Grandview claims third girls basketball title in four years

DENVER – Sienna Betts has a favorite of her three state titles.

It wasn’t the 61-39 win she helped Grandview author over Legend in the Class 6A state title game on Saturday at the Denver Coliseum. But, rather the one she claimed in 2023, the year after her sister, UCLA center Lauren Betts graduated.

The younger Betts, the record setting Grandview forward owns the state record for double-doubles, has racked up 2,000 points and almost 1,500 rebounds to go along with three state titles.

But, the chance to prove she could do it without big sister is always going to be special.

“My sophomore year was my favorite state title, personally,” said Betts, who was named the Gatorade Colorado Girls Basketball Player of the Year on Thursday. “That was after my sister left and I got to prove I could do it without her there. So that was really special. But, this one is pretty amazing, too. Losing last year really hurt and I really wanted to win my senior year and go out on top.”

It’s the fifth all-time state title for Grandview who went back-to-back twice, in 2017 and 2018 and again in 2022 and 2023.

Betts, a UCLA recruit, again stuffed the stat sheet with a game-high 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Deija Roberts racked up 15 points for and Ava Chang chipped in 10 points for Grandview (25-3 overall)

Grace Stanley led Legend (22-6) with 11 points.

The Wolves opened the game on a 9-0 run, Maya Smith’s outlet pass hit Betts for a layup to cap the scoring outburst. Mason Borcherding snapped the rally with a 3-pointer. Grandview shot 59% from the field and 60% from 3-point range in the first half.

“We knew they would come out aggressive and try to push the ball,” Roberts said. “They wanted to get to the 3-point line. We knew how to shut them down. Keep them contained and really push the ball and rebound. We came out with a plan and executed.”

While Betts anchored the Wolves’ front-court defenders, the Grandview guards thwarted the flow of Legend’s offense. The Titans shot 2-of-12 from the floor and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc and Grandview had a 33-17 halftime lead.

(Eric Brown)

Grandview coach Josh Ulitky said the Wolves wanted to limit the Titans’ 3-point opportunities.

“I wasn’t overly focused on the offensive end,” Ulitzky said. “I knew if we could limit their 3-point attempts, because they are so proficient, I felt like offensively if we have to trade 2s we are going to win. We have the most efficient team and player.”

In the second half, the Titans offense got going. Stanley’s floater opened the scoring as her bucket cut the Wolves’ lead to 33-19. A 9-0 Legend run, highlighted by a Rhya Matoush layup that edged the Titans closer at 40–23 with 2:05 left in the third quarter.

A triple by Borcherding had Legend down 40-28 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Betts beat the third-quarter buzzer with a jumper to snap the Titans’ run.

To start the fourth quarter, Chang’s layup followed by Roberson’s back-to-back hoops on the inside put the Titans up 48-28 with 5:58 to play. But, there was life in the Titans who promptly reeled off an 8-2 run and closed to 50-37 on Stanley’s corner triple with 3:57 left.

“I’m proud of everyone for staying focused on winning,” Betts said. “We stayed on their 3-point attempts, stayed positive and kept a next-play mentality.”

It was the closest the Titans would get the rest of the way as Grandview tightened its defense and cranked out a 7-0 run capped by a Chang’s jumper.

Because each state title-winning team had its own unique playing style, Betts said the Wolves relished the chance to carve out their own identity.

“Each team was so different,” Betts said. “It was a completely different group of girls each time. We worked so hard to build our connections as a team and our confidence. Even though we don’t have big basketball names we don’t care. We trust each other and our coaches.”