Here’s a list of notable performances in Class 5A and Class 4A boys/girls basketball for the week culminating on Saturday, Jan. 6.
Class 5A Boys
Pomona 60, Chatfield 52 on Thursday: The Chargers hadn’t lost a Jeffco League game since Feb. 13, 2015, when they fell to Arvada West. But the Panthers (4-4) snapped Chatfield’s 30-game win streak in the conference opener in Arvada, using stingy defense and an offensive spark provided by senior guard Ryan Marquez. The Chargers (3-6) are still searching for their identity this season.
ThunderRidge 52, George Washington 48 on Friday: Senior point guard Tyson Cruickshank paced the No. 5 Grizzlies (11-1) with ten points while senior Justin McCaw had a couple clutch fourth quarter buckets to seal the win in often-sloppy defensive contest. The No. 7 Patriots (7-4) were led by 18 points from senior Mohammed Diallo, who rose to the task in the paint with fellow big man Tre Pierce sidelined due to injury.
Class 4A Boys
Golden 61, D’Evelyn 51 on Thursday: Junior Ilya Bubukin had 10 points, senior Joe Madsen had 12 points and senior Adam Thistlewood poured in 23 as the No. 2 Demons (8-2) earned a solid road victory to begin Jeffco League play under new coach Tim Blodgett. Meanwhile, D’Evelyn (4-5) remains plenty capable of making noise down the stretch thanks to the senior duo of Charles Dinegar and Cole Clifton.
Lewis Palmer 60, Vista Ridge 47 on Friday: In Pikes Peak League action, the No. 1 Rangers (8-0) outlasted the Wolves (6-5) as coach Bill Benton and Lewis-Palmer remained unbeaten largely thanks to a nine-point first quarter differential. But there’s reason for optimism at Vista Ridge, as evidenced by the performances of junior Micah Hilts (15 points), senior Raymon Harper (14) and junior Tristan Pratt (11).
Class 5A Girls
Highlands Ranch 69, Denver East 54 on Thursday: The No. 3 Falcons (9-2) brought a balanced offensive attack in non-league play, as senior Courtney Humbarger led with 20 points while senior Tommi Olson as well as juniors Autumn Watts and Jamie Bain were also in double digits. Denver East (7-2) proved its mettle in the loss with strong showings by senior R’manie Pulling and junior Dezmonea Antwine.
Ralston Valley 59, Lakewood 45 on Thursday: Senior forward Delaynie Byrne had 21 points, freshman Sydney Bevington had 16 and junior Shelby Nichols chipped in a dozen more as the No. 4 Mustangs (8-1) earned a signature Jeffco League victory over the rival No. 5 Tigers (7-3). Nichols also dominated the glass in the victory, pulling down 11 boards for her first career double-double.
Class 4A Girls
Fruita Monument 50, Pueblo West 34 on Friday: In the second round of the Rampart Holiday Tournament, the 5A Wildcats (10-1) put the first dent in the perfect season of the No. 1 Cyclones (9-1) with a standout performance from senior center Angelique Gall, who had 22 points at Broadmoor World Arena. Pueblo West begins South Central League play on Jan. 16 against Pueblo County.
Holy Family 63, Frederick 37 on Friday: The No. 10 Tigers (9-2) built on an already impressive campaign with a commanding win over the Warriors (6-4) in which Holy Family held an 18-point lead at halftime. Senior Izzy Hren led Holy Family as did freshman Genevieve Gudino and junior Amanda Ward. Holy Family is off to a 2-0 start in the Tri-Valley League, where it seeks its fourth straight title.
