CHSAANow

Month: March 2017

  • 1A girls hoops Great 8 roundup: Fleming ends Antonito’s unbeaten season

    (Brock Laue/CHSAANow.com)

    The bright lights and raucous crowds at the University of Northern Colorado’s Bank of Colorado Arena felt familiar to the Fleming girls basketball team.

    Fleming won the Class 1A volleyball state championship over Kit Carson at the Denver Coliseum, their sixth title in program history after reaching eight of the past ten championship matches. Junior forward Alli Keisel (20 points) and electric senior guard Kalyn Serrato (19) were key members of the volleyball team that handed Kit their first loss of the fall.

    Boosted by their championship experience — Bailey Chintala, Jenna Lengfelder, Morgan Cockroft all play on both teams as well — Fleming (23-1) was poised in the final frame and outscored Antonito 24-10 to pull away after a close contest and reach the 1A girls Final 4 with a 68-57 win. Antonito was undefeated at 23-0 entering the weekend.

    “I definitely think that carries over into the next season and we may not be well-tested in the state basketball tournament, but they have played in some big games and the stage didn’t seem to bother them one bit tonight,” said coach Randy Kirkwood, formerly in charge of the boys at Caliche.

    With numerous lead changes and quick bursts filled with fastbreaks and 3-point makes, each team had the weapons needed to explode for stretches.

    Antonito (No. 6 seed) and Fleming (No. 3) both executed inside and outside as the Trojans’ Erykah Tallman (17 points) was a presence down low and guards Tyanna Sanchez (11) and Brenay Ruybal (10) were effective from the perimeter.

    The game was tied at 16 after one as Fleming held a slight three-point advantage, 32-29, at halftime. Antonito whipped the ball around the outside and heated up as an 11-0 Trojan run pushed Antonito to a 49-44 lead early in the fourth quarter.

    Spurred by 5-foot-3 Serrato, a wonderful veteran playmaker with six points during a critical stretch midway through the fourth which included four-of-four from the free throw line, Fleming took a tight 56-53 lead with just over four minutes to go.

    Antonito got within one with three minutes left, but could never retake the lead. A fifth foul on Tallman took their physical post out of the game with about five minutes remaining and Fleming’s transition offense opened up the late double-digit lead.

    “We run a lot,” Serrato said. “We turn the game into a track meet.”

    Kirkwood was pleased with the execution and effort of his team in a close victory over a well-coached and gifted Trojan team.

    “Antonito is a very good team,” he said. “That was a really good girls basketball game. Our girls rebounded real well in the second half and we hit some big shots when we needed to.”

    Fleming will take on Heritage Christian at 7 p.m. in the semifinals on Friday, a team they beat 67-55 in the District 4 tournament on February 25.

    [divider]

    (1) Kit Carson 51, (8) Nucla 31

    Kit Carson looked every bit the title contender their seed would indicate. The Wildcats stayed perfect this season at 23-0 with a defense that gave up 15 points through three quarters and allowed Kit to build a 36-point advantage in the fourth.

    The Isenbart sister trio of Micayla (nine points), Reyna (14) and Olivia (six), a junior, freshman and sophomore, redeemed the Wildcats one year after a perfect regular season was slightly spoiled with an upset loss to South Baca in the Great 8. Tess Hornung chipped in 13 points for Kit.

    Senior guard Taylor Sickels had the hot-hand for Nucla (14-10), scoring 18 of the team’s 31 points. The Mustangs will face Briggsdale at 8:45 a.m. in the consolation bracket Friday.

    [divider]

    (4) South Baca 53, (5) Briggsdale 50 (OT)

    The Patriots pushed Briggsdale aside thanks to a 22-point performance by Bree-ann Carwin, an overtime-forcing trifecta by senior Frankie Ormiston and a few clutch free throws in extra time.

    1A’s top scorer (21.9 points per game) was the catalyst for South Baca, a team that has now reached the Final Four back-to-back years. The Patriots (20-3), a school that pulls from Campo, Vilas and Pritchett, could reach their first state final if they take out No. 1 Kit Carson on Friday at 4 p.m.

    The area does have some hoops tradition as Campo High School, before the area schools collaborated into one, claimed two girls basketball state titles with the most recent coming in 1978.

    The Patriots took a 17-11 lead into the second quarter and held a 21-17 margin at the break, but the Falcons found their wings taking a 39-34 lead into the last quarter. A balanced Briggsdale effort, 14 points apiece for Nikki Anderson and Jodel Erickson, to go with 12 by Skyla Miller, was enough to force overtime but not enough to prevail.

    Briggsdale (18-6) was the state-runner up to Idalia in 2016.

    [divider]

    (2) Heritage Christian 46, (7) Eads 37

    Eads was poised looking to spring an upset and led 16-15 on the big stage after two quarters. But, a 14-6 third frame that went the way of Heritage Christian assured the Eagles a spot in the semifinals.

    Joe Packard’s team is a serious threat for the 1A crown, but will have to avenge their only loss of the season to Fleming to reach the final.

    Sarah McGinley (12 points), Jenn Stellingwerf (10), Elizabeth Lacey (nine) and Sarah Collins (nine) led the offensive charge for Heritage Christian.

    Mariah Smith (15) and Miranda Mitchek (13) played well for Eads in a close loss. Eads (16-9) takes on Antonito in the consolation rounds at 11:45 a.m. on Friday.

  • Cinderella slipper still fits Lakewood in 5A girls hoops

    Lakewood and Cherry Creek battled it out in the Class 5A state semifinals Thursday at the Denver Coliseum. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    DENVER — It was a showdown between the two Cinderella stories remaining in the Class 5A girls basketball state tournament late Thursday night.

    No. 12-seeded Cherry Creek and No. 9 Lakewood faced off with the winner dancing into the 5A championship game against No. 2 Grandview. It didn’t strike midnight for Lakewood. The dream of capturing its first girls basketball title in the program’s history stayed alive with a 52-38 victory for the Tigers at the Denver Coliseum.

    “For three years we’ve inspired to be here. We’ve inspired to do this,” Lakewood junior Hannah Renstrom said. “This was a team effort, a school-wide effort.”

    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    It will be the first appearance for Lakewood in a girls basketball state championship game. It was also a nice birthday gift for Lakewood coach Chris Poisson who was able to celebrate his 43rd birthday Thursday in style.

    “This is the best present to get,” Poisson said. “It would be sweet to get the whole thing, but we’ll take this right now.”

    Lakewood (22-5 record) had tremendous scoring balance with juniors Camilla Emsbo (13 points), Jessica Woodhead (11 points), Hannah Renstrom (13 points) and Sassy Coleman (9 points) all in or around double-digit points.

    “That’s what makes the game fun, when you play as a team,” Camilla Emsbo said. “Everyone played their roll. Everyone fought.”

    The Tigers also dominated the boards with Coleman and Camilla with 10 rebounds each and Camilla’s twin sister Kira Emsbo hauling in 9 rebounds.

    Lakewood had a key 9-0 run in the third quarter and a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter gave the Tigers’ their first double-digit lead of the night. Lakewood sealed the deal defensively holding Cherry Creek scoreless for the majority of the fourth quarter.

    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We topped it. We came out with the exact same intensity we came out last week,” Camilla Emsbo said. “There is no one who can beat us if we play like that.”

    It’s been a historic run for Lakewood as it advanced to its first Final 4 in the program’s history. The Tigers had made four straight trips to the Great 8 since 2014, but last Friday’s upset victory against top-seeded Highlands Ranch was the first time Lakewood was able to break into the state semifinals.

    Lakewood grabbed a 26-23 lead at halftime against Cherry Creek thanks to a 10-0 run in the first quarter. Cherry Creek senior Delaney Bernard was hot in the first quarter for the Bruins going 4-for-4 from the field for 11 points in the opening 8 minutes. The trio of 3-pointers by Bernard gave Cherry Creek a 7-point lead before the Tigers started to chip away.

    Bernard ended up leading the Bruins in scoring with 14 points.

    Despite 101 girls state team titles — according to the CHSAANow.com state database — the Bruins (19-8) have never won a girls basketball state title. Most recently, Cherry Creek reached the 5A state title game in 2004 and 1999.

    It will be a tall over for Lakewood in the 5A state championship game 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Coliseum. The Tigers face Grandview who took care of Regis Jesuit with ease 60-27 in the first 5A semifinal Thursday night.

    “I have nothing by respect for Grandview. They have earned what they have and we’ve earned what we have,” Renstrom said. “People have been saying that Lakewood can’t do it, but we’ve been proving them wrong. On Saturday, I hope both teams play their hearts out and we’ll see what happens.”

    The Wolves (26-1) are on a 20-game winning streak and have defeated every in-state opponent by double-digit points. Including sweeping Cherry Creek in both meetings Centennial League meetings by a total of 34 points. Grandview hasn’t faced Lakewood yet this season.

    UCLA-bound senior Michaela Onyenwere has scored at least 20 points in her last six games. She had 25 points against Regis to advance Grandview to its first girls basketball title game. The Wolves had lost in the state semifinals three times in their history.

    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • 3A boys hoops Great 8 roundup: Strong second half propels Sterling into semis

    Sterling boys basketball team
    (Katie Pickrell/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER – Every time Manitou Springs senior Lucas Rodholm hit a big shot Thursday night – and there were plenty of them – Sterling’s boys basketball team hand an answer.

    The Tigers never allowed the second-seeded Mustangs the opportunity to close gap down the stretch of the Class 3A state quarterfinal game at the University of Denver’s Hamilton Gymnasium. Instead, it was No. 10 Sterling that punched its ticket into Friday’s Final 4 after a 58-50 victory.

    “It’s a great feeling. Our school hasn’t been to the final four since I think they won (4A in 2011),” Sterling senior Riley Schaefer said. “We’ve worked so hard. I’m just glad we got this – I think we deserve it.”

    The Tigers (20-5) face two-time defending state champion Colorado Springs Christian at 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Top-seeded Kent Denver draws Faith Christian in the other semifinal.

    “It will be a huge challenge. The (Justin) Engesser kid is really, really good and they’re really well-coached,” Tigers coach Mike Holloway said. “We’ll come back and hope to play our best game of the season, because that’s certainly what it will take.”

    Rodholm scored a game-high 30 points for Manitou Springs (22-3). He did most of his damage in the second half, but Sterling responded each time. Schaefer hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the third quarter, and sophomore Carter Keil also had a big half.

    “I think when we hits some 3s, they really had to get out on us,” Schaefer said. “It helped us – we could give a pump-fake and we could get by them and get people open.”

    Keil and Bodie Hume combined for 30 points to pace Sterling.

    [divider]

    (1) Kent Denver 56, (9) Basalt 54

    The top-seeded Sun Devils trailed by 10 points headed into the fourth quarter, but Kent Denver rallied behind a number of big shots to hold off Basalt’s upset bid.

    Coby Gold scored nine of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. Rory Buck put the Sun Devils (22-3) up by one with 1:44 to go, and Kent went 5-for-8 from the free-throw line down the stretch to put it away.

    Michael Glen scored a game-high 31 points for the Longhorns (21-4), but the team struggled to find its shot in the fourth quarter. It was the team’s first Great 8 appearance since 1989.

    [divider]

    (3) Colorado Springs Christian 57, (6) DSST-Stapleton 53

    The Lions overcame a rough first quarter that saw Denver School of Science & Technology-Stapleton score 24 points.

    No. 3 Colorado Springs Christian (23-2) trailed by 13 at one point in the first half before going on a 40-23 run to close out the game. The two-time defending state champions got a clutch 27-point effort from Justin Engesser, who was 10-of-15 shooting on the day. Noah Hopkins added 12 points and Zach Wisner had 11 points and nine rebounds.

    The Knights (21-4) had six players finish with at least seven points, led by Andray Thomas’ 12. Blake Pullen added 11 points, but DSST-Stapleton shot just 37.5 percent from the floor in the second half while the Lions were 12-of-18.

    [divider]

    (13) Faith Christian 76, (12) Alamosa 59

    The Eagles continued their impressive run into the semifinals, scoring 54 points in the second half to take down 12th-seeded Alamosa.

    Faith Christian (17-8) was coming off a victory over previously undefeated Resurrection Christian. The Eagles trailed by four points after the first quarter Thursday before taking control of the game.

    Jonah Gardner shot 11-of-15 from the field for a game-high 35 points, and Benjamin Hawkins added 14.

    Noah Romero and Ryan Brubacher scored 13 points each to lead Alamosa (20-4). Brubacher only played a little more than 11 minutes after sustaining an injury early.

  • 1A boys hoops Great 8 roundup: Fleming comes back to beat Front Range Baptist

    (Brock Laue/CHSAANow.com)

    Fleming boys basketball took a few punches, but refused to get knocked out.

    The defending Class 1A state champions were playing in their fifth consecutive state tournament, even reaching the last two finals (beat Shining Mountain in 2016, lost to Holly in 2015), but a relatively young group experienced growing pains that are commonplace for youthful teams. They lost six games in a row during the regular season.

    And, after reaching the tournament as the No. 6 seed with a tough draw against No. 3 Front Range Baptist, the Wildcats fell behind 11-2 to start the contest and 19-9 early in the second quarter. Then, little by little, they clawed their way back and only trailed 22-19 at halftime.

    Acting as a prize fighter with experience and toughness, not to mention star power in senior guard Jaxon King (1A player of the year as junior), Fleming pulled out a gutsy 45-42 comeback over the Falcons to reach the Final 4 again. The boys joined the girls in earning their way to the semifinals in the final games of the evening.

    “I think this year was the first year we’ve had both (the boys and girls) teams at the state tournament since 1983, so that was huge,” King said. “We have a lot of momentum for tomorrow. We just have to keep it rolling, both the boys and the girls.”

    For the boys, defense and team play was the calling card. Finally taking their first lead of the game with 2:20 left in third, a 29-28 margin thanks to back-to-back buckets by freshman guard Brandon Williams, Fleming rode enough momentum to pull through late.

    Senior Alex Vandenbark nailed a three to push the lead to 41-38 with just over two minutes left and the Wildcats made the necessary stops to seal a semifinals bid. Noah Johnson made a layup with 1.1 seconds left to cut the deficit to 45-42 and Front Range got the ball back after an out-of-bounds by Fleming. But King swatted the Falcons’ game-tying three-point attempt.

    King said he wasn’t surprised the ‘Cats fell behind early. After all, an added level of pressure is at play for a team looking to defend their title.

    “Being the defending state champ, there’s a big target on your back,” he noted. Everyone wants to beat the defending champ. We have a few starters that haven’t seen any varsity time in the state tournament before. We were expecting them to come out with a few nerves. I wasn’t too worried.”

    The young talent did come through eventually, led by Williams, but the veterans also stepped up when needed.

    “Through that adversity, the thing that helps us is I have Jaxon King, Alex Vandenbark and Matthew Tanner, just really good leaders,” coach Tom Hessler said. “They’ve been through the wars. They know what it feels like to come here and what it takes to win.”

    Another magical run continues for Fleming (16-9) on Friday against Cheyenne Wells at 8:30 p.m. with a third consecutive finals appearance on the line. Front Range Baptist (20-4) will face Creede/Lake City at 1:15 in consolations.

    Sophomore center Deric Woods was among the players who stood out for Front Range Baptist.

    [divider]

    (1) Holly 63, (8) Ouray 24

    Holly had an excellent performance to kick off their quest for a second state title in three years with a 39-point victory. Senior guard Yaniel Vidal (20.9 points per game) led the Wildcats with 19 points. Backcourt mate Chandler Rushton chipped in 14.

    One season after getting knocked out 63-59 by Shining Mountain in the semifinals, the Wildcats choked the life out of Ouray in outscoring the Trojans 53-16 in the final three frames. Holly nipped Fleming 33-32 in the state finals two seasons ago.

    The Wildcats (23-0), featuring a tangent of athletic guards, will take on Kit Carson in the Final 4 on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

    Brendon Olin led Ouray with 11 points. The Trojans face Longmont Christian at 10:15 a.m. in the consolation bracket Friday.

    [divider]

    (4)Kit Carson 52, (5) Longmont Christian 47

    The Wildcats rode a pair of high-scoring performances by seniors Brad Johnson (23 points) and Jaxon Crawford (22) to a Great 8 triumph.

    Kit (18-5) controlled the contest most of the way with quarter leads of 18-10, 30-22 and 41-32. They lost to Shining Mountain in the Great 8 a season ago.

    6-foot-6 freshman Dominic Puchino is a budding talent at center and racked up 21 points for Longmont Christian in the loss. The setback dropped the Warriors’ record to 20-5.

    [divider]

    (2) Cheyenne Wells 59, (8) Creede/Lake City 34

    The Tigers ripped their way through the Miners, sealing a semifinals bid. They now have a 21-2 record.

    Seniors Peyton Halde (16 points) and Kendall Pelton (14) were the primary scorers for Cheyenne Wells, a team that lost in the Final 4 in 2014. Pelton (16.4 points per game) has been a dynamic player for a Tigers team that has only lost to Holly and Kit Carson.

    The Miners were led by Isaac Borchers’ 13 points. They will face Front Range Baptist in consolations at 1:15 p.m. on Friday.

  • Photos: No. 1 Valor Christian boys lacrosse opens season with win over Chatfield

    HIGHLANDS RANCH — Top-ranked Valor Christian boys lacrosse beat Chatfield 16-10 in the season opener for both teams on Thursday.

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  • Previewing the 4A and 5A girls basketball Final 4

    DENVER — On Thursday, eight girls basketball teams from the 4A and 5A classifications take to the Denver Coliseum with a spot in the state finals on the line.

    We preview each matchup below.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    (2) Pueblo West vs. (3) Evergreen
    4 p.m.

    Pueblo East West girls basketball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    A showdown between the Cyclones and the Cougars kicks off the night. Both come into the contest at 23-3. Pueblo West comes into the game a perfect 10-0 on the road but the Cougars hold a 4-0 record at neutral sites.

    Sophomore Claudia Dillon will look to lead her Cougars to the upset. She is averaging 13.4 points per game coupled with 10.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. On the other bench, junior Olivia Lough will look to take Pueblo West to the championship game. She has averaged 17.4 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

    Pueblo West tied with Pueblo South for the 4A South Central League championship while Evergreen took second in the 4A Jeffco League with Golden winning the league

    Pueblo West has struggled historically in Final 4 games, going to three of the last five semifinals and not advancing to any championship games. The Cyclones come in as the hottest team in 4A, winning their last 11 straight games.

    [divider]

    (1) Pueblo South vs. (5) Windsor
    5:30 p.m.

    Pueblo South Holy Family girls basketball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    In the second game of the afternoon, the 24-2 Colts of Pueblo South take on the 20-6 Wizards of Windsor.

    The Wizards come in as the underdog to Pueblo South. The top-seeded Colts have a powerful offense, averaging 58.6 points per game, while Windsor relies on strong defense and forcing tough looks.

    Pueblo South has star power throughout their lineup, led by Andrea Nelson running the offense and Gabi Lucero down low. Michaela Moran will need to come up big for Windsor if they want to upset the top ranked team.

    The Wizards feature multiple multi-sport athletes, and that athleticism will give Windsor a shot, but solid execution will be pivotal for them.

    Pueblo South won the first meeting between these two teams 52-45 on Dec. 22 due to a big fourth-quarter comeback.

    The Colts tied for first in the 4A South Central League; Windsor placed 2nd in the 4A Tri-Valley League.

    Pueblo South has not been to the Final 4 since 2014, and they won the state title in 2013. Windsor, on the other hand, has not been to a Final 4 since 1995 and will look to hold up under the pressure of the Coliseum.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    (2) Grandview vs. (11) Regis Jesuit
    7 p.m.

    Grandview Doherty girls basketball
    (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Upsets were abound in the 5A bracket and the only top seed left in the tournament are the Grandview Wolves. Regis Jesuit, meanwhile, is looking to add Grandview to the list of downed top seeds as the two square off in the first Final 4 game in 5A.

    Star power will be in full force this game as Grandview showcases UCLA commit and McDonald’s All-American Michaela Onyenwere who averages 20.4 points and 3.5 steals per game. Other weapons for Grandview come in Leilah Vigil, who averages 14 points per game coupled with 8.7 rebounds.

    On the other side, sophomore Francesca Belibi looks to lead her Raiders to the championship game, Belibi leads Regis in points, rebounds, steals and blocks and has earned national attention for throwing down the first dunk in Colorado girls basketball history.

    Momentum will be a major factor in this game. Belibi dunking one may be the spark needed for RJ to pull off the upset. On the other hand, Grandview must play their game and use all the options they have to avenge last year’s Final 4 defeat.

    Grandview is the Centennial League champion while Regis Jesuit placed second in the Continental League.

    Grandview is undefeated in the state, holds a 25-1 overall record, and is No. 9 in MaxPreps’ national rankings, but in a tournament filled with upsets, Regis Jesuit looks to knock off another titan and play for the hardware Saturday night.

    [divider]

    (9) Lakewood vs. (12) Cherry Creek
    8:30 p.m.

    Lakewood Highlands Ranch girls basketball
    (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    The Tigers and Bruins face off in a game that not many would have predicted going into championship weekend. Both teams had a pair of upsets to get to this point. Lakewood had to run through No. 8 Denver East and No. 1 Highlands Ranch to play in this contest, while Cherry Creek took down No. 5 Fruita Monument and No. 4 Ralston Valley.

    Lakewood is led by junior Camilla Emsbo who averages just under 19 points per game coupled with 8.7 rebounds. Cherry Creek is led by freshman Jana Van Gytenbeek, who averages over 15.5 points and 5.7 assists per game.

    Cherry Creek is an offensive oriented team scoring just under 63 points per game. Lakewood will need to use its strong defensive abilities to move on.

    Lakewood placed second in the 5A Jeffco League. Cherry Creek also took second, in the Centennial League.

    [divider]

    Saturday schedule

    at the Denver Coliseum

    • 1 p.m. — 4A girls championship
    • 6:30 p.m. — 5A girls championship

  • Baseball preview: Pueblo West aims to make another run in 4A

    Pueblo West Pueblo Centennial baseball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    The memory of how it all unraveled still lingers for the Pueblo West baseball team.

    And, naturally, it stung for a long time.

    The Cyclones had done just about everything to put themselves in position to take home the Class 4A crown coming down the closing stretch of the 2016 season.

    They began clicking at the right moment, rattling off 16 wins over the 17 games leading up to the state championship finale against a Valor Christian squad that needed to win not once, but twice, to flip the script on what appeared to be inevitable.

    That’s why it’s not easily forgotten, as Pueblo West is still searching for its first baseball title in school history.

    “It left a bitter taste in our mouth,” senior pitcher RJ Dabovich said. “We were that close, one win away from a (championship) ring. That’s been our main motivation throughout the offseason.”

    Rather than letting themselves dwell on what almost was, this year’s team has turned it into firing power entering their 2017 campaign, which begins Saturday at Lewis-Palmer.

    “It’s definitely something that has stuck with us, and we’re using that to work harder and get better,” senior outfielder Ian Garcia said. “Everyone that was there is just that much hungrier to get back there and try to win it this year.”

    Seven players from last year’s team were lost to graduation. The Cyclones did, however, retain much of their offensive production that led to their success a year ago.

    Ian Garcia and his twin brother, Alan, are expected to play key offensive roles on this year’s sophomore-heavy team, according to 13th-year coach Dan Sanchez. They combined for 65 hits and 34 RBIs in 2016.

    “We’ve been working to improve our fundamentals, really focusing on the little things that lost us that last game,” said Alan Garcia, a Dodge City Community College signee along with his brother. “We’re ready to redeem ourselves.”

    Dabovich, who signed to Central Arizona College in January, is expected to lead the Cyclones on the pitching mound. The right-hander recorded 27 strikeouts and had two saves among a senior-led rotation last season.

    “I’m excited because we’re about as athletic as we’ve ever been,” Sanchez said. “We were able to do some really good things last year and I fully expect us to be in the hunt again this year.”

    Pueblo West came in at No. 3 in the preseason CHSAANow.com baseball rankings, released on Monday. Valor Christian was No. 1 and Mountain View sits No. 2.

    The Eagles graduated 14 players while the Mountain Lions had only three seniors. Valor Christian will also be in its first season under new coach Brian Bonn.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Cherokee Trail is also one of three defending champions to come in at No. 1 of their respective classes in the preseason poll. Returning seniors Conner Nantkes, Nick Perez, Eric Cox and Michael Morris accounted for more than half of the Cougars’ 283 hits in 2016.

    Cherry Creek came in at No. 2 and will face Cherokee Trail on April 6. Headlining the Bruins’ list of returners is junior Tanner O’Tremba, who received All-American honors last season. No. 3 Rocky Mountain, the 2016 runner-up, will meet Cherokee Trail in a title-game rematch on March 24 during the regular season.

    Class 3A

    Knocked out in the semifinals last season, University is now back as the top-ranked team in 3A. The Bulldogs return seniors Paul Medina and Beau Hawley, who led the team in hits in 2016, as well as leading pitcher Cameron Multer, now a junior.

    Defending champion Faith Christian is No. 2 in the season’s first rankings. The Eagles graduated seven seniors from a year ago, including top hitter and 3A player of the year Austin Stone, who was named to the MaxPreps small schools All-American team.

    Class 2A

    Top-ranked Paonia suffered only one defeat throughout the 2016 regular season. Despite being upset in the semifinals, the Eagles will return nearly their entire stately team from a year ago with the exception of two players.

    Defending champion Dawson is ranked No. 2. The Mustangs lost six seniors from their title-winning squad.

    Class 1A

    Defending champion Holly was the only team in the preseason rankings to receive a unanimous vote for No. 1, while Eads and runner-up Fleming were voted Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.

    The Wildcats, who return all but one player from their championship team, will play the Eagles on the road April 28 in the regular-season finale.

  • Denver South’s Tony Lindsay takes job as football coach at Far Northeast

    Fruita Monument Denver South football Tony Lindsay
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    DENVER — Tony Lindsay Sr. is making a move to a different football program in the city.

    Lindsay, the longtime coach at city power Denver South, has accepted the job at Far Northeast, according to the athletic director at each school.

    A primary factor in his decision was proximity to his home. He will be able to walk to practice, if wants to.

    Lindsay was 78-33 in 10 seasons as the Rebels’ coach, including an appearance in the Class 4A title game in 2012. His teams had winning seasons in nine of those years, and made the playoffs the past seven seasons.

    He will take over a program at Far Northeast that has been through four coaches in the previous four seasons, including a span of 3-27 over the past three. Prior to that, John Trahan had the program, known then as Montbello, in the 2013 playoffs.

    Far Northeast is a co-op program that combines enrollment from smaller high schools on and around the former Montbello campus. The program, which plays in Class 5A, has a combined enrollment of 2,948 — which is the second-largest in the state behind Cherry Creek.

    The plan is for Lindsay to meet his new team sometime soon, possibly next week.

    Far Northeast athletic director Damian Brown said he hopes the hire brings some stability to the program.

    “In every realm of what we’re doing out here, we’re trying to get back to the Montbello days of old, where our kids were competing at a high level,” Brown said. “With that, you’ve got to find coaches that are able to bring stability, discipline, structure to the program so that you can have that. We’ll be able to have that in coach Lindsay.

    “We’re making moves to be able to find those coaches who have a vested interest in the Montbello/Green Valley Ranch area.”

    Brown noted that the Warriors’ hire of David Bennett Jr. as boys basketball coach was in this mold. Bennett went 18-8 in his first season, and reached the 5A Sweet 16.

    Next season, Far Northeast will have to replace a lot of their offensive weapons, but a number of players return on defense.

    Lindsay leaves the South program in great shape. The Rebels, by most accounts, are the top football program in the city, and one of the best in 4A.

    South athletic director Adam Kelsey said his search won’t be a geared toward replacing Lindsay and his staff, which includes a number of family members.

    “It’s hard to replace something as unique as they are,” he said. “They have had a huge impact on our football program and our school. But we plan to build on the success they established and will be looking for the right leader to raise the bar further. ”

    Kelsey said he plans to be interviewing candidates in the first week of April.

    “The Lindsays established a program from top to bottom and our kids are used to winning and being successful,” Kelsey said, noting that the lower level programs at South went a combined 18-2 last season. “This should be attractive to our next coach as this is not a rebuilding project, it’s ready to go and he’ll have a whole school and community behind him.”

    In terms of a candidate, Kelsey said, “We are looking for a coach who can continue to raise the bar for our student-athletes. On the field, in the classroom and the community, we will be seeking someone who is fully committed to the positive outcomes of educational-based athletics.”

    A huge part of that will be continuing to attract kids to a school that largely depends on open enrollment: Roughly 60 percent of those attending South are school-of-choice enrollees.

    Because of that, the Denver Broncos-sponsored Futures League has been a huge boost to city programs who use it as a feeder program — something the suburban schools have long since established.

    “As a school, South is thriving and growing,” Kelsey said. “It has become an attractive destination for DPS students and beyond. We are not just limited to our neighborhood students as other schools might be. This can be an attractive attribute for a football program that also has room to grow.”

    Brown said he hopes that Lindsay can continue the success he had via the Futures League at Far Northeast.

    “The Futures program — any of our feeder programs, our Little League programs — is huge,” he said. “By bringing in the big names like Tony Lindsays, David Bennetts, that’s huge to the stability of our program, and those kids coming back to our program.”

    Follow all of the movement this offseason in our coaching changes tracker.

  • All-state and all-conference hockey teams for 2016-17 season

    Regis Jesuit Lewis-Palmer hockey
    Lewis-Palmer’s Christian Perry. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    The 2016-17 all-state and all-conference hockey teams are a joint project between the Colorado High School Hockey Coaches Association and CHSAANow.com.

    These teams were created following a meeting of coaches. The player and coach of the year was a separate vote.

    [divider]

    All-State team

    Player of the year: Christian Perry, Lewis-Palmer

    Coach of the year: Jake Pence, Resurrection Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos.
    Brendan Van Haute Monarch F
    Kyle Nelson Regis Jesuit F
    Christian Perry Lewis-Palmer F
    Cade Alcock Regis Jesuit D
    Blake Baer Resurrection Christian D
    Nick Scott Dakota Ridge G
    Second Team
    Name School Pos.
    Jacob Gombos Dakota Ridge F
    George Kandel Kent Denver F
    Shane Ott Regis Jesuit F
    Garret Glaspy Cherry Creek D
    Stefan Fruhwirth Ralston Valley D
    Noah Vanderbeck Lewis-Palmer G

    Honorable Mention: Robby Gruber, Battle Mountain, F; AJ Buckner, Resurrection Christian, F; Shawn Herlihy, Cheyenne Mountain, F; Brendan Meyer, Fort Collins, F; Nathan Weiss, Chatfield, F; Luke Lonneman, Valor Christian, F; Kyle Naylor, Pueblo County, F; John Fulton, Castle View, F; Andrew Nolan, Denver East, D; Hunter Fox, Battle Mountain, D; Brian Wittmer, Kent Denver, D; Anthony Ciolli, Air Academy, D; Brendon Beaver, Valor Christian, D; Jared Perez, Castle View, D; Jacob Wedhorn, Aspen, G; Jack Friedman, Kent Denver, G; Jack Kuzia, Valor Christian, G.

    [divider]

    Foothills Conference

    Coach of the year: Dan Woodley, Regis Jesuit

    First Team
    Name School Pos.
    Brendan Van Haute Monarch F
    Kyle Nelson Regis Jesuit F
    Christian Perry Lewis-Palmer F
    Cade Alcock Regis Jesuit D
    Stefan Fruhwirth Ralston Valley D
    Nick Scott Dakota Ridge G
    Second Team
    Name School Pos.
    Danny Taggart Cherry Creek F
    Shane Ott Regis Jesuit F
    Jacob Gombos Dakota Ridge F
    Garret Glaspy Cherry Creek D
    Andrew Nolan Denver East D
    Noah Vanderbeck Lewis-Palmer G

    [divider]

    Peak Conference

    Coach of the year: Jake Pence, Resurrection Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos.
    Robby Gruber Battle Mountain F
    AJ Buckner Resurrection Christian F
    Shawn Herlihy Cheyenne Mountain F
    Blake Baer Resurrection Christian D
    Hunter Fox Battle Mountain D
    Jacob Wedhorn Aspen G
    Second Team
    Name School Pos.
    Zach Booth Battle Mountain F
    Jackson Birdsall Resurrection Christian F
    Kolby Donovan Resurrection Christian F
    Nathan Compton Heritage D
    Dakota Henn Cheyenne Mountain D
    Berg Lebahn Resurrection Christian G

    [divider]

    Pinnacle Conference

    Coach of the year: Rhett Gordon, Fort Collins

    First Team
    Name School Pos.
    George Kandel Kent Denver F
    Brendan Meyer Fort Collins F
    Nathan Weiss Chatfield F
    Brian Wittmer Kent Denver D
    Anthony Ciolli Air Academy D
    Jack Friedman Kent Denver G
    Second Team
    Name School Pos.
    Andrew Mitchell Steamboat Springs F
    Chase Johnson Liberty F
    Connor McIlhany Liberty F
    Braden Overholt Standley Lake D
    Cameron Suchorech Chatfield D
    Kyle Cunningham Standley Lake G

    [divider]

    Highlands Conference

    Coach of the year: George Gwozdecky, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos.
    Luke Lonneman Valor Christian F
    Kyle Naylor Pueblo County F
    John Fulton Castle View F
    Brendon Beaver Valor Christian D
    Jared Perez Castle View D
    Jack Kuzia Valor Christian G
    Second Team
    Name School Pos.
    James Adams Rampart F
    Blake Buchanan Valor Christian F
    Dixson Root Pueblo County F
    Cody McAteer Pueblo County D
    Max Van Lancker Coronado D
    Sean Meier Pueblo County G

  • Girls lacrosse preview: Rock Canyon joins the varsity ranks

    Rock Canyon girls lacrosse
    (Photo courtesy of Kylie Smith)

    Welcome to the big leagues, Rock Canyon.

    In 2017, the Jaguars are taking a big leap in Colorado girls lacrosse. For the last two years, they have competed in the Continental League as a junior varsity team. But when play begins on Thursday, they’ll be taking the field at the varsity level.

    Led by coach Kylie Smith, Rock Canyon is embracing the challenges that come with being a first-year varsity program. She’s doing it under the very simple principle that a seed can’t grow into something until it gets planted.

    “We have a unique situation,” Smith said. “We have about 80 percent of our team that was on our JV team last year, but about 20 percent of them played varsity for ThunderRidge. They’re used to how the varsity world is. It might be a challenge for us because we have that 20 percent that is used to what varsity (competition) should be.”

    The benefit of that situation is that the Jaguars are not being fed to the proverbial wolves. They have experience and they have leadership.

    And maybe most importantly, they have an understanding of what it takes to be a successful program. The Grizzlies went 15-2 last season and the girls that will now suit up for Rock Canyon have been able to bring some of that winning culture with them.

    “There’s a few girls that have taken leadership,” junior Lauren Likes said. “We’ve been able to implement some of the things from ThunderRidge into Rock Canyon.”

    That’s something that Smith is going to rely on a lot this season. After all, this will be her first year as a varsity coach just like it will be the varsity season for many of her players.

    She doesn’t expect to know everything right away, but she will definitely lean on those players coming in with high-level experience.

    “JV is a total different ball game from varsity,” Smith said. “I think the biggest learning curve for me is needing to go and scout other teams and know what’s going on with them and put that into game plans. With JV, I didn’t really prepare or know what the status of the other team was.”

    She’s welcoming of this problem. And it’s a problem that’s becoming more common.

    Rock Canyon is one of four new programs to take the field this year. Conifer, Rocky Mountain and Bear Creek will also field teams for the first time. It’s a continuing sign that the sport of lacrosse over is in a constant state of growth.

    “It’s growing like crazy,” Smith said. “Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in Colorado and in the U.S.”

    It’s hard to argue the point with the number of new teams that popped up this year. From a player’s standpoint, it just seems like a sport that is easy to grasp on to and in maybe the simplest explanation possible, it’s a lot of fun.

    “Because boys lacrosse grew so much, I just think girls wanted to play,” Likes said. “They found their way into it and it’s such a fun and fast-paced game. It’s really easy to catch on. We have a girl who started last Monday and she made varsity with just three days of tryouts just because it’s so easy to catch on to this game.”

    And the more girls that catch on will only mean more participation across the board. If that trend continues, Colorado will continue to see more and more girls lacrosse teams sprout throughout the state.

    [divider]

    Girls lacrosse preview

    • Preseason rankings
    • Defending state champion: Colorado Academy
    • Regular season begins: March 9
    • Postseason begins: May 10
    • State championships: May 24, University of Denver
    • Returning All-State players: Hope Adams, Sr., Cherry Creek; Sydney Prokupek, Sr., Colorado Academy; Eliza Radochonski, Sr., Cherry Creek; Fair Romero, Sr., Denver East; Bridget Sutter, Sr., Colorado Academy.