You can tell by how plays that the Patriots know exactly what’s at stake.
They’re chasing the program’s sixth state basketball championship, yes, but more importantly they’re chasing their first championship since Chauncey Billups led them to the Class 6A crown in 1994. Achieving that feat would mean a culmination of a program’s renaissance back to a bonafide big-school hoops power.
George Washington (24-2), the Denver Prep League champion, took one more step toward cementing that legacy on Saturday night at the Denver Coliseum, earning a wire-to-wire 65-52 victory over No. 11 to advance to the Final Four on Friday.
Despite the loss, Fort Collins (22-4, Front Range League champions) enters the off-season with momentum following the program’s first Great 8 appearance since 1988. Senior Jacob Pfaffinger paced the Lambkins with 18 points, while senior Damien Murillo added 13 points.
A disciplined defensive zone and various effective presses enabled the Patriots to keep a comfortable lead for most of the second half, as Fort Collins was never within striking distance. Junior guard Jon’il Fugett led George Washington with 18 points, and Jervay Green added 12 more.
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SCORE BY QUARTER
Fort Collins 10 15 12 15
George Washington 16 17 14 18
