Regis Jesuit junior Michael Baer, center, raises his arms in celebration as he is congratulated by teammates Kyle Nelson, right, Spencer Chuck (22) and Eamon Duffy during the second period of the Raiders' 4-2 win over Mountain Vista in a state ice hockey semifinal game on March 3, 2016, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. Baer's goal with 4.3 seconds left capped a three-goal second period that helped give coach Dan Woodley's Regis Jesuit team the boost it needed to make the program's first state final since 2012. The Raiders face Monarch at 1 p.m. March 5 for the state championship. (Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)
Michael Baer, center, and the Regis Jesuit ice hockey team won the 2015-16 state championship and aim for a repeat in the new season, which opens with practice on Nov. 11, 2016. (Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)

AURORA | As the 2016 fall prep sports season nears its conclusion — with only football, boys soccer and volleyball yet to decide state championships — winter sports season gets its official beginning on Nov. 11.

The Colorado High School Activities Association allows teams in boys and girls basketball, wrestling, girls swimming and ice hockey to begin practices on that date, with the 2016-17 regular season set to begin on Nov. 30.

Aurora has two defending state champions from last winter, the two-time 5A state champion Overland boys basketball team and the Regis Jesuit ice hockey team.

Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at 303-750-7555 or sports@aurorasentinel.com. Twitter: @aurorasports. FB: Aurora Prep Sentinel

Courtney Oakes is Sports Editor and photographer with Sentinel Colorado. A Denver East High School and University of Colorado alum. He came to the Sentinel in 2001 and since then has received a number...