The past two state tournaments have held heartbreak for the Kent Denver boys basketball team.

This year, win or lose, the tournament will hold inspiration for the Sun Devils.

Kent Denver, perennially one of the top Class 3A teams, was one of the favorites to win it all in 2005 and 2006. In each of those seasons, the Sun Devils lost first-round games on improbable last-second shots.

This year, the team appeared destined for another top seed until misfortune struck in the regular-season home finale against Denver Lutheran.

Kyle Lewis, an all-state senior who has signed with the University of Denver, went after a loose ball and collided with an opposing player. Lewis' head violently was driven back and snapped down, and the 5- foot-9 guard immediately went limp.

For the next few moments, Lewis had no feeling in his arms or legs, and winning or losing basketball games lost all importance for Kent Denver coach Todd Schayes. Schayes has known Lewis since he was in the sixth grade, and he is much more than just a standout basketball player to the Sun Devils' longtime coach.

"I'm not afraid to say I love this kid," said Schayes, who is his 13th season with Kent Denver. "He's become a member of my family. We'll have a relationship that won't just last for four or five years; it will last for 50."

A strained neck - it's much like a stinger suffered in football - was the diagnosis. Lewis watched the next few games from the bench while wearing a brace.

He was cleared to play in regionals and saw limited action. The Sun Devils found a way to advance, with Will Deevy and Ben Stewart, among others, picking up their games to earn the trip to state.

Schayes said Lewis should be fully recovered by the end of the month and will be about 85 percent this weekend. His role will be as an outside shooter.

While a healthy Lewis would make Kent Denver one of the favorites to win it all, Schayes is just happy to have his player back on the court.

"Obviously, we'd love to win the last game and lift up that gold ball. But if I could trade a state championship for having a healthy Kyle back on the court, I'd take Kyle every time," Schayes said.

Team-by-team capsules

Colorado Springs Christian (23-1)

• The Lions have only stumbled once this season, losing 67-58 to Faith Christian on Dec. 16. The Lions have great size, including 6-foot-6 Matt Baarts (14.3 points, 6.6 rebounds) and 6-8 Taylor Broekhuis (12.7, 9.8). Broekhuis, a junior, has blocked 111 shots this season, good for a 4.83 average.

Eaton (21-3)

• The Reds head to state on a 13-game winning streak, not having lost since Jan. 16. Eaton has a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Seth Lobato, a 6-5 junior, has emerged as a force, scoring 15.2 points while grabbing 10.3 rebounds. The Reds also have a long-range threat in Drew Geisick, who has drilled 43 three-pointers this season.

Faith Christian (24-0)

• The top-ranked Eagles began the season with a 103-40 blowout of Class 5A Thornton and haven't missed a beat since, winning 17 games by 20 points or more. The Eagles have five players averaging in double figures, led by Graham Yantis (13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds) and Abraham Ziemer (13.5 points, 4.7 assists). It would be a major upset if Faith Christian isn't playing for the title Saturday.

Kent Denver (18-6)

• The health of senior all-state guard Kyle Lewis will be the major factor in how the Sun Devils do at Moby Arena. Lewis, who has signed to play at the University of Denver, injured his neck in the regular-season finale and was taken off the court on a stretcher. Lewis, who was averaging 27 points a game at the time, returned to limited action last week. With Lewis slowed, Will Deevy scored 17 to lead Kent Denver past Manitou Springs in the second round to advance.

Pagosa Springs (19-3)

• The Pirates have finished third at state the past two seasons and assured there would be a new champion when they knocked out Denver Christian in the second round. Pagosa Springs has solid guards in Jordan Shafer (14.3 points) and Kerry Joe Hilsaback (4.8 assists), and 6-5 senior Caleb Ormonde (11.7 points, 4.2 rebounds) gives them a presence in the paint.

Roosevelt (14-11)

• The Roughriders might be the biggest surprise in the quarterfinals. After starting 6-9, they have won eight of 10. Jerry Hildreth can light up the scoreboard and enters averaging 24.4 points. He scored a season-high 43 in a win against Brush on Feb. 13.

Rye (21-3)

• The Thunderbolts, a power in 2A the past few seasons, jumped to 3A this year and made an immediate impact, winning the Tri-Peaks East title. Rye won two close games last week to advance to Moby, including a 58-55 thriller against Valley. Offensively, Rye is a triple threat, with Andrew Harrison (17.4 points), Levi Henson (15.8) and Morgan Minck (14.5) leading the way.

Roaring Fork (23-1)

• The Rams have reached the past two title games and hope the third time is the charm. Roaring Fork's only loss was to 4A Liberty in the third game this season, and it has reeled off 21 straight wins. The Rams have a balanced attack, with three players (Kyle Raaflub, Torrey Udall and Kade Giannetti) averaging 13 to 15 points each.

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