I photographed the girls’ and boys’ basketball games between Broomfield and Holy Family last weekend. The Broomfield girls geeked out a win while the Holy Family boys survived a furious rally by Broomfield secure the victory. Broomfield dug itself a 17-0 hole to start but clawed back into the game to trail only by 9 at the half. After rapidly chipping away at the lead to start the second half, The Eagles faded down the stretch. The game featured several dunks which was exciting to see.
It was state championship Saturday yesterday for high school basketball in Colorado. Grandview defeated Monarch for the 6A girl’s title 38-28 while Denver East raced past Fossil Ridge 82-61 to take home the 6A boy’s crown. Lack of height did in Monarch as Grandview’s 6′-4″ Sienna Betts dominated inside, scoring 20 points and grabbing 20 rebounds. Meanwhile, Denver East used a balanced attack to blitz Nick Randall and the Fossil Ridge Sabercats. In 4A action, Holy Family took home both state titles. The girls were a season-long #1 seed but the boys surprised a lot of observers, taking home the crown as the #17 seed. They never had a hone playoff game en route to grabbing the trophy.
It was great to see high school basketball being played again in Colorado. I covered the game between Broomfield and Boulder Friday night. I was treated to a great game as Boulder eked out a victory, 51-50, on a free throw to break the tie with 8 seconds left. I’m sure the players don’t find it easy to play in masks and without fans, but the game was still enjoyable nonetheless. I can’t wait to cover more basketball games this winter.
The Colorado 3A high school basketball tournament got as far as the Great 8 Thursday before being canceled due to COVID-19 virus. It’s a shame no team will be crowned champion, but the student athletes deserve props for competing until the very end. It was a little surreal with just parents and family in attendance but the families did their best to make it exciting and “normal” as could be. I look forward to being back next year to cover the tournament in full.
Green Mountain took on Dakota Ridge in high school boy’s basketball at the Pepsi Center Thursday. The Rams were looking to avenge a 61-60 loss earlier this season. Things did not look good for Green Mountain early as it started slowly and fell behind 18-4, thanks to some sharp shooting from behind the arc by Dakota Ridge. Green Mountain whittled away at the lead and took the lead for good late in the second half.
I photographed the 2016 Colorado High School Basketball 4A and 5A Finals at the Coors Events Center this past weekend. Â While all the drama was reserved for the semifinal round, the finals did provide some emotional moments. Â Pueblo West won its first state boys title while the Overland boys and Valor Christian girls teams won back-to-back titles. Â I always enjoy photographing high school basketball since so much passion is on display.
