Even Pierce Hornung's teammates shake their heads sometimes in disbelief that their Ralston Valley teammate is only a sophomore.

The 6-foot-3 forward's game is so advanced, it hardly seems possible.

"Keep your eye on him," Ralston Valley senior guard Zach Johnson said Thursday after the Mustangs beat Widefield 54-52 in a Class 4A semifinal at the Coors Events Center. "He's going to be someone to watch."

Actually, he already is. Especially since the state tournament began. Hornung, who averaged 13.3 points and 6.8 rebounds during the regular season, has elevated his game in the postseason, even while matching up against taller players.

He is averaging 16.7 points in the tournament, including a 22- point performance in a quarterfinal game against Pueblo South, and no player has been better on the boards. He had 20 rebounds in the semifinal and also scored the winning basket with two seconds remaining.

Hornung leads the Mustangs (24-3) into the 4A championship game tonight against Lincoln (19-7), where the sophomore will have another tough battle inside.

The Lancers, making their first appearance in a boys basketball state championship game, are well-stocked with post players, with 6-7 Ruot Pal, 6-8 Eric Carrasco and 6-6 Erick Preciado.

Although Pal had only three rebounds in the Lancers' 62-44 semifinal rout against Broomfield, he showed enough versatility to play defense on the perimeter against Broomfield's quick guards. He also scored 14 points.

The Lancers are loaded with scoring options. Jorge Gutierrez, a 6-2 point guard, can slash inside and get to the free-throw line seemingly at will.

Also, 5-7 guard Kadeem Thomas is a heady senior who can penetrate or stay outside and hit the three pointer. Thomas scored 21 points to lead the Lancers against Broomfield.

"I can't say enough about Kadeem," Lincoln coach Vince Valdez said. "He's a four-year starter and he's been our leader for 3 1/2 years now."

While low-scoring defensive battles have been the pattern of recent 4A title games, this matchup has the potential to be a fast-paced, freewheeling affair with plenty of points.

Ralston Valley's guard trio of Johnson, Kevin Webber and Grant Hamilton can punish opponents with three-pointers when left open, and Pierce and Brock Hornung do their damage inside. Lincoln has averaged 76 points in four playoff games, and the Mustangs have averaged 65.

"They flat out like to shoot the ball. They are well-coached and they execute," Valdez said of Ralston Valley. "And they like to get up and down a little bit, just like we do."

The teams met Jan. 9 during the regular season, with Ralston Valley edging the Lancers 64-61 behind 17 points from Johnson and 16 from Pierce Hornung. The Mustangs made five three- pointers in that game.

"They are a heck of a team," Valdez said. "We're glad that we get another chance to play them again. It should be a great game."