CHSAANow

Tag: Ralston Valley

  • All-state boys basketball teams for the 2019-20 season

    The 2019-20 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 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

    Columbine Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    (Lance Wendt/LanceWendt.com)

    Player of the year: Luke O’Brien, Columbine

    Coach of the year: Shawn Palmer, Rangeview

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Obi Agbim Rangeview Senior SG
    Julian Hammond III Cherry Creek Junior SG
    Caleb McGill Grandview Senior PF/C
    Luke O’Brien Columbine Senior SG
    Kobe Sanders Chaparral Senior PG/SG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jalen Page Fairview Senior F
    Lian Ramiro Grandview Senior C
    Quinten Rock Smoky Hill Senior PG
    Zion Ruckard Eaglecrest Senior PG/SG
    Christopher Speller Rangeview Senior PG

    Honorable mention: Trevor Baskin, Pomona, Senior; Rocky Beers, Valor Christian, Senior; Ben Bowen, Mountain Vista, Junior; Greysen Carter, Fairview, Junior; Ryan Collins, Broomfield, Senior; Daric Conkright, Horizon, Senior; Fred Edmonds, George Washington, Junior; Messiah Ford, Aurora Central, Senior; Caden Gigstad, Ralston Valley, Senior; Ben Hageman, Windsor, Junior; Tristan Hurdle, Highlands Ranch, Senior; Taeshaud Jackson Jr., Dakota Ridge, Junior; Kendale Johnson, George Washington, Junior; Reece Kelly, Mountain Vista, Senior; Aidan Kuhl, Rocky Mountain, Sophomore; AJ Lacabe, Vista PEAK Prep, Senior; Keyshawn Maltbia, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior; Nolan Marold, ThunderRidge, Junior; Jordan McKay, Liberty, Sophomore; Amondo Miller, Valor Christian, Junior; Lucas Moerman, Doherty, Senior; Cade Palmer, Rangeview, Junior; Myles Purchase, Cherry Creek, Junior; Langston Reynolds, Denver East, Sophomore; Caleb Rillos, Ralston Valley, Senior; Christian Speller, Rangeview, Senior; Boston Stanton lll, Denver East, Junior; Bryson Stephens, Arapahoe, Senior; Tyler Turner, Boulder, Senior; Jeremiah Warren, Hinkley, Junior; Peyton Westfall, Pine Creek, Senior.[divider]

    Class 4A

    Cheyenne Mountain Vista Ridge boys basketball
    (Arlee Aragon/Fountain-Fort Carson High School)

    Player of the year: Javonte Johnson, Cheyenne Mountain

    Coach of the year: Darin Reese, Mead

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tijani Bamba Lincoln Senior G/PG
    Nahsyah Bolar Northfield Senior SF/PF
    Javonte Johnson Cheyenne Mountain Senior SG/SF
    Micah Lamberth The Classical Academy Senior PG
    Will Maher Mead Senior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Donta Dawson Harrison Junior SG/SF
    Dallas Dye Longmont Senior PF
    Ty Foster Lincoln Senior PG
    Taylor Harris Pueblo West Senior PG
    Owen Koonce Centaurus Senior F

    Honorable mention: Bryce Andrews, Weld Central, Sophomore; Tarrance Austin, Pueblo South, Sophomore; Mason Black, Falcon, Sophomore; Mitchell Burt, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Joe Cartelli, Frederick, Senior; Randall Days, Widefield, Senior; Andrew Duquette, Silver Creek, Senior; Watts Erb, Palisade, Senior; Ezekiel Estrada, Kennedy, Senior; Keegan Garvey, Eagle Valley, Senior; Garrett Green, Holy Family, Senior; Ethan Hall, Discovery Canyon, Senior; Ladorian Havard, Erie, Senior; Darius Hornbuckle, Thomas Jefferson, Senior; Luke Hutto, Montrose, Sophomore; John Iuele, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Nick Jacobs, Mead, Senior; Darnell Kindred, Pueblo East, Senior; Griffin Lauritano, Evergreen, Junior; Dawson Lindquist, Steamboat Springs, Senior; Trey Lujan, Rifle, Senior; Tim Marshall, Air Academy, Senior; Brandon Martin, Pueblo Central, Senior; Liam McKenny, Battle Mountain, Senior; Tim Mewborn, Widefield, Senior; Alex Morales, Wheat Ridge, Senior; Jaromy Morgan, Thompson Valley, Junior; Kevin Mulligan, Golden, Senior; Seth Newton, Canon City, Junior; Nazarie Poliuk, Summit, Junior; Austin Robison, Skyline, Senior; Tayvis Sagrillo-Smiley, Littleton, Senior; Cooper Sheldon, Niwot, Senior; Trey Towndrow, Green Mountain, Senior; Landon Wallace, Conifer, Senior; Trey Ward, Mead, Senior; Colin Westfall, Lewis-Palmer, Junior.
    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Dominique Clifford Vangaurd boys basketball
    (Derek Regensburger/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Dominique Clifford, The Vanguard School

    Coach of the year: Bruce Dick, Resurrection Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Dominique Clifford The Vanguard School Senior PG/SG
    Reece Johnson Resurrection Christian Senior G
    Caleb Ruter Faith Christian Senior SF/PF
    Jaden Stoffell Manual Senior PG/SG
    Kyrie Thomas DSST: Byers Senior G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Brenden Crowther Alamosa Senior SG
    Baye Fall Lutheran Freshman PF/C
    Axel Henry Sterling Senior PG
    Isaac Jessup Resurrection Christian Senior G
    Hunter Wood Gunnison Senior SG/PG

    Honorable mention: Joey Allen, Manitou Springs, Senior; Joah Armour, Manitou Springs, Junior; Buddy Askenazi, DSST: Montview, Senior; Mikey Babi, Bennett, Junior; Isaac Bearss, Buena Vista, Junior; Pace Billings, Kent Denver, Senior; Qahhar Burns, DSST: Montview, Senior; William Cervantes, Trinidad, Senior; Tayt Chacon, University, Sophomore; Mason Claunch, Centauri, Sophomore; Elliott Cravitz, Colorado Academy, Sophomore; Austin Gerber, Coal Ridge, Senior; Myles Godina, Salida, Junior; Scott Grable, Eaton, Junior; Nate Gravagno, Englewood, Junior; Alec Holman, Centauri, Senior; Sam Howery, St. Mary’s, Sophomore; Hunter Hughes, Delta; Timothy Huston, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Senior; Ian Jackson, Alamosa; Chris Jones, Ellicott, Senior; Alec Laraby, Middle Park, Senior; Isaiah LaTour, Lamar, Senior; Jacob Marcus, The Academy, Senior; Cayden Mazurek, Riverdale Ridge, Junior; D Moore, Ridge View Academy, Senior; Elijah Mullet, Fort Lupton, Senior; Chance Oquist, La Junta, Senior; Joseph Padilla, The Vanguard School, Senior; Darius Richards, Bishop Machebeuf, Senior; Bryan Rivera, Atlas Preparatory School, Junior; Jackson Romero, Resurrection Christian, Senior; Brock Shalla, Sterling, Senior; Mason Snarr, Pagosa Springs, Senior; Elian Soto, Jefferson Academy, Senior; Mamadou Sow, Lutheran, Junior; Caleb Stockton, Colorado Springs Christian, Junior; Elijah Thatch, DSST: Byers, Senior; Ryan Ure, Eaton, Junior; Teagan Whiteskunk, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior; Dylan Windorski, Lake County, Junior.
    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Highland Eaton boys basketball
    (David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotography.org)

    Player of the year: Tate Bessire, Highland

    Coach of the year: Pete Freeman, Highland

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tate Bessire Highland Senior G
    Jase Bessire Highland Junior G
    Val Leone Fowler Junior G/P
    Clay Robinson Yuma Sophomore G
    Camden Smithburg Limon Junior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Junior Arambula Wray Junior PG
    Andrew Burton Burlington Senior  
    Chase McCreath Yuma Senior C/F
    Johnathan Mobbley Fowler Senior P
    Kory Tacha Limon Junior  

    Honorable mention: Ben Buhler, Denver Christian, Sophomore;
    Alex Carr, Limon, Junior; Tate Dille, Sedgwick County, Junior; Jesus Dominguez, West Grand, Sophomore; Dakota Eaton, Holly, Sophomore; Jared Ehmke, Sedgwick County, Junior; Nick Estes, Soroco, Senior; Bryce Finn, Ignacio, Junior; Coby Grant-Krenz, Dawson School, Senior; Jaden Johnson, Heritage Christian, Senior; Ethan Johnson, Holyoke, Sophomore; AJ Lashley, Peyton, Sophomore; Dylan Lebleu, Rangely, Senior; Jamison Lee, Vail Christian, Senior; Brady McCaw, Ignacio, Junior; Brennen Meyers, Peyton, Junior; Zaine Mikita, Byers, Senior; Omar Moreno, Holly, Junior; Alec Moritz, Vail Christian, Senior; Nic Navarette, Hoehne, Senior; Jacob Palecki, Hotchkiss, Senior; Justin Pecar, Wray, Senior; Cole Rogers, Meeker, Senior; Caden Showalter, Mancos, Senior; Connor Show Showalter, Mancos, Sophomore; Hunter Slowik, Hayden, Junior; Christian Still, Dayspring Christian Academy, Junior; Trey Summers, Union Colony Prep, Junior; Isaiah Trujillo, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior; Samuel Uyemura, Wray, Junior; Austyn Vig, Plateau Valley, Senior.
    [divider]

    Class 1A

    (Ty Lin Williams/Kiowa County Independent)

    Player of the year: Jayden McCombs-Farmer, Kit Carson

    Coach of the year: Damon Dechant, Kit Carson

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Cole Christensen Sangre de Cristo Senior PG/G
    Blake Essex Mile High Academy Junior C
    Jayden McCombs-Farmer Kit Carson Senior PG/SG
    Wesley Ryan De Beque Junior  
    Shadow Varnado South Baca Senior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Wyatt Patton Briggsdale Senior PG/SG
    Jason Holt Evangelical Christian Senior PG
    Dylan Renquist Walsh Senior  
    Cordell Farmer Kit Carson Senior  
    Quade Pelton Cheyenne Wells Senior  

    Honorable mention: Jhett Alapia, Elbert, Junior; Elijah Aragon, Kim/Branson, Senior; Damien Barnes, Eads, Junior; Jonah Bertolino, Cotopaxi, Junior; Landon Bunker, Evangelical Christian, Senior; Dominic Coleman, Granada, Sophomore; Kade Comstock, Fleming, Junior; Cade Conger, Merino, Senior; Antonio Cordova, Primero, Junior; Zeke Craig, Bethune, Senior; Assane Diop, Belleview Christian, Freshman; Mitch Dollerschell, Prairie, Senior; Sullivan Farmer, Kit Carson, Junior; Channing Green, Ouray, Senior; Chance Gulliford, Cotopaxi, Senior; Brenden Hodges, Walsh, Senior; Tanner Hutt, Merino, Senior; Jaden Jordan, De Beque, Junior; Jon Kochavi, Denver Jewish Day, Senior; Brady Kuntz, Lone Star, Junior; Jaret Lichty, Stratton/Liberty, Junior; Lawrence Lucero, Wiley, Senior; Alan McCaffrey, Arickaree/Woodlin, Senior; Rylan McCall, Walsh, Senior; Liam Miller, Ouray, Senior; Wyatt Miller, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Sophomore; Ethan Moore, Pikes Peak Christian, Junior; Sam Mote, Evangelical Christian, Senior; Christian Nation, Otis, Senior; Logan Owen, Belleview Christian, Junior; Trey Pearce, Cheraw, Junior; Aly Sakho, Denver Waldorf, Senior; Darian Schaller, Springfield, Junior; Ryan Shellenberger, Longmont Christian, Senior; Ryan Tempel, Haxtun, Junior; Dax Towns, Idalia, Senior; Dustin Wenz, Kiowa, Junior; Cooper White, Peetz, Senior; Tyler Wytulka, Nucla, Junior; Josh Yoder, Edison, Sophomore.

  • All-state girls basketball teams for the 2019-20 season

    The 2019-20 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 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

    Highlands Ranch Cherry Creek girls basketball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    Player of the year: Jana Van Gytenbeek, Cherry Creek

    Coach of the year: Jessika Caldwell, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Raegan Beers Valor Christian Sophomore PF/C
    Lauren Betts Grandview Sophomore C
    Cali Clark Cherry Creek Senior PF/SF
    Payton Muma Highlands Ranch Junior PG/SG
    Jana Van Gytenbeek Cherry Creek Senior PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Tosjanae Bonds Far Northeast Warriors Senior  
    Jada Moore Regis Jesuit Senior PG/SG
    Addison O’Grady Grandview    
    Avery Vansickle Regis Jesuit Junior PG/SG
    Kindyll Wetta Valor Christian Junior PG/SG

    Honorable mention: Callie Allen, Fruita Monument, Senior; Nikki Antonopoulos, Brighton, Junior; Avery Bang, Chaparral, Sophomore; Torie Bass, Fountain-Fort Carson, Junior; Sydney Bevington, Ralston Valley, Junior; Jessica Bollwahn, Columbine, Sophomore; Danae Christensen, Fountain-Fort Carson, Senior; Jordynn Conner, Denver East, Junior; Lila Dere, Fruita Monument, Senior; Mackenzie Gamble, Mountain Vista, Senior; Timiya Guevara, Denver South, Junior; Sophia Hadad, Fossil Ridge, Senior; Makayla Hemingway, Cherokee Trail, Senior; Shamahra Henderson, Thornton, Senior; Seairra Hughes, Vista Peak Prep, Senior; Jay Jones, Adams City, Senior; Taryn Lindsey, Doherty, Junior; Halle Mackiewicz, Legacy, Senior; Kali March, Arapahoe, Senior; Lydia Marshall, Liberty, Senior; Izzy Munson, Fairview, Senior; Taylor Ray, Highlands Ranch, Sophomore; Leah Redding, Grand Junction Central, Junior; Jadyn Ross, Eaglecrest, Senior; Saya Sabus, Ralston Valley, Sophomore; Jenna Siebert, Valor Christian, Junior; Megan Stackhouse, Loveland, Senior; Grace Talbot, Chatfield, Sophomore; Nadia Trevizo-Medina, Lakewood, Senior; Olivia Waufle, Horizon, Senior; Nyera West, Rangeview, Sophomore; Courtney Wristen, Broomfield, Junior; Lauren Zwetzig, Fossil Ridge, Senior.
    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Rampart Pueblo West girls basketball
    (Ismael Gomez)

    Player of the year: Hannah Simental, Pueblo West

    Coach of the year: Alan Gibson, Berthoud

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kylee Blacksten Air Academy Senior G
    Emily Cavey Berthoud Senior SG/PF/SF
    Megan Pohs Mullen Junior PG
    Hannah Simental Pueblo West Senior PG
    Alyssa Wells Holy Family Junior SG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Nikki Derrell Sand Creek Junior PG/SG
    Breanna Fowler Berthoud Junior PG/SG
    Courtney Hank Green Mountain Junior  
    Jerika Moore Canon City Senior SG/SF
    D’Nae Wilson Sierra Senior PG

    Honorable mention: Jasmine Arreola, Denver West, Sophomore;
    Hannah Burg, Falcon, Junior; Serin Dunne, Mesa Ridge, Senior; Jada Dupree, Pueblo South, Senior; Sydnee Durtsche, Thompson Valley, Senior; Josie Eccher, Montrose, Senior; Gracie Gallegos, Mullen, Sophomore; Elli Garnett, Golden, Senior; Thalia Guardiola, Skyview, Junior; Genevieve Gudino, Erie, Junior; Krystina Hagood, Sand Creek, Senior; Jordynn Lee, Longmont, Senior; Liberty Line, Ponderosa, Junior; Gabby Louther, Pueblo West, Sophomore; Erin Mauro, Pueblo County, Senior; Giavonna Meeks, Northfield, Sophomore; Julia Mischke, Centaurus, Junior; Amyah Moore, Harrison, Junior; Diamond Moore, Harrison, Senior; Jameson Mott, Evergreen, Freshman; Grace Moyers, Erie, Sophomore; Brooke Murrell, Thomas Jefferson, Freshman; Avery Oaster, Green Mountain, Sophomore; Imani Perez, Mullen, Sophomore; Ashayla Powers, Skyline, Senior; Susie Puchino, Littleton, Senior; Mason Rowland, Durango, Freshman; Kaydee Sims, Weld Central, Junior; Natalya Taylor, Glenwood Springs, Senior; Maddie Topping, D’Evelyn, Sophomore; Selena Vargas, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior; Maya Whiteside, George Washington, Junior; Tyler Whitlock, Holy Family, Junior.
    [divider]

    Class 3A

    St. Mary's girls basketball Josephine Howery
    (Derek Regensburger/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Josephine Howery, St. Mary’s

    Coach of the year: Wes Lewis, Pagosa Springs

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Hailey Griego Pagosa Springs Senior  
    Seneca Hackley St. Mary’s Senior W/SG
    Josephine Howery St. Mary’s Senior PG/SG/W
    Kylie Kravig University Junior  
    Addie Randel Eaton Senior PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Catherine Cummings St. Mary’s Senior C
    Mia Garcia Centauri Senior  
    Lilly Lavier Alamosa Senior G
    Taylor Lewis Pagosa Springs Senior SG
    Stephanie Schultz Lutheran Junior PG/SG

    Honorable mention: Jacky Alvarez-Gordillo, Eagle Ridge Academy, Senior; Corrie Anderson, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior; Cortney Arrasmith, The Vanguard School, Senior; Madison Bogue, Strive Prep – Smart Academy, Junior; Brooke Bunting, Platte Valley, Sophomore; Jasmine Cardona, Sterling, Senior; Mikylah Espinosa, The Academy, Sophomore; Ashley Finch, Faith Christian, Senior; Ella Freimuth, Colorado Academy, Junior; Alexis Garcia, The Vanguard School, Junior; Sara Geddes, Delta, Senior; Kammie Henderson, Cedaredge, Junior; Julia Holden, Trinidad, Senior; Kenzie Kraich, Brush, Junior; Taryn Kravig, University, Freshman; Nakaiya Kuskie, Eaton, Junior; Emily Lavier, Alamosa, Junior; Jade Leibel, Florence, Senior; Amanda Licht, Kent Denver, Sophomore; Maya Lindgren, Roaring Fork, Junior; Hayden Mayo, La Junta, Senior; Brenna McDaniel, Centauri, Junior; Mady McFee, Buena Vista, Senior; Jaecynda Nienhuser, Ellicott, Junior; Aniah Olson, Manitou Springs, Senior; Kate Osborne, DSST: Byers, Junior; Rachel Pelino, Salida, Junior; Aryanna Perez, The Academy, Sophomore; Jordyn Pittman, Grand Valley, Senior; Keely Porter, Delta, Junior; Daisy Rodriguez, Aurora West College Prep Academy, Junior; Cora Schissler, Platte Valley, Sophomore; Macee Shultz, Bayfield, Junior; Natalie Smink, DSST: Montview, Senior; Izzy Swanson, Liberty Common, Junior; Dalayna Tadolini, Brush, Senior; Lily Thimsen, Jefferson Academy, Senior; Isabelle Trujillo, Arrupe Jesuit, Senior; Carly Villegas, Riverdale Ridge, Junior; Taylor Wiescamp, Coal Ridge, Junior; Paige Yarbrough, Montezuma-Cortez, Junior.
    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Kendra Parra Del Norte girls basketball
    (Brent Murphy/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Kendra Parra, Del Norte

    Coach of the year: Bart O’Dwyer, Limon

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Sidney Hines Limon Senior PF/SF
    Toni Lopez Limon Senior  
    Kendra Parra Del Norte Senior SG
    Abi Snyder Rocky Ford Junior PG
    Kristin Vieselmeyer Holyoke Sophomore PF
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Julia Dinwiddie Meeker Senior  
    Emily Jelden Holyoke Senior PG
    Emma Johnson Heritage Christian Senior  
    Kayleigh Mannering Peyton Senior G
    Mackenzie Peterson Sanford Senior  

    Honorable mention: Sophie Adamson, Rye, Sophomore; Sydney Adamson, Rye, Sophomore; Kara Amidon, Denver Christian, Senior; Sidney Brown, Highland, Senior; Kayedence Bruner, Soroco, Sophomore; Asia Caldon, Sanford, Sophomore; Cheyenne Caldon, Sanford, Sophomore; Alex Camilletti, Hayden, Senior; Saedee Davis, Holly, Senior; Kaitlyn Day, Dawson School, Senior; Madison Day, Dawson School, Senior; Mayson Fago, Union Colony Prep, Senior; Morgan Gribble, Swink, Senior; Devon Harris, Byers, Senior; Lauren Herman, Holyoke, Sophomore; Makayla Howell, Ignacio, Senior; Tabby Jones, Wray, Junior; Gabby Jones, Del Norte, Sophomore; Kacie Lapp, Rangely, Junior; Kaeci Madrid, Del Norte, Junior; Amana Malki, Lotus School For Excellence, Sophomore; Sarina Mansour, Colorado Springs School, Senior; Trista Marx, Limon, Sophomore; Leslie Mendoza, Holly, Senior; Shelby Miller, Peyton, Junior; Jaiden Monger, Calhan, Junior; Avaleena Nanaeto, Ignacio, Sophomore; Jolee Ortiz, Rye, Junior; Trinity Perry, Burlington, Junior; Kaitlyn Rector, Simla, Junior; Whitney Richardi, Colorado Springs School, Junior; Ema Richardson, Yuma, Junior; Chloe Richardson, Rye, Junior; Abby Shay, Wray, Senior; Elsie Vazquez, Hotchkiss, Senior; Elissa Velasquez, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior; Taylor Warnecke, Simla, Senior.
    [divider]

    Class 1A

    (Courtesy of Springfield HS)

    Player of the year: Julia Mondragon, Springfield

    Coach of the year: Tom Jacobs, South Baca

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Whitney Chintala Fleming Sophomore G
    Delaney Eskew South Baca Senior  
    Kendyl Kirkwood Fleming Junior F
    Kylie Krise Briggsdale Sophomore  
    Julia Mondragon Springfield Senior P
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kylee Christensen Sangre de Cristo Junior PG
    Lola Conaway Shining Mountain Senior PF/SF
    Alexis Crane Springfield Senior G
    Koylynn Gulliford Cotopaxi Junior  
    Reyna Isenbart Kit Carson Senior PG/SG/SF

    Honorable mention: Anna Beckett, McClave, Sophomore; Claire Carlson, Cotopaxi, Senior; Bailea Carothers, Kiowa, Senior; Taysa Conger, Merino, Sophomore; Kendall Conway, De Beque, Sophomore; Patience Crane, South Baca, Senior; Anela Dixon, Mile High Academy, Junior; Kenlee Durrill, Flatirons Academy, Freshman; Bryn Durrill, Flatirons Academy, Junior; Audrey Gibbs, Ouray, Junior; Alyssa Hammel, Moffat, Senior; Grace Hatfield, Dove Creek, Junior; Alissa Hebberd, South Baca, Junior; Shelby Hoffman, Briggsdale, Junior; Andrea Hornung, Stratton/Liberty, Senior; Sage Laymon, Cotopaxi, Senior; Jazmin Martinez, North Park, Senior; Lexis Metz, Sangre de Cristo, Senior; Camren Morris, Idalia, Sophomore; Talara Nittler, Kim/Branson, Junior; Kylie Parks, Springfield, Senior; Jensen Renquist, Walsh, Freshman; Macy Rowan, Wiley, Junior; Emme Rushing, Nucla, Junior; Ryely Smartt, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Senior; Tessa Smith, Genoa-Hugo/Karval, Junior; Ally Spady, Eads, Junior; Taylor Vandenburg, Longmont Christian, Junior; Alivia Weathers, Lone Star, Sophomore; Kalea Zeender, Shining Mountain, Sophomore.

  • Video: Jeffco Preps With Pleuss (April)

    Jeffco Preps With Pleuss is a monthly roundup of Jeffco prep highlights hosted by Dennis Pleuss, Jeffco Public Schools’ sports information director. This month’s edition features the conclusion of the winter sports season. Jefferson, Pomona and Columbine all brought home individual state titles from the state wrestling championships at Pepsi Center. The Panthers captured yet another Class 5A team title. Three Jeffco basketball team advanced down to the Denver Coliseum in the state basketball tournaments. Columbine boys and Ralston Valley girls both faced the defending state champions in their 5A state quarterfinal games. Green Mountain girls made it all the way to the Final 4 of the 4A state tournament. We also have some words about the delay of the spring sports season.

  • All-state and all-conference hockey teams for the 2019-20 season

    Valor Christian Fort Collins hockey
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    The 2019-20 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.

    [divider]

    All-State

    Player of the Year: Sam Simon, Fort Collins

    Coach of the Year: Dylan Strom, Fort Collins

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Mason Hoehn Valor Christian
    F John Larchenko Denver East
    F Tanner Marsh Fort Collins
    D Nolan Sargent Regis Jesuit
    D Austin Gipson Pine Creek
    G Sam Simon Fort Collins
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Colter Strautman Glenwood Springs
    F Evan Pahos Valor Christian
    F Jakob Boos Heritage
    D Ty Doan Heritage
    D Simon Herz Chaparral
    G AJ DiChiara Kent Denver

    Honorable mention:

    • Nolan Williamson, Fort Collins
    • Wyatt Cirbo, Denver East
    • Austin Sawyer, Pine Creek
    • Hunter Fieweger, Cherry Creek
    • Leighton Walsh, Regis Jesuit
    • Zach Anderson, Mountain Vista
    • Jackson Mundell, Chaparral
    • Ethan Dupree, Mountain Vista
    • Jake Mccall, Valor Christian
    • Luke Flay, Cherry Creek
    • Fuller Loose, Monarch
    • Marek Thompson, Fort Collins
    • Trey Hirschfield, Valor Christian
    • Lucas Banks, Cherry Creek

    [divider]

    All-Conference

    Summit

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Austin Sawyer Pine Creek
    F Luke Guarienti Pueblo County
    F Wyatt Furda Cheyenne Mountain
    D Austin Gipson Pine Creek
    D Luke Doyle Pine Creek
    G Reese Colson Lewis-Palmer
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Sam Kleinsmith Lewis-Palmer
    F Daniel Vujcich Cheyenne Mountain
    F Joey Polaski Air Academy
    D Daniel Perry Lewis-Palmer
    D Denton Damgaard Cheyenne Mountain
    G Sean Valdez Pueblo County

    Honorable mention:

    • Andrew Santos, Pine Creek
    • KC Brooks, Pine Creek
    • Ryan Nicoll, Pueblo County
    • Mitchell Lewis, Cheyenne Mountain
    • Philip Bramble, Cheyenne Mountain
    • Sawyer Haas, Cheyenne Mountain

    [divider]

    Peak

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Ryan Kotz Glenwood Springs
    F Joey Beveredge Battle Mountain
    F Max Bonenberger Summit
    D Rudi Burki Summit
    D Parker Nash Battle Mountain
    G Hunter Hadsock Glenwood Springs
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Colter Strautman Glenwood Springs
    F Graham Barrett Crested Butte
    F Max Ufakes Aspen
    D Alex Parliment Battle Mountain
    D Connor Powell Glenwood Springs
    G Shaughn Rourke Crested Butte

    Honorable mention:

    • Dylan Webster, Glenwood Springs
    • Cole Houston, Glenwood Springs
    • Sean Mooney, Glenwood Springs
    • Jacob Fowler, Glenwood Springs
    • Carson Dietz, Battle Mountain
    • Luke Grimaldi, Battle Mountain
    • Logan Gremmer, Battle Mountain
    • Logan Soderberg, Aspen
    • David Thiel, Steamboat Springs
    • Griffin Maltby, Steamboat Springs
    • Tanner Ripley, Steamboat Springs

    [divider]

    Pinnacle

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Tanner Marsh Fort Collins
    F Zach Saverise Ralston Valley
    F Nolan Williamson Fort Collins
    D Fuller Loose Monarch
    D Marek Thompson Fort Collins
    G Sam Simon Fort Collins
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Ryler Schelle Resurrection Christian
    F Nolan Devine Fort Collins
    F Cainin Stevenson Ralston Valley
    D Jessie Corser-James Fort Collins
    D Sean Lejeunesse Dakota Ridge
    G Andy Howes Resurrection Christian

    Honorable mention:

    • Trevor Wahl, Standley Lake
    • Denny White, Fort Collins
    • Vlad Suhlodolov, Standley Lake
    • Imaad Siddique, Standley Lake
    • Sam Clark, Ralston Valley
    • Anthony Colagrosso, Ralston Valley
    • Cam Pietrasiewicz, Ralston Valley
    • Jason Campos, Fort Collins
    • Tristan Olick, Fort Collins
    • Cristian Girardi, Resurrection Christian
    • Jake Little, Resurrection Christian
    • Eric Tyrrell, Resurrection Christian
    • Zach Clark, Resurrection Christian
    • Toby Gleason, Ralston Valley

    [divider]

    Highlands

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Jakob Boos Heritage
    F John Lochenko Denver East
    F Wyatt Cirbo Denver East
    D Sam Jacobs Chatfield
    D Ty Doan Heritage
    G AJ Dichiara Kent Denver
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Joe Carpinello Heritage
    F Will Kandell Kent Denver
    F Matt Macdonald Denver East
    D Joe Capra Denver East
    D Henry Caukins Kent Denver
    G Connor Mahon Mullen

    Honorable mention:

    • Aidan Cashman, Mullen
    • Robby Witwer, Mullen
    • Nick Gilbert, Mullen
    • Ian Riordan, Denver East
    • Anthony Capra, Denver East
    • Connor Hasse, Denver East
    • Calvin Polon, Denver East
    • Spencer Thomas, Kent Denver
    • Thomas Corbett, Kent Denver
    • Patrick Burke, Heritage
    • Mitchell Myles, Heritage
    • Holden Beckett, Chatfield
    • Matt Maag, Chatfield

    [divider]

    Apex

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Ethan Meyer Rampart
    F Chase Chapman Doherty
    F Will Stone Palmer
    D Josh Mongeau Rampart
    D Tanner Chapman Doherty
    G Marc Godec Coronado
    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Logan Matheney Rampart
    F Cole Brooker Coronado
    F Trace Taronto Woodland Park
    D Reese Hunt Palmer
    D Thomas Hollon Doherty
    G Sean Bolduc Palmer

    Honorable mention:

    • Jonathan Musser, Rampart
    • Jordan Jeffords, Rampart
    • Jaysen Komrofske, Rampart
    • Micheal Barber, Rampart
    • Dean Seifert, Rampart
    • Parker Taranto, Woodland Park
    • Jack Cintron, Coronado
    • Aaron Leaf, Coronado
    • Adam Gryboski, Coronado
    • Shaun Valdez, Palmer
    • Alex Wells, Palmer
    • Joe Vandyk, Palmer
    • John Petrone, Palmer
    • Dane Smith, Palmer
    • Greg Schendzielos, Liberty
    • Brock Chellgren, Liberty
    • Ian Ward, Liberty
    • Seth Dimarino, Liberty
    • Nik Reddeclifd, Liberty
    • Syd Dahl, Rampart
    • Owen Gaul, Woodland Park

    [divider]

    Foothills

    First Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Mason Hoehn Valor Christian
    F Hunter Fieweger Cherry Creek
    F Leighton Walsh Regis Jesuit
    D Nolan Sargent Regis Jesuit
    D Simon Herz Chaparral
    G Trey Hirschfield Valor Christian

     

    Second Team
    Pos. Name School
    F Zach Anderson Mountain Vista
    F Evan Pahos Valor Christian
    F Jackson Mundell Chaparral
    F Ethan Dupree Mountain Vista
    D Jake Mccall Valor Christian
    D Luke Flay Cherry Creek
    G Lucas Banks Cherry Creek

    Honorable mention:

    • Serge Padilla, Regis Jesuit
    • Jesse Kittay, Mountain Vista
    • Lathan Olsen, Castle View
    • Jackson Szmul, Castle View
    • Parker Fromin, Castle View
    • Joseph Holguin, Chaparral
    • Riley Hunt-Bahn, Cherry Creek
    • Gage Bussey, Regis Jesuit
    • Gavin Berkey, Cherry Creek
    • Colton Carlson, Valor Christian
    • Blake Rollison, Valor Christian
    • Eugene Riewe, Cherry Creek
    • Robbie Dembeck, Regis Jesuit
    • Andrew O’Connor, Chaparral
    • Blake Johnson, Chaparral
    • Calvin Root, Mountain Vista
    • John Connolly, Chaparral

  • Preseason girls soccer polls are led by Grandview, Evergreen, Colorado Academy and Denver Christian

    Cheyenne Mountain Evergreen girls soccer
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    The preseason girls soccer rankings were released on Monday, and leading the charge are preseason No. 1 teams Grandview, Evergreen, Colorado Academy and Denver Christian.

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches and select media members, are the official polls of the Association.

    New polls are released each Monday during the regular season.

    Complete rankings for all classes are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Girls Soccer Polls

    Voted upon by coaches and select media members around the state. These rankings have no bearing on postseason seeding.

    Coaches and media members looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Grandview (8) 0-0 107
    2 Arapahoe 0-0 73
    3 Broomfield (1) 0-0 65
    4 Rocky Mountain 0-0 58
    5 Ralston Valley (2) 0-0 57
    6 Rock Canyon 0-0 40
    7 Fairview 0-0 39
    8 Cherry Creek 0-0 28
    9 Columbine 0-0 27
    10 Legacy 0-0 22
    Others receiving votes:
    Rampart 20, Chatfield 19, Regis Jesuit 13, Cherokee Trail 12, Mountain Vista 8, Windsor 8, Valor Christian 6, Pine Creek 2, Fort Collins 1.
    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Evergreen (6) 0-0 78
    2 Cheyenne Mountain (2) 0-0 69
    3 Silver Creek 0-0 63
    4 Sand Creek 0-0 59
    5 D’Evelyn (1) 0-0 58
    6 Green Mountain 0-0 45
    7 Air Academy 0-0 43
    8 Wheat Ridge 0-0 36
    9 Pueblo Centennial 0-0 35
    10 The Classical Academy (1) 0-0 12
    Others receiving votes:
    Mullen 11, Holy Family 9, Lewis-Palmer 8, Ponderosa 8, Canon City 5, Battle Mountain 3, Palmer Ridge 3, Erie 2, Littleton 1, Mead 1, Northfield 1.
    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Colorado Academy (6) 0-0 85
    2 Kent Denver (3) 0-0 78
    3 Jefferson Academy 0-0 72
    4 Aspen 0-0 41
    5 Peak to Peak 0-0 32
    6 Prospect Ridge Academy 0-0 25
    7 Middle Park 0-0 21
    8 Liberty Common 0-0 20
    9 St. Mary’s 0-0 19
    10 Vail Mountain 0-0 18
    Others receiving votes:
    Salida 14, Manitou Springs 13, Stargate School 9, Lutheran 8, The Academy 8, Colorado Springs Christian 7, Roaring Fork 6, Eagle Ridge Academy 5, St. Mary’s Academy 5, Faith Christian 3, Basalt 2, Frontier Academy 2, Delta 1, DSST: Montview 1.
    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Denver Christian (5) 0-0 77
    2 Dawson School (3) 0-0 73
    3 Fountain Valley 0-0 50
    4 Flatirons Academy 0-0 47
    5 Crested Butte 0-0 42
    6 Telluride 0-0 41
    7 Colorado Rocky Mountain 0-0 30
    8 Loveland Classical 0-0 22
    9 Rye 0-0 15
    10 Front Range Christian 0-0 12
    Others receiving votes:
    Ridgway 10, Del Norte 7, Belleview Christian 5, Vail Christian 5, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 2, Thomas MacLaren School 2.

  • Photos: The Class 5A girls basketball Great 8 in Denver

    DENVER — Highlands Ranch, Grandview, Cherry Creek and Valor Christian advanced to the Class 5A girls basketball Final 4 with wins in the Great 8 on Friday.

    [divider]

    Highlands Ranch vs. Regis Jesuit

    By Paul DiSalvo, Jack Eberhard & Sam Girgis

    Regis Jesuit Highlands Ranch girls basketball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    Grandview vs. Fruita Monument

    By Jack Eberhard, Paul DiSalvo & Sam Girgis

    Grandview Fruita Monument girls basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    [divider]

    Cherry Creek vs. Ralston Valley

    By Jack Eberhard, Paul DiSalvo, Kevin McNearny & Sam Girgis

    Cherry Creek Ralston Valley girls basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    [divider]

    Valor Christian vs. Fossil Ridge

    By Paul DiSalvo & Jack Eberhard

    Valor Christian Fossil Ridge girls basketball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

  • Photos: George Washington stuns Ralston Valley in 5A boys basketball Sweet 16

    George Washington is moving on to the Denver Coliseum. The No. 19 Patriots stunned No. 3 Ralston Valley 62-52 in the Class 5A boys basketball Sweet 16.

  • Photos: Ralston Valley advances to 5A girls basketball Great 8 with win over Columbine

    Ralston Valley booked a ticket to the Class 5A girls basketball Great 8 after beating Columbine 65-32 on Tuesday.

  • All-state girls swimming and diving teams for the 2019-20 season

    The 2020 all-state girls swimming teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet. The swimmers and divers of the year were also selected based upon the state meet.

    The coaches of the year voted on by coaches at the state meets.

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Girls state swimming Lucy Bell Fossil Ridge
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Swimmer of the year: Lucy Bell, Fossil Ridge

    Diver of the year: Isabel Gregersen, Ralston Valley

    Swim coach of the year: Tom Byorick, Heritage

    Dive coach of the year: Jacob Dunbar, Denver East

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Lucy Bell Sophomore Fossil Ridge 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Free, 400 Free Relay
    Sophia Bradac Senior Regis Jesuit 100 Breast
    Ally Brown Senior Horizon 1 mtr Diving
    Mahala Erlandson Junior Fossil Ridge 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay
    Renee Gillilan Sophomore Fossil Ridge 200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly, 100 Back, 400 Free Relay
    Isabel Gregersen Junior Ralston Valley 1 mtr Diving
    Meghan Mulvihill Junior Chatfield 200 Free Relay
    Mia Norrid Senior Chatfield 200 Free Relay
    Emily Rinker Junior Fossil Ridge 400 Free Relay
    Catherine Rodocker   Eaglecrest 1 mtr Diving
    Kathryn Shanley Junior Chatfield 200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay
    Anna Shaw Junior Heritage 50 Free
    Emma Stahl Senior Fossil Ridge 200 Medley Relay
    Avery Turney Junior Chatfield 200 Free Relay
    Second Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Dahlia Allen Sophomore Lewis-Palmer 1 mtr Diving
    Aislyn Barnett Sophomore Heritage 100 Breast
    Megan Bergstrom   Arapahoe 500 Free
    Elizabeth Brock Sophomore Cherry Creek 400 Free Relay
    Isalina Colsman Senior Regis Jesuit 200 Free Relay
    Grace Dale Sophomore Regis Jesuit 200 Free Relay
    Grace Downing Senior Heritage 1 mtr Diving
    Megan DuMond Senior Lewis-Palmer 1 mtr Diving
    Josie Graves Junior Legend 1 mtr Diving
    Julianne Jones Sophomore Fairview 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM
    Margaret Kroening Sophomore Douglas County 200 Free
    Morgan Lukinac Sophomore Fairview 200 Medley Relay
    Ariana Mitsuoka Senior Regis Jesuit 200 Free Relay
    Jenna Reznicek Junior Fairview 200 Medley Relay, 100 Back
    Madison Saldanha Sophomore Cherry Creek 400 Free Relay
    Edith Simecek Freshman Fairview 200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly
    Jenna Smith Junior Cherry Creek 400 Free Relay
    Meredith Smithbaker Junior Rocky Mountain 50 Free
    Maya Stefanski Senior Cherry Creek 1 mtr Diving
    Teagan Steinmetz Freshman Cherry Creek 400 Free Relay
    Jada Surrell-Norwood Senior Regis Jesuit 200 Free Relay

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    4A girls swimming state Lindsey Immel Rampart
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Swimmer of the year: Lindsey Immel, Rampart

    Diver of the year: Maggie Buckley, Rampart

    Swim coach of the year: Susan Stone, Mullen

    Dive coach of the year: Chris Madsen, Standley Lake/Arvada West

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Caroline Bricker   Cheyenne Mountain 200 IM, 100 Breast
    Laelle Brovold Senior Rampart 200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly
    Maggie Buckley Junior Rampart 1 mtr Diving
    Claire Chahbandour Junior Mullen 200 Free Relay
    Mary Codevilla Sophomore Niwot 200 Free, 500 Free
    Chase Davison Sophomore Mullen 200 Free Relay
    Lauren Gryboski Senior Coronado 1 mtr Diving
    Sophia Hemingway   Dakota Ridge 400 Free Relay
    Kira Hobbs   Dakota Ridge 400 Free Relay
    Elsa Huebsch   Dakota Ridge 400 Free Relay
    Lindsey Immel Junior Rampart 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Free
    Melinda Johnson   Dakota Ridge 400 Free Relay
    Katey Lewicki Senior Monarch 100 Back
    Johanna Miller Junior Rampart 200 Medley Relay
    Geneva Pauly Sophomore Arvada West 1 mtr Diving
    Lindsey Sowitch Junior Mullen 200 Free Relay
    Claire Timson Sophomore Rampart 200 Medley Relay
    Gabrielle Zinis Junior Mullen 200 Free Relay
    Second Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Madison Black Senior Silver Creek 50 Free
    Sarah Cook   Grand Junction 400 Free Relay
    Nina English   Grand Junction 400 Free Relay
    Erin Esty Senior Air Academy 1 mtr Diving
    Anelise Hedges Junior Arvada West 200 IM
    Kaelyn Hinesley Junior Cheyenne Mountain 1 mtr Diving
    Emily Kahn Senior George Washington 100 Free
    Delaney Kidd   Grand Junction 400 Free Relay
    Mary Macaulay Freshman Mullen 200 Medley Relay
    Riley Pope   Grand Junction 400 Free Relay
    Clare Sanderson   Cheyenne Mountain 500 Free
    Angeline Settle Junior Monarch 1 mtr Diving
    Ashley Van Freshman Liberty 1 mtr Diving
    Kylie Walters Sophomore Rampart 200 Free Relay
    Celia Webster Sophomore Monarch 100 Fly
    Ryley Williams Senior Thompson Valley 1 mtr Diving

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Swimmer of the year: Elise Mishmash, Salida

    Diver of the year: Rachel Alexander, Discovery Canyon

    Swim coach of the year: Wendy Gorie, Salida

    Dive coach of the year: Josh Kinney, Discovery Canyon

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Rachel Alexander Senior Discovery Canyon 1 mtr Diving
    Hope Atkins Senior Evergreen 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay
    Caitlin Cairns Senior St. Mary’s 50 Free, 100 Fly
    Jillian Carlson Sophomore Delta 100 Breast
    Alyssa Cook Freshman Evergreen 200 Medley Relay
    Emma Diesslin Freshman Salida 200 Free Relay
    Remi Gucker Senior Evergreen 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay
    Taylor Jacobson Sophomore Evergreen 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay
    Jolie Kim Junior Kent Denver 200 IM, 500 Free
    Lily Lengerich Junior Salida 200 Free Relay
    Lucy Meinert Sophomore Green Mountain 100 Fly
    Elise Mishmash Senior Salida 100 Free, 200 Free Relay
    Hannah Rhude Junior Salida 200 Free Relay
    Victoria Sanders Sophomore Discovery Canyon 1 mtr Diving
    Abbie Scruton Junior Glenwood Springs 1 mtr Diving
    Sydney Silver   St. Mary’s Academy 200 Free, 100 Back
    Caitlin Smith Junior Evergreen 400 Free Relay
    Second Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Mackenzie Abbott   Colorado Academy 1 mtr Diving
    Caitlin Beery Junior Thomas Jefferson 500 Free, 200 Free Relay
    Alexis Behn Sophomore Durango 1 mtr Diving
    Phoebe Briney Senior Thomas Jefferson 200 Free Relay
    Amber Brooks Senior Kent Denver 400 Free Relay
    Libby Claassen Junior Glenwood Springs 1 mtr Diving
    Jamie Dellwardt Freshman Berthoud 200 IM, 100 Back
    Natalia Evans Junior Kent Denver 100 Free, 400 Free Relay
    Morgan George Senior Thomas Jefferson 200 Free Relay
    Courtney Giordano Freshman Erie 100 Fly
    Lilly Huggard Freshman Aspen 200 Medley Relay
    Payten Irwin Senior Erie 50 Free, 100 Fly
    Emily Jauch Junior Liberty Common 100 Breast
    Laila Khan-Farooqi Sophomore Aspen 200 Medley Relay
    Emily Kinney Junior Aspen 200 Medley Relay
    Kate Little Freshman Thomas Jefferson 200 Free Relay
    Juliet McGill Senior Glenwood Springs 1 mtr Diving
    Campbell Patteson Senior Kent Denver 1 mtr Diving
    Maylin Pollack Junior Kent Denver 400 Free Relay
    Kayla Tehrani Sophomore Aspen 200 Medley Relay

  • Ralston Valley boys basketball grabs first playoff win since 2017

    ARVADA — Ralston Valley’s boys basketball team had the sweet taste of a playoff victory Saturday night.

    “I think for almost all of us this is our first playoff win,” Ralston Valley senior Walker Brickle said after the No. 3-seeded Mustangs defeated No. 30 Arapahoe 63-52 on Saturday night. “I’m just really proud of everyone and excited for the next round.”

    Ralston Valley (21-3 record) will host No. 19 George Washington on Wednesday, March 4, in the round of 16 of the Class 5A boys basketball state tournament. The Patriots upset No. 14 Horizon 80-60 earlier in the day in a second-round game.

    Ralston Valley senior Luke Carlston (12) goes up for a shot against Arapahoe senior David Brophy (2) during the first half Saturday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “Getting that one win is really hard to get,” Ralston Valley coach Chris Braketa said of getting his first playoff win in three years as head coach for the Mustangs. “GW is a really tough team and they are on a run. They are playing really good late and they are really athletic.”

    The only current player for Ralston Valley who has experience a postseason win is senior Caden Gigstad. The Mustangs defeated Fruita-Monument in the opening round of the 5A state tournament back on Feb. 22, 2017 when Gigstad was a freshman.

    “I don’t know what I was thinking back then,” Gigstad said when asked if he though as a freshman if the Mustangs would advance to the Sweet 16 during his time at Ralston Valley. “This year I think we can go further than that. But we have to focus one game at a time.”

    Ralston Valley endured a 3-20 record during the 2017-18 season in Braketa’s first year at the helm. The Mustangs were 17-7 last season, but suffered a second-round playoff loss at home after a first-round bye.

    After a great start Saturday night that featured Ralston Valley getting out to a 35-20 lead at halftime thanks to a big 13-point quarter by senior Caleb Rillos, Arapahoe (13-12) battled back.

    “I was nervous. I’m not going to lie,” Braketa said about the Warriors going on an 11-0 run in the third quarter to cut the lead to single-digits. “We talked at halftime that they were going to make a run because they are a very good team. We knew with (Korey) Hess and (Bryson) Stephens — those are two really good guards — they would make that run. I’m proud of our guys for containing and maintaining what we had.”

    Arapahoe senior Bryson Stephens poured in a game-high 31 points. A pair of free throws by Stephens with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter cut Ralston Valley’s lead to 52-46.

    Arapahoe senior Korey Hess, left, looks for a way around Ralston Valley senior Kyle Zigich during the second half Saturday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “He (Stephens) is a quick one,” Gigstad said of guarding Stephens for most of the night. “He put me to the test for sure.”

    Arapahoe had the ball down just six points with less than two minutes to play, but the Mustangs’ defense stepped up. Ralston Valley sophomore Beau Wilken was able to grab a steal on an inside pass by the Warriors and get it ahead to Brickle for a layup and the foul.

    “That was huge and then he made the free throw,” Braketa said of Brickle’s 3-point play the hard way with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter that pushed the Mustangs’ lead to 55-46. “Walker came up big. He played pretty well the whole game.”

    While the Mustangs made just four field goals in the second half, Ralston Valley went 17-for-21 from the free-throw line in the final quarter to seal the victory. Brickle missed three free throws in the first quarter, but went 5-for-5 in the final four minutes.

    “I missed a couple in the beginning,” Brickle said of his free throws. “I just tightened it up and trusted my shot.”

    Brickle finished with 14 points. Gigstad poured in 16 points while Rillos finished with a team-high 21 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.

    Arapahoe’s first-year coach Troy Pachner — former D’Evelyn and Valor Christian coach — guided the Warriors to their first winning record since the 2013-14 season.

    Ralston Valley senior Caleb Rillos launches a 3-pointer in front of Arapahoe’s student section Saturday night. Rillos had a team-high 21 points in the Mustangs’ second-round state tournament victory. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)