Success is not foreign to the Evangelical Christian boys basketball team.

The Eagles won the Class 2A state championship in 2004 and 2005. Last season at state, though, their repeat bid was derailed by eventual champion Jefferson Academy 63-49 in the semifinals.

Top-seeded Evangelical Christian (20- 3) will not have to wait long to avenge that loss as it faces off against the No. 8-seeded Jaguars today in the first round of the 2A state tournament at the Colorado State Fair Events Center in Pueblo.

"Winning state is our goal, there is no question about that," second-year Eagles coach Don Bost said. "I bring back an experienced team, and I know we will be ready to go. I was a little surprised that Jefferson Academy was seeded No. 8, but we have to beat the best to be the best, and that's the way we are looking at this game."

Jefferson Academy coach Mark Sharpley also was taken aback by his team's No. 8 seed, especially since four of his team's losses were to Mullen, Smoky Hill, Faith Christian and Thomas Jefferson.

"We thought our strength of schedule would play more in our favor and it didn't," Sharpley said. "Obviously, against ECA, we need to handle the multiple defenses they will throw at us. Plus, we know that we can't stop Rob Lewis, but we need to limit what he does against us."

Sharpley has proved he knows how to get teams to win games. His 11-year coaching record is 232-35, including a 145-24 mark with Jefferson Academy. Sharpley also has won four state titles - two each with Belleview Christian and the Jaguars.

Lewis, a senior, is the reigning 2A Mr. Basketball. He is averaging 27.3 points and 16 rebounds. Jefferson Academy will counter with fellow senior Ryan Holocher, who is scoring 18.9 points a game.

If Evangelical Christian does falter, No. 2 seed Sanford would love to take home the gold ball.

The Indians are paced by guard Dillon Larsen's 14 points a game. Rhett Larsen, Dillon's father, is Sanford's coach.

"We don't have a lot of size and we don't have a lot of speed, so we know that we're going to have to play our best to have a chance to take state," Rhett Larsen said.

Sanford clashes with an intriguing Wray squad led by senior Dylan Hochevar.

No. 3 seed Meeker is making its first trip to state since 1992.

Team-by-team capsules

Burlington (20-3)

• The Cougars enter on a high note after beating 2006 state runner-up Del Norte at regionals. Burlington dropped to the 2A ranks this year from 3A. The Cougars previously were at state in 1999 (3A). Burlington is led by high-scoring junior guard Nat David (18 points). Cassidy Halligan (15 points, nine rebounds) also packs plenty of punch for the Cougars. Burlington's starting post players are 6-foot-2 or taller, including Nolan Queen at 6-6.

Cripple Creek-Victor (21-2)

• According to coach Jim Bertrand, in his sixth year with the fourth-seeded Pioneers, this is the first time his school has advanced to the state tournament. The Pioneers are paced by 6-3 Taylor Morgan (19 points) and Trent Staley (11). Senior Steve DiCamillo (nine) also is a key contributor.

Evangelical Christian (20-3)

• The Eagles placed fourth a year ago and have their sights set on the gold ball this season. They are powered by Rob Lewis. The 6-7 senior puts up 27.3 points and grabs 16 rebounds a game. His experienced supporting cast includes Ryan Hurd (17.1 points) and Mike Huscher (12.6 points).

Grand Valley (19-4)

• The Cardinals make another trip to state and hope to have better results than a year ago, when they didn't place. They are led by the senior duo of 6-2 Sam McKinley (21.2 points) and 6-5 Luke Brady (16.1). Junior Tyler Jensen gives Grand Valley a third scoring option (12.4).

Jefferson Academy (17-6)

• The Jaguars are back to defend their title with a potent mix of new and experienced players. Jefferson Academy is led offensively by two post players, 6-3 Ryan Holocher (18.9 points) and 6-5 junior Ken Yockey (16.1). The shortest player in the Jaguars' starting five is 5-9 senior Blaine Swanson, who averages 10 points a contest.

Meeker (20-3)

• The state tournament is a somewhat new experience for the Cowboys. Their previous visit was in 1992, when they lost in the consolation semifinals. If these Cowboys are going to make some noise, it is going to be up to seniors Chantry Ross (15.7 points), Chas Mills (13.5) and Marcus Kindall (11). Kindall is the tallest player in Meeker's starting five, at 6-3.

Sanford (21-2)

• The Indians return to state after placing fifth a year ago. Sanford hammered Rocky Ford in the 2A regionals to reach state. Fueling the Indians' attack are seniors Dillon Larsen (14 points) and Keith Caldon (14 points, six rebounds). Fellow senior Troy Reynolds (10 points, six rebounds) also is a solid player.

Wray (17-6)

• Wray brings a team to state with some name recognition. The Eagles are coached by Brian Hochevar. His son, Dylan Hochevar, is powering the Eagles. The 6-4 senior is pouring in 19.1 points an outing. Fellow senior Michael Kerbs (11 points) also is a scoring threat. The smallest player in the Eagles' starting lineup is junior Aaron Orr, at 6-3.

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