There were no state basketball champions crowned this season because of the COVID-19 threat that ended competition late in the playoffs in March. But there was plenty of time before that point for the best and brightest to emerge.

To that end, Colorado Community Media brings you the annual unveiling of our All-South Metro Basketball Teams.

Student-athletes were eligible for the recognition if they attended schools in the Douglas County and Littleton districts, as well as Valor Christian, Lutheran, Regis Jesuit, Englewood, Cherry Creek, Grandview, Smoky Hill, Eaglecrest and Cherokee Trail high schools. The selections were made by the CCM sports staff, with input from area coaches.

We’re also recognizing players of the year. For the boys, our choice is Kobe Sanders, of Chaparral. Jana Van Gytenbeek, of Cherry Creek, is our selection on the girls side. Read more about them and the dozen other stellar players in the following.

The girls team

Player of the year — Jana Van Gytenbeek, Cherry Creek, 5-7, senior: The Stanford-bound Colorado Gatorade Player of Year is the state’s all-time assist leader with 671. She averaged 17.4 points, 7.7 assists and 3.2 steals a game.

Raegan Beers, Valor Christian, 6-3, sophomore: She was the Eagles’ leader with an average of 15.6 points and 9.9 rebounds a game and wound up with 15 double-doubles.

Lauren Betts, Grandview, 6-7, sophomore: She was the Centennial League’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 17.7 points and 11.1 rebounds. She had 14 double-doubles on the season and scored 62 points with 25 rebounds in three playoff games.

Cali Clark, Cherry Creek, 6-3, senior: The Colorado State signee was a big factor in the playoffs with 63 points and 36 rebounds in three games to improve her season averages to 13.9 points and 10.9 rebounds a game.

Liberty Line, Ponderosa, 5-7, junior: She was the Continental League leader in 3-point baskets made with 71 and averaged 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Jada Moore, Regis Jesuit, 5-10, senior: She is committed to play at Kansas State and averaged 17.6 points per game. She averaged 8.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.4 steals.

Payton Muma, Highlands Ranch, 5-8, junior: The clutch free throw shooter led the Falcons with an average of 15.3 points, 3.7 assists and 2.9 steals a game.

The boys team

Player of the year — Kobe Sanders, Chaparral, 6-0, senior: He was named after Kobe Bryant and will play at Metro State after leading the Continental League with a 20.2 scoring average. He shot 50 percent from 3-point range, making 72, and had 4.5 assists a game.

Ryker Cisarik, Highlands Ranch, 6-9, senior: He was among the Continental League leaders with a 17.8 scoring average and contributed 8.3 rebounds a game.

Julian Hammond III, Cherry Creek, 6-2, junior: Hammond, the quarterback on the Bruins’ state championship football team, in hoops led the Centennial League in scoring at 21.9 points per game and pulled down 7 rebounds per contest.

Reece Kelly, Mountain Vista, 6-2, senior: He was the Continental League leader with 8.8 rebounds a game and 85 3-point baskets made. He averaged 18.5 points and shot 82 percent from the foul line.

Caleb McGill, Grandview, 6-8, senior: He will continue playing on the next level at the University of California, Davis. He averaged 17.2 points a game and pulled down 7.1 rebounds per game for the Wolves.

Quinten Rock, Smoky Hill, 6-0, senior: He scored 20.8 points a game and led the Centennial League with 130 free throws made. The Fort Hays State (Kansas) recruit made 63, 3-pointers and averaged 5 assists a game.

Bryson Stephens, Arapahoe, 6-1, senior: He can finish shots with either hand. He was second in the Centennial League with a 21.5 scoring average, which included a 46-point game.