Wyatt Branish, a junior at Cherry Creek High School, is making significant contributions to the school’s boys lacrosse team this season, according to an April 15 report. Branish has emerged as a key player for the Bruins, both in scoring and leadership roles.
Branish’s performance matters for Cherry Creek as he continues a family tradition—his father and uncle played for the Bruins—and aims to set new records while helping his team contend for another state championship. He said representing Cherry Creek allows him to “carry on their legacy at Creek but also be able to create my own legacy.” His father played lacrosse at Denver University, and his older brother also competed at Cherry Creek.
Branish has already committed to play college lacrosse at the University of Michigan. Before moving on to Ann Arbor, he said he wants “to keep improving on just being a leader” and help younger teammates develop. After last year’s undefeated season saw several seniors graduate, Branish stepped up as one of the team’s leaders.
Coach Matt Bocklet praised Branish’s work ethic: “Wyatt, he’s having an incredible season so far this year… He’s definitely one of the hardest workers in our program.” Bocklet highlighted how Branish adapted from playing midfield as a freshman—where he was among assist leaders—to switching positions and leading the state in goals as a sophomore with 70 goals and 30 assists.
In 2026, Cherry Creek is ranked No. 3 in Class 5A by CHSAA seedings index with a record of seven wins and two losses against strong national teams. Over nine games this season, Branish has scored 26 goals with 23 assists. He helped lead Cherry Creek to its first boys lacrosse state championship since 2019 by defeating Valor Christian last year.
Reflecting on that victory, Branish said: “It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt in my life.” He credited coaches for preparing players well: “Our coaches really know how to scout a team… They know how to put us in the right positions.” The Bruins’ roster includes several other college prospects alongside Branish.
Looking ahead, Bocklet noted increased competition within Class 5A: “I feel like there’s a lot of new teams that are state championship contenders… It is cool to see there’s some new teams that are having some early-season success that will be competing for a state championship this year.”
