A look at some of the key games, tournaments and happenings in Aurora prep sports between April 24-April 30, 2014:
• The Smoky Hill boys swim team plays host to Arapahoe in a big Centennial League dual meet at 4:30 p.m. April 24, as the Buffaloes will honor a strong group of seniors and attempt to end a lengthy losing streak against the traditionally powerful Warriors.
• The Regis Jesuit baseball team has two big home games remaining, starting with a 4:15 p.m. contest on April 25 against ThunderRidge, the defending Class 5A state champion. The Raiders’ hopes of winning the Continental League championships hinge on the results of the contest with the Grizzlies, as well as the 4:15 p.m. matchup with Mountain Vista — the only other unbeaten team in the league — on April 30. Regis Jesuit beat both teams in league play last season.
• A big weekend in track & field includes the Robert F. Caviness Invitational and Liberty Bell Invitational on April 26, with nearly every Aurora team split between the two meets. The Caviness Invitational shifted back a week from its usual date on the calendar, but the 58-year-old meet is set for a 9 a.m. start at Aurora Public School Stadium, with a field that includes all five Aurora Public Schools teams — Aurora Central, Gateway, Hinkley, Rangeview and Vista PEAK. The massive two-day Liberty Bell begins at 4:30 p.m. on April 25 at Littleton Public Schools Stadium and features Eaglecrest, Grandview, Overland, Regis Jesuit and Smoky Hill. Final begin at 10 a.m. April 26.
• The Smoky Hill girls soccer team plays Cherry Creek at 6 p.m. on April 29, with a victory potentially wrapping up the Centennial League championship for the Buffaloes. Unbeaten in league play, Smoky Hill had a 10-game winning streak going into a 4:30 p.m. home contest against Grandview on April 24 at The Swamp.
• Eaglecrest gets its turn at Coors Field with a reschedule meeting with Evergreen at 11 a.m. April 29, as the Raptors look to continue a hot late streak in non-league play on the Colorado Rockies’ home field. The Raptors won in walk-off fashion against Brighton at Coors Field last year.
• Class 5A girls tennis regionals begin as early as April 29, with Regis Jesuit playing host to 5A Region 3 at Ken Caryl Ranch. The fields of each of the eight state-qualifying regional tournaments is determined by league standings as the conclusion of the regular season.
Courtney Oakes is Sports Editor of the Aurora Sentinel. Reach him at 303-750-7555 or sports@aurorasentinel.com. Twitter: @aurorasports. Facebook: Aurora Prep Sentinel
