CHSAANow

Tag: Idalia

  • Volleyball preview: Idalia hoping to ride last season’s momentum to the top

    Reagan Shaffer Idalia volleyball
    Idalia’s Reagan Shaffer, the reigning player of the year in 1A volleyball. (Tim Visser/MaxPreps)

    [dropcap]R[/dropcap]eagan Shaffer’s junior year at Idalia High School was the stuff of which dreams are made.

    Shaffer and the Wolves made school history on multiple occasions a year ago, starting when the volleyball team advanced to the Class 1A state championship game for the first time. Some five months later it was the girls basketball team’s turn, and this time Idalia emerged with the school’s first title on the girls’ side.

    Shaffer finished the year with first-team all-state accolades in both sports and was the 1A Player of the Year in volleyball. But she and her Idalia teammates haven’t forgotten about the one that got away.

    The Wolves missed out on a state title last November in a four-game loss to Fleming, and it has the squad hungry for a second chance.

    “Having never been in that situation, any of us, that was a learning experience for us too,” Wolves coach Kylie Chamberlain said. “Hopefully we find ourselves back in that situation and maybe we do something different.”

    Idalia finished the 2014 season with a 26-2 record, with both losses coming at the hands of Fleming. In the state tournament the Wolves were battling fatigue after a five-set marathon in a semifinal victory over Otis. After taking the first set against the Wildcats, Shaffer said the team simply ran out of energy.

    The setting at the Denver Coliseum was also a bit overwhelming, with five championship matches taking place at one time.

    “There was definitely an adrenaline rush. It’s not what we were used to; it was a lot to take in because you could barely hear your own teammates,” Shaffer said. “We were pretty dead at the end of the day, so we’ve worked on a lot of conditioning and drills to keep us in shape.”

    Idalia comes into 2015 as the top-ranked 1A squad in the CHSAANow.com preseason poll after graduating only two seniors off last year’s team. The Wolves return all-state talent in Shaffer (344 kills, 38 aces as a junior) and Jennay Terrel (154 kills, 48 total blocks). Junior Faith Carpenter joins Terrel in the middle, with junior Alex Weyerman back at setter, senior Bryce Schafer on the outside and Susana Herrera on the right side.

    Shaffer ripped 24 kills in the semis a year ago and had a team-high 11 in the title match.

    Reagan Shaffer Idalia volleyball
    Shaffer. (Tim Visser/MaxPreps)

    “She’s definitely a leader for us on the court. She doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t lose her head,” Chamberlain said. “You get in a crunch situation and you can look at her on the court and she’s looking at the rest of the team saying, ‘It’s OK, we’ve got this.’

    “She’s a competitor.”

    Now it’s all about the road back to the Coliseum for Idalia and its 1A competition. While Fleming graduated five all-state players, the Wildcats are always a tough out. Otis returns a trio of all-state players, and Chamberlain also pointed to Flagler and Kit Carson as teams that could make a run.

    After making the state tournament a year ago for the only the third time in Chamberlain’s tenure, the tide has started to turn in Idalia for volleyball as a winning tradition begins to take shape.

    Shaffer said that should the team get back to Denver, the nerves shouldn’t be a factor this time around. The state basketball tournament is the perfect example — having been in a high-pressure situation earlier in the school year, the Wolves stared down adversity and came away with their first championship.

    “Really I think a lot of it came from having the mindset from being at state volleyball,” Shaffer said. “State basketball was a little more mellow and not as crazy. I think we went in and weren’t really nervous — we had gotten rid of the jitters and just played.”

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    Volleyball preview

    • Regular Season Start Date: Aug. 27
    • Postseason Start Date: Oct. 31
    • State Tournament: Nov. 13-14, Denver Coliseum (All Classes)

    Class 5A

    • Preseason No. 1: Cherokee Trail
    • Defending Champion: Grandview
    • Returning All-State Players: Audrey Cheng, Jr., Fairview (2nd team); Shannon Webb, Sr., Cherokee Trail (2nd).

    Class 4A

    • Preseason No. 1: Lewis-Palmer
    • Defending Champion: Lewis-Palmer
    • Returning All-State Players: Lydia Bartolo, Jr., Lewis-Palmer (2nd team); Mariah Evans, Sr., Lewis-Palmer (1st); Elisa Hill, Sr., Montrose (2nd); Braya Hunt, Sr., Valor Christian (2nd); Maddie Labor, Sr., Steamboat Springs (2nd); Kylee Shook, Sr., Mesa Ridge (2nd); Allison Smith, Sr., Ponderosa (1st); Camille Smith, Sr., Ponderosa (2nd).

    Class 3A

    • Preseason No. 1: Eaton
    • Defending Champion: Eaton
    • Returning All-State Players: Cassie Davis, Jr., Colorado Springs Christian (2nd team); Kaitlyn Detlefsen, Sr., Coal Ridge (2nd); Madison Fisher, Sr., University (2nd); Angala Jensen, Sr., Manitou Springs (2nd); Chelsey Lockey, Soph., Eaton (2nd); Katie McKiel, Sr., Manitou Springs (1st); Jamie Nielsen, Sr., Colorado Springs Christian (2nd); Caiden Rexius, Sr., Eaton (1st); Bailey Schumacher,Sr., Eaton (2nd); Tarynn Sieg, Jr., Eaton (1st).

    Class 2A

    • Preseason No. 1: Resurrection Christian
    • Defending Champion: Resurrection Christian
    • Returning All-State Players: Taylor Carsten, Sr., Paonia (2nd team); Jaedyn Lambrecht, Sr., Caliche (2nd); Mallory Noble, Sr., Yuma (1st); Peighton Roth, Sr., Yuma (2nd); Kaitlyn Rutherford, Sr., Ridgway (2nd); Sarah Schaller, Sr., Sargent (2nd); Laney Swan, Sr., Colorado Springs School (2nd); Tara Traphagan, Sr., Yuma (1st).

    Class 1A

    • Preseason No. 1: Idalia
    • Defending Champion: Fleming
    • Returning All-State Players: Jade Hasz, Sr., Flagler (2nd team); Micayla Isenbart, Soph., Kit Carson (2nd); Emily Kaiser, Jr., Prairie (2nd); Kylee Kuntz, Sr., Otis (1st); Lissette Lefforge, Jr., Otis (2nd); Alyssa Lovato, Sr., Cheraw (2nd); Elisa Rodwell, Sr., Flagler (2nd); Antonya Schaffert, Jr., Otis (1st); Reagan Shaffer, Sr., Idalia (1st, POTY); Jennay Terrell, Sr., Idalia (1st).

  • Three teams favored to three-peat in preseason volleyball rankings

    (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)
    Resurrection Christian volleyball is the No. 1 team in the preseason 2A volleyball poll. (Tim Visser/TimVisserPhotography.com)

    Last fall, for the first time in state history, every single volleyball champion successfully defended its title. Three of them are favored to win a third consecutive championship heading into the 2015 season.

    Defending champions Lewis-Palmer (Class 4A), Eaton (3A) and Resurrection Christian (2A) are among top-ranked teams in the CHSAANow.com Volleyball Polls, which were released Monday. Also heading their respective classifications are Cherokee Trail (5A) and Idalia (1A).

    The last team to win more than two straight titles was Cheyenne Mountain, which won five from 2008-12.

    Lewis-Palmer is actually coming off a mythical national championship in addition to its two 4A titles. The Rangers got eight of the 11 first-place votes in 4A’s preseason poll. Ponderosa, the team they beat for the 2014 title, is No. 2.

    Eaton, the defending 3A champion, holds the top spot in that poll after getting eight of the 10 first-place votes in that class. Colorado Springs Christian opens at No. 2.

    In 2A, Resurrection Christian — yes, another defending champion — got six of the seven first-place votes to top the preseason poll. The Cougars have actually won 58-straight matches, which ranks fifth-best all-time. Yuma is No. 2.

    Cherokee Trail opens as the favorite in 5A. The Cougars got six of the 11 first-place votes. Grandview, last season’s champion, is No. 2 and got one first-place vote.

    Cherry Creek is No. 3, and Regis Jesuit is No. 4. Chatfield, the 2014 runner-up, is No. 5. The Charges received two first-place votes.

    Two teams — Fossil Ridge and Brighton — received first-place votes, but did not make the 5A ranking.

    The 1A poll is led by Idalia, which got all six first-place votes. Flagler is No. 2.

    Fleming won last season’s 1A title, and has won 47 consecutive matches. The Wildcats open at No. 9.

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

    Complete rankings for all classes are below.

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    CHSAANow.com Volleyball Polls

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

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

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Cherokee Trail (6) 0-0 101
    2 Grandview (1) 0-0 85
    3 Cherry Creek 0-0 78
    4 Regis Jesuit 0-0 64
    5 Chatfield (2) 0-0 59
    6 Eaglecrest 0-0 55
    7 Chaparral 0-0 32
    8 Legend 0-0 30
    9 Fairview 0-0 23
    10 Highlands Ranch 0-0 21
    Others receiving votes:
    Fossil Ridge 18, Arapahoe 14, Brighton 10, Denver East 9, Pine Creek 9, Fort Collins 8, Ralston Valley 8, Rampart 7, Columbine 6, Loveland 6, Rocky Mountain 6, Lakewood 5, Rock Canyon 3, Rangeview 2, Douglas County 1.

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Lewis-Palmer (8) 0-0 106
    2 Ponderosa (1) 0-0 89
    3 Cheyenne Mountain (2) 0-0 76
    4 Pueblo West 0-0 50
    5 Valor Christian 0-0 48
    6 Mullen 0-0 30
    7 Montrose 0-0 28
    8 Battle Mountain 0-0 26
    9 Air Academy 0-0 19
    10 Niwot 0-0 18
    Others receiving votes:
    Thomas Jefferson 13, Holy Family 12, Longmont 12, Roosevelt 12, Thompson Valley 12, Berthoud 11, The Classical Academy 9, Mead 8, Windsor 8, Woodland Park 5, Eagle Valley 3, Mesa Ridge 3, Canon City 2, Silver Creek 2, Durango 1, Green Mountain 1, Sierra 1, Steamboat Springs 1.

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Eaton (8) 0-0 98
    2 Colorado Springs Christian (1) 0-0 70
    3 Manitou Springs (1) 0-0 67
    4 Valley 0-0 66
    5 University 0-0 59
    6 Platte Valley 0-0 56
    7 Bayfield 0-0 32
    8 Lutheran 0-0 25
    9 Sterling 0-0 23
    10 Pagosa Springs 0-0 19
    Others receiving votes:
    Faith Christian 14, Coal Ridge 10, Middle Park 3, St. Mary’s 3, Buena Vista 2, Eagle Ridge 1, Olathe 1, Peak to Peak 1.

    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Resurrection Christian (6) 0-0 62
    2 Yuma 0-0 55
    3 Caliche 0-0 42
    4 Akron 0-0 39
    5 Paonia 0-0 37
    6 Lyons (1) 0-0 30
    7 Dayspring Christian 0-0 22
    8 Colorado Springs School 0-0 19
    9 Ridgway 0-0 18
    10 Sargent 0-0 14
    Others receiving votes:
    Rye 12, Swink 11, Simla 8, Byers 7, Vail Christian 5, Cedaredge 2, Ignacio 1, South Park 1.

    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS
    1 Idalia (6) 0-0 60
    2 Flagler 0-0 49
    3 Otis 0-0 43
    4 Weldon Valley 0-0 35
    5 Prairie 0-0 30
    6 Genoa-Hugo/Karval 0-0 21
    7 Kit Carson 0-0 19
    8 Nucla 0-0 16
    9 Fleming 0-0 13
    10 Community Christian 0-0 10
    Others receiving votes:
    La Veta 8, Cheraw 6, North Park 6, McClave 5, Springfield 4, Eads 3, Hi-Plains 2.

  • All-state girls track & field teams for 2015 season

    CHSAA state track and field
    (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    The 2015 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.

    Athletes of the year were selected based upon the number of team points they produced at the state meet. This means that they received the full amount of team points from individual events they participated in, as well as one-fourth of the total points earned by the team in relays they participated in.

    Finally, in order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning in a championship.

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A


    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Athlete of the year: Shayna Yon, Cherokee Trail
    Coach of the year: Chris Faust, Cherokee Trail

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Amazing Ashby Junior Cherokee Trail Triple Jump
    Heide Baron Junior Pine Creek 4×200 relay
    Damajahnee Birch Senior Denver East 800 medley relay
    Jennifer Calascione Senior Chaparral Discus
    Jasmine Chesson Sophomore Fort Collins 4×400 relay
    Nakiya Clausell Senior Denver East 800 medley relay
    Gina Coleman Sophomore Fountain-Fort Carson Shot Put
    Jordyn Colter Senior Cherry Creek 800 meters, 1600 meters, 4×800 relay
    Khayla Doublin Senior Denver East 800 medley relay
    Tessa Gartrell Junior Denver East 800 medley relay
    Zoe Gilbertson Sophomore Mountain Range 300 hurdles
    Lauren Gregory Sophomore Fort Collins 3200 meters, 4×400 relay
    Ashlyn Hare Senior Rampart High Jump
    Symonne Holland Junior Cherokee Trail 4×100 relay
    Makenzie Howie Senior Pine Creek 4×200 relay
    Lillian Markusch Junior Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Devynn Miller Senior Fort Collins 4×400 relay
    Katie Plomondon Junior Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Haley Rogers Junior Cherokee Trail 4×100 relay
    Becca Schulte Junior Fort Collins 400 meters, 4×400 relay
    Emily Sloan Freshman Rock Canyon 100 hurdles
    Christina Stathakis Senior Castle View Pole Vault
    Lisa Swartz Junior Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Faith Vines Senior Pine Creek 4×200 relay
    Taylor Watson Freshman Cherokee Trail 4×100 relay
    Ally Watt Senior Pine Creek 4×200 relay
    Shayna Yon Senior Cherokee Trail 100 meters, 200 meters, Long Jump, 4×100 relay


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Athlete of the year: Nicole Montgomery, Lewis-Palmer
    Coach of the year: Maurice Henriques, Niwot

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Rylee Anderson Freshman Silver Creek High Jump
    Alexis Carroll Sophomore Niwot 100 hurdles
    Jordan Edmonds Senior Widefield 4×100 relay
    Helena Ernst Sophomore Thompson Valley 4×400 relay
    Maya Evans Freshman Vista PEAK Long Jump
    Kela Fetters Junior Niwot 300 hurdles, 4×200 relay
    MacKenzie Fidelak Freshman Niwot 4×200 relay
    Lilly Hamilton Freshman Air Academy 4×800 relay
    Megan Irvine Senior Thompson Valley 4×400 relay
    Maren Janda Junior Thompson Valley 4×400 relay
    Shynesti Johnson Freshman Widefield 4×100 relay
    Kendra Larson Senior Thompson Valley 4×400 relay
    Anne Lauder Senior Evergreen Triple Jump
    Nicole Montgomery Senior Lewis-Palmer 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 medley relay
    Brooke Moore Sophomore Widefield 4×100 relay
    Katie Rainsberger Junior Air Academy 800 meters, 1600 meters, 3200 meters, 4×800 relay
    Emily Roma Sophomore Lewis-Palmer 800 medley relay
    Diana Scott Junior Widefield 4×100 relay
    Lauren Sharpe Senior Niwot 4×200 relay
    Rachel Sharpe Senior Niwot 4×200 relay
    Haley Showalter Senior Valor Christian Shot Put, Discus
    Madelyn Smith Junior Lewis-Palmer 800 medley relay
    Laura Still Freshman Lewis-Palmer 800 medley relay
    Kayla Wiitala Junior Air Academy 4×800 relay
    Carly Wilborn Senior Air Academy 4×800 relay
    Andrea Willis Junior The Classical Academy Pole Vault


    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Athlete of the year: Kayla Pinnt, Moffat County
    Coach of the year: Kaelie Jelden, Eaton

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Shelby Adonay Junior James Irwin 800 medley relay
    McKayla Bauer Junior University High Jump
    Allee Beach Junior Platte Valley 4×400 relay
    Taryn Ceglowski Sophomore Salida 800 meters, 1600 meters
    Courtney Clark Senior Lamar Discus
    Taylor Finn Junior Manitou Springs 100 meters
    Dallas Frisbie Senior Peak to Peak 4×800 relay
    Christina Hamerly Junior Peak to Peak 4×800 relay
    Selena Hernandez Junior Moffat County 4×100 relay
    Kera Kapu Junior James Irwin 800 medley relay
    Kiarra Mattern Sophomore James Irwin 800 medley relay
    Rachael Metzler Sophomore Peak to Peak 4×800 relay
    Alice Oveson Junior Peak to Peak 4×800 relay
    Kayla Pinnt Junior Moffat County 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay
    Jacey Reinert Freshman Platte Valley 4×400 relay
    Skylar Ritchey Junior Platte Valley 4×400 relay
    Emma Samuelson Sophomore Moffat County 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay
    Lauren Samuelson Senior Moffat County 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay
    Ary Schaffer Junior Moffat County 4×200 relay
    Tarynn Sieg Sophomore Eaton Shot Put
    Maddie Smith Senior Gunnison Pole Vault
    Ashley Snyder Senior Lamar 400 meters
    Nicole Swain Junior James Irwin 800 medley relay
    Lily Tomasula-Martin Sophomore Estes Park 3200 meters
    Brenna Vallejos Sophomore Lamar Long Jump, Triple Jump
    Sarah Yocum Sophomore Faith Christian 300 meters
    Victoria Zehnder Senior Platte Valley 4×400 relay


    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Athlete of the year: Jenna Anderson, Lyons
    Coach of the year: Brian Mitchem, Paonia

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Jenna Anderson Senior Lyons 800 meters, 1600 meters, 4×800 relay
    Lexi Ashbrook Senior Wiggins 800 medley relay
    Kate Berreman Senior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Ellie Berry Sophomore Burlington Discus
    Kacey Buttrick Senior South Park 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles
    Shayna Dale Sophomore Cedaredge 4×100 relay
    Melanie Deering Sophomore Kiowa 400 meters
    Marisa Edmondson Junior Paonia 4×200 relay
    Brittany Fuchs Freshman Calhan 200 meters
    Megan Godsey Sophomore Wray Triple Jump
    Faythe Harris Junior Wiggins 800 medley relay
    Morgan Hartigan Senior Paonia Shot Put
    Kenzie Henderson Junior Cedaredge High Jump
    Amber Jenkins Junior Cedaredge 4×100 relay
    Courtney Jenson Freshman Wiggins 3200 meters
    Tori Jordan Freshman Wiggins 800 medley relay
    MacKenzie Kehmeier Senior Cedaredge 4×100 relay
    Brenna Kuskie Sophomore Lyons Pole Vault
    Kendall McHugh Junior Cedaredge 4×100 relay
    Faith Myers Senior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Emily Pieper Sophomore Paonia 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Randi Rapke Freshman Paonia 4×400 relay
    Sierra Tucker Junior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Brianna Van Vleet Sophomore Paonia Long Jump, 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Ashley Van Vleet Junior Paonia 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Jessica Veeman Junior Wiggins 800 medley relay
    Kayla Zink Sophomore Caliche 100 meters


    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Athlete of the year: Ginger Hutton, Shining Mountain
    Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Ella Baca Sophomore Shining Mountain 4×800 relay
    Denise Cano Senior Idalia 4×200 relay
    Sarrah Claman Junior Shining Mountain 4×800 relay
    Kaelyn Dennis Junior Plateau Valley 4×400 relay, 800 medley relay
    Heather Dieckman Senior Sangre de Cristo 100 hurdles
    Laura Greene Junior Plateau Valley 4×400 relay, 800 medley relay
    Breanna Hendricks Senior Springfield 4×100 relay
    Susana Herrera Junior Idalia 4×200 relay
    Ginger Hutton Senior Shining Mountain 400 meters, 800 meters, 1600 meters, 3200 meters
    Audrey Rose Kachin Senior Plateau Valley 4×400 relay, 800 medley relay
    Rebecca Kaiser Senior Prairie Triple Jump
    Lisette Laforge Junior Otis High Jump
    Tatelyn Lasley Sophomore Springfield 4×100 relay
    Brooke Lenox Junior Eads Discus
    Ally Loflin Sophomore Springfield 4×100 relay
    Zariah Mason Freshman Kim 100 meters, 200 meters
    Jenna McKinley Junior Sangre de Cristo Shot Put
    Demi Ownbey Senior Springfield 4×100 relay
    Rebekah Rairdon Junior Heritage Christian 300 hurdles
    Sierra Reynolds Senior Plateau Valley 4×400 relay
    Bryce Schafer Junior Idalia 4×200 relay
    Antonya Schaffert Junior Otis Pole Vault
    Emma Shaefer Freshman Shining Mountain 4×800 relay
    Reagan Shaffer Junior Idalia 4×200 relay
    Paisley Sheehan Senior Shining Mountain 4×800 relay
    Sarah Storey Junior Sangre de Cristo Long Jump
    Savannah Turner Junior Plateau Valley 800 medley relay

  • All-state boys track & field teams for 2015 season

    State track Jeffco Stadium
    (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    The 2015 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.

    Athletes of the year were selected based upon the number of team points they produced at the state meet. This means that they received the full amount of team points from individual events they participated in, as well as one-fourth of the total points earned by the team in relays they participated in.

    Finally, in order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning in a championship.

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

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A


    [divider]

    Class 5A

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

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Andrew Barlow Senior Monarch Pole Vault
    Daniel Book Senior Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Adrian Brukner Senior Rampart Discus
    Patrick Byerly Senior Mountain Range Shot Put
    Tevin Donnell Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay
    Isaac Green Sophomore Monarch 1600 meters
    Dan Hamson Sophomore Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Drue Harris Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×200 relay
    Marcelo Laguera Senior Pomona 3200 meters
    Christopher Linnin Senior Castle View Triple Jump
    Christian Lyon Junior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay
    Duane McClurkin Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×400 relay
    Kyle Moran Sophomore Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Trevor Rex Senior Highlands Ranch High Jump
    Juan Sabino Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×400 relay
    Triston Sisneros Senior Grandview 300 hurdles
    Braden Smith Junior Lakewood Long Jump
    Jordan Smith Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Benjamin Thomas Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×400 relay
    Charles Tigner Senior Fountain-Fort Carson 4×100 relay
    Konor von Kraut Senior Cherry Creek 4×800 relay
    Mike Ware Senior Gateway 400 meters
    Joshua Wright Senior Overland 110 hurdles
    Blake Yount Senior Smoky Hill 800 meters


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Athlete of the year: Caleb Ojennes, Palmer Ridge
    Coach of the year: Kelly Christensen, Palmer Ridge

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Conlan Berger Junior Longmont 4×100 relay
    Austin Brant Senior Canon City Discus
    Trevor Cook Junior Longmont 4×100 relay
    Hayden Erickson Senior Woodland Park Shot Put
    Gianni Espinoza Junior Longmont 4×100 relay
    James Espinoza Sophomore Palmer Ridge 4×800 relay
    Logan Goodner Junior Longmont 4×100 relay
    Eric Hamer Senior Palmer Ridge 3200 meters, 4×800 relay
    Vince Hood Sophomore Valor Christian 4×200 relay
    James Jones Senior Mullen Long Jump
    Logan Malone Senior Palmer Ridge 4×400 relay
    William Mayhew Senior Cheyenne Mountain 800 meters, 1600 meters
    Noah McGhee Sophomore Littleton 100 meters
    Caleb Ojennes Junior Palmer Ridge 200 meters, 400 meters, 4×400 relay
    Brandon Pappas Sophomore Palmer Ridge 4×400 relay, 4×800 relay
    Anthony Peters Junior Vista Ridge Triple Jump
    Danny Rambo Sophomore Valor Christian 4×200 relay
    Kyle Rex Junior Palmer Ridge Pole Vault
    Bailey Rosenstrauch Junior Palmer Ridge 4×400 relay
    Trenton Stringari Senior Canon City 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles
    Jordan Swango Senior Palmer Ridge High Jump
    Jacob Tellez Senior Palmer Ridge 4×800 relay
    Ben Waters Junior Valor Christian 4×200 relay
    Bubba Watkins Senior Valor Christian 4×200 relay


    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Athletes of the year: Miguel Molas, James Irwin; and Dominic Carrese, Fountain Valley
    Coach of the year: Darwin Horan, Lutheran

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Sunday Abarca Sophomore Aspen 400 meters
    Ben Butler Junior SkyView Academy 3200 meters
    Dominic Carrese Senior Fountain Valley 800 meters, 1600 meters
    Austin Chavez Sophomore Sterling High Jump
    Josh Clausen Senior Lutheran 4×200 relay
    Garrett Coalson Senior Eaton Discus
    Bryce Coop Sophomore Manitou Springs 4×100 relay
    Isaiah DeLaCerda Sophomore Alamosa 4×800 relay
    Cooper Eggleston Junior Buena Vista 300 hurdles
    Tyler Gard Junior Vanguard 4×400 relay
    Kharon Hall Junior Lutheran Triple Jump, 4×200 relay
    Matt Hanson Junior Lutheran 110 hurdles
    Kent Harris Junior Lutheran 4×200 relay
    Miles Hatton Junior Vanguard 4×400 relay
    Parker Jones Junior Platte Valley Shot Put
    Conner Kennedy Senior Bayfield Long Jump
    Jared Keul Sophomore Manitou Springs 4×100 relay
    Andrew Lee Senior Vanguard 4×400 relay
    Tanner Martin Senior Alamosa 4×800 relay
    Oscar Martinez Sophomore Alamosa 4×800 relay
    Miguel Molas Senior James Irwin 100 meters, 200 meters
    Malachi Peterson Senior Manitou Springs 4×100 relay
    Josiah Simons Junior Vanguard 4×400 relay
    Leland Spangler Senior Manitou Springs 4×100 relay
    Jericho Ulibarri Senior Alamosa 4×800 relay
    Chris Youngs Junior Lutheran 4×200 relay
    Victor Zimmerman Sophomore Sterling Pole Vault


    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Athlete of the year: Paul Roberts, Lyons
    Coach of the year: Mark Roberts, Lyons

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Evan Anderson Junior Resurrection Christian 4×100 relay
    Tyler Boyd Senior Burlington Shot Put
    John Broadhead Senior Telluride Long Jump
    Cameron Cross Junior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Cooper Daniels Junior Vail Christian Pole Vault
    Matt Dillon Senior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Shane Finegan Sophomore Wiggins 400 meters
    Shane Gates Junior Cedaredge 300 hurdles, 4×200 relay
    Jack Holling Junior Resurrection Christian 4×100 relay
    Jorden Jole Senior Merino 800 meters
    Bryce Klaseen Junior Cedaredge 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Brendon Klaseen Sophomore Cedaredge 4×400 relay
    Ryan Latta Senior Cedaredge 4×400 relay
    Ivan Mendoza Junior West Grand 110 hurdles
    Chad Mikelson Sophomore Sedgwick County Triple Jump
    Dakota Murrow Senior Resurrection Christian 4×100 relay
    Garrett Quintana Junior John Mall Discus
    Jacob Robb Senior Cedaredge 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay
    Paul Roberts Junior Lyons 1600 meters, 3200 meters, 4×800 relay
    Tullef Rudlong Senior Lyons 100 meters
    Joel Such Junior Lyons 4×800 relay
    Isaac Swoffer Sophomore Cedaredge 4×200 relay
    Cooper Ward Junior Resurrection Christian 200 meters, 4×100 relay
    Ty Zupanic Senior Rye High Jump


    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Athlete of the year: J.D. Chenoweth, Baca County
    Coach of the year: Rick Hartley, Springfield

    First Team
    Name Year School Event(s)
    Dallas Balderas Freshman Baca County 4×400 relay
    Andy Borunda Junior Springfield Shot Put, Discus
    Michael Braithwaite Senior Pikes Peak Christian 100 meters, 4×100 relay
    J.D. Chenoweth Senior Baca County 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4×400 relay, 4×800 relay
    Micah Crane Freshman Baca County 4×400 relay, 4×800 relay
    Matthew Crane Senior Baca County 4×400 relay, 4×800 relay
    Morgan Crane Junior Baca County 4×800 relay
    Luke Duggan Junior Pawnee 3200 meters
    Ross Dunlap Senior Springfield High Jump
    Erick Enriquez-Acosta Sophomore Idalia 800 meters
    Troy Fritz Senior Sangre de Cristo Triple Jump
    Rafe Hutches Junior Springfield 4×200 relay
    Seeon Kim Senior Pikes Peak Christian 4×100 relay
    Justin Krieger Senior Springfield 4×200 relay
    Gabe Longworth Senior McClave 200 meters
    Reid Palser Senior Otis Pole Vault
    Caden Parker Sophomore Eads Long Jump
    Justin Self Senior Springfield 4×200 relay
    Christian Strozier Junior Pikes Peak Christian 4×100 relay
    Mark Waters Senior Pikes Peak Christian 400 meters, 4×100 relay
    Evan Waters Senior Springfield 4×200 relay
    Zacc Winn Senior Prairie 1600 meters

  • Championship count: Cherry Creek has most team titles; Thompson Valley leads the way in individuals

    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)
    Cherry Creek’s football championship was one of five team titles from the school in 2014-15. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    AURORA — Cherry Creek’s athletic programs won a state-best five team championships during the 2014-15 school year.

    Thompson Valley, meanwhile, captured 14 individual championships to lead the state.

    Below is a recap of the year in championships. A complete database of championships through history is available on our site.

    [divider]

    Team titles

    Cherry Creek’s five championships led the way. The Bruins won boys tennis, football, hockey, boys tennis and boys lacrosse this season.

    Cheyenne Mountain (boys swimming, girls tennis, girls golf, girls soccer) and Grandview (softball, volleyball, girls soccer and poms) each won four team titles.

    Grandview’s four girls championships were the most in the state for that gender, while Creek’s four boys championships led the way.

    Eaton, Colorado Academy, Lyons and Valor Christian all won three total team championships.

    In all, 65 teams won at least one team title in 2014-15, with 17 winning at least two.

    Rank School Girls Boys Total
    1 Cherry Creek 1 4 5
    2 Grandview 4 0 4
    2 Cheyenne Mountain 3 1 4
    4 Eaton 2 1 3
    4 Colorado Academy 3 0 3
    4 Lyons 0 3 3
    4 Valor Christian 2 1 3
    8 Rock Canyon 1 1 2
    8 Mountain Vista 1 1 2
    8 Fossil Ridge 1 1 2
    8 Palmer Ridge 0 2 2
    8 Paonia 1 1 2
    8 Overland 1 1 2
    8 Air Academy 0 2 2
    8 Broomfield 1 1 2
    8 Kent Denver 0 2 2
    8 Alamosa 0 2 2
    18 Cheyenne Wells 1 0 1
    18 Vail Christian 1 0 1
    18 Bishop Machebeuf 1 0 1
    18 Manitou Springs 1 0 1
    18 Bennett 1 0 1
    18 Glenwood Springs 1 0 1
    18 Ponderosa 1 0 1
    18 Castle View 1 0 1
    18 Chaparral 1 0 1
    18 Green Mountain 0 1 1
    18 Rye 0 1 1
    18 Dove Creek 0 1 1
    18 Regis Jesuit 1 0 1
    18 Aspen 0 1 1
    18 Vail Mountain 1 0 1
    18 Fountain-Fort Carson 0 1 1
    18 Lutheran 0 1 1
    18 Springfield 0 1 1
    18 Cherokee Trail 1 0 1
    18 Niwot 1 0 1
    18 Heritage Christian 1 0 1
    18 Colorado Springs Christian 0 1 1
    18 Sanford 0 1 1
    18 Holly 0 1 1
    18 Pagosa Springs 1 0 1
    18 Akron 1 0 1
    18 Idalia 1 0 1
    18 Arvada West 0 1 1
    18 Thompson Valley 0 1 1
    18 Valley 0 1 1
    18 Rocky Ford 0 1 1
    18 Battle Mountain 0 1 1
    18 Summit 1 0 1
    18 Evergreen 1 0 1
    18 Pine Creek 0 1 1
    18 Pueblo East 0 1 1
    18 Brush 0 1 1
    18 Caliche 0 1 1
    18 Arickaree/Woodlin 0 1 1
    18 Lewis-Palmer 1 0 1
    18 Resurrection Christian 1 0 1
    18 Fleming 1 0 1
    18 Standley Lake 1 0 1
    18 Mountain View 0 1 1
    18 Fort Collins 0 1 1
    18 Coronado 0 1 1
    18 Sterling 0 1 1
    18 La Junta 1 0 1

    [divider]

    Individual titles

    Colorado state wrestling
    Thompson Valley totaled 14 individual championships in 2014-15, including five wrestlers. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Thompson Valley had eight boys and six girls win individual championships in 2014-15 to account for its state-best total of 14.

    Cherry Creek was second with 13, and Pomona was third with 10. Lyons won eight, while Air Academy and Cheyenne Mountain each captured seven individual crowns.

    A total of 131 schools had at least one individual win a championship. Of those, 73 schools had at least two champions, and 10 had as many as five.

    Below is a complete breakdown of individual championships this season.

    Rank School Girls Boys Total
    1 Thompson Valley 6 8 14
    2 Cherry Creek 7 6 13
    3 Pomona 2 8 10
    4 Lyons 4 4 8
    5 Air Academy 4 3 7
    5 Cheyenne Mountain 4 3 7
    7 Palmer Ridge 0 6 6
    7 Fairview 2 4 6
    9 Kent Denver 2 3 5
    9 Paonia 2 3 5
    11 Fossil Ridge 3 1 4
    11 Evergreen 4 0 4
    11 Cherokee Trail 4 0 4
    11 Lamar 4 0 4
    11 Sangre de Cristo 3 1 4
    11 Shining Mountain 4 0 4
    17 Fort Collins 3 0 3
    17 Regis Jesuit 1 2 3
    17 Niwot 2 1 3
    17 Colorado Academy 0 3 3
    17 Aspen 1 2 3
    17 Summit 2 1 3
    17 Valor Christian 3 0 3
    17 Pueblo County 0 3 3
    17 Platte Valley 0 3 3
    17 Sterling 0 3 3
    17 Fountain-Fort Carson 1 2 3
    17 Canon City 0 3 3
    17 Springfield 0 3 3
    17 Otis 2 1 3
    31 SkyView Academy 0 2 2
    31 Estes Park 2 0 2
    31 Pueblo South 0 2 2
    31 Overland 1 1 2
    31 Broomfield 2 0 2
    31 Battle Mountain 0 2 2
    31 Rock Canyon 2 0 2
    31 Arapahoe 2 0 2
    31 ThunderRidge 2 0 2
    31 Windsor 1 1 2
    31 Mullen 1 1 2
    31 Grand Junction 0 2 2
    31 Rocky Mountain 0 2 2
    31 Arvada West 0 2 2
    31 Chaparral 1 1 2
    31 Fort Lupton 0 2 2
    31 Brush 0 2 2
    31 Berthoud 0 2 2
    31 Rocky Ford 0 2 2
    31 John Mall 0 2 2
    31 Buena Vista 0 2 2
    31 Highlands Ranch 0 2 2
    31 D’Evelyn 1 1 2
    31 Monarch 0 2 2
    31 Castle View 1 1 2
    31 Mountain Range 1 1 2
    31 Rampart 1 1 2
    31 Lewis-Palmer 2 0 2
    31 James Irwin 0 2 2
    31 Fountain Valley 0 2 2
    31 Lutheran 0 2 2
    31 Eaton 1 1 2
    31 Moffat County 2 0 2
    31 Salida 2 0 2
    31 Wiggins 1 1 2
    31 South Park 2 0 2
    31 Cedaredge 1 1 2
    31 Burlington 1 1 2
    31 Pikes Peak 0 2 2
    31 Prairie 1 1 2
    31 Baca County 0 2 2
    31 Eads 1 1 2
    31 Kim 2 0 2
    74 Dawson 0 1 1
    74 Standley Lake 1 0 1
    74 Nederland 1 0 1
    74 Poudre 0 1 1
    74 Fruita Monument 0 1 1
    74 Discovery Canyon 0 1 1
    74 Conifer 0 1 1
    74 Fort Morgan 0 1 1
    74 Pueblo East 0 1 1
    74 Alamosa 0 1 1
    74 Mead 0 1 1
    74 Weld Central 0 1 1
    74 Montezuma-Cortez 0 1 1
    74 Dolores Huerta 0 1 1
    74 Norwood/Nucla 0 1 1
    74 Swink 0 1 1
    74 Holly 0 1 1
    74 Crowley County 0 1 1
    74 Meeker 0 1 1
    74 Centauri 0 1 1
    74 Limon 0 1 1
    74 Jefferson Academy 1 0 1
    74 Dakota Ridge 1 0 1
    74 Boulder 0 1 1
    74 Greeley West 0 1 1
    74 Steamboat Springs 1 0 1
    74 St. Mary’s Academy 1 0 1
    74 Ralston Valley 1 0 1
    74 Gateway 0 1 1
    74 Smoky Hill 0 1 1
    74 Grandview 0 1 1
    74 Lakewood 0 1 1
    74 Silver Creek 1 0 1
    74 The Classical Academy 1 0 1
    74 Vista PEAK 1 0 1
    74 Littleton 0 1 1
    74 Vista Ridge 0 1 1
    74 Woodland Park 0 1 1
    74 Bayfield 0 1 1
    74 Manitou Springs 1 0 1
    74 Faith Christian 1 0 1
    74 University 1 0 1
    74 Gunnison 1 0 1
    74 Caliche 1 0 1
    74 Calhan 1 0 1
    74 Kiowa 1 0 1
    74 Wray 1 0 1
    74 Resurrection Christian 0 1 1
    74 Merino 0 1 1
    74 West Grand 0 1 1
    74 Rye 0 1 1
    74 Vail Christian 0 1 1
    74 Telluride 0 1 1
    74 Sedgwick County 0 1 1
    74 McClave 0 1 1
    74 Idalia 0 1 1
    74 Pawnee 0 1 1
    74 Heritage Christian 1 0 1

  • All-state girls basketball teams for 2014-15 season

    The 2014-15 girls basketball players of the year, by class.
    The 2014-15 girls basketball players of the year, by class. From left: Jordan Baer, Akron (2A); Kendall Bradbury, Valor Christian (4A); Callie Kaiser, Broomfield (5A); Payton Shahan, Pagosa Springs (3A); Jordan Williams, Norwood (1A). (Photos by Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com; Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com; Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com; Tim Visser/MaxPreps)

    The 2014-15 all-state girls basketball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

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

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

    Use the menu below to navigate to the class of your choosing.

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Player of the year: Callie Kaiser, Broomfield

    Coach of the year: Mike Croell, Broomfield

    First team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Brenna Chase Broomfield Senior W/PG
    Callie Kaiser Broomfield Senior W/PF/P
    Michaela Onyenwere Grandview Sophomore W/G
    Raegen Rohn Monarch Senior PG/SG
    Taylor Rusk ThunderRidge Junior SG/W/F
    Second team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Sydni Brandon Grand Junction Senior G
    Jennah Knafelc Arapahoe Senior SG/PG
    Annika Lai Fairview Senior –
    Jess Lewis Regis Jesuit Senior PG
    Molly Rohrer Cherry Creek Senior PF
    Courtney Smith Legacy Senior C
    Symone Starks Highlands Ranch Junior PG
    Third team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kennede Brown Grandview Sophomore –
    Nicea Eliely Rampart Junior –
    Alyssa Rader Horizon Senior PF/C
    Tatum Rembao Loveland Sophomore PG/SG
    Jon’nae Richardson Denver East Senior –
    Jenn Urbaniak Palmer Senior W
    Kellee Willer Fossil Ridge Senior –
    Jessica Zweifel ThunderRidge Senior PG/SG/F


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Player of the year: Kendall Bradbury, Valor Christian

    Coach of the year: Jessika Caldwell, Valor Christian

    First team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Nicole Archambeau Canon City Senior –
    Kendall Bradbury Valor Christian Senior F/SG
    Kylee Shook Mesa Ridge Junior C
    Haley Simental Pueblo West Senior PG
    Oliana Squires Sand Creek Junior G
    Second team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Katie Chavez Holy Family Junior PG/SG
    Liah Davis Sand Creek Junior F/P
    Morgan Ducklow D’Evelyn Senior G
    Madison McCoy Valor Christian Junior G
    Sydney Wetterstrom Longmont Junior C
    Third team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Christa Brown Palisade Sophomore –
    Jaylyn Duran Pueblo South Senior SG
    Alysa Manicone Windsor Senior PG
    Jailen Minich Pueblo East Junior –
    Madi Spence Glenwood Springs Senior F/P
    Maggie Spitzer Holy Family Senior C/SF
    Rylee Ward Mead Senior SG


    [divider]

    Class 3A

    Player of the year: Payton Shahan, Pagosa Springs

    Coach of the year: Wes Lewis, Pagosa Springs

    First team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jenna Knudson Sterling Junior G
    Shelby Megyeri Manitou Springs Sophomore PG/SG
    Kaleigh Paplow Lutheran Senior –
    Payton Shahan Pagosa Springs Senior –
    Chandler Sturms Lutheran Senior –
    Second team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kylie Chavez Sterling Sophomore G
    Kenzie Chrisman Sterling Senior F
    Taylor Hammer-Lee Pagosa Springs Junior –
    Morgan Schaaf Pagosa Springs Senior –
    Jonni Smith Bishop Machebeuf Junior –
    Third team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Kyra Chenoweth Grand Valley Senior SG
    Katharine Kia Peak to Peak Senior –
    Maya Love Kent Denver Junior –
    Lauren McDonald Salida Senior –
    Halley Miklos Liberty Common Sophomore P/PF/F
    McKenzi Petricko Manitou Springs Junior G/SG
    Bailey Schumacher Eaton Junior G


    [divider]

    Class 2A

    Player of the year: Jordan Baer, Akron

    Coach of the year: Alan Baer, Akron

    First team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Jordan Baer Akron Senior PG
    Logan Hixon Yuma Junior G
    Cydney Kreutzer Hoehne Senior SG/PG
    AJ Miller Akron Junior G/P
    Katrina Terrell Yuma Senior F
    Second team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Victoria Goodman Peyton Senior SG/G
    Emily Green Peyton Senior PG/G/PF
    Sydney Hughes Meeker Senior G
    Bailee Jones Hoehne Senior F/W
    Anna Schwecke Clear Creek Senior F
    Third team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Aspen Anderson Hoehne Senior F/W
    Bryna Burns Rye Senior PG
    Shayln Johnson Caliche Senior G/F
    Sarah Logar Peyton Senior G/PG
    Peighton Roth Yuma Junior G


    [divider]

    Class 1A

    Player of the year: Jordan Williams, Norwood

    Coach of the year: Sara Crawford, Kit Carson

    First team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Karleigh Cooley Sangre de Cristo Junior –
    Micayla Isenbart Kit Carson Freshman G/F
    Aurelia Isenbart Kit Carson Senior C
    Reagan Shaffer Idalia Junior –
    Jordan Williams Norwood Senior W/G/F
    Second team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Darian Hale Briggsdale Junior G
    Susana Herarra Idalia Junior –
    Jackie Saunders Ouray Senior SF/PG/SG
    Abbey Stagner Sangre de Cristo Senior –
    Shaelynn Wood South Baca Junior –
    Third team
    Name School Year Pos.
    Allie Beiriger Sangre de Cristo Senior –
    Audrey Rose Kachin Plateau Valley Senior G
    Sierra Reynolds Plateau Valley Senior F
    Sofia Schneider La Veta Senior G
    Rena Trujillo La Veta Senior SF

  • Idalia claims 1A girls basketball crown

    (Logan Borgmann/CHSAANow.com)
    (Logan Borgmann/CHSAANow.com)

    LOVELAND — After visits to the Class 1A state tournament the previous two years with no hardware to show for it, the Idalia girls basketball team had a different outlook this time.

    This year, “We came with a purpose,” junior wing player Reagan Shaffer said.

    She and her teammates completed a 21-2 season by capturing the state title with a 59-50 victory over Sangre de Cristo.

    The Wolves entered the tournament as the fourth seed. With most of the team having experienced a state tournament atmosphere, Idalia came into the tournament confident but relaxed.

    The Wolves held the lead through most of the first half, but the Thunderbirds turned a five-point deficit into a five-point lead.

    Idalia used free throw shooting, inclucing a pair from Susana Herrera with no time on the clock, to retake the lead 27-26 by halftime.

    They maintained a slim edge through most of the third quarter

    Despite foul trouble by a couple of key players, the Thunderbirds inched back to tie the game at 48 with just under three minutes remaining.

    Idalia’s Susana Herrera responded with a 3-pointer to give the Wolves the momentum again.

    “She is a big-game player,” Idalia coach Cory Zion said.

    It was Shaffer playing a large role. In addition to her 19 points, she had five blocks, all in the first half, to take control in the lane, and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds. She also handled Sangre de Cristo’s full-court press.

    “She can play all five positions,” Zion said of the 5-10 Shaffer.

    “We never came in with the mind-set that we weren’t going to win,” Shaffer said of knocking off the top seed, which came into the game with just one loss, to Trinidad, during the regular season.

    Shaffer was joined for team-high scoring honors by Herrera. Jennay Terrell capped of a balanced scoring effort with 13.

    The Wolves helped their cause by capitalizing on their free throw opportunities, converting 27.

    Sangre de Cristo was led by point guard Karleigh Cooley, who had 14 points.

    Four Idalia starters return next year for their senior seasons. Shaffer, for one, said the team won’t rest on its laurels.

    “It’s back at it (during the offseason),” she vowed.

    Kit Carson took the third-placed trophy with a 58-33 victory over Flagler. Norwood won the consolation title, defeating Plateau Valley for the third time this season, this time 34-27.

  • 1A girls Final 4 roundup: Sangre de Cristo plays basketball with style

    LOVELAND — The Sangre de Cristo girls basketball team has a trademark style. The Thunderbirds boast lavish black and royal blue uniforms. Nearly the whole team wears headbands. They love fist pumps. Oh, and they embrace winning. So much so that they are in the 1A state finals after a 60-48 Final 4 victory over previously undefeated Kit Carson (23-1) at the Budweiser Events Center.

    In a back-and-forth tussle from tip-off, the Thunderbirds spread their wings in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 25-14 and sealing their first championship appearance since 1986. Sangre coach Brady Stagner, whose team lost in the 2A consolation finals two seasons ago, enjoyed the experience of the semifinals, but obviously enjoyed the victory even more.

    “I’m just relieved to be out of that, because that was a pressure game,” Stagner said. “From tip-off to buzzer, it was just full of pressure. I just loved the whole atmosphere. I thought it was a great high school basketball game.”

    While Kit Carson had their talented sister tandem of Micayla (16 points) and Aurelia Isenbart (13) on full display, the Thunderbirds were the superior team with every player making contributions.

    “We wore them down,” Stagner said. “We knew we had to wear them down. Those two big girls are as good as it gets. We worked hard to keep the pressure on them all night. Then, we hit free throws.”

    The coach’s daughter, Abbey, a 5-foot-11 forward, gave Sangre juice when they needed it with several and one opportunities, 15 big points in the paint, and a number of life giving fist pumps.

    “We had a team that came through big,” Stagner said. “Did she play big? Yeah, she played big, but so did Allie, so did Heather, so did Jenna, every one of them out there. We aren’t the most talented team, but we work hard as a team. That’s what’s gotten us here.”

    Allie Beiriger (16 points), Karleigh Cooley (13), and Jessica Berlinger (9) all provided balance to a Thunderbird offensive attack with five girls averaging at least 8.2 points this season.

    Sangre de Cristo (24-1) will be making their fourth appearance in the state finals. They won back-to-back crowns in 1984 (A-1 division) and 1985 (A-II) before losing 48-46 to Deer Trail (A-II) in 1986. The Thunderbirds face off against No. 4 seed Idalia (20-2) at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the title game.

    “We have a lot of mental toughness built up from the season,” Abbey Stagner said. “We’ve been looking forward to this since we were third graders.”

    [divider]

    (4) Idalia 58 (8) Flagler 26

    The Wolves ended Flagler’s state championship dreams with a smothering at the defensive end of the floor as the Panthers’ leading scorer, Hailey Allison, only had 7 points. Flagler upset No. 1 seed Norwood on a wild buzzer beating three-pointer by Alexis Schults in overtime on Thursday, but Schults sat out with an injury against Idalia.

    The Wolves took advantage by blowing the Panthers out from the opening tip and sealing their first state championship appearance in program history. Susana Herrera led Idalia with 15 points and Denise Cano chipped in 10 in the Final 4 win.

  • 1A girls basketball Great 8 roundup: Flagler upsets Norwood

    LOVELAND — Every team has state championship aspirations. After a 7-12 record a season ago, the Flagler girls basketball players didn’t know if a title was realistic though.

    “At the start of this season, I told them I thought they could be in the state tournament and maybe even win it,” Panther coach Gary Elrick said. “Every one of them looked at me like I’m crazy.”

    After upsetting No. 1 seed Norwood (21-2), the defending Class 1A champions, on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Alexis Schults on Thursday morning at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, its hard not to believe. The win sent the No. 8 seeded Flagler (18-6) into the Final 4.

    “Adrenaline is going through me,” Schults said.

    The Mavericks scored the game’s first basket, but the Panthers clawed to a 10-2 lead early. They pumped the margin up to double digits soon after and led 27-16 at halftime, despite 14 points by senior wing Jordan Williams, the lone 1A participant in The Show, the annual Colorado hoops all-star event.

    Flagler smothered her teammates, though, holding them to 1-of-7 from the field. Schults, all of 5-foot-2, was an aggressive, dynamic force using her quickness and shot-making to score 13 points in the first two quarters.

    More than anything, the Panthers, making their first state tournament appearance since 2007, embraced the bright lights while Norwood seemed rattled with the weight of back-to-back titles on the line.

    The Mavericks had more turnovers (20) than points (16) at the break. But, Norwood made adjustments and made a run in closing the deficit to 39-33 headed into the fourth.

    In a wild last two minutes of regulation, the Mavericks found a way to tie it up and force overtime at 48 all after Macie Magallon made a pair at the line with 7.4 seconds left. Flagler didn’t get a shot off before the buzzer.

    In extra time, Williams scored all eight of Norwood’s points and the title favorites led 56-54, but she fouled out with 19 seconds to go. Elizabeth Grimes calmly knocked down both free throws to force another tie. Norwood was called for traveling the next possession, Flagler got the ball back, and Schults sent the Panthers into the Final 4.

    “She’s so explosive that she can change a game around in 20 seconds,” Elrick said. “Good players want the ball at the end and she took a nice shot.”

    Schults led the Panthers with 24 points. Jade Hasz went 16-of-18 at the line and scored 18 points. Flagler was money on freebies, going 25-of-32.

    The Panthers move on to the state semifinals Friday.

    Williams led all scorers with 34 points in the loss for Norwood. The Mavericks will have to settle for the consolation bracket the rest of the way.

    [divider]

    (3) Sangre de Cristo 52 (6) Plateau Valley 38

    The Thunderbirds improved to 23-1 with an easy win over the Cowgirls as they led 12-6 after one and 22-14 at the break. Abbey Stagner led Sangre de Cristo with 16 points. Allie Beiriger chipped in 10.

    Sangre de Cristo will be making their first Final 4 appearance since 2010 when they face Kit Carson at 7 p.m. on Friday.

    [divider]

    (4) Idalia 41 (5) Eads 31

    Idalia improved to 19-2 after a comfortable win over the Eagles (17-7). Susana Herrera led all scorers with 15 points as the Wolves held every Eads player to single digits.

    Idalia also reached the Final 4 last year, placing fourth after dropping the third place game to Dove Creek.

    [divider]

    (2) Kit Carson 50 (7) Prairie 35

    In a game Prairie never led, the Wildcats’ sister tandem of senior Aurelia (13 points) and freshman Micayla Isenbart (24) applied constant pressure on the Mustangs with Aurelia’s work in the post and Micayla’s versatility as a 6-foot-1 guard.

    Kit Carson improved to 23-0 with the victory. They had reached three of the last four state tournaments, but this is the first time in the stretch they’ve made the Final 4.

  • 4A girls basketball ranking adds three newcomers

    There are three new teams in the Class 4A girls basketball rankings this week.

    No. 7 Pueblo South, No. 8 Silver Creek and No. 10 Palisade were all unranked a week ago, but garnered enough votes to break into CHSAANow.com’s poll.

    All five No. 1 teams stayed the same this week: ThunderRidge (5A), Canon City (4A), Sterling (3A), Peyton (2A) and Kit Carson (1A).

    The rankings, voted upon by coaches and select media members, are the official polls of the Association. These will be the final polls of the regular season.

    Complete rankings are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Girls Basketball Polls

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

    First-place votes are in parentheses.

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

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

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 ThunderRidge (15) 19-2 168 1 2-0
    2 Broomfield (2) 19-2 155 2 2-0
    3 Highlands Ranch 17-4 132 3 1-0
    4 Monarch 19-2 116 4 2-0
    5 Grandview 17-4 76 7 3-0
    6 Denver East 18-3 65 6 2-0
    7 Lakewood 16-5 56 – 2-0
    8 Cherry Creek 15-6 40 9 2-0
    9 Rampart 16-4 38 8 2-0
    10 Ralston Valley 15-6 27 5 1-2
    Others receiving votes:
    Arapahoe 23, Fossil Ridge 20, Grand Junction 10, Castle View 3, Fort Collins 3, Rocky Mountain 2, Loveland 1.
    Dropped out
    Grand Junction (10).

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Canon City (13) 21-0 174 1 2-0
    2 Valor Christian (4) 20-2 164 2 3-0
    3 Pueblo West (1) 17-4 128 3 2-0
    4 Holy Family 17-4 115 4 2-0
    5 D’Evelyn 16-5 95 6 2-0
    6 Sand Creek 17-3 69 9 3-0
    7 Pueblo South 16-5 57 – 3-0
    8 Silver Creek 17-4 44 – 2-0
    9 Montrose 15-4 37 5 1-1
    10 Palisade 18-2 29 – 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Evergreen 26, Pueblo East 26, Glenwood Springs 6, Mullen 6, Mesa Ridge 3, Windsor 3, Durango 2, Longmont 2, Weld Central 2, Thomas Jefferson 1, Thompson Valley 1.
    Dropped out
    Pueblo East (7), Evergreen (8), Glenwood Springs (10).

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Sterling (9) 19-0 159 1 2-0
    2 Pagosa Springs (7) 17-0 151 2 3-0
    3 Lutheran 17-1 136 3 1-0
    4 Manitou Springs (1) 16-2 112 5 1-0
    5 St. Mary’s 17-1 102 4 1-0
    6 Eaton 16-2 82 6 2-0
    7 Olathe 16-1 61 7 2-0
    8 La Junta 14-4 44 8 2-0
    9 Centauri 12-5 22 9 1-1
    10 Liberty Common 13-3 17 – 1-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Faith Christian 12, Platte Valley 8, Lamar 7, Machebeuf 7, Kent Denver 5, Colorado Academy 3, The Vanguard 3, Bennett 2, Salida 1, Trinidad 1.
    Dropped out
    Platte Valley (10).

    Class 2A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Peyton (9) 17-0 99 1 2-0
    2 Hoehne (1) 18-0 83 3 2-0
    3 Akron 16-2 78 5 2-0
    4 Caliche 16-1 72 4 2-0
    5 Yuma 14-3 65 2 0-1
    6 Cedaredge 16-1 51 6 1-0
    7 Paonia 14-4 37 7 2-0
    8 Meeker 13-4 21 8 3-0
    9 Ellicott 13-4 14 9 2-0
    10 Highland 14-4 9 – 1-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Sanford 4, Byers 3, Ignacio 3, Clear Creek 2, Del Norte 2, Rye 2, Sargent 2, Soroco 2, Wray 1.
    Dropped out
    Del Norte (10).

    Class 1A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Kit Carson (8) 18-0 98 1 2-0
    2 Norwood (2) 15-0 88 2 2-0
    3 Sangre De Cristo 15-1 75 3 2-0
    4 South Baca 15-2 59 6 2-0
    5 Idalia 14-2 58 4 1-0
    6 Genoa-Hugo 15-2 46 5 1-1
    7 Rocky Mountain Lutheran 15-2 42 8 2-0
    8 Briggsdale 13-4 22 9 1-0
    9 La Veta 15-3 18 – 3-0
    10 Flagler 10-4 10 – 2-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Fleming 9, Eads 7, Jim Elliot 6, Cheraw 5, Shining Mountain 5, Antonito 1, Plateau Valley 1.
    Dropped out
    Fleming (7), Prairie (10).