LOVELAND – On a night when free throws didn’t want to drop for either team, Caston Cox made the most of his final chances.

With Simla’s boys basketball team’s lead in the Class 2A state championship game down to two points, Cox drained two foul shots with 16.2 seconds remaining, then added another soon after to secure a 56-51 victory over Crowley County on Saturday at Blue Arena.

“I knew this is my last time playing high school ball,” Cox said with a grin. “I figured I should make at least my last one.”

Simla claimed its first state title since winning the A-II title in 1987. After losing in the semifinals last year, the top-seeded Cubs (25-2) finally broke through in Loveland.

Sophomore Tatum Kocerha scored 12 of his team-high 21 points in the first quarter, and Cox added 15.

“It feels great. We’ve had the same group since third grade, the same coaches since third grade,” Cox said. “We’re just a family and we’ve been waiting for this moment.”

Crowley County (25-3) refused to go away. The Chargers trailed the entire way, but an inspired showing from Gunner Hughes helped the team cut the lead to 53-51 with 27.5 seconds remaining.

A foul on the inbounds sent Kocerha to the bench with five fouls, but the Chargers couldn’t convert on two free throws. Cox drained two on the other end, and after a turnover, knocked down one of two more.

Hughes finished with a game-high 31 points, nine of which came in the fourth quarter.

“He’s an amazing player,” Kocerha said. “It’s a pleasure to play against people like that who push you. Kudos to Crowley on their season – they’re a tough team, and that wasn’t easy.”

Kocerha started the game on a tear for Simla, going 6-of-7 from the field in the first quarter and throwing down a pair of dunks.

“Just any momentum swing in a big game like this can turn the tide,” Kocerha. “I feel like it set the tone for us.”

Simla was the top seed a year ago but fell to eventual champion Limon in the semis. The Cubs were seeded second in 2023, but fell in the Great 8.

Cox said experience made the difference, as did the work of those who came before this group.

Ending the title drought was something everyone on the team wanted in 2025.

“It’s a dream come true,” Kocerha said. “The drought that Simla’s had, this coming home to bring back to the fans is amazing.”