ESPN RISE

ESPN RISE singles out a few Colorado teams that demand attention.
Softball -- Legacy

After the Legacy softball team won the Class 5A state championship last season, fans wanted to know what was next. "People kept telling us how much harder it was going to be," coach Dawn Gaffin says. "They told us we were going to have a target on our backs."The girls were undeterred. In fact, they played along, making t-shirts that literally supply the target on their backs. It's true that the rest of Class 5A will have renewed interest in beating Legacy, but with junior hurler Shelby Babcock in the circle, it may not matter. Babcock finished last season with a 21- 2 record and a 0.29 ERA. "She's working hard all the time," Gaffin says. "She's the first one on the field and the last one off." Babcock's battery mate is sophomore Buggs Torrez, who Gaffin says might soon become the state's best catcher. "The relationship that they (Babcock and Torrez) have is very unique," Gaffin says. "They work really well together."Gaffin's team is also very young; only one player - Kellen Wittkop, the team's first baseman - is a senior. Defense is another strength of the team this year, specifically up the middle. Sophomore Melissa Marcovecchio played an errorless season at second base last year and swung a big bat, too. "She's deceptive,"Gaffin says. "You don't realize how much power she has."Look for junior Shae Rodriguez, sophomore Kaitlyn Mattila and freshman Rainey Gaffin to help the Lightning work their way to another title, targets on their backs and all.

Boys' Soccer -- Kent Denver

Denver Christian upended Fountain Valley for last year's Class 3A title, but this season a new group of talent is emerging. Many of the top players come from Kent Denver. The Sun Devils return senior All-State first team selection Peter Walker this year. Walker led last year's No. 2-ranked team with 14 goals and eight assists. Willy Strazza, an All-State honorable mention, also returns for the Sun Devils.

Girls' Volleyball -- C.S. Christian

The Lions have a fifth consecutive state title to defend this season. The Class 3A crown will be closely contested this year, but the defending champs may still have an edge. Up front is 6-foot-4 star junior Morgan Broekhuis, a setter/hitter who can dominate games. Broekhuis was the Class 3A Player of the Year last season. Fellow junior Brianne Vandegriend, an All-State second team selection, will add depth.

Football -- Denver South

The Rebels started slowly last year but rallied and were playing some of the best football of anyone in Class 4A at the end of last season. The team missed the 4A state tournament despite a respectable 7-3 record. But the Rebels should be improved this season, led by senior wideout Jevon Reynolds and senior defensive back Turmour Battle. Senior QB Derek Robinson could also surprise some people with his play.

BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY -- ALAMOSA
Four sophomores highlight this squad, including rising star Chad Palmer.
GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY -- PAGOSA SPRINGS
Jacie Harms, one of the best in Class 3A last season, is back for her senior year.

GYMNASTICS -- EVERGREEN
Senior Bethel Lindsley hopes to help her team improve on its third-place finish in 4A.

BOYS' GOLF -- DAKOTA RIDGE
Juniors Nick Allen and Cody Vance have the Eagles moving up in Class 5A.