Not an extensive list today but there are several important girls’ basketball games on the Saturday docket. We list the most important games in each classification and then breakdown what results could mean to league races and district pairings.
CLASS 1A
Fleming at Genoa Hugo
Kit Carson at Haxtun
Kim/Branson at South Baca
Sierra Grande at Antonito
NOTES: The top two games feature ranked teams colliding in important matchups for RPI. Starting the day, Kit Carson is #1 in RPI with Genoa Hugo #2, Fleming #6 and Haxtun #9. All four teams have a great chance to reach the state tournament so outcomes today will affect those pairings. South Baca looks to maintain control of the Ark Valley chase with a win over one of their top rivals. The Patriots are 4th in RPI with Kim/Branson at 19th. Sierra Grande suffered their first league loss to Cotopaxi on Friday night and now the two teams are tied for second one game back of Sangre De Cristo. The Panthers have yet to face the first-place T-Birds so a win today keeps them within one game.
CLASS 2A
Wiggins at Holyoke
Fowler at Swink
Paonia at Soroco
NOTES: It appears that Yuma and Wray will lock down the top two Class 2A spots in the Lower Platte so the winner between Wiggins-Holyoke could end up third in the district bracket. That’s important as it leaves the team opposite defending state champion Yuma in the pairings. Swink looks to stay unbeaten in the Santa Fe conference while Fowler could use a win to keep their advantage over Hoehne in the race for second in the Western division. The Grizzlies trail Rye by two games. Soroco looks to avoid a letdown after a huge win over Hotchkiss on Friday. That win put them alone in second just one game back of first-place Meeker and they challenge the Cowgirls next week.
CLASS 3A
Kent Denver at Colorado Academy
Jefferson Academy at Lutheran
Cedaredge at Coal Ridge
Lamar at St Mary’s
NOTES: Kent Denver and Lutheran share the Metro lead with Skyview Academy so they need wins to stay in the top spot. Coal Ridge and Cedaredge are part of a four-team battle with Roaring Fork and Grand Valley for third place in the Western Slope. All four teams have two league losses and the team that finishes third sits opposite league leading Delta in the district bracket. The Panthers took over the top spot with a win over Moffat County on Friday. The Bulldogs fell to 5-1 and are alone in second. St Mary’s is 7-1 in the Tri Peaks and alone in second behind Colorado Springs Christian. Lamar (4-2) is tied with Manitou Springs in third and still has thoughts of at least a runner-up finish. The Pirates though have six more wins overall and are favored at home.
