CHSAANow

Tag: Legend

  • Sweet 16 roundup: Legend boys hoops holds off George Washington in 2 OTs

    Jared Small’s contribution was anything but small on Wednesday night.

    The 6-foot-6 junior made three critical plays during Legend’s game against George Washington in the Class 5A boys basketball Sweet 16 on Wednesday. And, ultimately, the second-seeded Titans went on to beat No. 3 George Washington 63-59 in double overtime.

    First, Small had a critical bucket with 21 seconds to play in regulation that tied the game at 52. Then, with 4.1 left on the clock in the first overtime, he hit a free throw to tie the game at 58.

    It was only fitting that it was Small, again, who hit the pair of free throws to give Legend the lead for good, at 60-59, in the second overtime.

    Andre Hogan, another junior, also had a key dunk which pushed the lead to three points at 62-59 with 46 seconds left. (Here’s another angle.)

    Small finished with 20 points.

    Legend is back in the Great 8 for the first time since 2013.

    [divider]

    (2) Mountain Vista 60, (6) Montbello 57

    Mountain Vista Montbello boys basketball
    More photos. (Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    Mountain Vista is in the Great 8 for the fourth season in a row following its narrow win on Wednesday.

    The Golden Eagles were up 27-26 at the break, and pushed their lead to 45-34 after three quarters.

    As the fourth quarter began, Montbello rallied. The Warriors eventually cut the lead to 58-57 with under one minute to play thanks to a 10-1 run, but Isaac Phillips hit a pair of free throws to seal the win.

    A last-second 3-point shot from Montbello that would have sent the game to overtime didn’t fall.

    Ray Beresford paced Mountain Vista with 27 points. Brady Subart had 11 points and five assists, while Phillips finished with four points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

    [divider]

    (1) Regis Jesuit 46, (5) Boulder 39

    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Regis Jesuit is back in the Great 8 after a year away. More photos. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    It was close, but Regis Jesuit was able to hold off Boulder.

    Regis Jesuit only trailed at 2-0 — and even then, the the Raiders promptly went on a 7-0 run to set the tone of the game.

    Though Boulder would get close — it was 16-14 in the second quarter — Regis mostly maintained a five- to 10-point lead throughout.

    Regis led 21-15 at halftime, and 31-26 after three.

    Kip Boryla paced Regis with 15 points, while Geoffrey Kelly added 12 and six rebounds. Taylor Kallsen had nine points, and Bryan Staerkel added seven points, five rebounds and three assists.

    The win means the Raiders are back in the Great 8 for the first time since 2013. They went every year from 2008-11, which included three championship seasons.

    [divider]

    (1) Eaglecrest 56, (4) Fossil Ridge 49

    Eaglecrest Fossil Ridge boys basketball
    More photos. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    Eaglecrest pulled away late with free throws to return to the Great 8 for the third season in a row.

    Blend Avdili hit a pair of free throws with 58 seconds to play that gave Eaglecrest a 52-44 lead.

    It was 22-20 Eaglecrest at halftime, and that was indicative of the way the game would go. Fossil Ridge actually led 43-42 with a little over three minutes to play, but Eaglecrest went on a 10-1 run to take control of the game.

    Avdili and Elijah Ross each had 15 points.

    Eaglecrest went to the Great 8 last season and also in 2013, when it won the 5A title.

    [divider]

    (6) Denver East 84, (2) Rangeview 75

    The defending-champion Angels continued to tear through the 5A bracket after losing two of their final three games in the regular season.

    Rangeview led 23-19 after the first quarter, but a quick 7-2 run gave East the lead at 26-25 early in the second quarter and the Angels would lead 48-38 at halftime and 64-57 after three quarters.

    Rangeview cut the lead to two points late in the fourth quarter, but East was able to stave off the comeback.

    Brian Carey led the way for Denver East with 35 points and eight assists. Jordan Willis had 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Jack Buckmelter scored 12 points and had five assists. Deron Harrell also scored in double figures with 13 points.

    This is the third consecutive season Denver East has reached the Great 8. The Angels have reached the title game the previous two seasons, including last year’s championship win.

    [divider]

    (1) Overland 71, (4) Grand Junction 36

    Trailblazers star De’Ron Davis opened the game with a dunk, and Overland never looked back as it had little trouble in returning to the Great 8.

    It was 16-4 after the first quarter, and 36-7 at halftime. The lead grew to 30 early in the third quarter, and Overland was able to coast from there.

    Four players scored in double figures for the Trailblazers: Davis (14), Ryan Swan (13), Alijah Halliburton (12) and Austin Conway (12).

    The Trailblazers are coming off a final four appearance in which they fell to Denver East in the semifinals.

    [divider]

    (1) ThunderRidge 59, (4) Rampart 21

    ThunderRidge jumped out to a 17-2 lead after the first quarter in rolling into the Great 8.

    Though Rampart tightened up in the second quarter, ThunderRidge used an 18-8 advantage in the third quarter to push the game all but out of reach at 48-20.

    The Grizzlies then allowed just one point in the fourth quarter, meaning they held Rampart without a field goal in the final 10 minutes of the game.

    Noah Szilagyi (14 points), Clay Verk (10), Troy Brady (10) and Zach Pirog (10) all hit double figures for ThunderRidge.

    It is the Grizzlies’ first trip to the quarterfinals since going in 2012.

    [divider]

    (3) Chaparral 60, (2) Dakota Ridge 47

    Chaparral senior Chris Moody, right, battles to grab a pass while Dakota Ridge junior Devante Jones attempt to get the steal during the Class 5A Sweet 16 state playoff game Wednesday at Dakota Ridge High School. Moody had 20 points in the Wolverines' 60-47 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Chaparral beat Dakota Ridge. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Chaparral is back in the Great 8 for the first time since 2012, when the Wolverines won the 5A title.

    Wednesday, Chaparral led 22-18 at halftime and 39-32 after three quarters. Dakota Ridge cut it to 39-36 early in the fourth quarter, but Chaparral held off a rally.

    Jake Holtzmann had 30 points for Chaparral. Chris Moody added 20.

    Find a complete recap of the game here.

    [divider]

    Great 8 matchups

    Saturday, at the Denver Coliseum, times TBD (Bracket)

    • (1) Overland vs. (2) Mountain Vista
    • (1) Eaglecrest vs. (2) Legend
    • (1) Regis Jesuit vs. (6) Denver East
    • (1) ThunderRidge vs. (3) Chaparral

  • Preseason baseball rankings released in all classes

    Regis Jesuit Mountain Vista baseball
    Regis Jesuit heads the 5A preseason baseball poll. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Defending champions and teams that lost in last season’s title games make up the preseason No. 1 teams in baseball this season.

    Heading their respective classifications in the CHSAANow.com polls are Regis Jesuit (5A), Green Mountain (4A), Eaton (3A), Resurrection Christian (2A) and Dove Creek (1A).

    Green Mountan and Resurrection Christian are defending champions, while Regis, Eaton and Dove Creek were all runners-up last season.

    The 5A poll was the most split, with six different teams getting first-place votes.

    Regis led the way with five first-place votes and 126 total points. Rocky Mountain, the defending champion, also got five first-place votes, but totalled 114 points.

    Cherry Creek, another team to get a first-place vote, opens the year at No. 3. Legend (No. 4), Fairview (No. 5) and Chatfield (No. 9) also received at least one first-place vote.

    ThunderRidge is sixth in 5A’s preseason poll, and is followed by No. 7 Dakota Ridge and No. 8 Grandview. Mountan Vista rounds out the poll at No. 10.

    In 4A, Green Mountain was a unanimous selection with all 10 first-place votes. Montrose is No. 2, followed by Valor Christian, Palmer Ridge and Lewis-Palmer. Holy Family, last season’s 3A champion which has moved up to 4A, begins at No. 10.

    Eaton heads 3A’s poll, and is also a unanimous pick with all 10 first-place votes.

    Resurrection Christian received eight of the nine first-place votes to lead 2A. Caliche, last year’s 1A champ, is now in 2A but is unranked to begin the year.

    Dove Creek received seven of the eight first-place votes to top 1A’s preseason ranking.

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

    Complete rankings for all classes are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Baseball 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.

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Regis Jesuit (5) 0-0 126
    2 Rocky Mountain (5) 0-0 114
    3 Cherry Creek (1) 0-0 105
    4 Legend (1) 0-0 77
    5 Fairview (2) 0-0 73
    6 ThunderRidge 0-0 72
    7 Dakota Ridge 0-0 40
    8 Grandview 0-0 34
    9 Chatfield (1) 0-0 31
    10 Mountain Vista 0-0 30
    Others receiving votes:
    Columbine 29, Mullen 16, Fort Collins 10, Pine Creek 10, Douglas County 9, Rock Canyon 9, Chaparral 8, Cherokee Trail 7, Heritage 6, Lakewood 5, Boulder 4, Monarch 4, Fossil Ridge 3, Highlands Ranch 3, Ralston Valley 3, Brighton 2, Grand Junction Central 1, Legacy 1, Lincoln 1.

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Green Mountain (10) 0-0 100
    2 Montrose 0-0 46
    3 Valor Christian 0-0 44
    4 Palmer Ridge 0-0 42
    5 Lewis-Palmer 0-0 41
    6 Wheat Ridge 0-0 39
    7 Ponderosa 0-0 33
    8 Niwot 0-0 31
    9 Longmont 0-0 27
    10 Holy Family 0-0 24
    Others receiving votes:
    Windsor 23, Durango 21, Air Academy 19, Evergreen 13, Pueblo East 13, D’Evelyn 8, Mesa Ridge 8, Pueblo West 6, Cheyenne Mountain 3, Palisade 3, Erie 2, Falcon 2, Mountain View 2.

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Eaton (10) 0-0 100
    2 Faith Christian 0-0 80
    3 Lamar 0-0 70
    4 University 0-0 49
    5 Kent Denver 0-0 47
    6 Valley 0-0 44
    7 Sterling 0-0 36
    8 Gunnison 0-0 29
    9 Bayfield 0-0 21
    10 Brush 0-0 16
    Others receiving votes:
    La Junta 12, Lutheran 10, Alamosa 8, Olathe 7, Bennett 4, Manitou Springs 4, Estes Park 3, St. Mary’s 3, Colorado Springs Christian 2, Florence 2, Colorado Academy 1, Machebeuf 1, Sheridan 1.

    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Resurrection Christian (8) 0-0 97
    2 Rye (1) 0-0 92
    3 Denver Christian 0-0 77
    4 Sedgwick County (1) 0-0 64
    5 Swink 0-0 55
    6 Hotchkiss 0-0 40
    7 Rocky Ford 0-0 38
    8 Holyoke 0-0 23
    9 Limon 0-0 20
    10 Center 0-0 15
    Others receiving votes:
    Dolores 13, Cedaredge 11, Kiowa 11, Lyons 7, McClave/Wiley 7, Peyton 7, Caliche 6, Crowley County 6, Paonia 6, Haxtun 4, Ignacio 4, Wray 3, Front Range Christian 2, Dayspring Christian 1.

    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Dove Creek (7) 0-0 78
    2 Eads 0-0 66
    3 Holly (1) 0-0 61
    4 Stratton/Liberty 0-0 42
    5 Nucla 0-0 40
    6 Elbert 0-0 34
    7 Peetz 0-0 33
    8 Cornerstone Christian 0-0 25
    9 Granada 0-0 23
    10 Antonito 0-0 15
    Others receiving votes:
    Springfield 6, Community Christian 5, Fleming 3, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 2, Sierra Grande 2, Walsh 2, Cheyenne Wells 1, Manzanola 1, Primero 1.

  • Lakewood girls basketball claws out win over Legend

    Lakewood junior Madeline Miller (20) dribbles past Legend senior Megan Jordan (13) during the first half Friday night at Lakewood High School. Miller's three 3-pointers in the first half were key in the Tigers' 67-50 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Lakewood junior Madeline Miller (20) dribbles past Legend senior Megan Jordan (13) during the first half Friday night at Lakewood High School. Miller’s three 3-pointers in the first half were key in the Tigers’ 67-50 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

    LAKEWOOD — Lakewood girls basketball coach Chris Poisson has no issue with going to his bench, even when a playoff game is on the line.

    The No. 2 seed Lakewood Tigers held just a 44-39 lead going to the fourth quarter Friday night against No. 7 seed Legend Titans. With the second-round Class 5A playoff game in the balance, Lakewood got some much-needed contributions from role players.

    Legend senior Joey Sale (11) goes up with Lakewood junior McKenna Bishop (22) for a rebound Friday night. Sale led the Titans with 14 points, but it wasn't enough as the Tigers advanced into the Sweet 16 of the Class 5A state tournament with a 67-50 win. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Legend senior Joey Sale (11) goes up with Lakewood junior McKenna Bishop (22) for a rebound Friday night. Sale led the Titans with 14 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers advanced into the Sweet 16 of the Class 5A state tournament with a 67-50 win. (Dennis Pleuss)

    “That’s our team,” Poisson said after nine different Tigers scored in the 67-50 victory on Lakewood’s home court. “We’re deep.”

    To start the fourth quarter, Lakewood’s two leading scorers Mackenzie Forrest and McKenna Bishop were actually sitting on the bench. However, the Tigers started the quarter on an 8-0 run without Forrest and Bishop on the court to get their lead back to double-digits.

    “I wasn’t really nervous because I have confidence in all our players,” said Forrest, who finished with a game-high 20 points. “We are pretty deep. I knew somehow we’d find a way to pull it out.”

    Juniors Madeline Miller and Anissa Barela were huge contributors for the Tigers (19-5 overall). Miller (15 points) hit three 3-pointers in the first half. She also went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line during the Tigers’ 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter.

    Barela had a pretty quiet first three quarters, but broke out for an 11-point fourth quarter that included a pair of 3-pointers and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

    “I got on her (Barela) because her defense was off tonight,” Poisson said. “In the fourth quarter she was playing terrific on both ends. I think that lit a spark in us.”

    Barela’s first 3-pointer pushed the Tigers’ lead to 51-39 with 6:16 left in the fourth quarter. Her second extended Lakewood’s lead to 59-44 midway through the final quarter.

    “They felt like good shots,” said Barela, who finished with 12 points. “Coach (Poisson) always tells us to take great shots. I felt like they were good enough.”

    Lakewood’s freshmen twins — Camilla and Kira Emsbo — were more than capable in playing key minutes off the bench. With Bishop in foul trouble early in the second quarter, the 6-foot twins saw plenty of playing time.

    “We’ve been telling them (Camilla and Kira) for a little while now that they aren’t freshmen. Tonight they weren’t,” Poisson said. “They were terrific on defense and hit some shots on offense a month ago they wouldn’t have even taken.”

    The twins combined for 10 points, but their presence in the middle on defense was invaluable. The Titans (15-10) were held to just two field goals in the fourth quarter when Lakewood outscored Legend 23-11.

    Legend seniors Joey Sale (14 points) and Kristen Gallagher (13 points) led the Titans. Legend finished tied for sixth in the Continental League. The Titans used a big third quarter in their playoff opener Tuesday to take a 71-51 victory over Gateway.

    Lakewood freshman Camilla Emsbo, right, battles through several hands to grab a rebound during the Class 5A girls basketball second-round playoff game Friday against Legend. The Tigers' strong fourth quarter helped Lakewood advance to the Sweet 16 with a 67-50 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Lakewood freshman Camilla Emsbo, right, battles through several hands to grab a rebound during the Class 5A girls basketball second-round playoff game Friday against Legend. The Tigers’ strong fourth quarter helped Lakewood advance to the Sweet 16 with a 67-50 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Lakewood came in Friday on a 10-game winning streak. The Tigers’ last loss was a 28-point defeat to 5A Jeffco rival Ralston Valley. Lakewood avenged that setback by thrashing Ralston Valley by 29 points in their second conference meeting.

    The victory over Ralston Valley allowed the Tigers to repeat as conference champions and grab the higher seed for the state tournament.

    No. 3 seed Grandview (20-4) is up next for Lakewood in the Sweet 16. The Wolves and Tigers square off Tuesday, March 3, at Lakewood High School. Grandview defeated Palmer 75-48 on Friday night to advance.

    “We’ll get ready to run and jump against the state’s best athlete (Michaela Onyenwere),” Poisson said of Wolves’ sophomore who averages more than 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. “That’s a good team. It’s the state tournament. Everyone is going to get better every round.”

    Legend senior Joey Sale (11) and Lakewood freshman Camilla Emsbo (2) both get there hands on the ball during the first half Friday night at Lakewood High School. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Legend senior Joey Sale (11) and Lakewood freshman Camilla Emsbo (2) both get there hands on the ball during the first half Friday night at Lakewood High School. (Dennis Pleuss)

  • State wrestling results: Championship and placing matches

    DENVER — Complete results from the championship and placing matches at the 2015 state wrestling tournament at the Pepsi Center.

    Find the complete brackets here.

    [divider]

    [tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]5A[/tab_title][tab_title]4A[/tab_title][tab_title]3A[/tab_title][tab_title]2A[/tab_title][/tabs_head]
    [tab]
    [toggler title=”106 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Dayton Marvel Pomona Hunter Matney Ponderosa Dec 3-2
    Third Josh Finesilver Cherry Creek Dylan Martinez Grand Junction MD 9-0
    Fifth Ryan Chauvin Pine Creek Brody Lamb Poudre Dec 7-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”113 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Tomas Gutierrez Pomona Cody Fatzinger Arvada West Dec 6-4
    Third Fabian Gutierrez Adams City Jordan Martinez Pine Creek Dec 4-3
    Fifth Louie Romero Mountain Range Polo Garcia Denver East Fall 2:57

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”120 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Travis Torres Pomona Jackson Huffman Horizon MD 10-2
    Third Riley Garner-Orr Central G.j. Cole Polluconi Monarch Dec 2-0
    Fifth Maurisio Garcia Northglenn Isaac Dinette Lakewood Dec 8-2

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”126 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Greenwood Poudre Ryan Deakin Legacy SV-1 8-6
    Third Rocky Nava Northglenn Adam Aguilar Legend Dec 4-3
    Fifth Daniel Van Hoose Fruita Darek Huff Broomfield For.

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”132 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Matt Finesilver Cherry Creek Jason Romero Pomona MD 11-2
    Third Jess Hankin Coronado John Daniel Arapahoe Dec 6-2
    Fifth Michael Garcia Northglenn Anthony Salazar Pine Creek Dec 8-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”138 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Isaac Rider Grand Junction Bennie Pachello Arvada West Fall 4:14
    Third Zack Martinez Mountain Range Dylan Wood Ralston Valley Dec 3-2
    Fifth Seth Rosales Lincoln Dylan West Greeley West Fall 4:40

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”145 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Danny Murphy Rocky Mountain Jimmy Rothwell Arvada West Fall 4:28
    Third Josiah Rider Grand Junction Peter Isais Pine Creek MD 10-0
    Fifth AJ Curtis Cherry Creek Seth Brown Grandview Dec 4-1

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”152 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Payton Tawater Arvada West Roman Ortiz Rocky Mountain Fall 1:22
    Third Jozef McClure Adams City Logan Ronan Regis Dec 3-2
    Fifth Dawson Cranmer Chaparral Jared Todd Heritage Dec 4-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”160 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Trujillo Grand Junction Robert Gambrell Douglas County MD 12-4
    Third Tyler Turco Ponderosa Josh Burns Liberty Dec 5-1
    Fifth Patrick Romero Mountain Range Bevan Haycock Castle View Dec 5-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”170 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Deyaun Trueblood Pomona Taylor Bergquist Arvada West Dec 5-3
    Third Jimmy Weaver Coronado Dylan Dashner Pine Creek TB-1 4-3
    Fifth Tanner Olson Ponderosa Luke Engler Douglas County Dec 10-4

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”182 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Konnor Schmidt Rock Mountain Trenton Schultz Mountain Vista Dec 2-1
    Third Rocky Michaelson Ralston Valley Matt Hebel Legacy Dec 7-5
    Fifth Cameron Gonzales Pomona Juan Fraire Aurora Central Fall 2:38

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”195 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Seely Fruita Matthew Stanley ThunderRidge TF-1.5 2:26 (16-0)
    Third Justice Littrell Doherty Zach Gomez Arvada West SV-1 5-1
    Fifth Brandon Micale Pomona Rowdy Allen Central G.j. Dec 5-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”220 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Devin Rothrock Arvada West Tyler Zook Grand Junction Fall 1:10
    Third Max Gonzales Rangeview Charles Dunkelman Loveland Fall 2:27
    Fifth Daniel Chavez Pomona Brandon Forney Mountain Range Fall 2:27

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”285 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Dane Drimmer Chaparral Taylor White Pine Creek Dec 5-4
    Third Josh Vigil-Harrison Grandview Clayton Voytilla Fruita Fall 2:44
    Fifth Forrest Lalaguna Centaurus Mason Watt Broomfield Fall 2:29

    [/toggler]
    [/tab]
    [tab]
    [toggler title=”106 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Josiah Nava Pueblo County Stephen Dabelko Widefield MD 10-2
    Third Andrew Lucero Pueblo East Jason Hanenberg Air Academy Dec 6-2
    Fifth Zeke Alirez Greeley Central Sawyer Novara Silver Creek MD 9-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”113 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Morgan Fogg Thompson Valley Randen Espinoza Palisade Dec 8-1
    Third Sam Zdenek Windsor William Tomsic Pueblo Central Dec 6-3
    Fifth Victor Gutierrez Pueblo East Donnie Liles Mitchell Dec 9-4

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”120 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Vlad Kazakov Thompson Valley Matthew Lavengood Durango Dec 5-2
    Third Leon Sanchez Mesa Ridge Tommy Stager Niwot Dec 5-1
    Fifth Noah Montoya Pueblo South Mike McFadden Cheyenne Mountain Dec 10-7

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”126 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Chris Sandoval Pueblo County Jacob Butler Falcon Dec 6-0
    Third Josh Villa Windsor Jesus Morales Battle Mountain SV-1 4-2
    Fifth Darian Manzanares Pueblo Centennial Michael Ramirez Pueblo South Dec 3-2

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”132 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Sam Turner Discovery Canyon Peter Tyler Hanenberg Air Academy Dec 7-0
    Third Justin Davis Pueblo County Justus Strand Northridge Fall 0:44
    Fifth Elias Manzanares Pueblo South Zac Hanenberg Canon City Dec 9-6

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”138 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Hunter Willits Pueblo County Gerald Mack Windsor TF-1.5 3:01 (15-0)
    Third Collin Williams Thompson Valley Jair Flores Pueblo Centennial Dec 3-1
    Fifth Samuel Freeman Mesa Ridge Erik Lobato-Contreras Mountain View Dec 18-12

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”145 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Bronson Spies Conifer Isaac Naro Pueblo South Dec 3-1
    Third Brandon Aragon Pueblo Central Matteo Ambriz Windsor Dec 3-2
    Fifth Joey Neumann Lewis Palmer Romelo Salas Golden Dec 7-5

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”152 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Ben Hewson Thompson Valley Myles Wilson Glenwood Springs Dec 4-2
    Third Chico Trujillo Greeley Central Chase Daniels Golden TB-1 6-3
    Fifth Zac Baker Cheyenne Mountain Francisco Rosales Ochoa Fort Morgan Dec 3-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”160 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Parker Simington Thompson Valley Adam Rojas Greeley Central TF-1.5 3:00 (16-1)
    Third Brian Roberts Pueblo Centennial Fabian Estrada Alameda Dec 7-2
    Fifth Isaac Maestas Palisade Jeremy Mathews Mitchell Dec 5-4

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”170 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Austin Zuniga Pueblo South Mike Berg Thompson Valley Dec 6-3
    Third Fernando Ramos-Vega Longmont Dante Garcia Pueblo County Dec 5-2
    Fifth Lucas Bufmack Canon City Andrue Rojas Greeley Central Dec 12-9

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”182 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Joe Keller Windsor Brandon Saunders Wheat Ridge Dec 12-5
    Third Donovan Rincon Pueblo County Patrick Cunnion Durango Dec 6-3
    Fifth Patton Graff Thompson Valley Zack Nirode Northridge Fall 2:59

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”195 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title David Eusea Thompson Valley Alex Mai Fort Morgan Dec 7-4
    Third Cristian Gonzalez Glenwood Springs Benjamin Self Air Academy Fall 0:53
    Fifth Blake Repshire Canon City Demitrius Miller Pueblo Centennial Dec 5-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”220 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Toby McBride Fort Morgan John Delacruz Palmer Ridge Dec 3-1
    Third Alex Weber Discovery Canyon Cody Killis Canon City MD 16-6
    Fifth Zach Garrard Cheyenne Mountain Brock Howes Arvada Fall 3:36

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”285 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Robles Pueblo East Bailey Bowker Golden MD 11-3
    Third Jesus Ibarra Fort Morgan Aron Pino Valenzuela Littleton Fall 0:42
    Fifth Nathon Putallaz Roosevelt Tyler Shubert Windsor Fall 0:58

    [/toggler]
    [/tab]
    [tab]
    [toggler title=”106 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Isaiah DeLaCerda Alamosa Jacob Beltran Sterling Dec 5-1
    Third Presiliano Maez Sheridan Andrew Godfrey Olathe Dec 2-1
    Fifth Luke Anderson Delta Varrion Ciddio Platte Valley MD 8-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”113 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jody Sandoval II Fort Lupton Colby Duncan Sterling Dec 4-3
    Third Kyle Cisneros Jefferson Michael Vasquez University UTB 4-3
    Fifth Jeremy Ashton Mead Jesse Shelton Lamar Dec 2-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”120 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Andrew Jaramillo Platte Valley Matt Bailey Berthoud MD 9-1
    Third Brandon Damian Valley Macky Sandoval Brush Dec 4-2
    Fifth Homero Navarro Sheridan Jacob Breidenbach Sterling MD 14-1

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”126 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Conrad Cole Brush Michael Johnson Lamar Dec 3-1
    Third Zach Damian Valley Ryan Nava Bayfield Dec 5-4
    Fifth Dakota Macy Ft. Lupton Andrew Clark Bennett Dec 9-5

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”132 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Sage Budd Mead Ruben Lucero Valley Dec 9-2
    Third Tel Kelley Alamosa Christian Guerrero Dolores Huerta Dec 4-0
    Fifth Anthony Contreraz Sheridan Kaylen Montoya Lamar MD 13-5

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”138 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Ryan Waite Platte Valley Julian Prieto Holy Family Dec 8-6
    Third Jake Schoenfeld Salida Aaron Trujillo Valley Dec 1-0
    Fifth Kaleb Hansen Lamar Logan Heusser Strasburg MD 12-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”145 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jimmy Fate Berthoud Joseph Prieto Holy Family Dec 7-3
    Third Austin Shank Olathe Colter McMenimen Bayfield Fall 2:40
    Fifth Tanner Fetzer Platte Valley Rob Leonard Elizabeth TF-1.5 3:42

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”152 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Joel Contreras Sterling Macoy Flannagan Valley Dec 3-0
    Third Rusty Lohr Eaton Zechariah Garcia Ft. Lupton Dec 4-2
    Fifth Kolsen Welham Holy Family Daryan Urquhart Delta Fall 2:08

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”160 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Dalton Robertson Weld Central Brendan Gonzales Valley Dec 3-2
    Third Alec Petterson Brush Clark Jett Platte Valley Fall 3:42
    Fifth Derek Horn Delta Joseph Martinez La Junta Fall 3:35

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”170 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Chad Ellis Berthoud Kory Mills Delta Fall 3:09
    Third Julian Gallegos Dolores Huerta David McRee Pagosa Springs Dec 3-2
    Fifth Justin Anderson University Alex Rivas Rifle Dec 10-6

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”182 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Seager Oliver Montezuma-Cortez Devin Ward Eagle Valley Dec 4-0
    Third Lane Masar Florence Nate Lowe Salida Fall 4:56
    Fifth Garret McCullar Platte Valley Daniel Brown Delta MD 16-2

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”195 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Marcus Garcia Dolores Huerta Jose Rodriquez Brush Fall 1:28
    Third Chayden Harris Olathe Kyle Hicks Lamar Dec 3-2
    Fifth Elijah Roper Erie Juan Gomez Valley Fall 1:54

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”220 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Ornelas Fort Lupton Shane Coombs Strasburg Dec 3-2
    Third Tanner Crist Lamar Olmer Marquez Basalt Inj. 3:43
    Fifth Grayden Mondragon La Junta Felix Pena Olathe SV-1 7-5

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”285 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Joe Carwin Brush Willy Clements Holy Family Dec 3-1
    Third Marcus Garcia Delta Jose Prado Rifle Dec 2-1
    Fifth Sam Deseriere Mullen Jack Gallegos Mead TB-1 4-0

    [/toggler]
    [/tab]
    [tab]
    [toggler title=”106 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jacob Rodriguez Rocky Ford Tanner Watson Akron Dec 5-3
    Third Brandon Ward Dolores Trevor Elliott Merino UTB 2-1
    Fifth Cody Jacobsen Burlington Eric Rojo Holyoke Fall 3:46

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”113 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jonathan Andreatta John Mall Quinton Montague Centauri TF-1.5 5:14 (15-0)
    Third Logan Durham Burlington Stocker Robbins Ignacio Dec 3-0
    Fifth Sheridan Harvey Meeker Jack Kelly Peyton Fall 2:08

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”120 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Talon Harris Norwood/Nucla William Hickman Lyons Fall 1:31
    Third Tristin Pelloni Meeker Patrick Esparsen Centauri Dec 4-2
    Fifth Jaden Valdez-Barela Swink Erik Rocha Rocky Ford Fall 2:54

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”126 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jesse Reed Paonia Jeremy Fraser Rocky Ford Dec 4-1
    Third Case Baughman Dove Creek Jose Duran Monte Vista Dec 8-3
    Fifth Drew Corsentino Fowler Jake Rockwell Wray MD 10-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”132 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Austin Coy Swink Jake Trujillo Highland Dec 3-2
    Third Hayden Harris Norwood/Nucla Daniel Borunda Monte Vista Dec 7-6
    Fifth Austin Todd Hotchkiss Austin Batterton Baca County Fall 2:40

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”138 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Bo Pipher Paonia J.D. Chenoweth Baca County Fall 1:43
    Third Britton Holmes Peyton Chance Randolph Dove Creek Dec 7-4
    Fifth Nick Ortner Holyoke Aiden Dabal Norwood/Nucla Dec 7-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”145 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Ryan Nordyke Holly Anthony Watt Meeker Fall 4:49
    Third Blake Denton Swink Diego Reyes Rocky Ford Dec 3-2
    Fifth Gunnar Chesnik Paonia Malik Johnson Buena Vista Fall 1:55

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”152 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Bryce McCracken Crowley County Casey Turner Meeker Dec 4-1
    Third Reagan Lane Eads Jake Shaffer Rye Fall 4:01
    Fifth Salomon Chavez Center Iaasic Pena Ignacio Dec 7-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”160 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Zach Milner Paonia Tim Armintrout Norwood/Nucla TB-1 3-2
    Third Seth Mills Swink Wade Katzdorn Hotchkiss Fall 2:50
    Fifth Carlos Magdaleno Rocky Ford Nicholas Vollmer Merino SV-1 3-1

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”170 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title TJ Shelton Meeker Jose Cisneros Centennial Fall 0:50
    Third Christopher Martin Centauri Rafe Hutches Baca County Fall 2:21
    Fifth Sabyn Diamond Buena Vista Cade Schulz Wray Dec 4-3

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”182 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Keegan Wentz Buena Vista Brandon Anderson SedwickCo/Fleming Dec 2-0
    Third Devon Pontine Meeker George Weatherford Center Fall 1:19
    Fifth Logan Schopp Paonia Daniel Bustamante Rocky Ford Dec 4-1

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”195 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jareb Aziz Centauri Blaine Larson Fowler Fall 3:51
    Third Kaleb Gaede Limon Jason Murphy John Mall Dec 7-1
    Fifth Kaler Ybarra Yuma Cody Terrell Norwood/Nucla Fall 4:18

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”220 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Nate Finnell Rocky Ford Levi Davis SedwickCo/Fleming Dec 4-2
    Third Trace Elliott Merino Adrian Cereceres NorthPark Dec 8-7
    Fifth Tristen Todd Hotchkiss Luke Korf Yuma MD 8-0

    [/toggler]
    [toggler title=”285 pounds” state=”close” ]

    Bout Winner School Opponent School Manner
    Title Jayden Hilferty Limon Keith Dunnagan Crowley County SV-1 3-1
    Third Chase Flynn Stratton Dylan Kelly Ellicott MD 11-0
    Fifth Miguel Huerta Wray Greg Garcia Rocky Ford Fall 3:40

    [/toggler]
    [/tab]
    [/tabs]

  • State basketball brackets out in 5A, 4A girls and boys basketball

    Overland Eaglecrest boys basketball
    Overland and Eaglecrest are both No. 1 seeds in the 5A boys brackets. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    The brackets for the Class 5A and 4A boys and girls basketball state tournaments were released on Sunday.

    Overland, Regis Jesuit, Eaglecrest and ThunderRidge each earned No. 1 seeds in the 5A boys tournament. Each of those teams, save for Eaglecrest, were ranked No. 1 in CHSAANow.com’s poll at some point this season.

    No. 2 seeds in 5A boys include Mountain Vista, Legend, Dakota Ridge and Rangeview.

    The Continental League, viewed by many as the toughest in the state, ended up with six teams getting first-round byes, including No. 3 seeds Chaparral and Rock Canyon. The other No. 3s are Fort Collins and George Washington.

    Also getting byes in the first round were No. 4 seeds Cherokee Trail, Rampart, Grand Junction and Fossil Ridge.

    Defending champion Denver East drew a No. 6 seed, and opens at home against No. 11 Fairview.

    ThunderRidge Grandview girls basketball
    ThunderRidge is among the No. 1 seeds in 5A girls basketball. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    On the 5A girls side, Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, ThunderRidge and Monarch earned the No. 1 seeds.

    The No. 2s are Cherry Creek, Rampart, Lakewood and Arapahoe.

    Also receiving first round byes are No. 3 seeds Grand Junction, Ralston Valley, Grandview and Denver East; as well as No. 4 seeds Legacy, Westminster, Pine Creek and Fossil Ridge.

    Two-time defending 5A champion Regis Jesuit is a No. 6 seed, and plays No. 11 Pomona in the first round.

    In 4A girls, Canon City, Pueblo West, D’Evelyn and Holy Family were the No. 1 seeds. The No. 2s are Pueblo South, Palisade, Sand Creek and Valor Christian.

    Defending champion Mesa Ridge is a No. 5 seed and will play No. 4 Silver Creek to open the tournament.

    The 4A boys field is led by No. 1 seeds Longmont, Golden, Holy Family and Denver South.

    Valor Christian, Air Academy, Sierra and Pueblo West are No. 2 seeds.

    Pueblo East, the defending champion, missed the 4A field.

    [divider]

    State basketball brackets

  • Photos: No. 5 Highlands Ranch girls basketball tops Legend

    PARKER — No. 5-ranked Highlands Ranch girls basketball handled Legend 91-41 on Tuesday.

  • Photos: Team effort pushes No. 1 Regis Jesuit boys basketball past Legend

    PARKER — Six players scored at least eight points as top-ranked Regis Jesuit beat Legend 61-52 in a Class 5A boys basketball game on Friday night.

    Tony Caseria, Bryan Staerkel and Kip Boryla each scored 11 points, while Elijah Sanford and Nolan Ebel added nine. Taylor Kallsen had eight.

  • Photos: Mountain Vista boys hoops takes Continental opener vs. Legend

    HIGHLANDS RANCH — Brady Subart, again, led Mountain Vista boys basketball to a big win.

    Subart had 21 points on 5-of-10 3-point shooting as the No. 8 Golden Eagles beat No. 9 Legend 44-38 in the Continental League opener for both teams on Friday. Subart also had five rebounds.

    Isaac Phillips added 14 points for Mountain Vista.

  • Legend, Denver East join first boys basketball rankings after the break

    Legend Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Monroe Porter, left, and Legend joined the 5A poll at No. 9 this week. Dakota Ridge, meanwhile, is up to No. 3. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Legend and Denver East have joined CHSAANow.com’s boys basketball rankings in Class 5A this week. The Titans are No. 9, and the Angels are No. 10.

    Legend, 9-3 this season, has won seven consecutive games. It plays at No. 8 Mountain Vista on Friday.

    Denver East, meanwhile, returned to the poll after a short hiatus. At 5-6, the record is somewhat deceiving. Three of the losses came at an out-of-state tournament, and a fourth, to Chaparral, came in a wild double-overtime matchup. They own wins over Legend and No. 2 ThunderRidge.

    Regis Jesuit continued its stay atop the 5A poll, and are a unanimous pick with 16 first-place votes. The Raiders are 10-0. ThunderRidge also kept its No. 2 spot.

    Behind those two, however, the movement began.

    Dakota Ridge (11-0) shot up to No. 3, and Eaglecrest bumped up one place to No. 4. Chaparral rounds out the top five.

    As was the case before the break, a total of five teams from the Continental League are ranked. With that league now in the thick of its schedule, it should be a battle every night.

    Each of the other No. 1 teams also stayed put. Those are Longmont (4A), Colorado Springs Christian (3A), Sanford (2A) and Sangre de Cristo (1A).

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

    Complete rankings are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Boys Basketball Polls

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

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Regis Jesuit (16) 10-0 160 1 4-0
    2 ThunderRidge 11-1 127 2 3-1
    3 Dakota Ridge 11-0 121 6 3-0
    4 Eaglecrest 7-3 108 5 2-0
    5 Chaparral 8-3 88 3 2-2
    6 Overland 6-5 85 4 2-1
    7 Montbello 9-1 46 7 1-0
    8 Mountain Vista 10-1 37 9 3-0
    9 Legend 9-3 26 – 2-0
    10 Denver East 5-6 25 – 2-1
    Others receiving votes:
    Monarch 19, Cherry Creek 14, Rock Canyon 10, Mountain Range 8, Northglenn 3, Boulder 2, Cherokee Trail 1.
    Dropped out
    Cherry Creek (8), Rock Canyon (10).

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Longmont (16) 9-0 178 1 3-0
    2 Golden (2) 8-2 161 2 2-1
    3 Pueblo South 8-3 111 4 1-1
    4 Sand Creek 7-3 102 6 2-1
    5 Holy Family 7-2 66 – 3-0
    6 Valor Christian 5-4 55 8 1-1
    7 Pueblo Central 10-3 54 7 2-1
    8 Air Academy 7-3 52 3 1-2
    9 Palmer Ridge 7-1 43 5 1-1
    10 Mead 8-2 33 9 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Pueblo West 28, Falcon 20, Conifer 17, Widefield 17, Sierra 14, Evergreen 10, D’Evelyn 9, Niwot 6, Vista Peak 5, Pueblo East 3, Wheat Ridge 3, Thomas Jefferson 2, Windsor 1.
    Dropped out
    Conifer (10).

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Colorado Springs Christian (10) 10-0 126 1 2-0
    2 Faith Christian (1) 8-0 114 2 0-0
    3 Jefferson Academy (1) 10-1 94 5 3-0
    4 Lutheran 10-1 89 3 1-0
    5 Colorado Academy (1) 7-4 72 4 1-1
    6 Kent Denver 7-1 62 6 1-1
    7 Grand Valley 6-1 37 9 2-0
    8 Bayfield 7-1 35 – 3-0
    9 Sterling 7-2 24 8 2-1
    10 Alamosa 5-4 22 7 1-2
    Others receiving votes:
    Moffat County 10, The Pinnacle 10, Manitou Springs 7, St. Mary’s 5, Bennett 4, Roaring Fork 4.
    Dropped out
    The Pinnacle (10).

    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Sanford (8) 8-0 100 1 2-0
    2 Resurrection Christian (3) 8-0 98 2 2-0
    3 Akron 7-0 90 3 1-0
    4 Simla 6-0 63 5 2-0
    5 Ignacio 6-2 53 6 2-0
    6 Meeker 6-0 50 7 2-0
    7 Highland 9-0 40 – 2-0
    8 Rye 5-2 26 – 2-0
    9 Ellicott 6-0 25 10 1-0
    10 Sedgwick County 6-2 15 4 0-2
    Others receiving votes:
    Merino 11, Yuma 11, Caliche 9, Paonia 6, Swink 5, Crowley County 3, Holyoke 2, Vail Christian 1.
    Dropped out
    Merino (8), Paonia (9).

    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Sangre De Cristo (9) 8-0 98 1 3-0
    2 Jim Elliot (1) 7-0 78 2 3-0
    3 Ouray 9-0 74 3 2-0
    4 Springfield 7-2 66 4 1-0
    5 Holly 7-1 60 7 2-0
    6 Arickaree/Woodlin 7-0 51 8 2-0
    7 Fleming 4-2 42 5 2-0
    8 Wiley 6-1 37 6 0-1
    9 South Baca 5-2 16 – 1-1
    10 Kit Carson 5-3 9 10 1-1
    Others receiving votes:
    Peetz 6, Primero 5, McClave 3, Eads 2, Community Christian 1, Gilpin County 1, Rocky Mountain Lutheran 1.
    Dropped out
    McClave (9).

  • No. 8 Dakota Ridge edges Legend in boys hoops thriller

    Legend Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Dakota Ridge senior Tanner Lukens (15) spots up for a 3-pointer Tuesday night during the Eagles’ 59-57 victory over Legend. (Dennis Pleuss)

    LITTLETON — Dakota Ridge junior Matt Newkirk came up with perhaps his most decorated rebound and free throw of basketball career Tuesday night.

    Legend spent the majority of the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter on its offensive end attempting to break the 57-57 tie with Dakota Ridge on the Eagles’ home court. After several Titan shot attempts that just wouldn’t fall, Newkirk finally got his hands on the ball and was fouled in the paint with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.

    “I was just going for the ball. Doing everything I could for my team so Legend couldn’t get another shot,” Newkirk said of the chaotic final seconds. “There were some nerves, but I slowed down and took a deep breath. Just shot the ball.”

    Legend Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Legend junior Monroe Porter, left, tries to get a pass around Dakota Ridge senior Cody Pittman during the second half Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Newkirk made both free throws in the double-bonus situation to give Dakota Ridge (4-0 overall), ranked No. 8 in this week’s CHSAANow.com Class 5A boys basketball poll, a 59-57 lead. A last-second pass and heave by the Titans hit the top of the backboard and the Eagles escaped with a two-point victory.

    “I thought it was a travel,” Dakota Ridge senior Cody Pittman said of his thoughts when the whistle blew as Newkirk fell to the floor with the ball in his hands. “They called the foul and I had faith in Matt (Newkirk) that he would knock down the free throw.”

    Dakota Ridge coach Curi Yutzy had asked Newkirk to miss the second free throw after making the first so Legend (1-2) wouldn’t have the opportunity to throw the ball the length of the court for a possible tip-in at the buzzer.

    “It was a great job by Matt to knock down those free throws. Well, knock down the first free throw,” Yutzy could say with a smile. “We were trying to miss the second. He (Newkirk) couldn’t miss it to save his life.”

    Clearly, Legend coach Kevin Boley was disappointed the whistle blew with under a second to play giving the Eagles the chance to win the game in regulation.

    “I don’t know whether there is a foul or not, but you swallow your whistle in that situation and go to overtime,” Boley said. “You make the kids decide the game.”

    The non-league game was close the entire contest. Neither team ever held a double-digit lead. Dakota Ridge took its biggest lead of 34-26 midway through the third quarter. Four different Eagles drained five 3-pointers in the period during Dakota Ridge’s run.

    Pittman led the way with a pair of 3-pointers in the third. He ended up leading the team with 18 points. He was the only Eagle to reach double-digits.

    “We are a good shooting team I think,” Pittman said of the 21-point third quarter. “It was one our streaks.”

    Legend Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Legend junior Danny Garrick, middle, attempts to fend off Dakota Ridge junior Devante Jones (23) and senior Mason Grothuesmann (31) as they try to get a jump ball during the first half Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Legend junior Monroe Porter was on a streak most of the night. He finished with a game-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers. Junior Jared Small, in his first game on the court for the Titans after transferring from Regis Jesuit, had a breakout fourth quarter.

    “Clearly he (Porter) was the one making the plays,” Boley said. “We got into our press in the fourth quarter. Jared (Small) started making some plays and getting to the rim. We got some energy going on the defensive end.”

    Despite playing with four fouls the entire final quarter, Small poured in 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter.

    “It was tough to find an answer to guard him (Small),” Yutzy said. “He did a great job attacking the paint.”

    A big loss for the Titans was when Small fouled out with 34 seconds left in the game. Dakota Ridge senior Tanner Lukens hit both free throws after getting fouled by Small to tie the game at 57-57.

    “When we schedule games the previous year we look for these type of games,” Yutzy said. “I have upmost respect for coach Boley and the Legend program. I love competing against the best. I love the challenge and gives us the opportunity to get better.”

    Dakota Ridge finishes off its schedule before winter break with four straight road games starting with a 7 p.m. tipoff Thursday, Dec. 11 in Colorado Springs against Doherty.

    Legend competes in the Smoky Hill Shootout starting Thursday. The Titans open the three-day tournament at 6 p.m. Thursday against Horizon at Smoky Hill High School.

    Legend Dakota Ridge boys basketball
    Dakota Ridge senior Cody Pittman, left, drives on Legend junior Monroe Porter during the first half Tuesday night at Dakota Ridge High School. Pittman scored a team-high 18 points, while Porter had a game-high 23 points for the Titans. In the end, Dakota Ridge pulled out a 59-57 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)