AURORA — It was an interesting time leading to tipoff for Josh Ulitzky and his Grandview Wolves.
The coach was hosting his former team, Overland, which he had yet to defeat in four tries. Plus, the Wolves needed a victory to head into Friday night’s matchup against Cherry Creek, which will be for the Centennial League lead.
It was a struggle at times, but the Wolves came through twice by knocking off the Trailblazers 60-54. In improving to 12-4 overall, 6-1 in league play, Grandview led throughout, got better ball movement and spacing on offense, played strong defense against a quicker squad, cashed in late free throws and made its coach upbeat.
“It’s nice to win,” Ulitzky said. “(The Trailblazers) are a nice squad and a good group of kids. But I’m really glad for my kids. They fought really hard.”
Grandview enjoyed balanced scoring. Nicolette Halbleib (13 points), Sullivan Ziegler (12) and Brittani Enget (10) did most of the damage.
Overland (10-5, 4-3) never got going, coach Regina Pollard said, and was guilty of too many mistakes, including only 9-of-22 on free throws.
Gracie DeMichelis led the Trailblazers with 14 points.
Overland 11 15 7 21 — 54
Grandview 17 14 11 18 — 60
Overland — Henegen 4 1-2 10, Everett 1 2-4 4, Khan 0 3-4 3, Butler 0 3-4 3, Pier 4 0-1 9, DeMichelis 7 0-6 14, Smith 0 0-0 0, Lekahal 4 0-1 11. Totals 20 9-22 54.
Grandview — Dolan 3 0-0 6, Ziegler 3 6-7 12, Kopel 2 3-3 8, Halbleib 5 0-0 13, Herrell 0 0-0 0, Williams 2 0-0 4, O’Dorisio 2 1-2 7, Engel 0 0-0 0, Enget 4 0 2-4 10. Totals 21 12-16 60.
3-point goals — Lekahal 3, Henegen, Pier; Halbleib 3, O’Dorisio 2, Kopel. Fouled out — Everett, Khan.
