Bayfield junior guard Turner Kennedy raised a championship trophy into the air Saturday night to a chorus of cheers from hometown fans who made the six-hour drive from rural southern Colorado for the Class 3A boys high school basketball tournament finals.
No. 7 Bayfield defeated No. 12 Lutheran by a final tally of 68-57 inside the University of Denver’s Ritchie Center for a title that impacts much more than just the hoops program. It’s why Bayfield coach Jeff Lehnus directed his team to celebrate with the community in attendance.
“Historic,” he said. “The first title ever for Bayfield basketball.”
The result was never in doubt. Bayfield (19-7) stormed out to a 34-21 halftime lead, and even when Lutheran (20-7) cut the deficit to nine points multiple times over the final two quarters, Bayfield pushed back to regain a large advantage. Four of its players finished with double-digits scoring: junior Hayden Farmer (18), senior Ryan Phelps (16), Kennedy (13) and senior Dax Snooks (11).
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Farmer said.
Less than 3,000 residents call Bayfield home, a small town about 20 miles east of Durango, and it’s estimated more than 100 were in the stands Saturday. Several players on the team are second-generation Bayfield basketball stars — including current assistant coach Trent Phelps and his son Ryan.
“There’s a unique connection among people because they grow up together,” Lehnus said. “These kids come in and give everything they have; their heart, their passion and their competitive nature. You can’t ask for more. And that’s a reflection of our community. It’s a hard-working place that believes in itself and we have a great passion for our kids.”
It marks the second state title this academic year for Bayfield after it also claimed the Class 2A football championship over La Junta in November. What might the town have in store for its basketball team’s return home?
“I don’t know,” Farmer said. “Bayfield likes to do it big.”
Bayfield 21 13 11 23 — 68
Lutheran 5 16 11 25 — 57
Bayfield — Farmer 6 3-4 18, Phelps 3 10-13 16, Kennedy 4 3-4 13, Snooks 3 3-4 11, Prior 2 1-2 5, Wells 1 3-4 5. Totals: 19 23-31 68.
Lutheran — Brandon 7 3-4 17, Thompson 6 0-1 14, Eldred 2 3-5 9, Gibas 1 2-2 5, Goldhammer 2 0-1 4, Kenny 1 1-2 3, Pathak 1 1-2 3, Faulkenberry 0 2-2 2. Totals: 20 12-19 57.
3-pt. goals — Farmer 3, Snooks 2, Kennedy 2; Eldred 2, Thompson 2, Gibas.
Fouled out — Prior; Thompson.
