CHSAANow

Tag: Vista Ridge

  • Football roundup: Ralston Valley knocks off 4A No. 1 Pine Creek

    (NFHS Network)

    Ralston Valley football picked up a huge win on Friday night, knocking off top-ranked Pine Creek and ending the Eagles’ state-best 15-game winning streak.

    The Mustangs grabbed a 17-7 lead at halftime thanks to a field goal as time expired. They then held on in the second half, including one last stop with a minute left to seal the win.

    Ralston Valley, a Class 5A program, is now 2-3 this season following an 0-3 start. Pine Creek, which plays in 4A, drops to 4-1.

    Both teams begin conference play next week.

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    5A: (1) Valor Christian 26, (5) Cherry Creek 14

    Valor Christian Cherry Creek football
    More photos. (Marlee Smith/CHSAANow.com)

    Blake Stenstrom threw two touchdown passes, Joshia Davis rushed for 118 and a score and caught a TD pass, and the Eagles got yet another big win in their non-conference slate.

    Valor Christian is now 5-0.

    “We feel like playing great teams helps us refine what we need to do,” Valor Christian coach Rod Sherman told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “We’re not scared to lose. This is the first time in five, six, seven years that we’ve actually been undefeated out of our non-conference. If you’re not scared to lose, then these games are really good, because it helps you grow.”

    Sherman pointed to his team’s ability to run the football, and stop Cherry Creek from doing the same, as one of the differences in the game.

    “With a team like Creek, they’re so talented and they do such a great job coaching, if you let them be balanced, you’re in trouble,” he said. “And ultimately we ran the ball really well and we stopped the run.”

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    1A: Aspen 34, Coal Ridge 28

    Aspen entered 4-0, and Coal Ridge was 3-1, so their matchup on Friday was a good one. Ultimately, the Skiers won 34-28 to improved to 5-0.

    Aspen won just two games last season, and hadn’t won five games in a season since 2013. It’s Aspen’s best start since opening 7-0 in 2010.

    “We challenged (the kids) to understand what it takes to be successful,” Aspen coach Karson Pike told the Scoreboard Show about the team’s turnaround. “They did a good job this summer and this spring. … That’s really where we grew up.”

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    2A: (5) La Junta 21, (3) The Classical Academy 11

    The Tigers picked up a big top-five win a week after dropping another top-five matchup.

    “It was a big win for us to get back on the winning track,” La Junta coach Clint Buderus told the Scoreboard Show. “The kids played good. It was huge for us.”

    La Junta, the defending 2A champion, had its 16-game winning streak snapped last Saturday in a loss to now No. 1 Kent Denver. So this win was a big bounce-back following that game.

    “We played better tonight,” Buderus said.

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    1A: (1) Bennett 76, (10) Clear Creek 36

    The top-ranked Tigers handed Clear Creek its first loss this season.

    Bennett rushed for more than 600 yards in the game, including 515 in the first half.

    Bennett, which reached the semifinals last season, is now 5-0 this season. Clear Creek is 4-1.

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    8-man (3) Haxtun 29, (8) Dayspring Christian 21

    A fourth-quarter touchdown lifted Haxtun to the win and a 5-0 start this season.

    The team teams were knotted at 21 going into the final frame, and at 6-6 at halftime, before Haxtun pulled away.

    Dayspring Christian is now 3-2.

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    Notables:

    Lincoln Skyview football
    More photos. (Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)
    • With Pine Creek losing, the longest winning streak in the state now belongs to Valor and Sedgwick County. Both have won 15 games in a row.
    • Sedgwick County, ranked No. 1 in 8-man, beat Akron 48-24 in a matchup of the past two state title games in that classification. “I thought our offensive line did a great job digging in in the second half and getting us some big yards,” coach Chris Michel told the Scoreboard Show.
    • 4A No. 9 Pueblo South beat 3A Pueblo East 34-19 in the annual Cannon game. East, the three-time defending 3A champs, has opened the year 0-5. “There is just so much that goes into this, I don’t think people truly understand how things are in Pueblo, especially the rivalries, but I’m just proud of our kids tonight,” South coach Ryan Goddard told the Scoreboard Show. South is 4-1.
    • In 3A, No. 3 Palmer Ridge cruised to a 43-0 win over No. 10 Canon City. Quarterback Ty Evans threw four touchdown passes and rushed for another. “When we give Ty time, he does a really good job going through his progression, and he’s a competitor,” coach Tom Pulford told the Scoreboard Show.
    • 2A No. 1 Kent Denver shut out Elizabeth 35-0, giving coach Scott Yates his 320th career win. 8-man No. 4 West Grand shut out Hayden 50-0, giving coach Chris Brown his 320th win. Both men lead the state in career wins.
    • Brighton came back from down 21 to beat Fort Collins 28-21.
    • Skyview is 5-0 for the first time in program history following its 48-21 win over Lincoln.
    • La Veta upset 6-man No. 8 Cotopaxi 71-38.
    • Mountain Valley got three touchdowns each from Salvador Vigil and Drew Martinez in a 60-13 win over Aguilar.
    • Ta’yon Burton returned a kickoff for a score as Manual beat Front Range Christian 27-0.
    • Pretty big win for Fountain-Fort Carson in 5A: 35-26 over Doherty.
    • Mead looks ready for the No. 1 spot in 3A. The Longhorns, currently No. 2 handled Fort Morgan 51-14. Current No. 1 Holy Family lost on Thursday.
    • Ikaika Gonzalez-Bentosino rushed for 266 yards and two scores as Englewood beat Sheridan 58-0 in 2A.
    • Vista Ridge beat Discovery Canyon 35-21 in a 4A/3A matchup behind big rushing days from Jeffrey Crittendon (218 yards, two TDs) and Jaylen Thomas (183, 1). Thomas also had two passing TDs.
    • Travis Cunningham rushed for two scores and Austin Coalson passed for two as Eaton beat University 33-6 in a 2A game.

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    More coverage:

  • Football roundup: Garnes leads No. 3 Eaglecrest past No. 5 Grandview

    Eaglecrest Grandview football
    More photos. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Victor Garnes had two receiving touchdowns, and third-ranked Eaglecrest football beat Grandview 21-14 in a big Class 5A game on Friday.

    Eaglecrest is now 3-0, while Grandview moves to 2-1.

    Both of Garnes’ scores came on great throws from Raptors quarterback Jalen Mergerson, a senior.

    The first came on fourth-and-11, midway through the second quarter. The second was a 34-yard catch and run that saw Garnes juke out a crowd of defenders on his way to the end zone.

    Kenny Wanting got Eaglecrest started with a 2-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter.

    Grandview’s Aaron Harris blocked a punt that the Wolves recovered for a touchdown to cut into Eaglecrest’s lead early in the third quarter. They had possession deep in the Raptors’ territory on their next possession, but the drive stalled and the Wolves turned it over on fourth down.

    Eaglecrest then went back up 21-7, and held that lead for most of the fourth quarter.

    Grandview did score with 31 seconds remaining to make it a one-score game again, but Eaglecrest recovered the onside kick.

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    4A: (10) Pueblo West 55, (3) Pueblo South 54 (2OT)


    In a wild one, Pueblo West took down their crosstown foe in two overtimes.

    The game was tied at 42 after regulation — but Pueblo West had to rally to get to that point. South led 35-21 at the half, only to see Pueblo West tie the game at 35 in the third quarter.

    South again took the lead late in the third quarter at 42-35, and West again responded with a touchdown with four minutes to play.

    In overtime, West scored first, only to miss an extra point attempt. South also scored — and also missed an extra point.

    South opened the second overtime with another touchdown, but again missed the extra point. West responded with a score, and the extra point was good, giving the Cyclones the win.

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    3A: Roosevelt 15, (3) Longmont 12

    Roosevelt scored 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to come roaring back and upset the Trojans.

    The Roughriders’ defense got their team started with a safety early in the fourth quarter, and then Angelo Hurtado cut it to 12-9 with a 21-yard rushing touchdown.

    Four minutes later, Roosevelt’s Trent Beall scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a 14-yard rush.

    Jaydon Elkins had a rushing touchdown for Longmont.

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    4A: (4) Windsor 40, (8) Broomfield 14

    (Steve Oathout)

    Windsor jumped out to a 26-0 lead at halftime, and the Wizards kept their foot on the pedal in the second half en route to the big win.

    Quarterback Connor Apodaca, a senior, accounted for four total touchdowns, including two through the air.

    Jaedyn Traut and Gerald Mack also had rushing scores for the Wizards.

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    Notables

    • Northglenn improved to 3-0 following a 22-7 win over Far Northeast.
    • Smoky Hill beat Aurora Central 27-16 to snap a 16-game losing streak.
    • Littleton beat Kennedy 22-21, breaking a 14-game losing streak.
    • In 2A, No. 4 The Classical Academy beat No. 10 D’Evelyn 24-21. Here’s a photo gallery.
    • 1A No. 5 Centauri shut out No. 10 Olathe, 14-0.
    • Big win for No. 6 Holly in 8-man, topping No. 2 Hoehne 33-14.
    • Gilpin County upset No. 10 Caliche in 8-man, 36-30.
    • There is once again a tie atop the all-time football wins list. West Grand’s forfeit win over Nederland became official tonight, giving coach Chris Brown his 318th career win.
    • Prairie, No. 8 in 6-man, is now 3-0 after beating Arickaree/Woodlin 34-14. “You can’t be displeased with 3-0,” coach Justin Kerns told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show. “We’re looking forward to next week.”
    • Rock Canyon edged Denver East, 22-21. Photos from that game.
    • Skyview continued its hot start with a 29-3 win over Summit and is now 4-0. Its the first time the Wolverines are 4-0 since 2011.
    • 3A No. 7 Erie’s Noah Roper rushed for 308 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-23 win over Northridge.
    • Masiah Hudson rushed for 188 yards and four touchdowns on just five carries as Manual beat Sheridan 42-6. Corey Jones added 111 rushing yards and a score.
    • Trevor Reuss threw three touchdowns for Basalt in a 35-7 upset win over No. 6 Delta in 2A.
    • Bryce Sugden had two touchdown passes as 8-man No. 3 Dayspring Christian beat Springfield 47-17.
    • Peetz, ranked No. 2 in 6-man, beat Idalia 60-12. Bryson Long had three receiving touchdowns, while Tre Fehringer tossed two TD passes.
    • Rowan Neal threw two touchdowns in leading Vista Ridge to a 28-16 win over Dakota Ridge in 4A.
    • Eaton beat Brush 35-21, and Austin Coalson had two passing TDs. Travis Cunningham also rushed for two touchdowns.

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  • Football roundup: Valor Christian beats Mullen for the first time

    (Paige Stingley/Valor Christian Athletics)

    Luke McCaffrey rushed for two touchdowns as Valor Christian got its first-ever win over Mullen on Friday night.

    The Eagles, top-ranked in and two-time defending champions of Class 5A, beat the No. 4 Mustangs 31-7. 

    With senior Blake Stenstrom out due to a concussion, it was the first career start at quarterback for McCaffrey.

    “Any player that comes into the game just wants to do everything that they can,” McCaffrey told Altitude TV after the game. “I don’t really focus on the snaps, just making the snaps count. I really just went out there and tried to do everything I could.”

    Valor Christian was 0-2 against Mullen in the short history of their rivalry, having lost to the Mustangs last season and in 2012.

    “It was incredible, just to do something that nobody at Valor has done before,” McCaffrey told Altitude. “That was one of our themes all week, just focusing on that: do what’s never been done, and do everything you can for your brothers.

    “I thought each and every player contributed. … It was special to see.”

    The Eagles’ Joshia Davis had a key touchdown late in the first half when he scored off an option pitch with three seconds remaining. Davis had set the Eagles up at the 2-yard-line with a long run just before the half.

    Valor Christian travels to play at Greater Atlanta Christian next week, while Mullen continues a tough early slate of its own by playing No. 5 Regis Jesuit. The Mustangs lost to No. 2 Pomona in Zero Week.

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    3A: (3) Holy Family 56, (8) Palisade 20

    (@HF_Athletics/Twitter)

    Holy Family went on the road and put on a show.

    Palisade actually had rallied from an early 14-0 hole to tie the game at 14-14, but then Holy Family connected on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Stone Samaras to Kyle Helbig on 4th down and 1.

    It was quickly 35-14 at halftime, and then Samaras found Helbig again on the third play of the second half to make it 42-14.

    Samaras finished with four touchdown passes and a rushing score. Helbig had three receiving touchdowns.

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    2A: (7) Sterling 42, (8) D’Evelyn 28

    Sterling moved to 2-0 with yet another big top-10 win on Friday night.

    The Tigers beat No. 6 Resurrection Christian in Zero Week.

    “We’ve had a pretty good run these two games of being able to put together enough to win a football game,” coach Rob Busmente told the Colorado Preps Scoreboard Show after the game.

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    4A/5A: Boulder 27, (9) Denver South 25

    Boulder Denver South football
    (Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)

    Boulder won on the final play of the game after an 80-yard kickoff return set up a 1-yard touchdown.

    On Friday, the Panthers jumped out to a 16-0 lead, and also led 18-6 at halftime. Denver South battled back and eventually took the lead, but last-second heroics from Patrick Fletcher on his return set up the winning touchdown by Shane Provost.

    Provost’s score came on a shovel pass, according to BoCoPreps.com.

    It was a great note to start the 2017 season for the Panthers. Last season, Denver South beat Boulder 56-17 to open the season. Boulder went on to finish 1-9.

    “There was 12 seconds left and I wanted to score and I wanted to get that ‘W’ because I knew it would change the program and change the environment,” Fletcher told BoCoPreps.com of his kick return.

    Find a photo gallery from the game here.

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    Chase for the state wins record

    Both Kent Denver and West Grand won on Friday night, which means that Kent coach Scott Yates will retain sole possession of the state wins record.

    Kent, ranked No. 1 in 2A, beat Eagle Valley 41-0. That is win No. 317 for Yates.

    West Grand, No. 6 in 8-man, beat Sanford 40-0. That is win No. 316 for coach Chris Brown.

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    Notables

    • In 8-man, Justice beat Nederland 44-13. It was the first on-field game for new Nederland coach Beth Buglione, who is the first female coach in state history. Nederland only had nine players available on Friday, according to the school. Here’s BoCoPreps’ story on the game.
    • In a rematch of the 6-man title game, No. 3 Cheyenne Wells beat No. 1 Flagler 70-20. It’s complicated, but many of Flagler’s players played at Hi-Plains last season when Flagler dropped its program. This season, Hi-Plains dropped its program, and now many of those players are playing for Flagler.
    • In a big 5A game, No. 5 Regis Jesuit fought off No. 3 Cherry Creek, 25-20. The Raiders led 12-0 after the first quarter, but the Bruins slowly chipped away. They cut it as close to 19-14 in the fourth quarter but Kiahn Martinez had a TD that sealed the game with a minute to play for Regis.
    • 2A No. 3 La Junta beat Gunnison 42-0, and 1A No. 1 Strasburg beat No. 8 Burlington 24-6. That extended each team’s winning streak to 14 games, which is the most in the state.
    • Caliche snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 50-28 win over Kiowa. 
    • In the Pigskin Classic, Pueblo West beat Pueblo County 28-7.
    • Another local rivalry: Fort Collins beat Fossil Ridge 17-6. Fort Collins finished minus-5 in turnover margin but still won. “Our defense stuck their neck out there, and they played hard the whole night,” coach Eric Rice told the Scoreboard Show.
    • In 1A, Monte Vista upset No. 9 Cedaredge 31-8. “We just kind of wore them out in the second half,” coach Manny Wasinger told the Scoreboard Show.
    • In 2A, No. 9 Faith Christian edged No. 6 Resurrection Christian 9-0.
    • 4A No. 5 Windsor beat Vista Ridge 14-3 in the return of coach Chris Jones. Jones took a year off of coaching before returning to the sidelines this fall.
    • 6-man: No. 6 Stratton/Liberty ran away from No. 7 Genoa-Hugo 51-14. “It was a weird 6-man game,” coach Toby Kechter told the Scoreboard Show. “Usually, it’s a two-or-three touchdown game and you’re nervous as heck, but our defense was so good that it just felt really good and our kids were really confident in what we were doing.”
    • 8-man: No. 3 Hoehne edged No. 4 Sargent 30-27. “Things went our way in the end,” coach Gabe Dasko told the Scoreboard Show. “I just kept telling our kids: ‘You guys have got to learn to finish in the end.’ Our two big leaders, Jacob Yates and Trystan Moltrer, stepped up and made some big plays for us.”
    • Grand Junction beat local rival Grand Junction Central 21-0.
    • Buena Vista and Alamosa didn’t kick their game off until 9:32 p.m. due to a shortage of officials. They ended at 11:45 p.m., a 37-7 Alamosa win.

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  • All-state boys track & field teams for the 2017 season

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

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    In order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning an event.

    Athletes of the year were selected based upon their performance at the state meet. Coaches of the year were selected based upon the team champions.

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    Class 5A

    State track Monarch
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Athlete of the year: Isaac Green, Monarch

    Coach of the year: Ben Montoya, Fountain-Fort Carson

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Xavier Bishop-Falu Rampart Senior 110 hurdles
    William Dixon Monarch Junior 4×800
    Jason Farrell Fountain-Fort Carson Junior 4×100
    Sean Garazik Monarch Junior 4×800
    D’Ante Giles Fountain-Fort Carson Junior 4×100
    Isaac Green Monarch Senior 800, 1600, 3200, 4×800
    Angel Heredia Hinkley Junior 300 hurdles, 4×200
    Jequan Hogan Fountain-Fort Carson Junior High jump, Triple jump
    Kaden Lathrop Highlands Ranch Senior 4×400
    Zach Litoff Monarch Senior 4×800
    Josh Lord Highlands Ranch Senior 4×400
    Jalen Lyon Fountain-Fort Carson Junior 4×100
    Brandon Micale Pomona Senior Discus
    Drake Nugent Highlands Ranch Sophomore Shot put
    Gunner Rigsby Fruita Monument Senior Long jump
    Cole Rowan Monarch Junior Pole Vault
    Oscar Sarabia Hinkley Junior 4×200
    Casey Sharpe Hinkley Junior 4×200
    Jake Weidmann Highlands Ranch Senior 4×400
    Darrien Wells Hinkley Senior 400, 4×200
    Donovan Williams Fountain-Fort Carson Senior 100, 200, 4×100
    Andrew Wisniewski Highlands Ranch Sophomore 4×400

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    Class 4A

    Athlete of the year: Aaron McCoy, Canon City

    Coach of the year: Erik Stevens, Vista Ridge

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Anthony Bellot Vista Ridge Senior 4×100, 4×200, 4×400
    Charlie Brunner Thompson Valley Junior 110 hurdles
    Kendrick Cannick Vista Ridge Senior 4×100, 4×200
    Nik Chappee Air Academy Senior 200, 400
    Kobe Christiansen Vista Ridge Junior 4×400
    Jeremy Cody Pueblo South Junior High jump
    Evan Graff Montrose Junior 4×800
    Justin Hawkins Montrose Senior 4×800
    Nolan Kembel Mountain Vew Senior 300 hurdles
    Zaccre Kenward Palisade Senior Triple jump
    Brock Knechtel Silver Creek Senior Discus
    Isaiah Lapioli Vista Ridge Senior 4×100, 4×200, 4×400
    James Lee Silver Creek Junior 800
    Aaron McCoy Canon City Senior 100
    Chase McLean Valor Christian Senior Pole Vault
    Jeremy Meadows Palmer Ridge Senior 1600
    Ian Meek Montrose Senior 3200, 4×800
    Nathaniel Miller Widefield Senior Shot put
    Frank Nash Pueblo West Junior Long jump
    Landon Ruiz-Diaz Montrose Sophomore 4×800
    Gavin Urban Vista Ridge Senior 4×100, 4×200
    Joel Walker Vista Ridge Senior 4×400

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    Class 3A

    Athlete of the year: Sunday Abarca, Aspen

    Coach of the year: Darwin Horan, Lutheran

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Sunday Abarca Aspen Senior 200, 400
    Mason Anthony Elizabeth Sophomore 4×200
    Dylan Benson Elizabeth Senior 4×100, 4×200
    Brendan Bunting Platte Valley Sophomore 4×400
    Austin Chavez Sterling Senior High jump
    Jacob Dack Lutheran Senior Shot put
    Adam Dawson Lutheran Senior Discus
    Isaiah DeLaCerda Alamosa Senior 4×800
    James Finken Elizabeth Junior 300 hurdles
    Brad George Elizabeth Senior 4×100, 4×200
    Dawson Hopkinson University Senior Pole Vault
    Marcus Howard DSST-Green Valley Ranch Senior 110 hurdles
    Chad Jackson Alamosa Sophomore 4×800
    Oscar Martinez Alamosa Senior 800, 4×800
    Garrett Mix Platte Valley Junior 4×400
    Tanner Norman The Classical Academy Senior 1600, 3200
    Caleb Palmer Alamosa Senior 4×800
    LJ Robinson Elizabeth Senior 4×100, 4×200
    Dante Thomas Sierra Junior 100
    Reece Ullery Elizabeth Sophomore 4×100
    Austin Wagner Montezuma-Cortez Senior Triple jump
    Zach Waite Platte Valley Junior 4×400
    Bradly Wright Platte Canyon Senior Long jump
    Sebastian Zehnder Platte Valley Junior 4×400

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    Class 2A

    Athlete of the year: Ben Kelley, Soroco

    Coach of the year: Kirby Henderson, Cedaredge

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Wyatt Camp Cedaredge Sophomore 4×200
    Shane Finegan Wiggins Senior 200, 400, 4×100, 4×400
    Jose Flores-Lauro Monte Vista Senior Triple jump
    Teggan Freauff Wiggins Junior 4×100, 4×400
    Ty Grant Cedaredge Junior 4×200
    Garett Gribble Fowler Senior Shot put
    Tyler Hein Wiggins Junior 4×100, 4×400
    Ryan Imhoff Cedaredge Freshman 4×800
    Benjamin Jackson Resurrection Christian Junior 300 hurdles
    Connor Kaufman Wiggins Junior 4×400
    Ben Kelley Soroco Junior 800, 1600, 3200
    Brendon Klaseen Cedaredge Senior 4×800
    Drew Markley Cedaredge Junior 4×200, 4×800
    Jordan McMillan Cedaredge Junior 4×800
    Chad Mikelson Sedgwick County Senior Long jump
    Mikie Mikita Calhan Junior Pole vault
    Fukumaru Ogawa Wiggins Junior 4×100
    Grant Redmond Soroco Sophomore High jump
    Isaac Swoffer Cedaredge Senior 4×200
    Caleb Urwiller Dayspring Christian Senior 100
    Lane Walter Crowley County Sophomore Discus
    Jacob Yates Hoehne Junior 110 hurdles

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    Class 1A

    Athlete of the year: Izaac Borchers, Lake City Community

    Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Chris Athey Lake City Community Senior 4×800
    Ian Beckett McClave Junior High jump
    Izaac Borchers Lake City Community Junior 1600, 4×800
    Jojo Bork Heritage Christian Freshman 4×200
    Josiah Bowsher Heritage Christian Sophomore 4×200
    Seth Bruxvoort Heritage Christian Sophomore 3200
    Joel Carpenter Simla Sophomore 4×100
    Josh Damir Heritage Christian Junior 300 hurdles, 4×200
    Bowman Ellis Springfield Senior 100, 200
    Drew Ellis Pawnee Senior Long jump
    Erick Enriquez-Acosta Idalia Senior 400, 800
    Blayden Fletcher North Park Junior 110 hurdles
    Arlo Garner Cotopaxi Sophomore 4×400
    Darias Harms Simla Freshman 4×100
    Ryland Howard Simla Senior 4×100
    Jaden Johnson Heritage Christian Freshman 4×200
    Marcus Mazerall Simla Senior 4×100
    Riley Moore Lake City Community Junior 4×800
    Gabe Murphy Lake City Community Freshman 4×800
    Phillip Pickard Stratton Junior Triple jump
    Marco Ramos Arickaree Senior Shot put
    Wyatt Tezak Cotopaxi Senior 4×400
    Kurt Voll Cotopaxi Junior 4×400
    Owen Voll Cotopaxi Junior 4×400
    Regnor Vondedenroth Creede Junior Pole vault

  • All-state girls track & field teams for the 2017 season

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

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    In order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning an event.

    Athletes of the year were selected based upon their performance at the state meet. Coaches of the year were selected based upon the team champions.

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    Class 5A

    State track Arria Minor Denver East
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Athlete of the year: Arria Minor, Denver East

    Coach of the year: John Reyes, Grandview

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Isabella Bowland Fairview Junior 4×800
    Kameryn Brown Grandview Freshman 4×200
    Kennede Brown Grandview Senior 4×200, 4×400, 800 medley
    Chian Deloach Cherokee Trail Junior 4×100
    Hannah Freeman Fairview Senior 4×800
    Lauren Gregory Fort Collins Senior 800, 1600
    Kylee Harr Grandview Junior 800 medley, High jump
    Sarah King Fairview Senior 4×800
    Audra Koopman Fort Collins Senior Long jump
    Sydnee Larkin Cherokee Trail Junior 4×100, Triple jump
    Mia Manson Monarch Freshman Pole Vault
    Gabriella McDonald Rocky Mountain Junior Shot put, Discus
    Kaitlyn Mercer Grandview Sophomore 4×400
    Arria Minor Denver East Sophomore 100, 200, 400
    Jordyn Moore Grandview Senior 800 medley
    Brie Oakley Grandview Senior 3200
    Michaela Onyenwere Grandview Senior 4×200, 4×400
    Jaiden Paris Cherokee Trail Junior 4×100
    Marlena Preigh Fairview Sophomore 4×800
    Emily Sloan Rock Canyon Junior 100 hurdles
    Delaney Smith Cherry Creek Junior 300 hurdles
    Taylor Watson Cherokee Trail Junior 4×100
    Lily Williams Grandview Freshman 4×200, 4×400, 800 medley

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    Class 4A

    Athlete of the year: Mary Gillett, Niwot

    Coach of the year: Chuck Schwartz, Air Academy

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Kiersten Allen Green Mountain Senior 4×400
    Rylee Anderson Silver Creek Junior High jump
    Alexis Carroll Niwot Senior Long jump
    Tameryn Coryell Evergreen Junior Pole Vault
    Karla Delgadillo Vista Ridge Junior 800 medley
    Alexis Dubiel Vista Ridge Senior Discus
    Mary Gillett Niwot Junior 200, 400
    Anna Hall Valor Christian Sophomore 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles
    Lizzy Harding Battle Mountain Sophomore 4×800
    Naomi Harding Battle Mountain Sophomore 4×800
    Jewel Inlow Vista Ridge Senior 800 medley
    Annalie Janus Green Mountain Junior 4×400
    Kaylin King Vista Ridge Junior 800 medley
    Kasey Klocek Green Mountain Freshman 4×400
    Ereana McCallister Harrison Sophomore 4×200
    Mary McCowen Cheyenne Mountain Senior 4×100
    Maria Mettler Air Academy Senior 800, 3200
    Michaela Moore Cheyenne Mountain Senior 4×100
    Tinasha Mushonga Vista Ridge Senior 800 medley
    Lauren Offerman Mountain View Senior 1600
    Sophia Piliero Battle Mountain Sophomore 4×800
    Alexa Raichart Battle Mountain Junior 4×800
    Claire Ross Cheyenne Mountain Senior 4×100
    Saylor Sargent Green Mountain Senior 4×400
    Ce’Hana Smith Harrison Sophomore 4×200
    Adriana Vasquez Harrison Freshman 4×200
    Ashlyn Ventimiglia Cheyenne Mountain Sophomore 4×100
    Alexa Ware Harrison Junior 4×200
    Olivia Whitaker Air Academy Junior 100
    Shaelynn Williams Mesa Ridge Junior Shot put

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    Class 3A

    Sarah Yocum Faith Christian girls track
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Athlete of the year: Sarah Yocum, Faith Christian

    Coach of the year: Tim Daggett, The Classical Academy

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Ella Benkendorf Elizabeth Sophomore 800 medley
    Madi Bottin Lutheran Junior 4×100
    Tiana Bradfield Peak to Peak Sophomore 4×800
    Taryn Ceglowski Salida Senior 800
    Sarah Cerrone D’Evelyn Senior High jump
    Kylie Chavez Sterling Senior Triple jump
    Riley Darnell Lutheran Senior 4×100
    Kelsey Eichelberger The Classical Academy Junior 4×400
    Maya Evans Lutheran Junior 100, 200, 4×100, Long jump
    Esther Eyberg The Classical Academy Freshman 4×200
    Audra Frieden The Classical Academy Junior 4×200, 4×400
    Brooke Hoglin The Classical Academy Junior 4×400
    Quinn McConnell Peak to Peak Sophomore 4×800
    Rachael Metzler Peak to Peak Senior 4×800
    Chloe Peterson Elizabeth Senior 800 medley
    Anna Shults Peak to Peak Sophomore 1600, 3200, 4×800
    Tarynn Sieg Eaton Senior Shot put
    Chantae Steele The Classical Academy Sophomore 4×200, 4×400
    Nyah Streib Lutheran Sophomore 4×100
    Erika Willis The Classical Academy Junior Pole vault
    Kallaway Wood Elizabeth Senior 800 medley
    Lexye Wood Elizabeth Sophomore 800 medley
    Sarah Yocum Faith Christian Senior 400, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Athlete of the year: Sophia Anderson, Paonia & Soleil Gaylord, Telluride

    Coach of the year: Brian Mitchem, Paonia

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Sophia Anderson Paonia Senior 200, 4×200, Triple jump
    Ellie Berry Burlington Senior Shot put, Discus
    Gracie Bradfield Meeker Sophomore 4×100, 4×400, 800 medley
    Loran Casias Meeker Senior 4×100, 800 medley
    Sydney Evans Telluride Junior 4×800
    Esme Fahnestock Telluride Senior 4×800
    Kaiya Firor Hotchkiss Sophomore 400, 300 hurdles
    Soleil Gaylord Telluride Junior 1600, 3200, 4×800
    Rylee Haynes Crowley County Sophomore 100 hurdles
    Lyla Hayutin-Baril Paonia Freshman 4×200
    Katie Kurz Dayspring Christian Junior High jump
    Brenna Kuskie Lyons Senior Pole vault
    Tori Lasker Meeker Sophomore 4×100
    Maya Ordonez Telluride Sophomore 4×800
    Maggie Phelan Meeker Senior 4×400, 800 medley
    Emily Pieper Paonia Senior 4×200
    Remington Ross Highland Freshman 100
    Madison Russell Meeker Senior 4×100, 4×400, 800 medley
    Brianna Van Vleet Paonia Senior 4×200, Long jump
    Hannah Wilkie Hayden Freshman 800
    Sierra Williams Meeker Junior 4×400

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Athletes of the year: Melanie Deering, Kiowa; Tatelyn Lasley, Springfield

    Coach of the year: Mike Jaco, Springfield

    First Team
    Name School Year Event(s)
    Nataly Castro DeBeque Sophomore 4×100
    Bailey Chintala Fleming Junior 4×400
    Morgan Cockroft Fleming Junior 4×400
    Melanie Deering Kiowa Senior 400, 800
    Callie Dickerson Haxtun Senior Discus
    Heather Graham Genoa-Hugo Junior Shot put
    Miranda Hall Lake City Community Junior 4×800
    Kaitlyn Houghton Caliche Sophomore 300 hurdles
    Shaylee Johnson Fleming Senior 4×400
    Emily Kaiser Prairie Senior Long jump
    Tarin Kemp Granada Junior 100 hurdles
    Cecelia Landeros DeBeque Sophomore 4×100
    Jentry Largent DeBeque Sophomore 100, 200, 4×100
    Tatelyn Lasley Springfield Senior 4×200, 800 medley
    Jacee Lawrence Lake City Community Sophomore 4×800
    Jenna Lengfelder Fleming Sophomore 4×400
    Megan Levine Lake City Community Senior 4×800
    Ally Loflin Springfield Senior 800 medley
    Mariah McClung Lake City Community Senior 4×800
    Julia Mondragon Springfield Freshman 4×200, 800 medley
    Faith Novess DeBeque Sophomore 4×100
    Kylie Parks Springfield Freshman 4×200
    Audrey Rau Springfield Sophomore 4×200, 800 medley
    Jerraldawn Rector Simla Junior High jump
    Emma Schaefer Shining Mountain Junior 1600, 3200
    Alex Weyerman Idalia Senior Pole vault

  • State track: Faith Christian’s Yocum caps off great career; Monarch’s Green shines

    Sarah Yocum Faith Christian girls track
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    LAKEWOOD — Jeffco Stadium is where it all began for Sarah Yocum, at least in the realm of track and field.

    The sensational Faith Christian sprinter and hurdler will have fond memories of a stadium that has become hallowed ground for Colorado track.

    “I actually ran my first high school race ever here,” the Baylor University recruit said. “I ran the 100-meter hurdles. I was playing soccer at the time too and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I came out and I finished my first race and my coach said, ‘Congratulations, you just qualified for state.’ One of my teammates was like, ‘You just set the school record!’”

    What followed for Yocum was eight state championships in 3A — four in a row in the 300 hurdles, three in the 100 hurdles and one in the 400-meter dash — in what added up to be one of the greatest careers in Colorado history.

    On Sunday, the final day of the 2017 state track meet, she simply was putting the finishing touches on that career with titles No. 7 and No. 8 in the 100 hurdles (14.36) and 400 (56.92). She also claimed the 300 hurdle crown on Saturday in a time of 43.95 seconds.

    “This was my last race of high school, so obviously I wanted to finish it with a title,” she said of the 400. “I had never earned a title outside of the hurdles. I just want to enjoy this. I am really thankful for the girls I got to do it with.”

    Yocum was the runner-up in the 200-meter dash as well, finishing in 25.26 seconds. She capped off an illustrious four years with 16 individual state medals, four every year in the 200, 400, 100 hurdles, and 300 hurdles. Junior teammate Payton Walter (15.27) finished second in the 100 hurdles.

    Yocum has a way of standing out, but at a meet with all five classifications competing on the same days at the same venue, Yocum’s victories weren’t the only highlights on Sunday.

    Isaac Greene Monarch boys track
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Isaac Green and his fellow Monarch Coyotes performed historically well in the distance events again. A day after Green, Charlie Perry and Zach Litoff swept the top three places in the 5A 3,200, with Green and Litoff teaming with William Dixon and Sean Gazarik to win the 3,200 relay for the second straight year, Green (4:21.98), Perry (4:22.44) and Litoff (4:22.70) swept the top places in the 1,600 in the same order.

    Oh, and Cayce Reese also medaled for Monarch, placing eighth in 4:25.31.

    In a dramatic 800 final, Denver East’s Hayelom Fitsum appeared poised to claim the crown with a lead throughout. But, a stumble and fall a few strides from the finish line allowed Green to sweep the distance events with a winning time of 1:52.92. Fitsum got up for sixth place in 1:56.43. Litoff placed fifth.

    Monarch made a serious run at their first team title in boys track and field after winning 5A cross country in the fall as Monarch junior Cole Rowan (16-00) and sophomore Max Manson (15-01) finished first and second in pole vault. Nico Heineke also placed 4th in discus. The Coyotes tallied 101 points, but came up just short in the final standings to Fountain-Fort Carson (106).

    State track Donovan Williams Fountain-Fort Carson
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Fountain rode their usual firepower in sprints and jumps — Donovan Williams first in 100 and 200, Jequan Hogan first in triple jump and high jump, third in long jump and fifth in 110 hurdles, Jalen Lyon second in 400 and fourth in 200, Jason Farrell third in 300 hurdles — to their 18th state championship in boys track and field.

    The Trojans won the title in dramatic fashion, clinching on the final event of the meet, with a second-place finish in the 4×400-meter relay.

    They are now tied with Denver East for the second-most titles in boys track and field of any school in Colorado history, only trailing Fort Collins (20). The Trojans also won the 400-meter relay and placed second in the 800 relay. They were eighth in the 3,200 relay and Iosua Maika was fifth in the shot put. Fountain-Fort Carson has conquered 5A three of the past four years as a result.

    Vista Ridge, a school that opened its doors in 2008, won their second state championship in boys track and field by claiming 4A. They also won in 2013. The Wolves were too tough to match this season as a group with relays that were fantastic, finishing first in the 400 relay (42.16), the 800 relay (1:29.14) and the 1,600 relay (3:19.92). They also scored a bundle of points in the field events.

    The Lady Wolves of Vista Ridge also had a strong showing, winning the 800-meter sprint medley relay in 1:48.39 on Saturday. Alexis Dubiel was the discus champion as well.

    Other highlights included:

    Class 5A

    • Grandview won a girls track title for the first time with 120 points. The team crown never seemed in doubt after such a strong first day of competition. The Wolves won the 800 relay (1:41.12), the sprint medley relay (1:46.57) and the 1,600 relay (3:55). Freshman Lily Williams was runner-up in the 400, Kylee Harr won high jump (5-8), basketball star Michaela Onyenwere was 2nd in 100 and 3rd in 200, Brie Oakley shattered the Colorado record in the 3,200 (10:09), and the Wolves corralled plenty of other points in multiple events.
    • Rocky Mountain junior Gabriella McDonald swept the throws with marks of 42-3 in shot put and 154-3 in discus (new 5A state meet record).
    • Fort Collins senior Audra Koopman (Penn State recruit) defended her long jump crown by going 19 feet, one half inch.
    • Fellow Fort Collins senior Lauren Gregory (University of Arkansas) won a 5A double in the 800 (2:10.94) and 1,600 (4:50.77), overtaking Grandview standout Brie Oakley (4:51.01) by a slim margin in a fantastic race. Gregory finished her illustrious career with one title in the 800, one in the 1,600, two in the 3,200, and three in cross country.
    • Highlands Ranch (3:23.13) finished first in an entertaining 1,600 relay.
    • Rock Canyon junior Emily Sloan (13.58) blew away the field in the 100 hurdles while defending her championship from last year.
    • Rampart senior Xavier Bishop-falu (14.25) claimed the 110 hurdles crown.
    • For the second consecutive season, Denver East’s Arria Minor won the 100 (11.53), the 200 (23.57) and the 400 (53.30). She is already one of the premier sprinters in state history.
    • Hinkley senior Darrien Wells (47.62) won back-to-back titles in the 400. He was also runner-up in 100 and 200.
    • Fruita Monument senior Gunner Rigsby (22-10.50) claimed long jump.
    • Monarch freshman Mia Manson (12-6) won the pole vault. She has been the top freshman in America this spring in the event.
    • Cherokee Trail girls (Jaiden Paris, Taylor Watson, Chian Deloach, Sydnee Larkin) won the 400 relay in 47.48. Larkin (36-10.50) won back-to-back state titles in triple jump as well, holding off Loveland’s Tatum Rembao (36-8.25), a Creighton University basketball recruit.

    Class 4A

    State track Rylee Anderson Silver Creek high jump
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    • Air Academy won their first-ever state championship in 4A girls track. Senior Maria Mettler conquered the 800 and 3,200, while also finishing as the runner-up to Mountain View’s Lauren Offerman in the 1,600. Junior Olivia Whitaker won the 100 and was second in the 200.
    • Air Academy senior Nik Chapee also won the 200 (21.65) and 400 (47.90). Harrison freshman Tyrese Van Horne (47.95) was runner-up in the 400 in a time that ranks second out of all freshmen in America at the moment.
    • Niwot’s Alexis Carroll (long jump and triple jump champion) and Mary Gillett (200 and 400 champion, second in 100 and long jump) were fantastic for the Cougars, helping Niwot finish second as a team in 4A.
    • Valor Christian sophomore Anna Hall was the hurdle queen, topping all competitors in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles. She is a budding phenom nationally as a heptathlete, also finishing second in high jump (5-6). Valor’s Chase McLean won pole vault as well.
    • Silver Creek junior Rylee Anderson is three-for-three in high jump crowns as she cleared 5 feet, 8 inches.
    • Palisade senior Zaccre Kenward (48-9.50) dominated the triple jump.
    • Palmer Ridge’s Jeremy Meadows (4:15) ran away in the 1,600, while Silver Creek’s James Lee (1:54) did the same in the 800. Lee’s teammate, Brock Knechtel, tossed further than anyone in the discus throw (176-4).
    • Canon City senior Aaron McCoy (10.66) won the 100, while Thompson Valley’s Charlie Brunner (14.74) won the 110 hurdles.
    • Montrose senior Ian Meek was first in the 3,200 (9:23), second in the 1,600 (4:18), and ran on a winning 3,200 relay (7:58).
    • Pueblo South’s Jeremy Cody (6-9) was wildly impressive in winning high jump. Pueblo West’s Frank Nash the same in long jump (23-6.25).

    Class 3A

    • The Classical Academy kept a proud tradition in track going, easily winning 3A girls with 101.5 points. Junior Erika Willis shattered the 3A state meet record, previously held by sister Andrea, in the pole vault with a mark of 12 feet, 5 inches. The record was 11-6 from 2014. Freshman sister Kristina Willis placed fifth and TCA won the 1,600 relay in 4:00.97. The Titans topped 4A last season and now have 10 state championships in girls track, only one less than Mullen with a state record 11.
    • Lutheran junior Maya Evans, one of the top long jumpers in the nation with a personal best of 20 feet, 10 inches, didn’t disappoint with 3A titles in the long jump, 100, 200, and 400 relay (48.95, 3A state meet record). Madi Bottin, Riley Darnell and Nyah Streib also ran on that relay. Evans is now a five-time state champion in individual events.
    • Lutheran boys also fared well, keeping a four-year team title streak alive with a dominant 104-point tally. They also won 3A in 2016 and 2015 and 2A in 2014. Adam Dawson (203-1 in discus) and Jacob Dack (51-6.50 in shot put) were individual champions for Lutheran. Several relays finished runner-up.
    • Sterling’s Austin Chavez (6-5, also fourth place in pole vault) and Jayson Frank (6-3) finished first and second in the 3A high jump as teammates Victor Zimmerman (second), Brady Krier (third) placed high in pole vault as well. Kylie Chavez was the triple jump champion (36-11.50).
    • Aspen senior Sunday Abarca broke his own 3A state meet record in the 400 with a time of 48.12, bettering his 48.54. He also won the 200 in 21.39 and was second (10.80) to Sierra’s Dante Thomas (10.71) in the 100.
    • Eaton senior Tarynn Sieg, a Colorado State recruit, not only broke her own 3A state meet record in shot put (45-5.50) but also won discus (143-4, nearly a record).
    • Peak to Peak broke the 3A state record in the 3,200 relay (9:12.44) with sophomores Tiana Bradfield, Quinn McConnell and Anna Shults, along with senior Rachael Metzler. Shults also finished first in the 3,200 (11:15) and the 1,600 (5:00.71). McConnell was second in the 800 and 1,600 and Bradfield was fourth in the 800 and third in the 1,600. Metzler finished sixth in the 1,600 as well.
    • Salida senior Taryn Ceglowski set a new standard in 3A in the 800 with a time of 2:09.19, bettering the previous record of 2:11.24 by Emily LaValley of The Classical Academy in 2010.
    • Tanner Norman of TCA won the 1,600 (4:16.85) and 3,200 (9:14, 3A state meet record). He signed with Iowa State University. Norman’s brother Mason, a freshman, placed fifth in the 3,200 in 9:45.
    • Faith Christian freshman Cole Sprout was the runner-up in the 1,600 (4:22) and 3,200 (9:28). He was also second at the 3A state cross country meet in the fall.

    Class 2A

    • Paonia girls (110 points) joined The Classical Academy (3A champs from 2006-2010) and Mullen (4A champs from 1997-2003) as the only girls track and field programs in state history to win five championships in a row. Brianna Van Vleet defended her long jump crown successfully and Sophia Anderson and Mckenna Palmer finished first and second in triple jump. Anderson and Emily Pieper finished first and second in the 200.
    • Cedaredge boys (97 points) went back-to-back as a team, planting the seeds of a potential dynasty of their own. They ran away from everyone in the 800 and 3,200 relays and boasted depth that no team could counter.
    • Telluride junior Soleil Gaylord claimed the 1,600 (5:16) and 3,200 (11:25) crowns in back-to-back years. Sophomore teammate Maya Ordonez was runner-up in the 1,600. Gaylord was also second in the 800. Gaylord and Ordonez helped lead the 3,200 relay to a title as well.
    • Hayden freshman Hannah Wilkie (2:18.58) won the 800.
    • Burlington senior Ellie Berry swept the throws, winning shot put (40-11.75) and discus (133-5).
    • Shane Finegan won the 200 (22.53) and 400 (50.17) for Wiggins, and anchored the winning 1,600 relay in 3:30.44 with Tyler Hein, Teggan Freauff and Connor Kaufman. Finegan also anchored the winning 400 relay with the same group, except for Fukumaru Ogawa in place of Kaufman.
    • Meeker girls won the 400, sprint medley and 1,600 relays.
    • Soroco junior Ben Kelley swept the distance trio of 800 (1:54.75, bettering his own state meet record), 1,600 (4:22) and 3,200 (9:47). Sophomore teammate Grant Redmond (6-6) conquered high jump.
    • Hotchkiss sophomore Kaiya Firor claimed first in the 300 hurdles and 400.
    • Highland freshman Remington Ross won the girls 100 (12.28).

    Class 1A

    • Heritage Christian boys (105 points) have been a recent powerhouse and nothing they did this weekend changed that. They conquered 1A for the second year in a row and the fourth time in five seasons. Josh Damir won the 300 hurdles and Seth Bruxvoort and Isaiah Bowsher placed first and second in the 3,200. The 800 relay of Jojo Bork, Jaden Johnson, Damir and Josiah Bowsher shattered the 1A state meet record of 1:33.25 with a time of 1:33.08.
    • Heather Graham of Genoa-Hugo (40-5) won the shot put with a great throw.
    • Shining Mountain junior Emma Schaefer claimed the 1,600 (5:32) and 3,200 crowns (12:24).
    • Erik Enriquez-Acosta, a senior from Idalia, won the 400 (50.05) and 800 (2:00.87). He finished first or second all four years at state in the two-lapper. His teammate, senior Alex Weyerman (9-8), claimed the girls pole vault crown.
    • Lake City swept the boys (8:39) and girls (10:49) 3,200 relays.
    • The Springfield girls claimed their first state championship in any girls sport with 73.5 points. They won both the sprint medley relay (1:54.59 with Julia Mondragon, Ally Loflin, Audrey Rau, and Tatelyn Lasley) and 800 relay (1:49.81 with Mondragon, Lasley, Rau, and Kylie Parks). Springfield has a youthful group that could make another run next season.
    • DeBeque junior Jentry Largent doubled up on crowns in the 100 and 200, while also anchoring a 400 relay that shattered the 1A record with a time of 51.41.
    • Prairie senior Emily Kaiser was tremendous in the long jump (first) and triple jump (34-8.50, 1A state meet record).
    • Bowman Ellis, a senior for Springfield, won the 100 (11.34) and 200 (22.94).
    • Kiowa senior Melanie Deering ran away with titles in the 400 (59.23) and 800 (2:22).
    • Pawnee teammates Drew Ellis (20-5) and Bryce Schnug (19-9) swept gold and silver in long jump.

  • All-state boys basketball teams for 2016-17 season

    The 2016-17 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

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Player of the year: Colbey Ross, Eaglecrest

    Coach of the year: John Olander, Eaglecrest

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jervay Green George Washington Senior  
    Kaison Hammonds ThunderRidge Junior  
    Sam Masten Rock Canyon Junior G
    Colbey Ross Eaglecrest Senior G
    Corey Seng ThunderRidge Senior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Braxton Bertolette Fossil Ridge Senior PG/SG
    Calvin Fugett, Jr. George Washington Senior  
    Daylen Kountz Denver East Junior  
    Hunter Maldonado Vista Ridge Senior F
    Gage Prim Grandview Senior C

    Honorable mention: William Becker, Smoky Hill, Junior; Jake Belknapp, Mountain Vista, Senior; Aaris Bonds, Far Northeast Warriors, Senior; Brevin Brimble, Doherty, Senior; Ronnie Degray III, Chaparral, Sophomore; LeChaun Duhart, Grandview, Senior; Jackson Ehrlin, Rampart, Senior; Blake Fields, Legend, Senior; Kenny Foster, Smoky Hill, Sophomore; Jaizec Lottie, Cherokee Trail, Senior; Kyle Lukasiewicz, Arapahoe, Senior; Joe Miks, Chatfield, Senior; Iseri Palacio, Fort Collins, Senior; Kolton Peterson, Lakewood, Senior; Jacob Pfaffinger, Fort Collins, Senior; Colin Rardin, Rock Canyon, Senior; Titus Reed, Chatfield, Senior; Jacob Storey, Lakewood, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 4A

    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Player of the year: Jalen Sanders, Valor Christian

    Coach of the year: Troy Pachner, Valor Christian

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jalen Sanders Valor Christian Senior F
    D’Shawn Schwartz Sand Creek Senior PG/SG/SF
    David Simental Pueblo West Senior G
    Adam Thistlewood Golden Junior PG/SF
    Michael Ward Mead Senior SG/PG
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Billy Cook Lewis-Palmer Senior PG/SG
    Michael Dillon Evergreen Senior F
    CJ Jennings Sierra Senior PG/G
    Kayle Knuckles Valor Christian Senior F
    Deshiloh Stanley Pueblo South Senior PG/SG

    Honorable mention: Tanner Baird, Holy Family, Sophomore; Adam Barber, Niwot, Senior; Angelo Battistelli, Lewis-Palmer, Senior; Travis Cowan, Wheat Ridge, Senior; Charles Dinegar, D’Evelyn, Junior; Trent Dykema, Silver Creek, Junior; Marquise Johnson, Vista PEAK Prep, Senior; Te’Rae Johnson, Vista PEAK Prep, Junior; Tate Kembel, Fort Morgan, Senior; Oscar Maldonado, Northridge, Senior; Dan McLean, Palisade, Senior; Dylan Mileto, Mesa Ridge, Senior; Ravel Moody, Thomas Jefferson, Senior; CJ Olson, D’Evelyn, Senior; Chase Rogers, Evergreen, Junior; Sam Schlegel, Silver Creek, Senior; Reginald Vaughan, Pueblo Centennial, Senior; Jake Wilson, Pueblo County, Senior; Marcus Winston, Pueblo East, Junior; Steven Wyman, Durango, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 3A

    DSST-Stapleton Colorado Springs Christian boys basketball
    (Katie Pickrell/CHSAANow.com)

    Player of the year: Justin Engesser, Colorado Springs Christian

    Coach of the year: Mike Holloway, Sterling

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Justin Engesser Colorado Springs Christian Senior  
    Tanner Ervin Resurrection Christian Senior G
    Michael Glen Basalt Senior  
    Benjamin Hawkins Faith Christian Junior  
    Bodie Hume Sterling Junior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Ryan Brubacher Alamosa Senior G
    Conner Martin Strasburg Senior G
    Blake Pullen DSST: Stapleton Senior PF/W
    Lucas Rodholm Manitou Springs Senior  
    Robert Williams Sheridan Senior PG/SG

    Honorable mention: Samuel Bafukila, Lotus School, Senior; Jaedon Bowles, Manual, Sophomore; Beau Byers, Delta, Senior; Cade Carroll, Buena Vista, Junior; James Doyle, Kent Denver, Sophomore; Jordan Ehlert, Middle Park, Senior; Seth Fuqua, The Vanguard, Sophomore; Hunter Gerber, Coal Ridge, Senior; Kyler Hensel, Bishop Machebeuf, Senior; Brandon Herrera, Coal Ridge, Junior; Zach Hidalgo, Frontier Academy, Junior; Wade Kellogg, Sterling, Senior; Reece Mettler, Weld Central, Senior; Izak Natividad, University, Senior; Jon Nuschy, La Junta, Sophomore; Stanley Owusu, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior; Aldo Pinela, Roaring Fork, Senior; Alex Rodriquez, The Academy, Senior; Will Willis, Lutheran, Senior; Zach Wismer, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Sedgwick County Holyoke boys basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Player of the year: Chad Mikelson, Sedgwick County

    Coach of the year: Scott Dille, Holyoke

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Austin Herman Holyoke Senior F
    Chad Mikelson Sedgwick County Senior  
    Dagan Rienks Paonia Senior  
    Cole Rouse Highland Senior PG
    Alex Strauss Holyoke Senior G
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Reese Anderson Highland Senior PF
    Levi Basler Akron Senior C
    Gunnar Kroeger Holyoke Senior G
    Michael Nein Sedgwick County Senior  
    Carlos Parra Del Norte Junior F

    Honorable mention: Zack Allen, Hotchkiss, Senior; Kade Brantingham, Norwood, Senior; Conner Brown, Cripple Creek-Victor, Senior; Bradley Carnes-Clabey, Crowley County, Junior; Jett County, Burlington, Senior; Gage Gellerman, Peyton, Senior; Jordan Herder, Akron, Senior; Tre Lewis, Merino, Senior; Marcus Mazerall, Simla, Senior; Casey McDaniel, Sanford, Senior; Sebastian Moritz, Vail Christian, Junior; Samuel Perkett, Evangelical Christian, Senior; Alexander Proctor, Fowler, Senior; Leo Prosser, Calhan, Senior; Xavier Ramirez, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior; Colby Simpson, Paonia, Senior; Jeff Stevenson, Del Norte, Senior; Jorge Venzor, Center, Senior.

    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Holly Cheyenne Wells boys basketball
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Player of the year: Yaniel Vidal, Holly

    Coach of the year: Dusty Heck, Holly

    First Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Sigi Avalos Holly Senior  
    Jaxon Crawford Kit Carson Senior F
    Peyton Halde Cheyenne Wells Senior  
    Kendall Pelton Cheyenne Wells Senior  
    Yaniel Vidal Holly Senior  
    Second Team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Isaac Borchers Creede/Lake City Junior G/F
    Christian Dellamaestra Wiley Senior C/F
    Brad Johnson Kit Carson Senior G
    Jaxon King Fleming Senior G
    Landon McCaffrey Flagler Senior  

    Honorable mention: Joey Archuleta, Primero, Junior; Ritchie Archuleta, Centennial, Senior; Ilan Gibson, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior; Cullen Glosson, Otis, Sophomore; Ty Hunt, Otis, Sophomore; Ravi Inmon, Ouray, Senior; Cameron Jauregui, Longmont Christian, Senior; Cameron Klann, Flagler, Senior; Derek Lucero, Sierra Grande, Senior; Thomas Manuel, Walsh, Junior; Landon Morehead, Kiowa, Senior; Caden Parker, Eads, Senior; Arthur Rodriguez, Sierra Grande, Junior; Wesley Shade, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior; Noah Stein, Front Range Baptist, Senior; Darian Wagner, Arickaree/Woodlin, Senior; Dylan Wilkins, Weldon Valley, Senior.

  • Photos: LPS Spring Break Duals track and field meet

    LITTLETON — Eight track and field teams competed in the Littleton Public Schools Spring Break Duals on Saturday.

    [divider]

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  • Vista Ridge boys basketball gets Joe Hites his 400th win and a league title

    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that of his now 400 career wins, Wednesday’s 48-39 victory over Discovery Canyon wasn’t the cleanest for Joe Hites.

    But at the end of the day, they all count the same. Vista Ridge won for the 17th time this season. Hites now has 400 for his high school coaching career.

    That career began in the 1980s, coaching the girls at Delta High School. He maintains that the way he coaches his team today isn’t all that different from what that kid in his early-20s was doing.

    “I’m 51-years-old and I feel the same as I did as we were going after one of those first games when I was in my 20s,” Hites said.

    But that passion that he has brought to his teams over the years has paid dividends. He refuses to look at the 400 wins as a solo accomplishment. He credits the drive of young men and women who sacrifice something for themselves in order to be a part of something bigger.

    That’s a mentality that Hites preaches to his players to this day, and they are more than aware of what it will mean for them in the future.

    “(I’ve learned) life lessons,” Wolves guard Hunter Maldonado said. “I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. He’s real big about teaching you everything that he can in those three or four years that he has you.”

    Hites spent 10 years in California before heading back to Colorado to take the boys job at Cheyenne Mountain. He remained there until 2008 when his addiction to challenges drove him out to Ohio for a few seasons.

    But Colorado is home. And in the end, he found himself back in the Colorado Springs area and as the head coach at Vista Ridge.

    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    “Nothing against Ohio, but I’m not a humidity guy,” he said. “I’m not a bug guy. I gained an appreciation for Colorado.”

    And he was able to keep coaching. He continues to pour his heart into the game of basketball and has over time generated consistent success.

    But there is one success in particular that he is most thankful for.

    “The crazy thing about the number is I’ve coached over 700 games and the thing that I think about numbers-wise is that my wife has stayed with me through all of them,” Hites said. “That’s the impressive number. The 400 isn’t nearly as impressive as the 700 for my wife.”

    But it has to help that his endeavor isn’t motivated by the success that he can claim for himself. Each of his 400 wins, he credits his players. And that includes Wednesday’s win that clinched a Pikes Peak Athletic Conference title.

    “Tonight’s about these guys and I’m just thankful I’ve had this journey,” he said.

    As is the community at Vista Ridge. As a teacher at the school, Hites is able to impact more than just the group of kids that take the basketball court every afternoon in the winter.

    “Joe is a great stability factor for our school,” athletic director Sam Baldwin said. “The best thing about Joe Hites is that he’s a better teacher than a basketball coach. He really makes an impact.”

    With a league championship and Hites’ 400th win out of the way, the next agenda for the Wolves is the Class 5A state tournament. They currently sit at No. 17 in the RPI and with the regular season concluding this weekend, they’ll know exactly how many more wins they need to come away with a state title.

    And not matter the number, for Hites, each one will be no more important than any of the 400 that came before them.

  • Vista Ridge’s Jalen Sami was the benefit of a late football offer from CU

    Vista Ridge signing day Jalen Sami
    (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — University of Colorado defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat was visiting with Vista Ridge football coach Jeremi Calip about any players that a fit for the Buffs’ 2018 recruiting class.

    Wolves defensive lineman Jalen Sami just happened to be sitting Calip at the time.

    “He looked when he sat down and said ‘Coach, who is this kid,’” Calip recalls. “I told him it was Jalen Sami. He was on your recruit board, you guys came to watch a few games but no one sent anything back.”

    Jeffcoat told Calip that he had yet to see any film of Sami.

    By the time Monday rolled around around, Jeffcoat must’ve finally been able to watch some, and he clearly liked what he saw.

    The Buffs offered the 6-foot-5, 325-pound d-lineman and sooner after, Ole Miss followed suit.

    Prior to those scholarship offers, Sami was looking at either the University of Northern Colorado or CSU-Pueblo.

    “A week ago today, it was just Greeley,” Sami said. “CU had been in contact with me all year and then Coach Jeffcoat actually popped up at the school.”

    Sami is a family-oriented guy. When he got the offer from Boulder, the offer that Calip said was the one he wanted, he discussed it with his family. Even with Ole Miss coming in late, there was going to be no changing his mind.

    When he started his football career at Vista Ridge four years ago, he told Calip that it was his goal to play Division I football.

    In front of a crowd that included family, friends and teams Sami listed as Calip told the story that all the kid had to do was put in the effort and keep his grades up.

    “You take care of your end of the deal and I’ll hold up mine,” Calib said.

    The promise was kept on both ends. But with CU being the team that had been paying the most attention, there was really no question as to the decision Sami would make when it was time to put pen to paper.

    “He stayed firm,” Calip said. “I explained the difference to him between the two universities and what he was looking for. Jalen has really good family values and being around his family is very good for him.”

    For the last several years, it feels like the Springs and most of southern Colorado has navigated toward CSU-Pubelo. There might be one or two standouts in each recruiting class, so Sami knows that what he experienced on Wednesday is not something a lot of kids that live in his area get to go through.

    “This isn’t a state that football is as big in,” he said. “Just having me and my brothers and friends sign on National Signing Day and go to big schools to continue football is a blessing.”