NEW LOOK ANGELS 

The Denver East High School Angels open the 2008–2009 season with a whole new look.  The team lists 2 starters among the 8 returning players.  DaVaughn Thornton, a 3 year starter will be counted on to lead the Angels deep into the Colorado State Tournament.  DaVaughn averaged 13.5 points per game last year, along with 7.1 rebounds per game.  The 6’4” Senior, and All-State Football player will take the court with Troy Wiese, the other returning starter from last year’s championship squad.  Troy, always known as a shooter, has added a full court presence to his game.  Both players have 2 championship rings, and have dedicated themselves to a most successful senior year.

Teaming with the seasoned starters are a talented group of relatively unknown players who have at least one year of varsity experience.  Patrick Hilaire, a part time starter last year, until he suffered a knee injury, is expected to step up and make up for the games he had to sit out last year.  6’5” Jeffery Hampton will be counted on to log significant minutes for the varsity this year.

The Angels will be sporting a new look this season.  After 4 years of a traditional basketball uniform, the Angels will unveil an updated collegiate look for the new season.

The Angels open the season on December 2 at the Heritage/ThunderRidge tournament.  An ambitious schedule has the Angels playing 10 games in 18 days, including tough contests against always dangerous in-state rival Doherty in Colorado Springs, and a Las Vegas tournament against nationally ranked teams.  Later in the season lurks ThunderRidge, Ralston Valley, Montbello, and reigning 4A state champions Lincoln.  Come state tournament time in February 2009, the Angels should be primed and ready.

Head Coach Rudy Carey begins his 33^rd year of high school coaching; 16 of them at East High School.  He is expected to notch his 600^th win in the first half of this season.