The Lyons boys basketball team finally will learn this weekend if the "switch-a-roo" it pulled this season is going to pay off.

Moving from District 2 to District 7 in Class 2A, the Lions hoped to have an easier road to the state tournament, which takes place in Pueblo on March 8-10. They lost to nemesis Jefferson Academy in district play this season, and now Wray will be a tough regional foe.

Lyons players surely remember their last game against the Eagles, when they were beaten in district play last year.

Lyons coach Jason Maguire is confident his team will not allow a repeat as the Lions again try for a state bid.

"I think with our experience that we've had this year I feel pretty good about things," said Maguire, whose team is led offensively by senior Trey Mullen's 22-point average.

"Wray runs things pretty much the same way as they did last year, and it was a one-point game when they knocked us out. It should be a good ballgame."

Mullen will be a key factor in any Lyons run, but Maguire said the Lions have a nice rotation behind six seniors.

The matchup between Cripple Creek and Byers heads a list of intriguing regional games this weekend. Sanford, Del Norte, Grand Valley, Evangelical Christian and Jefferson Academy all are looking for repeat state tournament berths.

In Class 2A girls, a well-rounded field of teams should advance. Limon looks poised for a run at a fifth title in six years and will play Hoehne. Simla and Plateau Valley are expected to challenge Limon.

The Wray girls made huge strides this season in District 2, including a 67-56 win against Holyoke to earn the top seed. The Eagles will meet Jefferson Academy.

The Lyons girls cruised to the District 7 championship and will play one of their biggest games in recent years against Holyoke in the Northern Region.

In the Southern Region, Sangre de Cristo has lost only once (against Sargent in the District 1 championship) and made the elite eight last year with essentially the same team.

Several teams in Class 1A had some short weeks to prepare for their regionals. Inclement weather Saturday delayed some district championship games until Tuesday. Caliche, though, will have had the whole week to prepare for Christian Fellowship.

That extra time might be crucial considering the Buffaloes were blasted by Merino in the district championship.

Caliche coach Dave Huss believes his team, ranked No. 1 entering the postseason, matches up well with Christian Fellowship, a guard-heavy team.

"It doesn't sound like they are much bigger than we are, but they have smart guard play," Huss said. "The girls are still feeling the sting of losing (Saturday) and we're just trying to hang in there."

Other 1A teams to watch include North Park (undefeated in 1A competition), Merino and Haxtun. Eads also is vying for a return trip to state, which this year will be held at the Air Force Academy.

Kit Carson was the boys preseason favorite, and coach Jim Trahern's team has yet to disappoint with an unblemished record. The Wildcats were carried by a strong senior class, led by Damon Dachant and Ty Trahern, who combined to average 32 points a game.

A rematch with defending champion Hi-Plains could be in the works for Kit Carson if both teams advance. In the Central Region, Hi-Plains will face a tough Flag-ler team that was the victim of one of the biggest upsets of district play.

The Panthers (15-5) were beaten by Stratton in their district championship Monday. The Eagles (10-11) might be heating up at the right time but will have to beat Otis to get back in the final eight.

The Colorado High School Activities Association will seed the eight state-qualifying teams in both boys and girls 2A and 1A on Sunday.