The 2018 All-Colorado girls basketball team: the five best players in the state plus a coach of the year as selected by The Denver Post staff. Selections are based on statistical analysis, relative value to team success, postseason production and the old-fashioned eye test.
Camilla Emsbo, Lakewood
Sr., F, 6-foot-5; 18.1 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks
Emsbo again led the Tigers back to the Class 5A Final Four and is committed to Yale. Her leadership was crucial too, as was her intensity on defense, her hustle and her ability to shoot from the perimeter.
Fran Belibi, Regis Jesuit
Jr, F, 6-2, 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals
The dunking sensation followed up a breakout sophomore year with another strong winter, with her above-the-rim athleticism pacing Regis Jesuit into the 5A title game. She remains uncommitted but holds more than 200 college offers.
Leilah Vigil, Grandview
Sr., F, 5-10, 15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds
The emotional spark behind Grandview’s repeat 5A championship, Vigil’s physicality and rebounding in the paint were crucial down the stretch of the state tournament. The Missouri-Kansas City commit paced the Wolves in scoring, too, while showing off an improved midrange game.
Delaynie Byrne, Ralston Valley
Sr., F, 6-3, 19.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 steals
The Minnesota pledge ranked first in 5A in scoring despite battling calf and knee injuries in the final third of the season. The versatile Byrne played outside and inside for the Mustangs, who made the Great 8, and led the team in rebounding.
Chloe Welch, Mesa Ridge
Sr., PG, 5-9, 16.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists
The central reason for the Grizzlies’ 4A Final Four appearance, Welch dazzled with her ball handling, 3-point shooting and tough finishes at the rim. The Davidson commit played lights out during the regular season, too, as Mesa Ridge didn’t lose to a 4A opponent.
Coach Amy Bahl, Evergreen
In her sixth year on Buffalo Park Road, Bahl help the Cougars embrace the bullseye on their back as they cruised to a second consecutive 4A title, and third consecutive title appearance. The Cougars won four of their five playoff games by double digits, including the championship.
Honorable Mention
Maya Austin, Sr. G, Pueblo South
Ashley Bowen, Jr. F, Mesa Ridge
Claudia Dillon, Jr. F, Evergreen
Alyssa Jimenez, Jr. PG, Horizon
Gabi Lucero, Jr. F, Pueblo South
Tommi Olson, Sr. PG, Highlands Ranch
Denali Pinto, Sr. G, Fairview
Makena Prey, Sr. C, Golden
Riley Snyder, Sr. PG, Fruita Monument
Ashley Steffeck, Jr. PG, Fossil Ridge
Jana Van Gytenbeek, So. PG, Cherry Creek
Autumn Watts, Jr. F, Highlands Ranch
