State semifinals are next up on the girls basketball schedule with all ten games slated for Thursday night.  Higher seeds will host each contest and survivors make plans for state championship games on Saturday and Sunday.  Colorado Preps looks at each contest on tap and also provides semifinal histories on each team.

Photo by Teresa O’Dwyer / OT SportsChek.

 

CLASS 1A

FLATIRONS ACADEMY AT BRIGGSDALE :  In one of the better regular season games in any class, Briggsdale picked up a 65-60 overtime win over Flatirons and after the game there was a good feeling the two would meet up again in either the semifinals or finals.  We get that rematch here in the semifinals and it should be a good one.  Neither was tested in the quarterfinals as the Falcons made quick work of South Baca and the Bison the same against Kim/Branson.  Kylie Krise and Shelby Hoffman have been Briggsdale’s scoring leaders most of the season and they combined for 26 points in game one with Flatirons.  Freshman Jenna Krise also added 13.  For Flatirons Academy, freshman Emma Cox was nearly unstoppable in the paint; finishing with 33 points and 16 rebounds.  She hit 15 of 18 shots from the field.  Another freshman Emily DeHaan battled foul trouble but still managed three treys and 15 points.

  • HISTORY: Flatirons Academy continues to make school history as after making their first ever state tournament appearance, the win over Kim/Branson earns them their first trip into the semifinals.  Briggsdale is in the semifinals for the seventh time in school history and all have come since 2008.  They’ve lost their last two visits; falling to Kit Carson (45-26) in 2019 and Kim/Branson (50-46) in 2018.  Their last win came against Sangre De Cristo in 2016 as they downed the T-Birds 50-44.  They also enjoyed success against McClave in 2008 (40-35).

FLEMING AT KIT CARSON:  The two sets of Wildcats were scheduled to play during the regular season but weather and not COVID cancelled that matchup.  And due to the shortened window to play regular season games it was not made up.  Fleming is red hot.  After pushing Briggsdale to a five point loss (55-50), they were 4-3 and in danger of not making the playoffs.  But they’ve not lost since; winning seven straight including solid wins over top 10 opponents Simla and Sangre De Cristo.  Kendyl Kirkwood poured in 30 points against Simla with Kally Kirkwood (12) and Whitney Chintala (10).  That big three combined for 36 of the Wildcats 41 points in the road win over Sangre De Cristo this week.  Chintala topped the list with 16 including a pair of three-pointers.  Fourth quarter rallies and plenty of postseason experience has kept Kit Carson in line for a fourth state title in five years.  They trailed both Lone Star and Dove Creek by double digits but battled back with strong fourth quarters to win both games; but only by a combined four points.  Unbeaten overall and playing at home, they will be favored but will need a full 32 points to advance.  Tess Johnson scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the win over Dove Creek and Faye Buttry hit two big three’s during the comeback.

  • HISTORY: Kit Carson is back in the semifinals after a one-year absence.  They failed to qualify for the state tournament last but captured three consecutive state crowns from 2017-19.  In those three years, the Wildcats won semifinal games by an average of nearly 19 points a game.  That includes a 43-28 win over Fleming in 2018.  Those wins followed up losses in their first three semifinal appearances in 1995, 2007 and 2015.  Fleming is the Final Four for the third time in four years but seeks their first win in that stretch.  In addition to the Kit Carson loss in 2018, the Wildcats were also beaten by Haxtun in 2019.  They are still above five hundred in school history (5-3) with their last win coming in 2017 against Heritage Christian 39-37.  Another win was earned in 2011 while the first three were collected in the 1980s.

 

CLASS 2A

WRAY AT RYE:  It’s a long drive to Rye and they will face a talented Thunderbolts club but we’re guessing Wray is happy to get away from the Lower Platte league.  The Eagles placed third in the conference during the regular season but avenged both losses by beating Sedgwick County 74-67 in the Sweet 16 and Holyoke 65-58 in the Great 8.  They had lost to the Cougars by two and the Dragons by six in league action.  Senior Taby Jones exploded for 30 points in the win over Holyoke.  Karly Godsey added 10.  They combined for 24 against Sedgwick County as Kaycee McBride paced the Eagles there with 18 points.  Rye has had an easier time in the playoff bracket as they blew past Burlington 72-43 last week and Rocky Ford 56-26 this week.  Fast starts are their MO; they outscored Burlington 19-7 through one and 43-17 at halftime. Against Rocky Ford, the margin was 16 after one and 21 at intermission.   Jolee Ortiz, Sophie Adamson and Sydney Adamson all average 13 points a game with Chloe Richardson (8.3) and Jordan Holgerson-Rahl (6.3) combining for another 14.  One key to keep in mind in this one is turnovers.  Both teams like to pressure full court and generate quite a few points on steals.  If one team handles that pressure better, they should end up advancing to the finals.

  • HISTORY: Rye’s quarterfinal win over Rocky Ford puts them in the semifinals for just the second time in school history.  Their only previous visit occurred in 2011 when the Thunderbolts were eliminated from the title chase by eventual state champion Sanford (45-34).  Before the Rocky Ford game, the Thunderbolts were just 3-12 all-time in state contests with two wins coming on the consolation side.  They’ve played Wray once in the tournament before with the Eagles scoring a 63-37 in the 1979 quarterfinals.  Wray went on to win their fourth consecutive championship two days later.  Overall, the Eagles have won seven state titles including back-to-back championships in 2008-09.  They’ve appeared in three semifinals since those crowns winning in 2017 over Yuma but falling in both 2016 (Paonia) and 2018 (Clear Creek).

LIMON AT SANFORD:  Based on record, seed and location, Sanford is favored but one should think the Badgers are jumping at the chance to upset the Indians.  Two years ago, the Badgers were the top seed in the state tournament but were bounced by the then 8th seeded Indians in the state quarterfinals.  This is their first get-together since.  Limon has won twice on the road in the postseason; downing #7 Heritage Christian in overtime in the round of 16 and #2 Cedaredge by seven in the quarterfinals.  Defense has allowed them to advance as they’ve surrendered just 80 points in those two wins and prevented opponents from gaining any consistency on the offensive end.  Trista Marx is their key offensively as the Badgers will look to establish her on the inside.  She started the postseason with  season high 29 point effort against Gilpin County.  Sanford’s defense has been even better as they gave up just 35 points to Olathe last week and then just 21 against Yuma.  Offensively, you won’t find a team that handles the better at all five spots.  They also share the ball very well with Cheyenne Caldon and Asia Caldon each scoring a dozen points a game.  Makenzie Reynolds and Riley Canty each chip in seven a night.

  • HISTORY:  Limon is in the semifinals for the third time in four years.  They reached in 2018 but lost to Yuma 39-28.  They also qualified last year but did not get a chance to play when COVID cancelled the final two days of the season.    Limon is 5-3 all-time in semifinal games with their last win coming in 2007 over Holyoke (42-28).  The next night, the Badgers outlasted Wray 65-58 in double overtime to earn their fifth title in a six-year span (2002-07).  The aforementioned meeting with Sanford two years ago is the only previous postseason matchup.  Sanford is in the semifinals for a third straight but seeks their first win since 2011 when they won their only state championship.  That year the Indians bested Rye 45-34 in the semifinals.  They fell to Swink (29-27) in 2019.

 

CLASS 3A

LUTHERAN AT VANGUARD:  Many folks believe this should be the championship matchup in Class 3A and it’s difficult to argue that case.  Vanguard has spent most of the season atop the statewide rankings and rolled through the regular season without a loss; including quality league wins over St Mary’s and Manitou Springs.  They also rallied late to stun Centauri 62-58 in non-conference play.  Lutheran has just one loss and it’s high quality as it came by just six points to Chaparral.  The Wolverines were ranked in the top 10 the week of the game and reached the state quarterfinals in the big school ranks.  Otherwise, schedule strength dropped the Lions to the fourth seed as they were hurt a bit by a down year across the Metro conference.  There is very good talent in both camps.  Vanguard gets 17 points a game from Juliana Garcia and 14 from Ramiyah Byrd.  Both are first-team all-state candidates.  Whitney Richardi (9.9) and Hailey Blanchard (9.5) are also very close to averaging double figures.  Lutheran counters with Stephanie Schultz (18.3) and Raelyn Kelty (12.7) as their one-two punch.  Five others score between five and eight points a game including talented freshman Nikki McSpadden.

  • HISTORY:  Thursday will mark new territory for Vanguard as the Coursers make their first ever state semifinal appearance.  They had just two previous state tournament wins before downing Brush on Monday and both came on the consolation side of the bracket in 2013. Lutheran made either the 2A or 3A semifinals every year from 2012-16 and won four of those six games, but this is their first trip since.  They topped Centauri 40-34 in 2016 for their last semifinal win as they captured their second 3A state title.  Their last loss came in 2015.

UNIVERSITY AT PLATTE VALLEY:  Both Patriot league teams should have plenty of momentum from strong efforts in the state quarterfinals.  University upset #2 Centauri on the road Tuesday night; using a late three-pointer from Kylie Kravig to stun the Falcons on their home court.   Platte Valley used a 21-6 run in the second quarter to take control on their way to a 54-32 win over Eaton.  It was the Broncos second win of the year against their in-county rivals.  The regular season win gave them the Patriot league championship and the second one moves them to the Final Four for the first time in 17 years.  Andi Schissler scored 19 and older sister Cora added 13 in the win.  Andi also collected 11 rebounds helping the Broncos to a 31-21 advantage for the game.  The Broncos defense forced 21 turnovers and limited to the Reds to just 21 percent shooting.  Kravig has been red hot for University of late; continuing her regular season where she tallied 32 points against Eaton and 35 against Academy.  She was however held in check by Platte Valley earlier this year; scoring a season low seven points as the Broncos collected a 40-36 win.  Brooke Bunting had 12 for the Broncos in that win.

  • HISTORY:  University missed a chance at the semifinals last year with a loss to Centauri but advanced to their first final four since 1990 by beating the Falcons earlier this week.  The Bulldogs are 1-2 in semifinal action with two of those games against Berthoud.  Their only win came against the Spartans in 1985 (62-58) and they faced them in their last appearance but came up short 58-48.  Semifinal #3 ended up in a 59-43 setback to Roaring Fork.  Platte Valley has split six prior semifinal games.  Their last appearance came in 2004 where they scored a 57-54 win over Kent Denver.  Other wins occurred in 2001 and 1987.  Losses came in three straight years from 1998-2000.

 

CLASS 4A

MULLEN AT HOLY FAMILY:  These two highly regarded and tradition rich programs were scheduled to battle for the 4A state championship last year and while fans didn’t get the matchup then, they do so in the state semifinals this year.  It should be a great pairing.  Mullen is the fourth seed but could have easily earned the one as coaches have ranked them number one throughout the season.  The Mustangs finished second in the Centennial conference and played a 5A schedule the entire way.  In the playoffs, they’ve not been pushed; rolling past Durango by 59, Canon City by 47 and Falcon by 34.  Holy Family grabbed the one seed by winning the strong Northern conference including a win over Final Four participant Windsor.  Their lone loss to 3A Lutheran came in the opening week and they’ve won 13 in a row since.  They survived a strong effort by Grand Junction Central on Tuesday; holding off the Warriors 61-53.  Holy Family will go nine deep with all averaging at least three points a game.  The list though is headed up by double digit scorers Alyssa Wells (14.7) and Tyler Whitlock (13.3).  The Tigers have made 83 treys including 33 from Wells and 18 from Daniella Hren.  Mullen also has nine on the roster scoring at least four points a game.  And they also feature a pair of double figure scorers in Gracie Gallegos (16.4) and Megan Pohs (11.9).  The Mustangs have converted a whopping 124 three-pointers.  Pohs has 40 and Gallegos 31.

  • HISTORY:  Both teams have experienced tremendous playoff success over the past two decades.  Mullen is 7-3 all-time in state semifinals with every appearance coming since 1999.  They topped Berthoud 64-57 last year and also moved past Holy Family 55-33 in 2019.  That matchup is the only previous playoff battle between the two.  Mullen last lost a semifinal game in 2010 when they fell to Broomfield 59-32.  Mullen has seven wins in this round since 2000 with six of them coming in a seven year stretch from 2008-14.  They had lost two straight in the semifinals before downing Green Mountain 38-31 a year ago.

WINDSOR AT GREEN MOUNTAIN:  While Mullen and Holy Family have plenty of big game experience, both the Wizards and Rams tread into new territory so nerves and confidence might play a role early.  Both teams should have plenty of confidence as Green Mountain surged to the Jeffco title and Windsor landed second in a very good Northern league.   Tempo could also play a role as the Wizards like to push the ball up the floor.  They’ve netted at least 70 points in 11 of 16 games including both playoff wins against Northridge (75-41) and George Washington (75-35).  And they get those points for a variety of folks.  Kylie Sanger went for 22 against Northridge but three others reached double figures.  Five players scored at least 10 against George Washington; a group led again by Sanger with 17.  Green Mountain’s defense could up the challenge.  They’ve been stingy all season allowing just 29 points a game overall.  It’s been higher in the playoffs against high quality teams of course but they still limited Thompson Valley to 44 points and Erie to 50.  That defense became even more important against the Tigers as the Rams made just three of 24 three-point attempts.  Despite those woes, the Rams gained the win behind 16 points from Avery Oaster and 12 apiece from Shea Murphy, Jayda Maves and Courtney Hank.

  • HISTORY:  Green Mountain has just one previous semifinal appearance and that came last year against Holy Family.  They came up short 38-31 so they’ll seek their first-ever win in this round on Thursday.  And of course, a win there gets them to their first-ever state final as well.  Windsor’s last semifinal victory was last century as they downed Fountain Fort Carson 46-34 1994.  It’s one of only two wins with the other taking place in 1978 against Rocky Ford.  Since that victory, the Wizards have made two semifinal trips including 2017 when they lost to Pueblo South 53-41.  The other came in 1995 as they fell to Lamar (64-56).

 

CLASS 5A

HIGHLANDS RANCH AT VALOR CHRISTIAN:  This is bout number two on the season for the two heavyweight programs.  Valor Christian topped Highlands Ranch 65-62 on January 30th and that win helped the Eagles land the top overall seed.  Had that game gone the other way, the Falcons could easily be in the number one spot and serve as host for this rematch.  But instead it will be played on Valor’s home court.  The third quarter was the difference in game one.  The Falcons led 31-29 at the break but then Valor won the third quarter 20-11 and then extended the final margin with a 16-10 run in the fourth.  The game was even statistically with both teams committing 14 turnovers with a rebound margin separated by just one in favor of Valor Christian (33-32).   The Eagles had nine three pointers to seven for the Falcons.  Individually, Haley Huard topped Valor with 20 points and Kindyll Wetta added 14.  Jenna Sierbert scored 11.  Payton Muma (18) and Alex Pirog (10) topped the Falcons scoresheet.

  • HISTORY:  Highlands Ranch has 16 semifinal berths since 1999 and sit above five hundred overall (9-7).  They’ve qualified each of the past two years falling to Cherry Creek and giving up 53 points each time.  The Falcons last won in this round in 2016 as they outscored Ralston Valley 66-46.  They also won three straight years from both 2006-08 and 2000-02 and they ended up with state championships after each.  They’ve never faced Valor Christian in the playoffs.  Valor Christian won back-to-back state semifinals in 2015-16 and also won state titles each year (Class 4A).  They lost to Grandview 49-42 last season and also dropped a 2014 semifinal contest to Broomfield (67-46).

GRANDVIEW AT REGIS:  When the playoff brackets were released, a double check was needed to see that Grandview was indeed the number three seed.  The Wolves were the coaches pick from start to finish as the number one team throughout the season.  They rolled to 14 straight wins in league play and has continued that dominance in the playoffs.  Overall, the Wolves have outscored opponents by over 700 points and only one team, Mullen, has come within 20 points and the Mustang did it twice.  In the playoffs, the Wolves have smoked Pine Creek (74-19), Columbine (82-33) and Chaparral (79-30) by a combined 153 points.  Regis scored a big win over Highlands Ranch earlier in the year and that led them to another Continental league championship.  Their lone blemish came against Valor Christian (67-45) and a win gives the Raiders a rematch against one of them this weekend.  They moved past Arapahoe (69-57) in the state quarterfinals.  Grandview beat the Warriors twice inside the Centennial; both by at least 28 points.

  • HISTORY:  Both programs are used to be in the state championship mix.  Grandview is in the semifinals for the sixth straight year and eighth time over the past nine.  Regis is making their 11th appearance since 2006.  The Wolves have won their last four visits including twice against Regis; beating the Raiders in both 2019 and 2017.  Regis also has a win in the series as they topped the Wolves in 2013.  Regis grabbed their most recent win in 2018 as they handled Lakewood 47-34.