Cherry Creek’s quest for its first-ever girls state basketball title stayed alive Friday, as the Bruins staved off a late rally by Highlands Ranch to win 47-43 in their 5A quarterfinal match Friday at the Denver Coliseum.
With Cherry Creek up by 10 in the fourth quarter, the Falcons battled back to be within two off big 3-pointers from Symone Starks and Tommi Olson.
“Highlands Ranch is an amazing team and I’m just so proud of our team to be able to bring it together at the end and pull off a win,” Creek sophomore Laura Pranger said.
Pranger led the way for the Bruins (20-7) with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Junior Brittanee Bivins added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, and senior captain Molly Rohrer added 11.
Highlands Ranch (21-5) struggled to score against the taller Bruins squad, connecting on just 15-of-56 shots for 26.8 percent from the field.
Freshman forward Leilah Vigil led the Falcons with 10 rebounds and 11 points, including seven in the fourth quarter before fouling out.
“It’s how we played all year. As long as we can keep people to about 40 points and below, we got a good chance of winning,” Creek coach Chris Curneen said. “We’re a very defensive team. When it gets to high scoring, we get scared.”
Cherry Creek will play the winner of the Broomfield-Lakewood game on March 12 at the Coors Events Center.
Joe Nguyen: jnguyen@denverpost.com or
