Here’s a list of notable performances in Class 5A and Class 4A boys/girls basketball for the second round of the state playoffs on Friday and Saturday. The action resumes next week with the Sweet 16.
Class 5A Boys
No. 16 Eaglecrest 67,No. 17 Rangeview 54 on Saturday: The Raptors (14-10) continued their title defense under first-year coachJarris Krapcha with a grinding win at The Nest behind The Raiders (18-7) return a plethora of talent next season as highlighted by sophomore twin brothersChristopher and Christian Speller. Next up: at No. 1 Rock Canyon (22-2), Wednesday 7 p.m.
No. 13 Smoky Hill 76, No. 20 Fairview 49 on Saturday: Afterthe Knights (17-8) jumped out to a 20-9 lead following one quarter, the Buffaloes (17-7) turned on the jets by what may be the most talented top-to-bottom roster in the entire state. Sophomore point guard Quentin Rock led with 18 points, while senior Eric Williams added 13 and junior Kenny Foster had 11.Next up: at No. 4 Denver East (21-3), Wednesday 7 p.m.
Class 4A Boys
No. 15 Palmer Ridge 52, No. 18 Holy Family 48 on Saturday: SeniorNick Boldvich and the Bears (16-8) outlasted the Tigers (16-9) ascoachNick Mayer’s team took a step past last year’s second-round playoff exit. And despite the season-ending loss, Holy Family coachPeter Villecco has plenty of reasons to be optimistic for next winter considering he returns Next up: No. 2 Lewis-Palmer/No. 34 Sierra on Wednesday
No. 1 Pueblo South 67,No. 32 Conifer 32 on Saturday: Coming off their theLobos (13-12) saw their groundbreaking season ended at the hands of theColts (22-2), as the South Central League champions looked every bit like the top seed. Senior forwardJeremy Cody and senior point guardTonay Aragon Next up: vs. No. 16 Montrose (18-6), Wednesday 7 p.m.
Class 5A Girls
No. 19 Arapahoe 55, No. 14 Chaparral 47 in overtime on Friday: The Warriors (17-8) erased a nine-point halftime deficit behind junior Eliana McClarie (15 points) and sophomore Kali March (13). Despite the tough ending to the season for the Wolverines (16-8), there’s plenty to look forward to next year with junior centerSydney Speights and the team’s returning core. Next up: at No. 3 Horizon (22-2), Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
No. 20 Columbine 46, No. 13 Doherty 44 on Friday: A game-high 15 points by sophomore forwardQuincey Baum propelled the Rebels (18-7) to the victory in Colorado Springs, snapping a 16-game win streak for the Spartans (20-4). Doherty was paced by a dozen points from seniorBrionna McBride but it wasn’t enough to keep the Rebels from Next up: at No. 4 Grandview (21-3), Tuesday 7 p.m.
Class 4A Girls
No. 8 Mesa Ridge 56, No. 25 Littleton 55 on Friday: Senior center Rebekah Sandstrom nearly propelledthe Lions (13-12) to the upset with a 19-point, nine-rebound performance. Butthe Grizzlies (21-3) escaped with the win thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback spearheaded by sophomore Jada Thompson, who finished with 14 points to complement senior Chloe Welch’s 10. Next up: vs. No. 9 Thomas Jefferson (22-2), Tuesday 7 p.m.
No. 6 Evergreen 38, No. 38 Green Mountain 36 on Friday: The Rams (6-19) only lost by one to the defending champion Cougars (22-2) in the teams’ second Jeffco League meeting on Feb. 9. So it was no surprise coachDarren Pitzner’s crew gave Evergreen, buoyed by double-digit scoring showings by juniorClaudia Dillon, seniorKristina Schreiber and seniorHannah Kennedy,all it could handle. Next up: vs. No. 22 Lewis-Palmer (17-8), Tuesday 7 p.m.
