When Denver East boys basketball coach Rudy Carey described this season's Class 5A state championship edition of the Angels, he used words he has never used before. He called them a "silly bunch" and "immature." He said coaching them was like working with a team of "2-year- olds." And when asked if the experience brought out his inner child, he just shook his head wearily and said, "No. They constantly test my parenting skills."

Once all that is said, though, the veteran coach, who now has won seven state titles, smiled and admitted, "They are a fun group."

COVER BOY: Turns out, Arapahoe basketball standout Levi Knutson can "rise" to any occasion. He finished his senior year as one of the top scorers in the state, his grade-point average is better than 4.0 and now he's featured in Rise magazine. The March edition profiles Knutson's work ethic and quotes coach Dan Snyder. "Levi is the kind of kid who comes along once every generation. None of us on the coaching staff, and none of his teachers, want him to graduate." In Boulder, Knutson's graduation is reason to celebrate. He will attend the University of Colorado, taking his basketball skills to the collegiate level.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIP$: For high school athletes, attaining all-state status can be a big goal. So it's quite a thrill to make the all-star roster for the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports annual basketball games. This year's contests are set for Sunday at Horizon. For future all-staters looking ahead, it is time to apply for a Sportswomen of Colorado summer sports camp scholarship. More than a hundred scholarships are available for elementary and middle school girls. The application deadline is April 15. Details are available at SportswomenofColorado.org.