DENVER, COLO – As the 2026 CHSAA girls basketball Final 4 got underway at Denver Coliseum on Friday, Timnath battled closely with Kent Denver before ultimately falling 53–46, sending Kent Denver to the state championship.
Though marking the program’s first appearance in a championship game, Kent Denver saw heavy contributions across the roster, led by Austin Dunkin, who led the game with 15 points. Teammate Elise Drogin‑Tundermann followed closely behind with 14 points.
“Our energy was so good,” Drogin‑Tundermann said. “Our bench brought so much and so did our student section. We wanted this for our senior, Austin, who is going to Washburn.”
Scores remained tight throughout the first half as both teams traded numerous fouls and free throw attempts. However, things shifted later in the third quarter as Kent Denver began to further expand its lead, ending the period 37–31.
Timnath senior Tiana Guzman kept the scores close, scoring numerous three pointers and free throw shots before ultimately finishing with 13 points.
Kent Denver defended their lead throughout the final quarter, defending numerous scoring attempts from the Cubs and ultimately leading the matchup in both rebounds and steals.
“This is a feisty group that’s not going to go away,” said Kent Denver coach Ann Abromaitis. “They put in effort before the season started, all season long. We never let up and I am just so proud of all of them.”
Kent Denver will play for the Class 4A state championship at 10 a.m. March 14, and face off against the winner of the Holy Family and University matchup later this afternoon.
“Super excited for this opportunity,” Abromaitis said. “I said this from day one, it doesn’t really matter how many games we win or lose. It’s how we play and how we take care of each other and they’re doing that awesome.”
