs. Colorado Springs School (7-3)

When: Friday, 4 p.m.

Where: Colorado Springs School

What to know: Ellicott is coming off a six-point win over Evangelical Christian Academy, handing the Eagles their first loss. The Thunderhawks are 2-0 in the 2A Black Forest League and hoping to make it 3-0 when they take on the Kodiaks, 1-1 in conference. Devinne Larreau leads the Thunderhawks with 17.8 ppg. Teammate Graciela Donez averages 7.0 ppg and 12.3 rebounds. Ali Graham leads CSS at 9.5 ppg, with Hannah Taylor right behind at 9.3.

Doherty (12-1) vs. Castle View (10-4)

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Where: Castle View High School

What to know: Originally scheduled to play back in December, the two teams meet with a combined 22 wins. Doherty is off until Saturday, while the Sabercats take on Chaparral on Thursday. Both teams are unbeaten in their respective leagues, with the Spartans 4-0 in the 5A CSML and Castle View 2-0 in the 5A/4A Continental League. Doherty boasts three players averaging more than 12 points - Kalani Poloa at 15.2 ppg, Aubriana Noti 13.5 and Mykiaa Minniss 12.3. McKay Vansickle leads the Sabercats with 10.2 ppg. The Spartans have won four in a row; Castle View three straight.