CHSAANow

Month: February 2016

  • Photos: Liberty girls basketball beat Prairie View to advance in 5A playoffs

    COLORADO SPRINGS — The Liberty Lancers advanced to the second round of the Class 5A girls basketball playoffs with a 56-34 win over Prairie View.

    [divider]

    [WPS_photo_gallery id=”424″]

  • Photos: Matthews leads Arapahoe girls basketball to Round 1 win in 5A

    LITTLETON — Madelyn Matthews had 20 points and 13 rebounds as sixth-seeded Arapahoe girls basketball beat No. 11 Pomona in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament on Tuesday.

    Katie Crowley added 13 points for the Warriors.

    [divider]

    [WPS_photo_gallery id=”426″]

  • Board of Directors requests survey on creating mercy rule in basketball

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    AURORA — CHSAA’s Board of Directors has begun to look into the creation of a mercy rule in boys and girls basketball.

    The Board met at the CHSAA office on Wednesday, and the issue of the mercy rule was raised by a few members. After some discussion, the Board felt it was necessary to further address the topic because of the growing concern surrounding the number of large discrepancies in scores this season, as well as recent seasons.

    Ultimately, the Board called for a survey of member schools to judge whether or not there would even be interest in its creation. That survey will be sent out to all schools within a few weeks.

    Included in the survey will be the general question: Would you support the creation of a mercy school in basketball? But, beyond that, it will also seek answers to specifics about any potential mercy rule. For example: Should the mercy rule begin at 30 points, 40 points, or some other margin? Should it apply all game, or only beginning in the second half, or even in the fourth quarter?

    It is likely that any mercy rule would simply involve a running clock which only stops at certain moments in the game, such as foul shots, timeouts, and the like. A number of leagues have implemented a similar rule at subvarsity contests.

    Other sports, such as football, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and softball have mercy rules, as per NFHS rules. Basketball does not have a mercy rule according NFHS rules, but Colorado could create one as a state adoption.

    If feedback from the survey indicates that schools would be in favor of the creation of a mercy rule for basketball, the Board would likely take a next step at its meeting in April.

  • Ball Fever’s preview of the 5A and 4A boys basketball state tournaments

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    Who’s going to get to Boulder this season? (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    We started out with some clear favorites in Class 4A/5A boys hoops, but it’s not totally surprising that some unexpected squads have risen to the top with a few being ranked No. 1 at different times of the season.

    Those who follow Ball Fever also know we don’t think this is a rare time for Colorado hoops, but a result of numerous factors leading to good basketball being played on our high school courts. As this season rolled along it came clear there was no clear favorite in 4A or 5A and we kind of like it that way!

    The buzz about Colorado hoops is legit and we can thank a growing basketball community for that from our peewee rec leagues to competitive club ball, increasing individual personal training opportunities, and truly dedicated high school staffs.

    The basketball product hitting the Colorado hardwood is improving and colleges of all levels are taking notice! We have even started a little tracking of the college players with our Ball Fever “College Watch” on twitter at @BallFever_CO_Tr. Great time to be a part of Colorado hoops and lets get to the madness!

    Now, on to the tournament previews:

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Bill Weimar Region

    Rangeview Cherry Creek boys basketball generic
    Rangeview played an incredibly challenging non-league schedule. (Matt Minton/JacksActionShots.com)

    Say what you want about the EMAC league, No. 1 Rangeview faced an extremely tough non-league schedule which set Coach Palmer’s squad up to cruise through the league and finish as undefeated league champs. The Raiders are stacked from top to bottom of the roster with seniors Tyrei Randall, Elijah Reed leading the way along with a duo of top 2017 juniors one can find in Elijah Blake and Matt Johnson Jr.

    Our 2 and 3 seeds here also had moments of being highly ranked during the season with lofty expectations. Cherokee Trail suffered close losses throughout the season but really never left our top-10 which was a sign of their tenacious style that has earned respect throughout the season. Key here is the health of point guard Jaizec Lottie and they will need senior David Thornton to be the double-double stud he’s been all season.

    Speaking of seniors stepping up: Will we finally see the veteran led Legend squad peak at the right time? They finished regular season on a run and could be poised for a March statement.

    • FAVORITES: Clearly Rangeview is the cream of the region and bring a “swag” to the gym that has overwhelmed many teams early. We like the Centennial league battles to serve Cherokee Trail well in this region as well. If these two eventually meet it will be a track meet!
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Top of the bracket squad to watch may be Arvada West. Luke Neff can shoot as well as anyone in the state and his big man — CU commit — Dallas Walton can alter the game in so many ways. Speaking of shooting, Fossil Ridge has the radar of Braxton Bertolette to lean on but he’s not the only one who can hurt you from the Sabercat “family.” Coach Johannsen will have his squad ready and they travel well!

    Jim Baggot Region

    (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    Colbey Ross is a star for Eaglecrest. But they’re not a one-man show, says Ball Fever. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    We have discussed the fact Eaglecrest is not a “one-man show” as some think. Colbey Ross can certainly light it up but the Raptors, who rode the wave as our state’s No. 1-ranked squad for a portion of the season, have multiple young weapons who can score. The youth of Victor Garnes and strong perimeter defense of guys like Jalaugn Jackson give them a nice mix of guys who know their role and could be on a mission.

    Senior Geoff Kelly and the Regis Raiders have shown the consistent balance we’ve come to expect from Coach Shaw’s teams. They slow things down and force squads to play their pace at the 2 seed in this region.

    • FAVORITES: Hard to pick here! Denver East played Eaglecrest tough at their place a few weeks back and that possible Sweet 16 match up is almost a must-see. Regis has also played East and beat them on their home court. No disrespect to Grand Junction and Dakota Ridge but Raptors, Angels, and Raiders may end up getting familiar with each other again here.
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Fort Collins is a “scary” No. 7 and won’t be intimidated if they make it to the Regis gym. Mountain Vista contended with all the best in Continental league, and their fate will depend on the health of point guard Isaac Essien, who didn’t play in season finale. We hope for his return to see the Eagles at their best.

    Ray C. Ball Region

    Overland boys basketball team
    Defending champion Overland is aiming for another 5A title. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    The Fever Crew watched that Wednesday night when the Trailblazers lost at home to a scrappy Grandview team and we believe that loss has vaulted Overland to their league-winning late run, and given them new energy focused on defending their title. Big De’Ron Davis, Jervae Robinson, and Reggie Gibson decided it was time for the seniors to take control of the squad and they haven’t lost since.

    Two of our favorites to follow this year has been Doherty, who was as hot as any in the state mid-year, and Rock Canyon, who surprised the Continental League in showing they were more ready to face the best than some thought. Boulder gets a bye in this region, as well, after an impressive late run to win their league.

    • FAVORITES: As previously stated, it would be hard to doubt the laser sharp focus Overland has attacked the last few weeks with. They have “been there” with extreme senior leadership that will fight to the end. We stick with our early season prediction that Overland returns to Boulder to defend their title. Almost hated to see Rock Canyon and Doherty at the bottom of the bracket together because that’s two squads which could advance if not having to possibly face in Sweet 16.
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Watched Grand Junction in early season tourney play at Smoky HIll and Lakewood found they were a tough foe then … time for round two! Rock Canyon anticipates a visit from Arapahoe on Saturday and both teams gritty style of play make that a south side treat if it becomes reality. One team that can stack up with 1 seed Overland is an under the radar FNE (Montbello). The Warriors have the athletes to compete with the Trailblazers, but experience may be a factor.

    Chauncey Billups Region

    ThunderRidge boys basketball team Joe Ortiz
    ThunderRidge boys basketball was in Boulder last season. Can they return? (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Started out talking about a T-Ridge/Overland rematch and two D-I commits Clay Verk and Austin Mueller would like nothing more than another shot in Boulder. But it won’t be easy as teams that make it ugly and mix it up await them immediately in Lincoln and Cherry Creek. Is there a quieter undefeated league champ than Chatfield? Well, maybe the George Washington Patriots, who also went undefeated in winning the DPL. Teams with a chip on the shoulder here, folks!

    • FAVORITES: The Fever Crew likes senior leadership so the Grizzlies are obviously an easy pick but tourney play also requires steady guard play with a prime time player who can step up: ENTER George Washington, hoop fans. This squad won DPL for second year in a row on the backs of the exciting Fugett brothers but we are most impressed with scoring machine Daylen Kountz — just a sophomore but it doesn’t get much smoother than his left hand!
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Did we say senior leadership? Guard play? Chatfield may have Aurora Central’s due of Ladarius Thomas and Elijah Coleman coming their way which will be fun. Jamison Washington looks healthy and we think his Lincoln Lancers will give ThunderRidge all they can handle in a potential second round match-up.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Longmont Mountain View boys basketball
    What will Justinian Jessup and Longmont do this postseason? (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Maceo Broadnax Region

    The Pueblo squads just beat each other up this season but it was the David Simental lead Pueblo West squad that eventually rose to the top and leads this region. A potential Sweet 16 match up of two athletic squads the Fever Crew watched recently in Denver South and Vista PEAK, who won their league for second season in a row.

    • FAVORITES: The Fever Crew hasn’t seen Pueblo West this season but it’s clear they can play. We have seen Denver South. The Rebels were right there with top 5A competition and we see that helping them advance. Vista PEAK is a young fiesty squad that’s a year away in our humble opinion!
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Thompson Valley will draw from those battles with Longmont and could be ready to show the rest of 4A their northern league is legit.

    Mark Randall Region

    Valor ended the season with a surprising loss to league foe D’Evelyn but we’ve seen those losses catapult a team to a March run. The Fever Crew has documented how the Eagles seem to have a different player take the lead on each night and we are eager to see who steps up as a leader in postseason. Jalen Sanders is the choice many feel will lead Valor to Boulder.

    • FAVORITES: Pueblo South was the 4A No. 1 for a very long stretch but had a couple head-scratching losses along the way which make this squad a bit of a mystery from down south — but obviously a force to reckon with. Windsor jumped into our 4A top 10 late but was humbled by Mead late in the season, which led to a little doubt on where they stand.
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Thomas Jefferson faced tough 5A squads non league and took their lumps in DPL play. That means nothing now and the Spartans have scoring punch, experience that could equal success in tourney play.

    Richard Tate Region

    There they are! Justinnian Jessup and Longmont return a hungry crew who were “oh so close” to a perfect season one year ago. D’Shawn Shwartz is one of our top rated players and ESPN has recognized the strong lefty. He can lead Sand Creek to a “W” on any given night.

    • FAVORITES: Previously mentioned Longmont and Sand Creek are obvious with their star power but Ball Fever recognized lead point guard CJ Jennings early in the season as our 4A “sleeper” and Coach Dunn’s squad didn’t let us done continually improving, earning more top-10 4A votes along the way.
    • WATCH OUT FOR: Does it get any more “watch out!!” than D’Evelyn, who recently walked into Valor and handed the Eagles a loss? Mead did the same to Windsor, and Longmont better watch Coach Berringer’s back door plays if they over extend defensively vs. Skyview.

    Guy Gibbs Region

    Longmont lost one game to a 5A squad and Lewis-Palmer stepped in to take the reins of 4A’s No. 1 spot. Jonathon Scott is the leader but a cast of Rangers make this squad go. Two teams, Evergreen and Rifle, who flirted with our 4A top-10, await the Rangers and won’t make it easy.

    • FAVORITES: There’s that senior leadership again: Ryan Blodgett at 6-foot-4 can swing the tide of any game Golden’s way and they’re another squad playing with that “chip” on their shoulder after not being spoken of as elite during the season but have a chance to prove things now.
    • WATCH OUT FOR: We’ll put it like this — WATCH OUT for two straight up scorers! Hunter Maldonado a game changer for Vista Ridge while “dirty” Mike Ranson has led the state in scoring for Pueblo Central.

    [divider]

    Final Thoughts

    Is it Wednesday yet? If the anticipation of the 5A/4A brackets and Twitter fun everyone had on Selection Sunday was any indication of what’s to come, we are in for another priceless three weeks of dreams coming true and lasting memories! Enjoy.

  • CHSAANow seeking voters for 2016 spring rankings

    It’s nearly time for the 2016 spring season. That means CHSAANow is seeking voters for its weekly rankings.

    All head coaches and media members wishing to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org for instructions.

    This spring, CHSAANow will continue to offer weekly rankings for the following team sports:

    • Baseball
    • Boys Lacrosse
    • Girls Lacrosse
    • Girls Soccer

    The rankings will publish each Monday during the winter season. They are housed on the Rankings homepage.

  • Ball Fever: Exciting regular season in boys basketball comes to a close

    Grandview Overland boys basketball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    What a season, hoops fans! We started off predicting our early season favorites Overland and ThunderRidge might just end up in a Boulder rematch in March. That prediction very much alive but the reason we play the game is for a STACKED Rangeview Raiders squad many didn’t see coming run the table and finish as undefeated No. 1.

    How about young Eaglecrest, charging Chatfield, steady Regis, and tough Rock Canyon all with the ability to shake up the Class 5A postseason?

    In 4A we, as many others, we liked a Longmont squad that returned a full starting five from last year’s title contending squad but a crew from Lewis-Palmer that always seems to be in the 4A mix, along with some top Pueblo squads, and finally a talented Valor group all have their eye on the Gold Ball with a wide open shot to claim it!

    Let’s see how the final week played out.

    [divider]

    Week in review:

    Monday, Feb. 15:

    • Arvada West got a 13 point, 6 rebound effort from recent CU-commit Dallas Walton en route to a tight 3 point win over Boulder.

    Tuesday, Feb. 16:

    Regis Jesuit Mountain Vista boys basketball
    Regis Jesuit beat Mountain Vista on Tuesday. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    • No. 1 Rangeview one step closer to perfect season after romping Gateway by 30 and lead man Tyrei Randall scored 27!
    • The Fever Crew got out to Vista Peak this week where the Bison hosted a game Skyview squad. Coach Berringer’s squad looked like a well oiled machine early as Vista overplayed aggressively on defense and Skyview made them pay with back door cuts. But late in the game it was Jason Earnets’s inside work (14 points) that sealed it for the home squad.
    • Josh Watt snapped the shots as Pine Creek topped Fountain-Fort Carson by 3.
    • Jack Eberhard on the actions shots as No. 3 Regis got a key league win against Mountain Vista.
    • Dominic Coleman’s 18 points, 9 rebounds wasn’t enough to hold off ThunderRidge’s balance in this league contest.
    • Riley Matticks 22 helped Legend to the comeback win over a game Rock Canyon who will be one of the toughest postseason “outs.” Super soph Sam Masten with 24 in the loss.
    • Michael Ranson kept the scoring touch going with 29 for Pueblo Central but not enough as they fall short 63-61 to Pueblo West.
    • Fossil Ridge locks in huge league win as Braxton Bertolette wasn’t on from the 3-point line but the Sabercat’s big second half with 14-point win over Fairview.
    • No. 9 Sierra got 23 from CJ Jennings and 14 from Kion Wingo en route to 64-39 win over Canon City.
    • Jamison Washington had a night for the Lincoln Lancers as they outpaced DPL foe Thomas Jefferson 93-86 and Washington led all scorers with 28. Two dangerous teams in the post season. Six double figure scorers for the Spartans led by Xavier Coopers 18.
    • Doherty, now ranked No. 10, exploded for a 40-point victory over Coronado with the Brushier/Brimble combo both going for 17 each!
    • No. 6 Windsor was in for a big surprise as they traveled to Mead and lost by 19 as Walker Korrell scored 28 and James Maher added 20.
    • If you think 35 points is impressive how about the 9 steals Justinnian Jessup had for No. 3 Longmont in 15-point win over Greeley Central!

    Wednesday, Feb. 17: 

    • Brighton had a shot at No. 1 Rangeview: It didn’t go well…the Raiders ran up 93 points and won by 51 with everyone on roster contributing!
    • 4A No. 1 took down defending champ Air Academy 81-54 with Jonathon Scott and Billy Cook scoring 15 points.
    • Overland has been flexing it’s muscle as of late and Stephen Priest covered their latest dominant performance Wednesday. Photos here from Matt Mathewes.
    • Josh Watt was down south to catch Vista Ridge take down Discovery Canyon.
    • Chatfield, quietly rolling undefeated in league at No. 6 in 5A, got another convincing 21-point win over Columbine.
    • Count em! Twelve Eaglecrest players got in the scoring act as the Raptors mauled Grandview by 30! Elijah Wilson led with 14.
    • Great senior night memories at Arapahoe and Kyle Lucasiewicz scored 16 but the Warriors couldn’t hold off Cherry Creek who pulled the 1-point victory. Wil Halfon with 15 points, 4 rebounds in the win.
    • Ok Lakewood! That 53-52 win over Arvada West will look good to the committee!
    • No. 2 Valor got a scare from Green Mountain but held on to a 3-point victory behind Jalen Sanders 17 points.

    Thursday, Feb. 18:

    • Boulder laying conference claims on the league as Luke Wilson got hot fro 24 points leading to a huge win over Fossil Ridge.
    • Liberty, trying to get the seeding committees attention late, go on the road winning by 8 at Pine Creek. TJ Clark led the way with 23 points.
    • Caleb Stewart “stat-stuffin” for Mesa Ridge as the squad ran up 103 points on Woodland Park. Stewart’s stat line:  25 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, with 2 steals!
    • Another Northern league conference title for Longmont as they go unbeaten in league with 8 point finale win over Silver Creek.

    Friday, Feb. 19:

    Sand Creek Vista Ridge boys basketball
    Sand Creek beat Vista Ridge. (Josh Watt/CHSAANow.com)
    • Josh Watt has the action from Sand Creek getting revenge on Vista Ridge.
    • Speaking of avenging losses, Overland has been on an absolute tear since their loss to Grandview and won by 17 this time around!
    • Big man Elijah Reed’s 20 points for No. 1 Rangeview helped them lock in the perfect season blowing out rival Gateway and entering post season play on fire!
    • Colby Ross and young soph Victor Garnes led the way for Eaglecrest as they closed out the season with a 20-point win over Mullen and in hopes of a No. 1 seed in 5A tourney play.
    • Troy Boenik scored 20 but Mountain Vista was missing their lead point guard and ThunderRidge took advantage pulling out the tight 4-point road win to claim league honors and a possible 1 seed!
    • Amadou Dieye had 14 points, 6 rebounds as a FNE (Montbello) Warriors squad that will cause trouble in bracket play got a season ending win over Thomas Jefferson by 1.
    • Fruita Monument ended final season standings tied with Grand Junction at 8-2 but convincingly won the season ending battle 51-45.
    • Dalven Brushier’s 16-point, 10-rebound double-double helped the Spartans take the league down south with a final 14-point over Palmer. Tough non league schedule and this run has the Brevin Brimble led Doherty squad primed for playoffs.
    • Chatfield left little doubt that 5A Jeffco was theirs finishing season with convincing blowout of Pomona and unbeaten in league!
    • Tri Valley league just beat each other up this year and that continued in finale as Holy Family beat ranked Windsor for the second time this year.
    • Joe Decoud was the man for No. 1 Lewis-Palmer this night as the Rangers went unbeaten in league play with win over Mesa Ridge.
    • What a way for D’Evelyn to finish the season taking down their former head coach as they went into No. 2 Valor’s house and pulled the upset by 5 with Charlie Davis scoring 13.
    • Pueblo West had the final say down south finishing league play 9-1 and beating Pueblo South by 10!
    • Props to the young Vista Peak squad led by Te’Rae Johnon’s 19 points locking up the league title with 15 point win over Fort Morgan.

    Saturday, Feb. 20:

    • Just when you thought Denver South could pull the big win at home and East may not be a factor in playoffs…the Angels send the reminder that you might not want to see them in your side of the bracket.
    • Legend finished the season with great momentum with 50-49 win at Rampart. Can this senior led squad live up to the hype now that playoffs are here?

    [divider]

    Tournament brackets

    The state tournament brackets were released on Sunday:

    Another fun regular season in the books! Stay tuned for the most in-depth 5A/4A tournament/bracket break down to hit our site on Tuesday!

  • Meeker wins 2A wrestling championship by slim one-point margin

    State wrestling
    Meeker won the 2A wrestling team championship. More photos. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — In addition to the tension of wrestling for individual state championships, 10 wrestlers entering Saturday’s Class 2A state finals had the added pressure of knowing their matches could well determine the all-prestigious team championship.

    Heading into the championship matches, just 4.5 points separated the top three teams.

    Rocky Ford, with three wrestlers in the finals, led with 130.5 points. Centauri, with four in title matches, trailed by 2.5. Meeker, also with three wrestling for titles, had 126.

    It all started in the evening’s first match, with Rocky Ford junior Jacob Rodriguez looking to defend his 106-pound title. He did it in style, pinning Centauri’s Zach Martin in 1:01.

    “Coach (Mike Jurney) talked about how important the match was and how important it was for the team,” Rodriguez said.

    Centauri suffered another loss in the next match, at 113, as Akron’s Tanner Watson held on for an exciting 10-9 decision over Joe Chavez.

    Quinton Montague got Centauri on track, winning the 120-pound title in style.

    Trailing two-time defending state champ Jonathan Andreatta 6-2 entering the third period, Montague got a takedown midway through the period, then earned back points to tie the match. He got another takedown 28 seconds into overtime.

    After watching his two teammates, lose, “It kind of made me mad,” Montague said.

    He wasn’t concerned about overcoming a four-point deficit.

    “I just kept going, couldn’t stop,” he said.

    But the Meloneers stayed in the team hunt with a victory by Jeremy Fraser by 16-1 technical fall at 132.

    Fraser made the progression each season, finishing fourth at state as a freshman, third as a sophomore and runner-up last year.

    “I knew what to expect,” he said of handling the hoopla of the Parade of Championship prior to the finals.

    As for knowing each match was important in the team race, “It motivated me way more,” he said of relishing the pressure.

    Meanwhile, looming close was Meeker, which, starting at 152, had three wrestlers competing in the next four title bouts.

    Casey Turner got it started on a positive note, pinning Hayden Harris of Norwood/Nucla in 2:44.

    Turner, a sixth seed, had beaten Harris three times during the season, but Harris got the better of them at last week’s regional tournament. That provided more motivation for Turner.

    “(The team race) was definitely on my mind,” he said, “but if each individual takes care of business, the team scores will take care of themselves.”

    That being said, getting the pin points was a big plus.

    Then it was time for a Meeker-Centauri head-to-head as the Cowboys’ TJ Shelton, looking to become Colorado’s 19th four-time state champion, took on Chris Martin at 170.

    Shelton took control in the second period, getting near falls in the second and third periods to take a 16-7 decision.

    Then it was teammate Devon Pontine’s turn at 182. He controlled Zane Barber of John Mall throughout, earning those all-important pin points in 4:46.

    The upper-weight wrestlers push each other hard in the Meeker practice room.

    “Every day somebody’s on the verge of tears in there,” Pontine said.

    It was up to Rocky Ford’s Greg Garcia, trying to pull the upset over Keith Dunagan of Crowley County in the heavyweight match.

    But Dunagan retained his perfect record (34-0) with a pin in 1:39.

    That sealed the team title for Meeker, which, with 143 points, edged Rocky Ford by a slim point.

    “Every kid we brought scored points,” Cowboys coach JC Watt said of his 10-strong state crew.

    As for bringing the team title back to Rio Blanco County for the first time in 11 years, “It’s awesome,” said Watt of upholding a strong Meeker wrestling tradition.

    Bo Pipher of Paonia became a three-time state champion, capping off his high school career with a pin of Soroco’s Jace Logan in 3:20 at 145 to complete an undefeated season (48-0).

    For Pipher, whose dad Andy is his coach, there was some pressure going for the three-peat.

    “It’s probably a little more because there’s no redeeming yourself next year,” he said.

    Then again, “This last one is sweet knowing it was my last high school match.”

    Morgan Fogg, who won the 126-pound 4A state title as a junior for Thompson Valley last year, followed that up with the 2A title for Highland in the same class, pinning undefeated Anthony Quintana of Buena Vista in a quick 1:03.

    Despite going from 4A to 2A, “You can’t take anyone for granted,” Fogg said, knowing he was going up against a 39-0 wrestler.

    Britton Holmes of Peyton got a near fall in the third period en route to a 6-4 victory over Ethan Appenzeller of Ignacio for the 138-pound crown.

    Buena Vista’s Sabyn Diamond scored four points in the third period to overtake Reagan Lane of Eads 6-4 for the 160-pound title. Teammate Keegan Wentz was the 220-pound champion, defeating previously unbeaten Kaleb Gaede of Limon 9-5 for his second state title.

    Brandon Anderson of Sedgwick County/Fleming won 3-0 over Jason Murphy of John Mall at 195.

  • 3A wrestling: Robertson, Fate claim third championships; Valley claims team title

    Dalton Robertson Weld Central state wrestling
    Weld Central’s Dalton Robertson. More photos. (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — After securing the 106-pound state championship in Class 4A as a freshman, Weld Central’s Dalton Robertson had an ambitious vision.

    As wrestlers mature over the course of their prep careers, naturally they tend to move up in weight classes. But Robertson wanted to go from one extreme to the other.

    “My goal since my freshman year after winning 106 was, for my senior year, to win that heavyweight,” the senior said. “I wanted to be the first person to win the lightest weight and then the heaviest weight. I fell a little short, but I guess 182 isn’t bad.”

    Robertson, a soon-to-be Northern Colorado Bear, won bookend state crowns, along with another his junior season, to cap off a storied career with three state championships in four seasons by defeating La Junta’s William Tyler 3-0. He also placed fifth in the 126-pound division in 4A in 2014 and won the 160-pound division in 3A in 2015.

    While Robertson wasn’t the only state champion to repeat on Saturday at the Pepsi Center — five of six defending champions won again in 3A — Robertson’s wrestling journey has been particularly uncommon.

    “It’s something that’s very unheard of,” Weld Central coach Jason Schellenberg said. “I think there’s a kid in California that graduated a few years back that jumped from 106 to 182, but I don’t think it’s ever happened in Colorado with that big of a jump — with undefeated seasons especially.”

    Just as Robertson crossed classifications and won at multiple levels, Berthoud senior Jimmy Fate did the same during his illustrious career for the Spartans. As a sophomore, he topped all competitors in the 138-pound division in 4A. As a junior, he conquered 145 in 3A.

    Finally, in his state tournament finale, Fate pinned Steamboat Springs sophomore Hayden Johnson in a mere 55 seconds for the 160-pound title to solidify his place in history as a three-time state champion.

    “It’s probably the weirdest one that I’ve won just because I’m actually done now,” Fate said. “It feels great. I’m just kind of reflecting on all the people that have helped me get to where I am today. It chokes me up a little bit.”

    Fate, another University of Northern Colorado signee, posted a 44-2 record in his senior year for Berthoud.

    “The first one was real sweet, but I’m glad to get this one taken care of,” he said. “It just feels good to get this third one and close it out right.”

    Alamosa junior Isaiah DeLaCerda (38-5, 113), Fort Lupton junior Jody Sandoval II (42-2, 120) and Berthoud senior Chad Ellis (33-2, 195) filled out the group of five that won at least back-to-back crowns. Dolores Huerta senior Marcus Garcia was the only defending champion to get taken down as he was defeated 3-2 by Sheridan junior Ricky Ayala (42-3) at 220. Freshman Brendon Garcia of Dolores Huerta went unbeaten, 41-0, with an 8-1 decision over Brush’s Caleb Cox at 106.

    State wrestling
    Valley won the 3A team championship. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    As for the chase for the team title, Valley overcame all challengers for their third consecutive 3A championship with 144 points.

    Dolores Huerta was the runner-up with 119.5 points, Berthoud was third with 97.5, and Olathe was fourth with 94.

    The Vikings from Gilcrest, coached by veteran Mike Caciari, have now won three titles in wrestling and 16 total titles in the school’s history.

    The championship finals actually began with a defeat for Valley, sophomore Brandon Damian was beaten by Lamar senior Michael Johnson 9-7 in the 132-pound class, but the Vikings remained poised.

    In the 170 finals, senior Macoy Flanagan tied the Colorado record for most wins in a single season by going 51-0 with an 8-5 victory over Holy Family junior Kolsen Welham.

    “He’s just been dominating all year,” Caciari said. “I don’t think he’s been taken down once. He’s a great leader. That’s one of the reasons we win all these things, because he’s such a great leader.”

    “It’s truly cool,” Caciari added about a trio of titles. “Every one of them has been a little different. This wasn’t decided until the finals.

    “I think we just have a lot of kids who really buy in. They work really hard and they are tough, so they can be pushed hard and won’t quit. Not all kids are like that, so we have special boys.”

    Junior Aaron Trujillo (48-3, 138) and senior Zach Damian (35-8, 145) also completed their weekends with gold medals for Valley. Kyle Cisneros of Jefferson (126), Jacob Jimenez of Olathe (152) and Sam deSeriere of Mullen (285) triumphed in 3A as well.

  • 4A wrestling: Pueblo County makes history with school’s first championship

    State wrestling
    Pueblo County won the 4A team wrestling title. More photos. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER – State championship history doesn’t have to wait anymore for Pueblo County High School in boys sports.

    For the first time, since the school opened in 1953, the Hornets can celebrate a boys state title.

    The Hornets wrestling team made sure of that Saturday.

    Pueblo County’s Grant Willits (126), Justin Davis (132), Hunter Willits (152) and Dante Garcia (182) all took home gold medals, powering the Hornets to the Class 4A state title during the state wrestling tournament at the Pepsi Center.

    “This means a lot,” said Pueblo County coach Eddie Soto, who has been the boss of the Hornet program since 2010 and was chosen 4A coach of the year. “The school really deserves this and these boys really deserve this. They put in the work all year round and to make history. This is something they will never forget.”

    Pueblo County finished with 203.5 points, easily outdistancing runner-up Greeley Central (121).

    The Hornets also had Josiah Nava (113 pounds, second place), Nathan Bonham (106, third), Chris Sandoval (138, second), Jayson Davis (170, sixth), Donovan Rincon (195, third) and heavyweight Devon Mraovich (sixth), who is the lone senior on the squad, all place. Pueblo County took 12 wrestlers to the state tourney out of 14 weights.

    “These guys all feed off each other and they make each other tough,” said Soto, whose team finished second at state last season to Thompson Valley. “Iron sharpens iron. All these guys had high goals and they wanted us to win state. It is a really fun room. Anybody who appreciates wrestling would love watching our practice.”

    This was the highest point total for a Pueblo wrestling team to capture state. This is the fifth wrestling team state championship in Pueblo history – the others were Pueblo South (1997, 2004 and 2005, all in 4A) and Pueblo Central (1993, 5A).

    Hunter Willits Pueblo County state wrestling
    Pueblo County’s Hunter Willits. (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    The Hornets point total wasn’t the only Pueblo history they made. Hunter Willits became the first Steel City wrestler to win three state wrestling titles in a row, after snaring titles at 132 pounds as a freshman and 138 pounds as a sophomore. Hunter registered a 17-2 technical fall over Mesa Ridge’s Devin Roettger.

    “Our whole team trained to win state all year and all the hard work paid off and this is happiness and joy for everybody,” Hunter said. “It’s amazing and electrifying to be the first wrestler to win three state championships in a row in Pueblo. I know how many great wrestlers have come through Pueblo, so it’s incredible to set this record.”

    While Hunter was putting his name in the Pueblo record book, Grant, his fraternal twin, was getting a measure of redemption after he suffered heartbreak a year ago at state. Grant beat Thompson Valley’s Vlad Kazakov 10-5 in the finals.

    Grant used a takedown and near fall to end the second period to take a 7-5 lead, that he would never surrender.

    A year ago, Grant, who was competing at 113 pounds was on the cusp of making Pueblo prep history. Grant and Hunter were trying to become the first wrestlers in Pueblo prep history to win back-to-back state championships in their freshman and sophomore seasons.

    As freshmen, Grant won 4A state at 106 pounds and Hunter was tops at 132 pounds, and they also became the only twins from Pueblo to win state.

    That back-to-back Willits plan, however was derailed in unexpected fashion.

    The morning of Feb. 20, 2015 at the Class 4A state tourney, Grant failed to make weight and was disqualified for the final two days of the tournament.

    Grant, with a 3-pound weight allowance, could weigh up to 116 pounds and he weighed in at 116.1 pounds on four different scales at the Pepsi Center.

    “This means everything to win state as a team and as an individual after I missed weight and wasn’t able to compete with my team last year,” Grant said. “I was able to erase all those memories from last year. It’s also truly awesome to win the first boys state title at Pueblo County because every time you look at it people will remember the first boys state title.

    “They might have a hard time remembering the second, third or fourth state title, but they always will remember the first, and that’s what makes this one the best.”

    Wrestling glory is nothing new for the Willits family.

    Rick Willits, the twins’ father and assistant coach for the Hornets, won a Class AAA state championship at 132 pounds in 1980 while competing for Pueblo East. The elder Willits then went on to win an NAIA national championship at 150 pounds at Adams State College in 1985.

    With a slew of talent returning, Soto also is already brimming with confidence for next season.

    “I’m very excited for these boys and I know they will keep working to get even better,” Soto said.

    Scoring a hat trick

    Discovery Canyon’s Sam Turner (138 pounds), Thompson Valley’s Parker Simington (160), and Fort Morgan heavyweight Toby McBride each ended their prep state wrestling careers with their third state titles.

    Turner beat Pueblo County’s Chris Sandoval in a dramatic match.

    The score was 1-1 at the end of regulation and Turner won 2-1 23 seconds into the fourth overtime with an escape.

    “I didn’t have a lot of energy left,” Turner said. “I had to pull it out.

    Turner won state at 120, 132 and 138 pounds his finals three years. He also was second at state as a freshman at 106 pounds.

    “People say there’s more pressure or even less pressure if you’ve won state before, but it’s the same thing every time,” Turner said. “It’s the most nerve-racking experience of your life and there’s no way you can prepare for it. I just knew I had to dig deep and in overtime, you don’t really like to think about what you can do wrong, you want to think about more what you have to do right and stay solid.”

    Simington was dominate, scoring a 20-5 technical fall over Longmont’s Drake Engelking with 40 seconds left in second period.

    “This is extremely exciting and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Simington said. “It’s crazy to think this was my last high school match, but when I look back on it, there’s no better way to have end this way.”

    Simington, who going to attend the Air Force Academy and wrestle, won state at 145 pounds as a sophomore and at 160 pounds his final two years.

    Fort Morgan state wrestling Toby McBride
    Fort Morgan’s Toby McBride. (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Fort Morgan’s Toby McBride made it three state titles in a row as he edged Pueblo East’s Jacob Robles 6-3.

    McBride won state at 220 pounds as a sophomore and junior. He also ended his wrestling career and he’s signed to play football – as a defensive end – with Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

    McBride finished the season with a 29-0 record – 27 by pins – with the exception of his two matches against Robles. He also beat Robles 6-2 at the Top of the Rockies tournament in January at Centaurus High School.

    “He’s a tough wrestler and he know how to wrestle heavyweight,” McBride said. “He’s the best wrestler I’ve wrestled all year and he’s a great competitor. The difference (Saturday) was that I was able to wrestle hard get takedowns and do what my coaches told me.”

    Pueblo East makes history

    While Pueblo County was basking in glory, Pueblo East was making some noise of its own.

    East’s four state finalist – Andrew Lucero (106), Jace Trujillo (113), Trent Fair (132) and heavyweight Jacob Robles – was the most wrestlers the school has ever had competing for state titles on championship night. East’s finished fifth in the team standings with 108 points.

    Trujillo actually made history of his own as he became the first freshman wrestler at Pueblo East, which opened in 1959, to take state. Trujillo pinned Josiah Nava 17 seconds into the first overtime period.

    Prior to Saturday, Trujillo had a 0-2 record against Nava this season. Nava won state at 106 pounds a year ago.

    “This is the best feeling in my life,” said Trujillo, who had a 33-4 season record. “I was just aggressive and never stopped.”

    Veteran Pueblo East coach Pat Laughlin praised Trujillo.

    “It’s amazing to see Jace win as a freshman,” Laughlin said. “Jace is a phenomenal kid and he wrestled a great match.”

    Lucero, a sophomore, never wrestled against Windsor freshman Will Vombaur before Saturday, and came up short, dropping a 10-3 decision.

    Fair and Pueblo County’s Justin Davis met for the first time this season and Fair was upended 5-2. Fair’s rise to a runner-up finish is impressive considering he started the season at 145 pounds and he didn’t compete at 132 pounds until regionals last weekend.

    Robles was trying to become the first Pueblo East wrestling back-to-back state champion. Robles won state at heavyweight last year, but dropped a tough 6-3 decision to Fort Morgan’s McBride.

    Greeley Central’s Alirez stars

    Freshman Andrew Alirez capped a perfect season in grand fashion, defeating Air Academy Jason Hanenberg 12-5 at 120 pounds.

    Alirez, who was ranked No. 2 in the state by On The Mat, posted a 45-0 mark. Hanenberg, a sophomore, was ranked No. 1 in state.

    “I love to wrestle and go out there and compete,” Alirez said. “This feels great and shows if you work hard in the room, you win and that’s what I’ve done all season long. I worked hard and won.”

    Freshman glory, Part II

    At 106 pounds, Windsor’s Will Vombaur started his prep wrestling career with ultimate glory as the freshman won state over Pueblo East’s Andrew Lucero. Lucero, a sophomore, placed fourth at state at 106 pounds a freshman.

    “I’m feeling great,” said Vombaur, who finished the season with a 41-3 record. “I knew I had to keep up the pace and eventually I would get my shot. I was just waiting for my opportunity on top. I knew I could turn him and I just never stopped. Every time it got hard in practice, I just pictured myself in the state finals match and (Saturday) I got to do it for real, and I feel great.”

    Mesa Ridge roars

    Samuel Freeman, a senior, capped his career off in style defeating Mountain View’s Erik Lobato-Contreras 8-2 at 145 pounds in the finals.

    “This feels amazing,” said Freeman, who placed sixth at 138 pounds as a junior.

    Freeman’s teammate Deric Cruz (195 pounds) also took home a gold medla.

    Perfect season

    Winning stare is hard enough, but also doing with a perfect record is far from easy.

    Glenwood Springs’ Myles Wilson did both with his victory over Greeley Central’s Andrew Rojas 6-3.

    Wilson, a junior, finished his memorable year with a 48-0 record. This was his first state title. He was a runner-up as a sophomore at 152 pounds.

    “This was very gratifying to win,” Wilson said. “This feels good and what I put all the work in for.”

    Rounding out the final state winner was Fort Morgan’s Alex Mai (220 pounds).

  • Pomona wrestling overcomes adversity to claim second 5A trophy in four years

    State wrestling
    Pomona wrestling won the 5A championship. More photos. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER – Pomona came into the Class 5A state wrestling tournament expecting to come away with the team trophy, and the Panthers did exactly that.

    How the team secured its first championship since 2013 may have been unconventional, but sometimes a little adversity isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

    Pomona finished the three-day tournament with 139.5 points, a state champion and eight placers. Along the way the team lost one qualifier to a skin issue before the tournament even began, and saw both of its defending state champions lose in the quarterfinals.

    Instead of folding, the squad regrouped and pulled away from second-place Poudre (106.5 points), Ponderosa (95.5) and Pine Creek (95) on Saturday night at Pepsi Center.

    “We overcame adversity right here. We lost one kid to ringworm before the tournament even started,” said Panthers coach Sam Federico, whose team finished second to Arvada West in each of the previous two seasons. “We battled the whole weekend and got it done.”

    Theorius Robison Pomona state wrestling
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Freshman Theorius Robison captured the lone state title for Pomona at 126 pounds with a 9-5 decision over Cherry Creek’s Josh Finesilver.

    “The start of the season was a little bit rough. It was an adjustment from eight-grade to high school,” Robison said. “But I expected to win, because I don’t really ever expect to lose.”

    Robison spent the final 20 seconds of the match moving away from Finesilver, which drew a pair of stalling penalties and also caused Pomona to have a point deducted from its team score because of unsportsmanlike conduct. The team was hit with a second deduction later in the tournament for a separate infraction.

    “He’s a freshman that’s excited and he dominated a match,” Federico said. “I wish it wouldn’t have ended like that, of course. But he’s a freshman, he’s excited, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either.”

    Jason Romero (145 pounds) and Cameron Gonzales (170) finished second for the team.

    Poudre’s charge to second place was led by sophomore Jacob Greenwood, who captured his second state title with a 15-4 major decision over Monarch Cole Polluconi.

    “I’ve been working all year for this,” Greenwood said. “Everything’s paying off right now.”

    Greenwood defeated Legacy’s Ryan Deakin in overtime as a freshman. He did so while dealing with a slight fracture in the L-5 vertebrae in his back, an injury which kept him sidelined until November.

    He said the pressure was much more evident this season than a year ago.

    “I think last year was easier, as far as the mental game goes,” Greenwood said. “Nobody expected me to win and I was the underdog by quite a bit.

    “This year the mental piece was a little harder at points because I knew everybody was expecting me to win again.”

    Deakin bounced back Saturday night to win his second championship in three years, shutting out Denver East’s David Kavanagh 7-0 at 138 pounds.

    Another sophomore who came up big Saturday was Grand Junction’s Josiah Rider, who lost nearly three minutes of stoppage time to a bloody nose. Rider ultimately held on for a 5-3 victory at 152 pounds over former state champion Matt Finesilver of Cherry Creek.

    “He’s very determined, very focused and he’s a very seasoned wrestler,” Grand Junction coach Cole Allison said. “It takes a lot to rattle Josiah Rider, so he knew if we could get the blood stopped and not let the time become an issue, he’d find a way to get the match.

    “He wanted a pin, he wanted a tech, but there are no style points in the finals. Just find a way to get it done however it comes, and that’s what he did.”

    Castle View’s Malik Heinselman won his first title with a second-period pin at 106 pounds and Adams City’s Fabian Gutierrez followed with his own pin at 113 pounds.

    Pine Creek’s Jordan Martinez edged Ponderosa’s Hunter Matney 3-1 at 120. Lakewood’s Gabriel Dinette also landed his first crown with a 2-1 victory over Pomona’s Romero via ultimate tiebreaker in overtime.

    Other winners included Pine Creek’s Peter Isais with a 3-1 OT decision at 160; Chaparral’s Dawson Kranmer by a 3-1 decision at 170; Pine Creek’s Garrett Neil via a 6-5 decision at 182; and Mountain Vista’s Trenton Schultz by an 8-3 decision at 195.

    Ponderosa freshman Cohl Schultz scored a first-period pinfall with one second left to secure his first title at 220. Fruita Monument’s Clayton Voytilla scored a 3-1 decision at heavyweight.