Tag: Poudre

  • Football roundup: Doherty knocks off No. 6 ThunderRidge for first win

    Brian Mosley rushed for three touchdowns to help Doherty football pull off a big upset of previously unbeaten and sixth-ranked ThunderRidge on Friday night.

    “We knew this was going to be a four-quarter fight, and it came down to the last minute of the game,” Doherty coach Jeff Krumlauf told CHSAANow. “ThunderRidge is truly a top-10 program in the state right now. They have some special kids and some great coaches. For us to be down by 14 and sustain a course was huge for us on a high level.”

    The Spartans entered the week winless at 0-4, but had played the second-toughest schedule in the state according to the RPI, with losses to Cherry Creek, Mullen, Pine Creek and Fairview to open the season. All have been ranked in the top-10 at some point this season.

    On Friday, Doherty rallied from down 14 to take a 21-14 lead at halftime, thanks to two scores from Mosley, and a defensive fumble return for a TD.

    In the end, the Spartans were able to hold off a rally from ThunderRidge, which had started the season 4-0.

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    Colorado PrepsCast

    A recap of Friday’s games:

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    1A: (2) Limon 36, (1) Strasburg 6

    Limon led 21-0 early, taking that lead into the break, before Strasburg made it 21-6 after three. But the Badgers only added to the margin in the fourth quarter.

    “I thought our kids were really ready to play; I think they were excited to play,” coach Mike O’Dwyer told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “With our win that we had last week against Meeker, our kids got a little bit of confidence playing against a really good team. And obviously Strasburg is also a great team, and I think they were really looking forward to the challenge.”

    Hauk Hubbard led Limon with 111 yards rushing and two scores, while Celby Hollenbaugh also had a rushing touchdown. Cannan Bennett also threw a touchdown pass for Limon.

    The game was briefly interrupted in the second half when the sprinklers came on.

    “You don’t see it too often,” O’Dwyer said. “I think that was the second time in my career I’ve seen that happen.”

    Limon limited Strasburg to just 15 yards rushing. Strasburg entered the game averaging close to 200 yards per game.

    The Badgers rushed for 291 yards themselves.

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    4A/3A: (4A 4) Montrose 21, (3A 2) Palisade 17

    (Tom Hoganson)

    MONTROSE — Fourth-ranked Montrose won 21-17 in front of a full house on Friday night.

    The game went back-and-forth all night. Palisade grabbed a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but Montrose cut it to 10-7 on a 85-yard interception return for a touchdown from Cauy Boulder with 23 seconds left in the half.

    Montrose grabbed its first lead when Cole Simmons scored on a two-yard run in the third quarter, but Palisade responded with a rushing score from quarterback Cam Tucker with 8:34 to play.

    The ensuing kickoff went out-of-bounds, giving Montrose the ball at their own 35. They then used a clock-chewing drive to score the winning touchdown with 40 seconds left. Again, it was Simmons who scored, this time on a six-yard rush.

    “We beat a good team,” Montrose coach Brett Mertens said afterward. “Cauy Boulden’s interception was big for us. We had some young kids step in and play the line and they did a great job.”

    “We had some young kids fill in on the line and they open holes for me,” Simmons said.

    — Tom Hoganson

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    6-man: (1) Stratton/Liberty 77, (2) Otis 6

    Stratton/Liberty Otis football
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    The Knighted Eagles flexed their muscles in a matchup of 6-man’s top two teams.

    Stratton/Liberty raced out to a 61-6 lead at halftime.

    A photo gallery from the game is available here.

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    Radio: Stratton/Liberty, Palmer Ridge, Rifle emerge victorious

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    Notables:

    • 5A No. 7 Eaglecrest quarterback Dylan James rushed for three touchdowns as his team cruised to a 5-0 start this season with a 50-14 win over No. 8 Arvada West.
    • Pueblo West led 4A No. 9 Pine Creek 9-0 at halftime, but the Eagles scored 21 unanswered points to win 21-9. The turning point was a muffed punt return in the third quarter that set Pine Creek up with a short field, and led to their first touchdown.
    • Alameda defeated Valley 51-43 to end an 18-game losing streak.
    • Fountain-Fort Carson sophomore Alexisius Jones Jr. rushed for 340 yards and four touchdowns in his team’s 58-18 win over Overland.
    • 6-man: In a win over No.4 Flagler/Hi-Plains, freshman Yahir Enriquez rushed for six touchdowns and 292 yards on 22 carries for No. 8 Idalia. He also threw a touchdown pass, and caught another. He had 383 all-purpose yards. “Everything was clicking for us,” Idalia coach Colby Newton told the Scoreboard Show.
    • 2A No. 10 Kent Denver scored a tying touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:42 to play in regulation, then went on to beat Pueblo Centennial in overtime, 34-28.
    • Hinkley football is now 4-0 after a 30-14 win over Sand Creek. Hinkley was 1-19 over the past two seasons, and has won more than three games in a season just once since 2004.
    • Steamboat Springs football cruised to a 40-7 win over Hotchkiss in their first game in their home stadium after it was renovated.
    • 5A No. 5 Grandview had its way with Mullen, beating the Mustangs 56-3.
    • In 1A, No. 6 Centauri beat No. 10 Buena Vista 41-7.
    • In 8-man, No. 6 Holly edged No. 8 Fowler 29-28. “It was crazy,” coach Dayne Eaton told the Scoreboard Show. “I don’t know if I’ve seen a game where the kids were playing that hard against each other.”
    • Fort Collins beat Poudre in overtime, 20-14. The Lambkins had led 14-0 at halftime, and Poudre rallied to tie it and send it to OT.
    • Vista PEAK is now 4-0 in 4A after beating Aurora Central 30-14. This is the best start in the seven-year history of the program.
    • 6-man: Granada and No. 5 Cheyenne Wells traded scores seemingly every other minute in a shootout, one that saw Granada ultimately pull off the upset win 74-64.
    • Emmanual Heurta rushed for three touchdowns to help 1A No. 5 Wray beat Brush 26-7.
    • Noah Roper scored three touchdowns on just seven carries as 3A No. 1 Erie topped Canon City 55-7. He also recovered a fumble.
    • Denver East quarterback Myles Patterson threw for 242 yards and three scores in a 44-6 win over Mountain Range. The Angels are now 4-1 after going 2-8 last season. It’s their best start since they opened 6-1 in 2014.
    • In a matchup of returning champions, 3A No. 6 Palmer Ridge beat Pueblo South 45-14.
    • Joshia Davis, a running back who missed the past three games with injury, made his return for Valor Christian in a 27-0 win over Menlo Atherton (Calif.). He had six carries, and scored a touchdown.

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    More coverage:

  • Front Range League continues its dominance in boys soccer

    Legacy’s historic start to open the season will now be met with a historically grueling part of its schedule.

  • Photos: Cherokee Trail football moves to 4-0 with win over Poudre

    AURORA — Cherokee Trail football upped its winning streak to four games as the Cougars beat Poudre 35-0 on Friday at Legacy Stadium.

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  • Boys soccer rankings: Plenty of changes as three teams take over as No. 1s

    Air Academy boys soccer team
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Three of the four boys soccer classifications have new top-ranked teams in this week’s polls, with Air Academy (4A), Kent Denver (3A) and Telluride (2A) taking over at the top.

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

    Complete rankings for each class are below.

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    CHSAANow.com Boys Soccer Polls

    Voted upon by coaches and select media members around the state. New voters can sign up by emailing rcasey@chsaa.org. These rankings have no bearing on postseason seeding.

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Boulder (6) 4-0-0 92 1 1-0-0
    2 Grandview (4) 5-0-1 89 3 2-0-0
    3 Broomfield 3-1-0 59 5 2-0-0
    4 Fort Collins 2-0-1 53 4 0-0-0
    5 Fairview 4-0-0 52 6 1-0-0
    6 Arapahoe 5-0-1 46 7 3-0-0
    7 Legacy 4-0-0 36 2-0-0
    8 Arvada West 3-1-0 33 9 0-1-0
    9 Denver East 1-1-0 19 2 0-1-0
    10 Poudre 4-0-0 14 1-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Valor Christian 11, Regis Jesuit 10, Hinkley 7, Greeley West 6, Legend 6, Rampart 6, Westminster 4, Mountain Range 3, Pine Creek 2, Chatfield 1, Rocky Mountain 1.
    Dropped out
    Legend (8), Hinkley (10).
    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Air Academy (2) 4-1-0 71 2 2-0-0
    2 Centaurus (3) 3-1-0 63 1 1-1-0
    3 Durango (2) 5-1-0 58 3 2-1-0
    4 Steamboat Springs (1) 3-0-0 46 1-0-0
    5 Green Mountain 6-1-0 43 6 2-1-0
    6 Denver North (1) 2-0-1 36 4 1-0-1
    7 The Classical Academy 3-1-0 34 5 2-0-0
    8 Skyview 5-0-0 33 7 2-0-0
    9 Discovery Canyon 4-0-0 22 2-0-0
    10 Battle Mountain 4-1-0 15 10 2-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Thomas Jefferson 14, Pueblo West 13, Mullen 8, Niwot 7, Pueblo Centennial 4, Arvada 3, Fort Morgan 3, Northridge 3, Cheyenne Mountain 2, Silver Creek 2.
    Dropped out
    Niwot (8), Mullen (9).
    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Kent Denver (4) 3-0-1 75 2 1-0-1
    2 Faith Christian (2) 4-0-0 71 2-0-0
    3 Colorado Springs Christian 3-1-0 50 4 2-1-0
    4 Roaring Fork 4-0-1 47 2-0-0
    5 Liberty Common (3) 0-0-0 45 1 0-0-0
    6 Colorado Academy 2-1-0 42 3 2-1-0
    7 Delta 3-1-1 29 0-1-1
    8 Atlas Prep 3-0-0 25 0-0-0
    9 Manitou Springs 3-1-0 22 10 1-1-0
    10 The Academy 2-2-0 21 6 0-2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Lamar 19, The Pinnacle 17, DSST: Stapleton 12, Peak to Peak 11, Lutheran 10, KIPP Denver 7, Aurora West College Prep 6, DSST: Byers 6, Valley 6, Arrupe Jesuit 5, Prospect Ridge Academy 4, Vail Mountain 4, Aspen 3, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 3, St. Mary’s 3, Strive Prep – Smart 3, Salida 2, Eagle Ridge Academy 1, James Irwin 1.
    Dropped out
    KIPP Denver (5), Arrupe Jesuit (7), The Pinnacle (8), Jefferson Academy (9).
    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Telluride (6) 3-1-1 30 4 1-1-1
    2 Ridgway 1-1-0 19 2 0-1-0
    3 Crested Butte 6-1-1 12 5 2-1-1
    4 Denver Christian 2-2-1 9 3 1-1-0
    5 Heritage Christian 3-1-0 7 2-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Fountain Valley 6, Mile High Academy 4, Dawson School 2, Evangelical Christian 1.
    Dropped out
    Dawson School (1).
  • All-state girls soccer teams for the 2018 season

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

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

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

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    Class 5A

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

    Player of the year: Hailey Stodden, Broomfield

    Coach of the year: Tari Wood, Grandview

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

    Honorable mention:

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

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    Class 4A

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

    Player of the year: Chaynee Kingsbury, Windsor

    Coach of the year: Mario Garcia, Windsor

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

    Honorable mention:

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

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    Class 3A

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

    Player of the year: Mira Houck, Jefferson Academy

    Coach of the year: Denise Sutton, Jefferson Academy

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

    Honorable mention:

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

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    Class 2A

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

    Player of the year: Cameron Epstein, Dawson School

    Coach of the year: David Criswell, Dawson School

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

    Honorable mention:

    • Sydney Beijer, Denver Christian, FORW, Senior
    • Niki Borland, Telluride, D, Sophomore
    • Kelsey Boucher, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
    • Liz Bristow, Evangelical Christian, GK, Senior
    • Madison Day, Dawson School, Sophomore
    • Alex Dunbar, Dawson School, Sophomore
    • Morgan Durrill, Cornerstone Christian Academy, MF/FORW, Senior
    • Justice Gearhard, Cornerstone Christian Academy, D/MF, Junior
    • Ali Graham, Colorado Springs School, Senior
    • Tatihana Loya, Clear Creek, MF, Freshman
    • Jordan Powell, Front Range Christian, Senior
    • Tilly Rahm, Fountain Valley, GK, Sophomore
    • Kaya Schaap, Denver Christian, FB, Junior
    • Harriet Townsend, Fountain Valley, D, Sophomore
    • Siena Truex, Crested Butte, Junior
  • Freshmen take over at the 5A girls tennis state tournament

    5A girls tennis state tournament Natalie Stone Fairview
    Fairview freshman Natalie Stone. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — There is a youth movement sweeping through the Class 5A girls tennis state tournament.

    Five freshmen qualified for the No. 1 singles bracket, the most the tournament has seen since 2013, including three regional champions. And there are 14 overall freshmen in the singles draws, as well as an additional 17 playing doubles.

    The number of freshmen playing this year — 31 — is way above a typical 5A tournament. Since 2012, an average of 21 freshmen have qualified in 5A, including an average of seven playing singles.

    In addition, 46 sophomores qualified. That means a total of 77 of the 176 players at the 5A tournament on Thursday were underclassmen.

    Leading the way for the freshmen is Fairview’s Natalie Stone, who advanced to the semifinals at No. 1 singles with two wins on Thursday. She will face defending champion Ky Ecton of Poudre, a senior, in Friday’s semifinals.

    5A girls tennis state tournament Alexis Bernthal Fairview
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Stone’s teammate, Alexis Bernthal, also advanced to the semifinals at No. 2 singles. That position will actually feature all freshmen in the semis.

    Alyssa Kawakami, a freshman from Fort Collins, will face Bernthal in that No. 2 singles semifinal.

    The other semifinal at No. 2 singles will match ThunderRidge freshman Mackenzie Wheeler against Cherry Creek freshman Eliza Hill.

    Cherry Creek alone features seven freshmen, including Hill and her twin sister Nicole Hill, who is into the semifinals at No. 3 singles.

    The twins have a lot of tennis in their blood: their brother, Robby, won a No. 2 singles title in 2016, and their father, Rob, won two No. 1 singles championships at Manual in the 1970s.

    The Bruins also have an all-freshman duo of Anna Fusaris and Halley Mackiernan into the semifinals at No. 2 doubles.

    Fossil Ridge qualified three freshmen to the tournament, while Arapahoe, Boulder, Fairview, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Monarch and ThunderRidge each qualified two.

    [divider]

    Notables

    • The tournament has been changed to a two-day format to avoid poor weather on Saturday, and will complete play Friday. Semifinals will start at 8 a.m.
    • Cherry Creek, the defending champion, heads the team race after the first day of play with 19 points. Poudre (11 points) is second, while Fort Collins and Denver East are tied for third with 10 points. The Bruins have won 34 state championships, the most of any program in any classification.
    • Ecton, the defending state champion at No. 1 singles, advanced to the semifinals with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Boulder’s Gigi Jensen, and then a 6-1, 6-1 win over Cherry Creek’s Deena Abdulloeva. Ecton is seeking to become the first repeat 5A champion at No. 1 singles since Poudre’s Natalie Dunn did it in 2010.
    • Fort Collins’ Natalie Hamill had quite the comeback in a marathon match in the first round, beating Monarch’s Natalie Sprenger 0-6, 7-5, 7-5 in two hours and 26 minutes. Hamill fell to Rock Canyon’s Meghna Chowdhury in the quarterfinals, 6-2, 6-2.
  • Poudre’s Ky Ecton becomes first repeat champ at 5A No. 1 singles since 2010

    5A girls tennis state championship 2018 Ky Ecton Poudre
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — Poudre’s Ky Ecton is atop the Class 5A girls tennis world. Again.

    Ecton, a senior, captured the 5A No. 1 singles championship for the second straight season, this one coming via a 6-4, 6-4 win over Rock Canyon sophomore Meghna Chowdhury on Friday at Gates Tennis Center.

    She is the first girl to repeat as champion at No. 1 singles in 5A since former Poudre star Natalie Dunn did it in 2010. Ecton grew up watching Dunn play — her mom, Laura, has been Poudre’s coach for more than 20.

    “I always looked up to Natalie Dunn as a role model, and being able to say I did the same thing as her is something really cool,” Ecton said. “I know how hard it is to be a state champion, and coming back and doing it again, there was a little more pressure, but I think that’s pressure I put on myself. Being able to live up to my expectations felt really good that I was able to grit it out and play my best.”

    Ecton never trailed in the championship match, but Chowdhury battled tough. Each set was tied at 4-4 before Ecton won the last two games.

    She finishes her senior season 25-0, and lost just a single set all year.

    This season, Ecton had to deal with a format change at the state tournament. The 5A tournament adjusted from a three-day format to two days in an effort to avoid poor weather on Saturday. That meant Ecton had to play two matches on Friday — the semifinals and the championship.

    “Usually, after our (second day), we go home, go to a movie, go to the mall, go shopping, that sort of thing, so it’s more of a team bonding experience,” Ecton said. “But I think it’s also cool, (playing the entire tournament in two days), because, for me personally, the first match was, ‘OK, I’m warmed up, I’ve played a match already.’ And it was also really cool.

    “I had teammates playing the whole day, I was able to watch them. As compared to last year, I was the only one who was playing,” Ecton said. “It was really cool to support my team. It felt more like a team sport rather than an individual sport.”

    5A girls tennis state championship 2018 Meghna Chowdhury Rock Canyon
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Chowdhury was seeking to become Rock Canyon’s first-ever individual girls champion. As it was, she became the school’s first-ever placer.

    Ecton’s run to a second-straight individual title also helped Poudre secure its spot as runner-up — the team’s highest-ever finish.

    The Impalas placed second to Cherry Creek, which had a dominant run to the program’s second-consecutive team title, and 35th overall. The Bruins, a perennial power, had built a large lead after the first day of play on Thursday, and only extended that lead early on Friday.

    By 11:15 a.m., before the first rounds of playbacks were complete, the Bruins had already mathematically secured their championship. They finished with 85 points.

    They had individual champions at No. 2 singles (Eliza Hill), No. 3 singles (Nicole Hill), No. 1 doubles (Micha Handler and Miranda Kawula), No. 2 doubles (Anna Fusaris and Halley Mackiernan) and No. 4 doubles (Emily Wilkins and Dahlia Rappaport).

    Also winning an individual championship were Marie Manassez and Grace Neff of Regis Jesuit at No. 3 doubles.

    Denver East finished third as a team with 29 points, Fort Collins (22) was fourth, and Fairview (17) rounded out the top five.

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
  • All-state boys basketball teams for the 2017-18 season

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

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

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

    [divider]

    Class 5A

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

    Player of the year: Sam Masten, Rock Canyon

    Coach of the year: Michael Rogers, Grandview

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

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

    [divider]

    Class 4A

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

    Player of the year: Luke Johnson, Longmont

    Coach of the year: Jeff Kloster, Longmont

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

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

    [divider]

    Class 3A

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

    Player of the year: Bodie Hume, Sterling

    Coach of the year: Jeff Lehnus, Bayfield

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

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

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    (Jeffrey Tucker/MaxPreps)

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

    Coach of the year: Dave Sheffield, Yuma

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

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

    [divider]

    Class 1A

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

    Player of the year: Logan Sircy, Peetz

    Coach of the year: Sean Fehringer, Peetz

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

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

  • All-state wrestling teams for the 2017-18 season

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

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet. Coaches and wrestlers of the year were selected by the Colorado High School Coaches Association at the state meet.

    Scroll down to see the teams, or use the menu below to navigate to the class of your choosing.
    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Jacob Greenwood Poudre wrestling four-timer
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Wrestler of the year: Jacob Greenwood, Poudre

    Coach of the year: Cole Allison, Grand Junction

    First team
    Name Year School Weight
    Dawson Collins Sophomore Grand Junction 113
    Vince Cornella Freshman Monarch 106
    Gabe Dinette Senior Lakewood 160
    Jacob Greenwood Senior Poudre 145
    Malik Heinselman Senior Castle View 120
    Josiah Rider Senior Grand Junction 152
    Theorius Robison Junior Pomona 132
    Christian Rowell Senior Adams City 170
    Tate Samuelson Senior Castle View 182
    Fabian Santillan Junior Grandview 126
    Cohlton Schultz Junior Ponderosa 285
    Mason Watt Senior Broomfield 220
    Jayden Woodruff Senior Ponderosa 195
    Colton Yapoujian Junior Pomona 138
    Second team
    Name Year School Weight
    Josh Betts Senior Rocky Mountain 160
    Gavin Deaguero Senior Adams City 152
    Aidan Funk Senior Legacy 170
    Nicholas Gonzales Senior Adams City 126
    Job Greenwood Junior Poudre 132
    Alec Hargreaves Sophomore Rocky Mountain 195
    Brody Lamb Senior Poudre 138
    Seth Latham Senior Grand Junction 182
    Adrian Marquez Junior Castle View 113
    Dylan Martinez Senior Grand Junction 145
    Weston Mayer Senior Poudre 285
    Justin Pacheco Junior Pomona 120
    Hunter Tobiasson Junior Grand Junction 220
    Wyatt Yapoujian Sophomore Pomona 106

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Andrew Alirez Greeley Central wrestlin
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Wrestler of the year: Andrew Alirez, Greeley Central

    Coach of the year: Pat Laughlin, Pueblo East

    First team
    Name Year School Weight
    Andrew Alirez Junior Greeley Central 145
    Patrick Allis Junior Discovery Canyon 120
    Drake Engelking Junior Longmont 160
    Andy Garcia Sophomore Pueblo East 285
    Brendon Garcia Junior Pueblo County 106
    Dante Garcia Senior Pueblo County 220
    Jason Hanenberg Senior Air Academy 132
    Dylan McBride Senior Fort Morgan 195
    Mike McFadden Senior Cheyenne Mountain 138
    Isaiah Salazar Sophomore Windsor 170
    Dominick Serrano Sophomore Windsor 126
    Elijah Valdez Senior Mesa Ridge 152
    Will VomBaur Junior Windsor 113
    Terrance Williams Senior Palisade 182
    Second team
    Name Year School Weight
    Michael True Senior Mesa Ridge 285
    Braden Barker Senior Mountain View 195
    Jayson Davis Junior Pueblo County 170
    Christopher Fasano Junior Pueblo County 152
    Zion Freeman Junior Pueblo East 182
    Jaxon Garoutte Sophomore Pueblo County 138
    Jacob Gonzales Junior Pueblo Centennial 106
    Zac Hanenberg Senior Canon City 145
    Andrew Lucero Senior Pueblo East 113
    Dominic Robles Junior Pueblo East 220
    Ryan Roth Junior Pueblo East 126
    Aaden Valdez Sophomore Pueblo East 132
    Vance VomBaur Freshman Windsor 120
    Hunter Williams Senior Thompson Valley 160

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    (Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)

    Wrestler of the year: Brandon Damian, Valley

    Coach of the year: Gary Ramstetter, Alamosa

    First team
    Name Year School Weight
    Austyn Binkly Junior Berthoud 138
    Davion Chavez Freshman Alamosa 106
    Joe Chavez Junior Alamosa 126
    Logan Church Senior Delta 285
    Brandon Damian Senior Valley 145
    Isaiah Gamez Sophomore La Junta 113
    Bart Gruenloh Senior Lamar 220
    Quentin Jiner Senior Weld Central 170
    Nathan Johns Junior The Classical Academy 182
    Jimmy LaConte Senior Weld Central 160
    Faustin Lopez Senior Sheridan 195
    Wyatt Pfau Junior Brush 152
    Anthony Quintana Senior Buena Vista 132
    A.J. Serna Junior Grand Valley 120
    Second team
    Name Year School Weight
    Ethan Andrade Junior Lamar 120
    Brandon Buhr Senior Centauri 145
    Caleb Cox Senior Brush 126
    Preston Duran Senior Alamosa 285
    Colton Eberhardt Senior Lamar 195
    Alberto Felthager Freshman Trinidad 106
    Josh Flanagan Senior Valley 182
    Hayden Johnson Senior Steamboat Springs 160
    Mikinzie Klimper Senior Moffat County 170
    Cameron Lucero Freshman Pagosa Springs 132
    Reis Martinez Senior Alamosa 152
    Ariel Rodriguez Senior Eaton 138
    Eli Smith Junior Salida 220
    Kolten Strait Freshman Berthoud 113

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    2018 state wrestling
    (Dustin Price/DustinPricePhotography.com)

    Wrestler of the year: Diego Reyes, Rocky Ford

    Coach of the year: Mike Jurney, Rocky Ford

    First team
    Name Year School Weight
    Keegan Bean Senior Lyons 182
    Sky Carlson Senior Soroco 220
    Sean Dale Sophomore Cedaredge 126
    Greg Garcia Senior Rocky Ford 285
    Trey Geyer Freshman Cedaredge 120
    Cody Jacobsen Senior Burlington 138
    Seth McFall Junior Fowler 106
    Dahlton McGhee Senior Fowler 195
    Trevor Randel Senior County Line 152
    Diego Reyes Senior Rocky Ford 160
    Cade Rockwell Sophomore Wray 113
    Carlos Romo Senior Rocky Ford 145
    Carlos Tarin Junior Wray 170
    Wesley VanMatre Sophomore John Mall 132
    Second team
    Name Year School Weight
    Junior Arambula Freshman Wray 126
    Brett Benavides Senior Del Norte 132
    Clay Campbell Senior Paonia 145
    Ken Cox Senior County Line 285
    Devin Curtis Senior Hotchkiss 195
    Aidan Dabal Senior Norwood 160
    William Gabriel Junior Nucla 182
    Tannen Kennedy Junior Meeker 138
    Logan Lewis Sophomore Highland 113
    Jace Logan Junior Soroco 170
    Kobryn Mann Senior Sedgwick Co/Fleming 152
    Jaden Miller Senior Paonia 220
    Jacob Pelloni Senior Meeker 120
    Max Salazar Junior Sanford 106
  • Poudre boys hoops scores 1st-round upset of Arvada West

    ARVADA — There was no answer for Poudre’s 6-foot-6 junior Damian Forrest when he got locked in Wednesday night at Arvada West High School.

    Forrest poured in 21 points as the No. 39-seeded Impalas pulled off the 54-50 road victory of No. 26 seed A-West in the opening round of the Class 5A boys basketball state tournament.

    “I my gosh. That was unreal,” Forrest said of his 9-point third quarter that helped give the Impalas an 8-point lead heading into the final quarter. “My coaches were behind me the whole way. They told me to keep shooting and it got my confidence up. It was amazing.”

    Poudre’s Jack Fisher (55) takes a shot over A-West’s Josh Rogers. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    After a strong first quarter, Forrest and the rest of the Impalas (12-12 record) could only muster up two points in the second quarter. The Wildcats (15-9) got right back into the game trailing 22-21 at halftime.

    However, Forrest went to work against the undersized A-West squad.

    “We tried to do what we could,” A-West senior James Pelon said of defending Forrest. “He is a beast.”

    Pelon did what he could in the fourth quarter to keep from having the Wildcats’ season end on their home court. The senior poured in a dozen of his game-high 22 points in the final eight minutes.

    A-West got within two points on a couple of occasions in the final quarter, but Poudre seemed to always answer to maintain its slim lead. Senior Sebastian Wells had a key layup with 28 seconds left and junior Jack Fisher made a pair of free throws to seal in the win.

    “It’s awesome. I’m so happy for the kids,” said Poudre coach Jeff Brubaker, who is in his second season at the helm of the Impalas’ program. “Our kids have worked so hard. It’s awesome how they competed for each other tonight.”

    Poudre finished in a 4-way tie for eighth place in the 5A Front Range League this year. Last season the Impalas had a 3-20 record and didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

    A-West’s Ethan Lindeblad (35) get up a shot in the 1st-round playoff game Wednesday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “It’s insane,” Forrest said of advancing to face No. 7 Doherty in the second round. “Going from last year with three wins to playoffs and now second round. It’s insanity. It’s beyond words. We are so excited.”

    Doherty (19-4) will host Poudre at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in Colorado Springs with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16.

    A-West had a wild 5A Jeffco League ride that ended with the Wildcats sharing the conference crown with Columbine. Both finished 10-4 in league play. A-West actually grabbed the highest seed from Jeffco in the 5A tournament with a No. 26 seed.

    “We still get to hang up a banner,” Pelon said of the Wildcats sharing the 5A Jeffco title with Columbine. “Obviously we wanted to do better in playoffs. We’ll be proud to hang up that banner.”

    A-West will lose senior Pelon, Hayden Spiegler, Isaiah Brewer and Zander Lynch to graduation. Josh Rogers and Ethan Lindeblad return to give the Wildcats some solid players to build on for next season.

    It was a better night for the rest of the 5A Jeffco teams. Columbine and Dakota Ridge got home victories. Bear Creek and Chatfield managed upsets on the road to advance four Jeffco teams into the second round.

    Arvada West’s season came to a close with a 54-50 loss to Poudre. The Impalas move on to the second round where they will face No. 7 Doherty. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)