The 3A Tri Peaks championship could be on the line as St Mary’s is challenged by Manitou Springs tonight. That’s the top game in girls’ basketball tonight but it’s joined by others that will affect the championship picture in their respective conference.
Highlands Ranch at ThunderRidge: There was a stretch no too long ago where these programs combined to win nine straight state championships. And while the game doesn’t carry as much weight as back then, it’s still very important to the league standings and serves as a tremendous rivalry. The Falcons are 5-0 and tied with Regis atop the race and their game coming up later in the season should determine the eventual champion. ThunderRidge though is 4-1 in the conference and is tied with Mountain Vista (5-1) in third place. Highlands Ranch has not been pushed in the conference; winning all five games by at least 25 and two by at least 60. The ThunderRidge loss came against Regis (56-43) but they’ve won five straight overall since. Heide Haze (12.9) leads the Grizzlies in scoring and Lindsey Anhalt (6.7) is the top rebounder. Highlands Ranch has a very talented one-two offensive punch of Payton Muma (15.5) and Taylor Ray (13.6). Alex Pirog (7.8) leads the Falcons on the board.
Vista Peak at Thornton: By spending time in the 5A Top 10 this year, Vista Peak has received the most attention of league members but it’s Thornton (6-0) that sits in first place. The Bluejays have a one game edge on the Bison and Rangeview as the schedule enters the final two weeks. Shamahra Henderson is the main reason for the Bluejays push this year as she leads the team in scoring (20.8) and rebounding (12.2). The senior has recorded a double-double in all but one game this year and that came in limited minutes in a rout of Alameda. In the crucial league win over Rangeview (46-43), Henderson finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and four steals. And because of that win, Thornton can basically lock up the East Metro title with a win this evening. Vista Peak meantime lost to Rangeview (68-54) so they need a win to remain in the title chase. If they’re successful, the three teams will share first place and could likely stay there through the season. Seairra Hughes matches Henderson with a double-double average. She totals 15 points and 11 rebounds a night with nine double-doubles overall but none of those are in league play. She finished with 15 points and six rebounds against Rangeview.
St Mary’s at Manitou Springs: This matchup was originally set for Tuesday but Mother Nature pushed it back to tonight. The scenario though has not changed as the winner takes over the 3A Tri Peaks lead with St Mary’s likely clinching the title as they’ve already beaten third place Vanguard. Defense for Manitou Springs will be the key as they must find a way to slow down the high-powered Pirates offense. The two-time defending state champions average 78 points a game and have outscored the opposition by 649 points in 15 games (43 per game). Manitou Springs meantime scores just 44 points a game so if the game gets into the 60’s, the Mustangs may have difficulties staying close. The Mustangs have two losses overall; falling to Vanguard in non-league action (37-31) and Lutheran (57-44). They’ve won seven straight overall. Key players include Aniah Olson (11.9), Grace Allen (9.9) and Alexia Vigil (7.7). All also average above four rebounds per game. St Mary’s has dominated opponents through the backcourt efforts of Josephine Howery (22.1) and Seneca Hackley (16.7). They combine for nine rebounds, nine assists and eight steals a game along with 63 three-pointers.
Faith Christian at Jefferson Academy: Jefferson Academy is unbeaten in the 3A Metro with a big matchup against #2 Lutheran coming up on Saturday. But they can’t look past this one as the Eagles continue to improve and have battled up to a third-place tie with Colorado Academy (4-2) and Skyview Academy (5-2) in third place. Faith has won four straight since a 12-point loss to Lutheran including an important 42-39 win over Colorado Academy. Ashley Finch dropped in 14 points in that win and Emily Thielen added three treys and nine points. Jefferson Academy moved past Skyview Academy 48-35 on Tuesday so a win tonight should lock up a top three league finish.
Center at Sargent: Del Norte and Sanford headline the 2A Southern Peaks chase but the outcome here could determine the third and fourth seed in the conference standings and district tournament. They’ve played once this season with Sargent collecting a 56-38 win last month. McKenzie Tolliver led Sargent with 17 points and Jeni Johnson added 10 points and six steals. Mary Willis grabbed eight rebounds and Lexxi Aguilar delivered five assists. Center picked up 19 from Natalia Cendejas including five three-pointers. Both clubs have some momentum following needed wins over South Park. Center snapped a three-game skid with a 41-20 win and Sargent ended a two-game slide with their 47-12 decision.
