CHSAANow

Tag: Doherty

  • All-state girls soccer teams for the 2018 season

    The 2018 all-state girls soccer teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches.

    Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Hailey Stodden Broomfield girls soccer
    Broomfield’s Hailey Stodden. (Paul DiSalvo/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Hailey Stodden, Broomfield

    Coach of the year: Tari Wood, Grandview

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Gracie Armstrong Legacy MF Senior
    Tessa Barton Columbine FORW Junior
    Natalie Beckman Grandview MF Senior
    Jaelyn Hendren Mountain Vista D Senior
    Gia Lemley Broomfield MF Senior
    Gabi McDonald Rocky Mountain GK Senior
    Mallory Mooney Broomfield FORW Sophomore
    Maisie Paulson Mountain Vista MF Senior
    Hailey Stodden Broomfield FORW Senior
    Morgan Szarka Grandview MF Senior
    Jamie Tatum Rock Canyon MF Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Skylar Alward Columbine FORW Senior
    Danielle Babb Arapahoe FORW Senior
    Ella Campbell Fairview D Senior
    Maddie Duren ThunderRidge MF Senior
    Alesia Garcia Cherokee Trail   Senior
    Elle Gill Cherry Creek MF Junior
    Katy Harris Mountain Vista STRK Senior
    Reagan McCombs Grandview GK Senior
    Kylie Metcalf Fossil Ridge D/MF Senior
    Keelyn Osoba Rock Canyon D Senior
    Maiya Swanson Fort Collins STRK Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Skylar Anderson, Fairview, STRK, Senior
    • Anna Barkey, Legend, Senior
    • Taylor Bee, Poudre, MF, Senior
    • Julia Best, Heritage, Senior
    • Kenna Caldwell, Rock Canyon, GK, Junior
    • Lila Dere, Fruita Monument, Sophomore
    • Riley Dietrich, Fort Collins, MF, Senior
    • Fabi Estrada, Brighton, Senior
    • Makenna Fowler, Arvada West, MF/FORW, Junior
    • Makenna Gottschalk, Legacy, GK, Senior
    • Hannah Hiatt, Chaparral, Senior
    • Grace Hildner, Grandview, D/MF, Senior
    • Lauren Holleran, Grandview, D/MF, Junior
    • Clair Huston, Cherokee Trail, Senior
    • Zoey Johnston, Monarch, Sophomore
    • Madison Kemp, Prairie View, FORW, Senior
    • Jade Kinsey, Rampart, Junior
    • Kelsie Knoerzer, Pine Creek, D, Senior
    • Nikki Madaris, Grand Junction Central, GK, Sophomore
    • Alia Mentzell, Boulder, FORW, Senior
    • Molly Reich, Regis Jesuit, D, Junior
    • Madeline Samuelson, Columbine, GK, Senior
    • Morgan Stone, Boulder, MF/D, Junior
    • Grace Sublette, Cherry Creek, FORW, Sophomore
    • Lindsay Thornock, Doherty, MF, Senior
    • Alexis Walker, Castle View, GK, Senior
    • Savannah Warner, Rocky Mountain, D, Senior
    • Taylor Wilpolt, Northglenn, Senior
    • Lindsay Young, Denver East, MF, Senior

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Windsor Valor Christian girls soccer Chaynee Kingsbury
    Windsor’s Chaynee Kingsbury. (Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)

    Player of the year: Chaynee Kingsbury, Windsor

    Coach of the year: Mario Garcia, Windsor

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Alexandra Daws Valor Christian GK/FORW Senior
    Jazlynn Ellis Ponderosa MF Sophomore
    Abby Gearhart Windsor MF/FORW Junior
    Lauryn Jeans Evergreen   Senior
    Chaynee Kingsbury Windsor FORW Senior
    Devan McSwain Glenwood Springs D/MF Senior
    Michaela Moran Windsor GK Senior
    Shannon Patrick Standley Lake D Senior
    Sarah Payson Littleton FORW Senior
    Adalyn Vergara Windsor MF Senior
    Nicole Wright Valor Christian D/FORW Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Anna Brehm Mullen D Senior
    Macie Browne Wheat Ridge MF Senior
    Jaden Davis Sand Creek MF/FORW Junior
    Kaitlin Hinkle Pueblo County   Junior
    Allie Jones Pueblo Centennial MF Freshman
    Teresa McGlothlin Silver Creek D Senior
    Alexis Miller D’Evelyn MF Senior
    Emily Nguyen Palmer Ridge   Senior
    Kaeyla Noble Silver Creek GK Senior
    Eryn Peterson Glenwood Springs MF/FORW Senior
    Nicolette Sandoval Holy Family   Junior

    Honorable mention:

    • Kody Clements, Holy Family, Senior
    • Bryn Decker, Pueblo West, MF/FORW, Senior
    • Jensen Ellis, Ponderosa, MF, Senior
    • Melina Faris, Pueblo County, FORW/MF, Sophomore
    • Sami Feller, Palisade, FORW, Senior
    • Sarah Gray, Littleton, FORW, Senior
    • Karlee Hendricks, The Classical Academy, D, Senior
    • Laura Leibfried, Centaurus, Senior
    • Liza Louthan, Air Academy, D, Junior
    • Maryssa Lucero, Northridge, FORW/MF, Senior
    • Tanner McCann, Summit, FORW/MF, Senior
    • Anna McCarthy, Niwot, FORW, Senior
    • Alison McNeal, Erie, STRK, Junior
    • Rachel Melchior, Elizabeth, FORW, Sophomore
    • Delaney Moon, Steamboat Springs, STRK, Junior
    • Julia Mulhall, Glenwood Springs, D, Junior
    • Kalen Niedling, Skyline, D/MF/FORW, Senior
    • Sydney Postle, Mead, D, Senior
    • Abby Raio, Pueblo South, MF, Sophomore
    • Shelby Ransom, Green Mountain, Junior
    • Taylor Roberts, Canon City, Senior
    • Kennedy Sheetz, Longmont, D, Senior
    • Ally Sparks, Pueblo Centennial, D, Sophomore
    • Kylie Sumpter, D’Evelyn, D, Senior
    • Audrey Teague, Battle Mountain, D, Junior
    • Avery Weaver, Battle Mountain, MF, Senior
    • Jordyn West, Conifer, FORW, Sophomore
    • Bella Zanotelli, Cheyenne Mountain, GK, Sophomore
    • Aliyah Moya, The Vanguard School, STRK/FORW, Sophomore

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Jefferson Academy girls soccer Mira Houck
    Jefferson Academy’s Mira Houck. (Derek Regensburger/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Mira Houck, Jefferson Academy

    Coach of the year: Denise Sutton, Jefferson Academy

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Emma Billings Kent Denver   Senior
    Marley Chappel Vail Mountain MF Sophomore
    Emma Day Basalt   Sophomore
    Mika Fisher Kent Denver   Sophomore
    Kelley Francis Aspen FORW Freshman
    Catie Groves Colorado Academy   Junior
    Mira Houck Jefferson Academy MF/FORW Junior
    Annabelle Johnson Kent Denver   Sophomore
    Emily McParland Jefferson Academy D/MF Senior
    Chelsea Moore Aspen MF/D Senior
    Rachel Schlagel Jefferson Academy MF/FORW Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Katie Alonzo Vail Mountain MF/MF Senior
    Camryn Beall Colorado Academy   Senior
    Emily Broadhurst Roaring Fork   Sophomore
    Sidney Chong Kent Denver   Junior
    Jazmine Daily The Academy MF Senior
    Becca Dunbaugh St. Mary’s GK Junior
    Sam Dunn Coal Ridge   Senior
    Taylor Ehlert Middle Park MF Junior
    Kaitlyn Halverson Colorado Springs Christian FORW/MF Junior
    Brooklyn Mack Manitou Springs FORW Senior
    Anna Ponzio Colorado Academy   Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Stacey Adame, KIPP Denver Collegiate, Junior
    • Julie Aguirre, Lamar, Senior
    • Deisy Alvarado Salavar, James Irwin, Senior
    • Shaya Chenoweth, Grand Valley, FORW/MF, Junior
    • Madison Cummings, Trinidad, D/GK, Senior
    • Jacky Dominguez, Bennett, Sophomore
    • Sue Duran, Arrupe Jesuit, Sophomore
    • Jade Feather, Sterling, MF, Sophomore
    • Jaquelin Flores, Lake County, Junior
    • Alanah Gallegos, Pagosa Springs, Senior
    • Savannah Kaufmann, Bayfield, Senior
    • Abigail Knedler, Colorado Springs Christian, MF, Junior
    • Rysa Lancaster, Florence, FORW, Senior
    • Maeve McGuire, Aspen, D/MF, Sophomore
    • Aliyah Moya, The Vanguard School, STRK/FORW, Sophomore
    • Eve Norman, Liberty Common, FORW, Senior
    • Katie Parkins, Alamosa, Senior
    • Ella Peters, Rye, FORW, Sophomore
    • Yasmine Redondo, Englewood, Junior
    • Darlyn Rivera, Sheridan, Junior
    • Marisa Shigio, St. Mary’s, MF, Senior
    • Caileen Sienknecht, Manitou Springs, D, Junior
    • Gia Sorensen, DSST: Stapleton, Sophomore
    • Mandy Stricker, The Academy, MF, Senior
    • Samantha Tsiouvaras, Liberty Common, FORW, Senior
    • Jesenia Valdez, Atlas Preparatory School, Junior
    • Missa Webb, Delta, Junior
    • Jayda Winkler, Salida, Freshman

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Dawson girls soccer Cameron Epstein
    Dawson’s Cameron Epstein. (Carl Auer/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Cameron Epstein, Dawson School

    Coach of the year: David Criswell, Dawson School

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Kara Amidon Denver Christian FORW Sophomore
    Liv Cramer Dawson School   Senior
    Cameron Epstein Dawson School   Junior
    Tess Fenerty Crested Butte   Junior
    Emma Haaland Ridgway   Senior
    Miranda Kortenhoeven Denver Christian MF Senior
    Ani Love Fountain Valley MF/FORW Senior
    Degen Miller Dawson School   Freshman
    McKenna Mueller Denver Christian FB Senior
    Samantha O’Brien Clear Creek FORW Senior
    Kami Quinn Front Range Christian GK Senior

    Honorable mention:

    • Sydney Beijer, Denver Christian, FORW, Senior
    • Niki Borland, Telluride, D, Sophomore
    • Kelsey Boucher, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
    • Liz Bristow, Evangelical Christian, GK, Senior
    • Madison Day, Dawson School, Sophomore
    • Alex Dunbar, Dawson School, Sophomore
    • Morgan Durrill, Cornerstone Christian Academy, MF/FORW, Senior
    • Justice Gearhard, Cornerstone Christian Academy, D/MF, Junior
    • Ali Graham, Colorado Springs School, Senior
    • Tatihana Loya, Clear Creek, MF, Freshman
    • Jordan Powell, Front Range Christian, Senior
    • Tilly Rahm, Fountain Valley, GK, Sophomore
    • Kaya Schaap, Denver Christian, FB, Junior
    • Harriet Townsend, Fountain Valley, D, Sophomore
    • Siena Truex, Crested Butte, Junior

  • Chris Noll accepts job as District 11 athletic director; Stephanie Leasure assumes Doherty job

    Doherty Chris Noll
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — Chris Noll will have a larger roll in the athletic world of Colorado Springs School District 11.

    Noll confirmed to CHSAANow.com that he has been named the new district athletic director, taking over for the retiring Dave Eichman.

    Noll has led Doherty’s athletic department for the last 13 years and thought he could serve the student-athletes of D-11 on a larger scale by taking over as the district activities and athletic director. He will also serve as the physical education content facilitator.

    For Noll, the appeal of the job was the ability to widen the impact he has had at Doherty to the other schools in the district.

    “At the end of the day, it’s about the impact on kids,” Noll said. “I have the ability in this new role to impact more kids. And one of my favorite things in the world to do is work with kids and impact kids through athletics and work with coaches. I am super excited to work with more kids and I am super excited to work with more coaches and I’m really excited to mentor athletic directors.”

    To fill the void for the Spartans principal Kevin Gardner turned to a familiar face in the Doherty athletic world. Stephanie Leasure has been named as the new athletic director.

    The name should ring a bell for those familiar with the Spartans.

    Leasure was on the 1995 Class 5A state championship team for Doherty. She was also on the all-state team that year and would go on to play college basketball at New Mexico State and the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. She was inducted into the UCCS hall of fame in 2014.

    Leasure has coached at Doherty and served time as an assistant principal, first at Harrison before coming back to her alma mater in 2016.

    In the last two years, she has had a chance to see the culture that Noll has built with the Spartans and knows that keeping the program moving forward will be no easy task.

    Stephanie Leasure (Photo courtesy of Doherty High School)

    “I’m going to have to put in the work because he’s done an excellent job making sure that Doherty athletics is on the forefront and branded well and that kids and parents have high expectations coming into the program,” Leasure said.

    Her experience as a player, coach and administrator gives her the needed makeup to fill the role. It was something that Gardner saw in from the moment he started the process of filling the vacant AD job.

    “What I said to people was that we were hiring an AD, not replacing Chris Noll because you can’t do that,” he said. “(I love) the idea that you have someone who is a legacy and has been a part of that culture of every level and knowing that tradition that is Sparta. One of my responsibilities is making sure I do take care of that legacy and tradition of that entire place and the role it plays in Colorado Springs.”

    As Leasure begins her work building on top of the foundation that Noll has constructed over the last 13 years, the newly named district AD will begin the task of widening his impact through the rest of the district, which includes schools such as Coronado, Palmer and Mitchell, and follow the model that Eichman built in his time in the role.

    Noll worked with Eichman when both were at Wasson High School. In his role as a basketball coach and the athletic director at Doherty, Noll came to understand and respect how Eichman was was able to lead athletics from an administration standpoint.

    “When I was the head basketball coach at Wasson, Dave was the athletic director,” Noll said. “I’ve known Dave Eichman for 18 years. Dave has such a calm about him and he is so meticulous in the way he goes about business that I still to this day I continue to learn from him and the way he goes about business. Sometimes you need to slow down rather than go fast. And Dave has a passion for doing business the right way.”

    And that’s the way Noll hopes to keep things running. Doherty isn’t necessarily losing the man that has ran the athletic department in the last 13 years, it just has to share him. But Gardner knows it won’t quite be the same without him in the building on a daily basis.

    “He’s all about kids and he gets them excited,” Gardner said. “He motivates and inspires and we’re going to miss that piece.”

    The benefit for the Spartans is that Leasure has what Noll refers to as a “passion for improvement.”

    So while he’s doing what he can to impact more kids in Colorado Springs, he has no doubt that Leasure will make Doherty athletics a better place than she found it.

  • All-state boys basketball teams for the 2017-18 season

    The 2017-18 all-state boys basketball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a week-long vote of coaches.

    A specific player of the year vote was held in each class, as was a vote for coach of the year.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Rock Canyon Overland boys basketball
    (Marcus Gipson/Jmariahimages.com)

    Player of the year: Sam Masten, Rock Canyon

    Coach of the year: Michael Rogers, Grandview

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ronnie DeGray III Chaparral Junior SF/F
    Jon’il Fugett George Washington Senior PG/SG
    Kaison Hammonds ThunderRidge Senior PG
    Daylen Kountz Denver East Senior –
    Sam Masten Rock Canyon Senior G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ben Boone Grandview Senior F
    Kenny Foster Smoky Hill Junior –
    Mike Polson Mountain Range Senior G
    Dayne Prim Grandview Junior F
    Tucson Redding Overland Senior PG/G/SG

    Honorable mention: Alijah Bates, Doherty, Junior; Dawson Carper, Rampart, Senior; Tyson Cruickshank, ThunderRidge, Senior; Moz Doria, Liberty, Senior; Damian Forrest, Poudre, Junior; Tyson Gilbert, Rock Canyon, Senior; Joe Golden, Doherty, Senior; XaiV’ion Jackson, Eaglecrest, Senior; Kevin Jimenez, Northglenn, Senior; Michkaleke Man-man baker, Gateway, Senior; Elijah Martinez, Regis Jesuit, Senior; Trey Morrill, Fruita Monument, Senior; Ryan Ongala, Rangeview, Senior; D’Auntray Pierce, George Washington, Senior; Avery Rembao, Loveland, Junior; Kobe Sanders, Chaparral, Sophomore; Andre Sepeda, Greeley West, Junior; Daijon Smith, Overland, Senior; Connor Staib, Mountain Vista, Senior; Dimitri Stanley, Cherry Creek, Senior; Brendan Sullivan, Highlands Ranch, Senior; Sam Tiley, Fort Collins, Senior; Joseph Urynowicz, Rocky Mountain, Junior; Kam Vincel, Prairie View, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Longmont Lewis-Palmer boys basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Player of the year: Luke Johnson, Longmont

    Coach of the year: Jeff Kloster, Longmont

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Marcell Barbee Pueblo South Senior F
    Luke Johnson Longmont Senior PG
    Joel Scott Lewis-Palmer Junior F/G
    Nieyem’e Smeyer-williams Pueblo West Senior PG/SG
    Adam Thistlewood Golden Senior SG/SF
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    TJ Davis Widefield Senior PF/W
    Charles Dinegar D’Evelyn Senior PF/SF
    Trent Dykema Silver Creek Senior PG/SG
    Deven Nelson Mesa Ridge Senior P/SG
    Matthew Ragsdale Lewis-Palmer Junior SG/PG

    Honorable mention: Jared Belcher, The Classical Academy, Senior; Brayden Blick, Skyline, Senior; Jeremy Cody, Pueblo South, Senior; Connor Hawk, Ponderosa, Senior; Devin Huffman, Battle Mountain, Senior; Te’rae Johnson, Vista PEAK Prep, Senior; Jared Kasprzak, Thompson Valley, Senior; Garrett Martin, Standley Lake, Senior; Nico Martin, Pueblo Central, Junior; Noah Martinez, Falcon, Senior; Trey McBride, Fort Morgan, Senior; Turner McDonald, Summit, Senior; Tre Pierre, Widefield, Senior; Jeremy Randle, Valor Christian, Senior; Derrian Reed, Sierra, Senior; Kirk Relford, Windsor, Senior; Chase Rogers, Evergreen, Senior; Hunter Shkapich, Valor Christian, Junior; Mark Studer, Conifer, Senior; Alex Telles, Green Mountain, Senior; Bridger Tenney, Evergreen, Senior; Kade Terrell, Montrose, Senior; Justin Wiersema, Thompson Valley, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Sterling Resurrection Christian boys basketball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Bodie Hume, Sterling

    Coach of the year: Jeff Lehnus, Bayfield

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jaedon Bowles Manual Junior W
    Tyler Eldred Lutheran Senior –
    Jonah Gardner Faith Christian Senior –
    Bodie Hume Sterling Senior SF/SG
    Ryan Phelps Bayfield Senior C
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ry Adams Alamosa Senior G
    Cade Carroll Buena Vista Senior PG/SG
    Seth Fuqua The Vanguard School Junior –
    Benjamin Hawkins Faith Christian Senior –
    Justin Thompson Roaring Fork Senior F

    Honorable mention: Nehemiah Baustian, Jefferson, Senior; Bryson Becker, Platte Valley, Junior; Peter Carlson, Cedaredge, Senior; Elijah Chavez, Arrupe Jesuit, Senior; Deante Dennis, Colorado Academy, Junior; James Doyle, Kent Denver, Junior; Jasen Engel, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior; Logan Freed, Delta, Senior; Isaac Gallegos, The Academy, Junior; Jorge Gonzales, Olathe, Senior; Isaiah Griego, Pagosa Springs, Senior; Draven Hackley, St. Mary’s, Senior; Keyante Harris, Ridge View Academy, Senior; Justin Henderson, Basalt, Senior; Brandon Herrera, Coal Ridge, Senior; Zach Hidalgo, Frontier Academy, Senior; Noah Hopkins, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior; Kade Hurst, Grand Valley, Senior; Vince Jones, DSST: Stapleton, Senior; Brock Lane, Strasburg, Senior; Jon Nuschy, La Junta, Junior; Keyon Prior, Bayfield, Junior; Angelo Ramirez, Alamosa, Senior; Riley Schaefer, Sterling, Senior; Cole Sienknecht, Manitou Springs, Senior; Max Swanlund, Estes Park, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    (Jeffrey Tucker/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Bradley Carnes-Clabey, Crowley County

    Coach of the year: Dave Sheffield, Yuma

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Bradley Carnes-Clabey Crowley County Senior –
    Austin Davis Byers Senior SF/G
    Logan Hughes Meeker Senior –
    Victor Mendoza Yuma Junior SF
    Carlos Parra Del Norte Senior F/G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jakob Chrisman Yuma Junior C
    Diego Covarrubias Yuma Senior SF
    Doak Mantle Meeker Senior –
    Hayden McCuen Byers Junior PF
    Johnny Valdez Ignacio Senior SG

    Honorable mention: Eu Asefaw, Denver Christian, Junior; Tate Bessire, Highland, Sophomore; Hayden Carter, Crowley County, Senior; Layne Christensen, Plateau Valley, Senior; Joel George, Simla, Junior; Jonah Hanson, Burlington, Senior; David Jarvis, Twin Peaks Charter Academy, Senior; Jakob Juul, Fowler, Senior; Ben Kelly, Calhan, Senior; Sebastian Moritz, Vail Christian, Senior; Maguire Peterson, Sanford, Senior; Gavyn Pure, Dawson School, Senior; Sam Rodriguez, Hotchkiss, Senior; Kai Roubideaux, Ignacio, Senior; Noah Sarria, Clear Creek, Senior; Patrick Scoggins, Rangely, Senior; Caden Showalter, Mancos, Sophomore; Zach Sittler, Sanford, Senior; Charles Sparks, Calhan, Senior; Josh Stover, Rocky Ford, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Peetz Prairie boys basketball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Logan Sircy, Peetz

    Coach of the year: Sean Fehringer, Peetz

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Isaac Borchers Creede Senior G/F
    Micah Crane South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett] Senior –
    Adam Poole Front Range Baptist Senior SG/PG/SF
    Logan Sircy Peetz Senior –
    Caid Smith Genoa-Hugo/Karval Senior –
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Cameron Archer Denver Waldorf Senior G
    Nathan Fairmont Shining Mountain Senior –
    Jesse Gomez Holly Senior –
    Thomas Manuel South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett] Senior –
    Arthur Rodriguez Sierra Grande Senior PG/PF

    Honorable mention: Isaiah Bowsher, Heritage Christian, Senior; Vince Damelio, Primero, Senior; Tre Fehringer, Peetz, Senior; Casper Freedle, Creede, Junior; Cullen Glosson, Otis, Junior; Bryson Long, Peetz, Junior; Nic Martin, North Park, Senior; Jayden McCombs-Farmer, Kit Carson, Sophomore; Ethan Oblander, Weldon Valley, Senior; Brigden Parker, Eads, Freshman; Kevin Ramirez, Arickaree/Woodlin, Junior; Beau Roth, Cheyenne Wells, Senior; Matthew Tanner, Fleming, Senior; Josiah Vasquez, Cheraw, Junior; Kurt Voll, Cotopaxi, Senior; Owen Voll, Cotopaxi, Senior; Brandt Vos, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Junior; Deric Woods, Front Range Baptist, Junior.

  • All-state girls basketball teams for the 2017-18 season

    The 2017-18 all-state girls basketball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a week-long vote of coaches.

    A specific player of the year vote was held in each class, as was a vote for coach of the year.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Lakewood Vista Ridge girls basketball
    (Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)

    Player of the year: Camilla Emsbo, Lakewood

    Coach of the year: Josh Ulitzky, Grandview

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Francesca Belibi Regis Jesuit Junior PF/SF/C
    Camilla Emsbo Lakewood Senior F/G/W
    Tommi Olson Highlands Ranch Senior PG
    Jana Van Gytenbeek Cherry Creek Sophomore PG
    Leilah Vigil Grandview Senior W
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Delaynie Byrne Ralston Valley Senior F
    Brionna McBride Doherty Junior G/PF
    Denali Pinto Fairview Senior G
    R’Manie Pulling Denver East Senior G
    Riley Snyder Fruita Monument Senior SG

    Honorable mention: Isabella Allen, Horizon, Senior; Dezmonea Antwine, Denver East, Junior; Angel Broadus, Rangeview, Junior; Victoria Cabrera, Prairie View, Junior; Sassy Coleman, Lakewood, Senior; Sydney Daniels, Dakota Ridge, Junior; Alisha Davis, Grandview, Junior; Romola Dominguez, Bear Creek, Senior; Angelique Gall, Fruita Monument, Senior; Jaiden Galloway, Grandview, Senior; Timiya Guevara, Denver South, Freshman; Madison Hema, Castle View, Junior; Shamahra Henderson, Thornton, Sophomore; Alyssa Jimenez, Horizon, Junior; Delsie Johnson, Fort Collins, Senior; Kaylah Lewis, Brighton, Junior; Jayda Lyon, Liberty, Senior; Gabriella Mcdonald, Rocky Mountain, Senior; Dani Mills, Mountain Vista, Senior; Mykiaa Minniss, Doherty, Senior; Jada Moore, Regis Jesuit, Sophomore; Kai Padilla, Northglenn, Junior; Ashley Panem, Fairview, Senior; Ashley Steffeck, Fossil Ridge, Junior; Samantha Van Sickle, Ralston Valley, Senior; Autumn Watts, Highlands Ranch, Junior; Samiyah Worrell, Fountain-Fort Carson, Junior; Madi Wriedt, Rampart, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    (Carl Auer/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Claudia Dillon, Evergreen

    Coach of the year: Amy Bahl, Evergreen

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Claudia Dillon Evergreen Junior PF/C
    Gabi Lucero Pueblo South Junior C
    Makena Prey Golden Senior C/PF
    Hannah Simental Pueblo West Sophomore –
    Chloe Welch Mesa Ridge Senior PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Maya Austin Pueblo South Senior –
    Abby Garnett Golden Senior PF/C
    Izzy Hren Holy Family Senior PG/SG/SF
    Olivia Lough Pueblo West Senior –
    Kristina Schreiber Evergreen Senior –

    Honorable mention: Brecon Antrillo, Green Mountain, Senior; RaLeigh Basart, Mountain View, Junior; Maddie Bolitho, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Emily Cavey, Berthoud, Sophomore; Aspen Dufour, Frederick, Senior; Baylee Galan-Browne, Evergreen; Hilda Garcia, Durango, Senior; Helen Gover, Centaurus, Junior; Naomi Hidalgo, Greeley Central, Junior; Hollie Hoffman, Windsor, Junior; Kaity Hovasse, Lewis-Palmer, Senior; Denali Hughes, Vista PEAK Prep, Junior; Haley Lewis, Fort Morgan, Senior; Savannah Martin, Standley Lake, Senior; Sydney Meis, Berthoud, Junior; Michaela Moran, Windsor, Senior; Mary Parchinski, Air Academy, Senior; Ashten Prechtel, Discovery Canyon, Junior; Angi Reed, D’Evelyn, Senior; Aaliyah Ricketts, Widefield, Junior; Zoya Robbins, Thomas Jefferson, Senior; Aubrey Robinson, Sierra, Senior; Hailee Stamps, Pueblo County, Senior; Sophia Trujillo, Skyview, Junior; Elly Walters, Rifle, Senior; Abby Wright, Valor Christian, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Lamar St. Mary's girls basketball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Player of the year: Makenna Bodette, St. Mary’s

    Coach of the year: Mike Burkett, St. Mary’s

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Makenna Bodette St. Mary’s Senior C/PF
    Cali Clark Lamar Sophomore –
    Megan Engesser Colorado Springs Christian Junior –
    Josephine Howery St. Mary’s Sophomore PG/SG/W
    Morgan Lewis Pagosa Springs Senior P
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jana Camilletti Moffat County Senior G/W
    Shaya Chenoweth Grand Valley Junior –
    Julia Doyle Kent Denver Senior –
    Rachel Ingram Colorado Springs Christian Junior –
    Maren Mildestvedt Manitou Springs Senior F

    Honorable mention: Ember Canty, Centauri, Senior; Cydnee Collins, Eagle Ridge Academy, Sophomore; Bailie Duncan, Eaton, Junior; Courtney Freeman, Cedaredge, Junior; Alexis Garcia, The Vanguard School, Freshman; Sara Geddes, Delta, Sophomore; Alejandra Godina, Salida, Junior; Seneca Hackley, St. Mary’s, Sophomore; Juju Hemeyer, Resurrection Christian, Sophomore; Kylie Kravig, University, Freshman; Haleigh Leibel, Florence, Senior; Brecken Payne, Lamar, Junior; Brooke Polenz, Sterling, Senior; La’Zaria Roby, Aurora West College Prep Academy, Senior; Raegan Rychecky, St. Mary’s Academy, Senior; Kassie Schell, Buena VIsta, Senior; Haley Shaklee, Lutheran, Senior; Caroline Van Berkum, Centauri, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Yuma Wiggins girls basketball
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Cody Robinson, Yuma

    Coach of the year: Bob Rahm, Yuma

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Chasey Blach Yuma Junior C
    Katelyn Brown Rangely Senior –
    Rachel Lucas Clear Creek Senior F
    Megan Roberts Dayspring Christian Academy Senior PF/SG/C
    Cody Robinson Yuma Junior SG/PG/PF
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Grace Dille Holyoke Senior F
    Kendra Parra Del Norte Sophomore SG
    Jerraldawn Rector Simla Senior PG/PF/C
    Morgan Smith Wray Junior –
    Avery Whitehead Yuma Senior PF/C

    Honorable mention: Carson Collins, Hotchkiss, Junior; Hope Davies, Cripple Creek-Victor, Junior; Brianna Denton, Swink, Junior; Graciela Donez, Ellicott, Senior; Brittany Fuchs, Calhan, Senior; Avionne Gomez, Ignacio, Senior; Danielle Gonzales, Las Animas, Senior; Ali Graham, Colorado Springs School, Senior; Elizabeth Hagerman, Fowler, Senior; Miranda Kortenhoeven, Denver Christian, Senior; Piper Kunst, South Park, Senior; Cortney Lemon, Norwood, Senior; Valeria Lopez, Lotus School for Excellence, Senior; Malyka Medina, Center, Senior; Elizabeth Mullett, Custer County, Senior; Peyton Pecar, Wray, Senior; Jessie Raitt, Vail Christian, Senior; Kassidy Rapke, Paonia, Senior; Emi Romero, Rocky Ford, Senior; Mattie Rossi, Soroco, Senior; Marissa Schelling, Haxtun, Senior; Sierra Schwartz, Dolores, Senior; Maddie Soehner, Wray, Senior; Skylar Thacker, Rangely, Junior; Maison Tolle, Highland, Senior; Taeryn Trumper, Holyoke, Sophomore; Shaelyn Walton, Hoehne, Senior; Anna Weisensee, Limon, Junior.

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    Class 1A

    Kit Carson Kim/Branson girls basketball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Micayla Isenbart, Kit Carson

    Coach of the year: Justin Winford, Kim/Branson

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jodel Erickson Briggsdale Senior SF
    Tess Hornung Kit Carson   PF/SG/SF
    Micayla Isenbart Kit Carson Senior SG/PG/SF
    Alli Keisel Fleming Senior –
    Ashley Yergert Kim/Branson Senior –
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Joni Brown Kim/Branson Senior –
    Kallie Cathcart Holly Junior –
    Josie Cook Holly Senior –
    Olivia Isenbart Kit Carson Junior C
    Erykah Tallman Antonito Senior F

    Honorable mention: Nikki Anderson, Briggsdale, Senior; Hope Bondurant, Cotopaxi, Senior; Kaylee Corsentino, La Veta, Junior; Whitney Echols, Longmont Christian, Junior; Joslyn Garcia, Antonito, Senior; Heather Graham, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Senior; Kodey Hoss, Cheraw, Junior; Kennedy Hughes, Heritage Christian, Senior; Reyna Isenbart, Kit Carson, Sophomore; Devynn Johnson, North Park, Junior; Micah Koolstra, Arickaree/Woodlin, Junior; Jenna Lengfelder, Fleming, Junior; Brooke Long, Belleview Christian, Junior; Kirsten Martinez, Primero, Sophomore; Miranda Mitchek, Eads, Junior; Jordan Parker, McClave, Junior; Ashley Rueb, Briggsdale, Senior; Jessica Slane, Sangre de Cristo, Junior; McKenzie Smith, Kit Carson, Junior; Nina Vigil, Sierra Grande, Senior.

  • All-state and all-conference hockey teams for the 2017-18 season

    Regis Jesuit Valor Christian hockey
    Shane Ott of Regis Jesuit. (Renee Bourcier/bourcierphoto.com)

    The 2017-18 all-state and all-conference hockey teams are a joint project between the Colorado High School Ice 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

    Player of the year: Shane Ott, Regis Jesuit

    Coach of the year: Marty Wittmer, Kent Denver

    First Team
    Pos Name School
    F Shane Ott Regis Jesuit
    F George Kandel Kent Denver
    F Luke Wheeler Valor Christian
    D Nathaniel Benton Standley Lake
    D Rowan Barnes Regis Jesuit
    G Gage Redman Aspen
    Second Team
    Pos Name School
    F Tyler Montoya Rampart
    F Kolby Donovan Resurrection Christian
    F Leo Felt Monarch
    D Jake Eickelman Dakota Ridge
    D Cole Cavey Valor Christian
    G Trey Hirschfield Valor Christian

    Honorable mention: Connor Akerson, Monarch; Chase Allen, Rampart; Drew Bauer, Columbine; Hunter Beckett, Chatfield; Nathanial Benton, Standley Lake; Greg Bileck, Fort Collins; Zach Booth, Battle Mountain; Cole Cavey, Valor Christian; Anthony Chambers, Valor Christian; Corbin Divita, Heritage; Tim Debord, Valor Christian; Kolby Donovan, Resurrection Christian; Jake Eickelman, Dakota Ridge; Leo Felt, Monarch; Dalton Giesbrecht, Air Academy; Jared Goodmen, Mountain Vista; Gavin Gray, Air Academy; Max Harlan, Regis Jesuit; Theodore Havner, Resurrection Christian; Trey Hirschfield, Valor Christian; George Kandel, Kent Denver; Reese Kelly, Monarch; Connor Kilkenny, Regis Jesuit; Trey Konsella, Dakota Ridge; Dominic Lanese, Aspen; Breyton Laskey, Standley Lake; Luke Lonneman, Valor Christian; Max Malinski, Valor Christian; Brennan McFarland, Resurrection Christian; Tyler Montoya, Rampart; Matt More, Heritage; Zach Noyes, Columbine; Jake Pacheco, Pueblo County; Henry Raabe, Cherry Creek; Gage Redman, Aspen; Dale Richards, Dakota Ridge; Dixson Root, Pueblo County; Broc Schindler, Pueblo County; Ryan Smith, Cheyenne Mountain; Peyton Tritz, Steamboat Springs; Alex Walsh, Chaparral; Luke Wheeler, Valor Christian; Mikey Wilson, Liberty; Brian Wittmer, Kent Denver; Ty Yocum, Aspen; Ben Zimmerman, Kent Denver.

    [divider]

    All-Conference

    Foothills Conference

    First Team
    Pos Name School
    F Leo Felt Monarch
    F Shane Ott Regis Jesuit
    F Connor Akerson Monarch
    D Jake Eickleman Dakota Ridge
    D Rowan Barnes Regis Jesuit
    G Max Harlan Regis Jesuit
    Second Team
    Pos Name School
    F Jared Goodmen Mountain Vista
    F Dale Richards Dakota Ridge
    F Connor Kilkenny Regis Jesuit
    D Henry Raabe Cherry Creek
    D Trey Konsella Dakota Ridge
    G Reese Kelly Monarch

    Honorable mention: Yuta Young, Monarch; Jonathan Tanji, Dakota Ridge; Amir Kalani, Dakota Ridge; Drew Eickelman, Dakota Ridge; Neal Sklar, Cherry Creek; Colton Holub, Cherry Creek; Blake Benson, Cherry Creek; Andreas Fuentes, Ralston Valley; Armando Fowler, Ralston Valley; Tanner Colson, Lewis-Palmer; Addison Zeich, Lewis-Palmer; Justin Lico, Regis Jesuit; Anders Erickson, Regis Jesuit; Paxton Erickson, Regis Jesuit; Kale Lone, Regis Jesuit; Nolan Sargent, Regis Jesuit; Wyatt Verity, Regis Jesuit; Sam Miller, Denver East; Christian Backes, Denver East; Matt Pence, Denver East; Chad Kashiwa, Denver East.

    [divider]

    Peak Conference

    First Team
    Pos Name School
    F Kolby Donovan  Resurrection Christian
    F Zach Booth  Battle Mountain
    F Brennan McFarland  Resurrection Christian
    D Corbin Divita  Heritage
    D Ryan Smith  Cheyenne Mountain
    G Gage Redman Aspen
    Second Team
    Pos Name School
    F Drew Bauer  Columbine
    F Dominic Lanese Aspen
    F Matt More Heritage
    D Ty Yocum Aspen
    D Theodore Havner Resurrection Christian
    G Zach Noyes Columbine

    Honorable mention: Nick DiPonio, Heritage; James Purse, Heritage; Trevor Taylor, Cheyenne Mountain; Chayse Heffler, Cheyenne Mountain; Dominic Lanese, Aspen.

    [divider]

    Pinnacle Conference

    First Team
    Pos Name School
    F Greg Bileck Fort Collins
    F Dalton Giesbrecht Air Academy
    F George Kandel Kent Denver
    D Alex Walsh Chaparral
    D Nathanial Benton Standley Lake
    G Breyton Laskey Standley Lake
    Second Team
    Pos Name School
    F Ben Zimmerman Kent Denver
    F Gavin Gray Air Academy
    F Hunter Beckett Chatfield
    D Mikey Wilson Liberty
    D Brian Wittmer Kent Denver
    G Peyton Tritz Steamboat Springs

    Honorable mention: Paden Clark, Fort Collins; Connor McIlhany, Liberty; Cameron Lattemore, Liberty; Ryan Eichsteadt; Sean Gurlea, Summit; Ben Carlson, Summit; Luke Gosnell, Summit; Max Bonenberger, Summit; Isaac Eland, Summit; Will Caulkins, Kent Denver; Colby Moore, Kent Denver; Dalton Giesbrecht, Air Academy; Luke Borgerding, Steamboat Springs; Quinn Morton, Steamboat Springs; Jeremy Grove, Standley Lake; Ryan Iwanski, Standley Lake; Justus Aragon, Standley Lake; Dylan Riddley, Standley Lake; Phil Crespin, Standley Lake; Breyton Laskey, Standley Lake; Kayden Dormer, Chatfield; Calvin Knight, Chatfield.

    [divider]

    Highland Conference

    First Team
    Pos Name School
    F Luke Wheeler Valor Christian
    F Tyler Montoya Rampart
    F Tim Debord Valor Christian
    D Jake Pacheco Pueblo County
    D Cole Cavey Valor Christian
    G Trey Hirschfield Valor Christian
    Second Team
    Pos Name School
    F Dixson Root Pueblo County
    F Broc Schindler Pueblo County
    F Luke Lonneman Valor Christian
    D Anthony Chambers Valor Christian
    D Max Malinski Valor Christian
    G Chase Allen Rampart

    Honorable mention: James Adams, Rampart; Trevor Jesse, Rampart; Garrett Cunfer, Rampart; Colten Criettendon, Pueblo County; Kaden Hardesty, Pueblo County; Andrew Burton, Coronado; Ian Wark, Coronado; Trevor Gordon, Coronado; Cole Brooker, Coronado; Nate Bradley, Woodland Park; Lou Levy, Woodland Park; Zack Swain, Palmer; Kyle Moore, Palmer; Andrew Rush, Palmer; Brandon Herd, Palmer; Dane Smith, Palmer; Blake Buchanan, Valor Christian; Mason Hoehn, Valor Christian; Colton Carslon, Valor Christian; Colten Crittendon, Crested Butte; Kaden Hardesty, Crested Butte; Michael Hensley, Crested Butte; Connor Mahon, Mullen; Matt Byerly, Mullen.

  • Photos: George Washington, ThunderRidge, Grandview and Rock Canyon advance to 5A boys hoops Final 4

    DENVER — The Class 5A boys Final 4 is set as George Washington, ThunderRidge, Grandview and Rock Canyon all won Friday’s quarterfinal games.

    [divider]

    (5) George Washington 42, (13) Smoky Hill 41

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”1054″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”1″ captions_display_sharing=”0″ captions_display_title=”0″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”10000″]

    [divider]

    (2) ThunderRidge 45, (7) Doherty 43

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”1055″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”1″ captions_display_sharing=”0″ captions_display_title=”0″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”10000″]

    [divider]

    (6) Grandview 59, (3) Chaparral 53

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”1056″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”1″ captions_display_sharing=”0″ captions_display_title=”0″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”10000″]

    [divider]

    (1) Rock Canyon 54, (8) Overland 47

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”1057″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”1″ captions_display_sharing=”0″ captions_display_title=”0″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”10000″]

  • ThunderRidge’s Verk beats the buzzer as Grizzlies top Doherty in 5A boys hoops Great 8

    DENVER — Sometimes when Bailey Verk gets the ball right under the hoop, he can’t help make sure that he doesn’t screw it up.

    After Doherty’s Kyrele Benford got a friendly role on a 3-pointer to tie the game, Verk found himself with the ball right under the ThunderRidge basket.

    He didn’t screw it up. He got his shot off and the Grizzlies came away with a 45-43 win over the Spartas to advance to next week’s Class 5A Final 4.

    “Every time you get the ball like that (thinking about screwing it up) always goes through your head,” Verk said.

    The Spartans looked intent to play a physical style of basketball. They worked the ball inside to Joe Golden, who ended up carrying them offensively for the first half.

    Doherty led 12-9 after the first quarter with Golden accountable for seven of the Spartans’ points. The physicality translated to the defensive side of the ball as they held Kaison Hammonds scoreless in the first quarter.

    “We were expecting them to come out like that,” Verk said. “We were just trying to play our game and get our shots.”

    But the ThunderRidge senior got on track in the second, shooting 3 for 4 from the field and helping the Grizzlies get into halftime trailing just 25-24.

    Verk and Austin Holt led ThunderRidge in the third, combining for 10 of the teams 12 points. They adjusted defensively, packing into a zone limiting the impact that Golden was able to make on the inside.

    “They kind of got out of sorts and weren’t going to Joe anymore,” ThunderRidge coach Joe Ortiz. “Bailey did a good job of battling him and holding his own, but Joe was a force.”

    The Spartans sputtered in the fourth, letting the Grizzlies take a four-point lead at 38-34. Golden found Alijah Bates slashing to the basket to cut the lead in half. Shortly he after, he hauled in a defensive rebound and drew a foul from Hammonds. Golden hit just one of two free throws, but Hammonds was forced to the bench with four fouls.

    After he checked back into the game, Hammonds was fouled by Duke Carey and made both free throws to push the lead to three.

    Holt made a four-point game, adding two free throws after getting fouled by Bates who subsequently fouled out of the game.

    D’Angelo Shepherd cut that lead to one after burying a huge three from the corner.

    More free throws made it a three-point game again, but Benford got a friendly role to tie the game.

    But it wasn’t meant to be as Verk got the ball under the basket and put it in to give the Grizzlies the win and a trip back to the Coliseum next week.

    “We learned a lot from today,” Ortiz said. “We’ll talk about it, it’s still kind of shocking right now. I’m not there yet. I’m thinking about postgame.”

    Ortiz says he and the team will have plenty of time to recover from the crazy ending of Saturday’s game and should be prepared when they face the winner of Chaparral and Grandview next week.

  • Emotions run high as No. 7 Doherty boys basketball tops No. 23 Cherry Creek in 5A Sweet 16

    Cherry Creek Doherty boys basketball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — When Joe Golden and Kyrele Benford were sophomores they got to play on the floor at the Denver Coliseum. The Doherty Spartans had advanced to the Class 5A Great 8, but fell to eventual state champion Overland.

    Last year, the Spartans were upset in their bid to return to the Coliseum.

    After Wednesday’s emotionally charged 47-40 win over Cherry Creek, Doherty is right back where it feels it belongs.

    “It’s been since my sophomore year,” Benford said. “It’s about time we got there again.”

    Like both teams in general, Benford had a rough start to his night. He went 3-for-8 from the free throw line in the first half. He sank all four foul shots in the second half, including two in the fourth quarter that kept it a two-possession game for in the Spartans (21-4 overall0 favor.

    “My coaches came around and told me ‘you’re a good free throw shooter, you just have to settle down,’” Benford said. “I told them I’d have their backs at the line and I knocked them down.”

    Doherty’s 2-3 zone gave the Bruins (15-11) fits for much of the game. They couldn’t knock down any shots early, scoring only 10 total points the entire first half.

    Dimitri Stanley found some success shooting early in the third quarter, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. He finished with a team-high 13 points.

    It didn’t help that Doherty seemed to leave its composure in the locker room at halftime. Alijah Bates and DeMarious Carey were each hit with technical fouls, allowing Creek to close the gap late in the game.

    “I’m a guy that preaches that all the time,” Doherty coach Eric Steinert said. “Character, body language, all that stuff matters. If you listened to me coach tonight, I probably coach 95 percent mental, five percent basketball. I think emotions were high and our guys really want to win.”

    Creek wasn’t going to make it that easy.

    Cherry Creek Doherty boys basketball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    Darius Price connected on a shot under the basket, getting fouled in the process. He made the free throw to complete the three-point play and cut the Doherty lead to 35-33 with 5:20 left in the game.

    Bates battled for a tough bucket off the glass on the other end of the floor, but Stanley immediately returned the favor.

    Golden added one more basket and then the Spartans had to put in the work at the free throw line.

    Benford sank his two and Golden made one.

    Julian Hammond knocked down a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to make it a 42-40 game. After the Spartans got fouled, Cherry Creek coach Kent Dertinger argued the wrong player was shooting free throws.

    He was hit with a technical foul, allowing Carey to knock down four. He added one more on the next possession to seal the game.

    The Spartans are heading to the Coliseum, but a more composed game could be what they need to top No. 2 ThunderRidge.

    “I would say that,” Golden said. “It’s going to be huge, especially with emotions running high because it’s the Great 8 and I’m just ready to go with my brothers.”

    Cherry Creek Doherty boys basketball
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

  • No. 20 Columbine upsets No. 13 Doherty in 5A girls basketball tournament

    Doherty Columbine girls basketball
    (Kelsey Lowry/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — It was an intense and exciting playoff atmosphere at Doherty High School Friday night. The Class 5A girls basketball playoff battle between No. 20 Columbine and No. 13 Doherty came down to the wire and resulted in the Rebels getting the 46-44 upset win.

    “Just keep calm,” is what Columbine’s coach Greg Bolding had to say when his girls came back to tie the game in the fourth quarter with three minutes left.

    The game had started off slow for Columbine who missed their first three shots of the game, allowing Doherty to take a six-point lead early on. Columbine managed to keep it close and finished the first quarter trailing 11-10.

    The next two quarters had the same story where baskets from Doherty’s Unique Semadeni and Brionna McBride kept the Spartans in the lead, but Columbine continued to be right at their door knocking.

    The fourth quarter started with Columbine’s Maura Singer making two free throws that tied the game. It was short lived though when Doherty went on a 6-0 run to retake the lead with five minutes remaining.

    Doherty Columbine girls basketball
    (Kelsey Lowry/CHSAANow.com)

    However, the Spartans couldn’t outlast the resilience of Columbine, as multiple fouls and mistakes lead to free throws and turnovers. With the score at 45-44 with Columbine ahead, Columbine’s Jenna Lohrenz was fouled with 11 seconds left.

    “(I had) so many nerves,” Lohrenz said as she stood on the free throw line with the game in her hands. “I just focused in on my teammates and told myself you got this Jenna, you can make this and when I made the first one, I knew we had it.”

    With the free throw that Lohrenz made, Columbine was ahead 46-44 with only a few seconds left for Doherty to get a look at a shot.

    With only two and a half seconds left, Doherty passed the ball in to an open Abbi Noll who’s shot fell short and as the buzzer rang out. The Columbine girls and coaches rushed the floor in celebration.

    “This game is so huge for our program who haven’t won a playoff game in eight years,” Bolding said. “I’m very proud of my girls the way they were able to calm their emotions and be able to come back and get the win.”

    Doherty was lead in scoring by McBride with 12 points and Mykiaa Minnis with 11. The Spartans finished their season with a League Championship and an overall record of 20-4.

    With this win over Doherty, Columbine will advance to the Sweet 16 and face No. 4 Grandview on Feb. 27.

    “Our team is resilient,” Bolding said. “We’re going to come together and put up a good game plan, so we can continue to be successful as we move forward.”

  • Boys basketball’s 4A and 5A state tournament brackets are out

    Douglas County Rock Canyon boys basketball
    (Marcus Gipson/Jmariahimages.com)

    AURORA — Rock Canyon and Pueblo South grabbed No. 1 overall seeds on Sunday when the Class 5A and 4A boys basketball brackets were unveiled.

    Find the full brackets here:

    Rock Canyon (21-2) leads the 5A field, having finished atop the final RPI standings of the regular season. Other high seeds in 5A include No. 2 ThunderRidge, No. 3 Chaparral, No. 4 Denver East, No. 5 George Washington, No. 6 Grandview, No. 7 Doherty and No. 8 Overland.

    Defending champion Eaglecrest is seeded No. 16.

    In 4A, Pueblo South (21-2) also was No. 1 in the final RPI standings. No. 2 Lewis-Palmer, No. 3 Golden, No. 4 Falcon, No. 5 Longmont, No. 6 Pueblo West, No. 7 Silver Creek and No. 8 Evergreen are also high 4A seeds.

    Defending champion Valor Christian is seeded ninth.

    Both tournaments begin play on Wednesday, with seeds Nos. 32-48 playing in the first round.

    Round 2 games take place on Saturday, with the Sweet 16 set for Feb. 28. The Great 8 is March 3, the Final 4 will be March 8, and championship games are set for March 10.

    The Great 8 (5A only), Final 4 and championship games will be played at the Denver Coliseum.