BOULDER — Moments after being handed the traditional game ball that state title-winning coaches receive, Overland’s Danny Fisher dribbled it between his legs Saturday night at the Coors Events Center like the former point guard he is, proclaiming “We did it!”
In 1994, Fisher scored 17 points as Hinkley won its first state championship in boys basketball, defeating Green Mountain at McNichols Sports Arena. Twenty-one years later, Fisher’s players enjoyed the same feeling.
“My seniors, they get to leave Overland as champions and I’m so happy for them,” Fisher said after the Trailblazers won the Class 5A championship.
Saturday’s cap to the 2014-15 season was highlighted by the Trailblazers, who beat ThunderRidge 55-42 about 15 weeks after they opened as the preseason No. 1 team.
“We made our free throws down the stretch, and we played defense and got stops when we had to,” Fisher said.
Everyone, Fisher agreed, knows about talented junior De’Ron Davis, the 5A MVP, but there will be a special spot in his mind for speedy, athletic guard Austin Conway.
“Austin has been a four-year starter and has committed his entire self to this community,” the coach said. “He deserves this so much, man. I don’t even feel it for me. I feel it for him because he deserves it. He’s given his entire existence to Overland, this whole community. He’s just been a great example of what a student-athlete is.”
Conway remains selfless.
“It’s an overwhelming experience,” he said. “To come as far we have and actually win a state championship, it’s overwhelming.”
Headed to Wyoming, Saturday had a familiar flavor. His Cowboys qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s a Wyoming win,” Conway said. “Before the game, there were a lot of (Wyoming) people telling me, ‘We got it, and now it’s your turn.’ It’s special to have them go to the tournament and get two champ- ionships on a special day. I’ll remember that one. I’ll tell my kids about it.”
In 4A boys, Air Academy earned a stimulating overtime victory over previously undefeated Longmont and 3A Colorado Springs Christian made local Colorado Academy a runner-up for the second consecutive season. Sanford (2A) gave Resurrection Christian its first loss, and 1A Holly was a one-point winner.
In girls play, Broomfield’s jump to 5A sent 20-year coach Mike Croell into retirement a winner after the Eagles got past ThunderRidge 47-42.
Kendall Bradbury and Valor Christian ran past Sand Creek in 4A and Pagosa Springs continued to be a force in 3A. Akron and Idalia ruled small schools in 2A and 1A, respectively.
