Vanguard’s Carter Milroy dribbles the ball during a Class 3A first-round boys’ basketball game against DSST: Green Valley Ranch on Friday, March 2, 2018 at James Irwin High School.
For the first time in program history, the Vanguard boys’ basketball team is headed to the second round of the Class 3A state playoffs. A 66-42 victory over DSST: Green Valley Ranch on Friday at James Irwin High School punched Vanguard’s ticket to their first-ever second-round appearance.
With the win, the Coursers are in uncharted territory – but coach Joe Wetters isn’t worried – about his players, that is.
“For me it’s the first time, but for the younger kids, they’ve been really good at the lower levels and they’ve won championships in junior high,” Wetters said. “For me it’s more difficult for me to get my mind wrapped around it, but for the kids it’s just another step for them.”
Friday, Vanguard stepped out to a 38-13 lead in the first half thanks to 13 points from Seth Fuqua, Class 3A’s second-leading scorer with more than 24 points per game. Fuqua finished with 21 points despite not playing in the fourth quarter. Vanguard had starters out in the final eight minutes.
But despite sitting in the fourth, the Coursers also had a host of other starters put up big numbers, as Dominique Clifford and Tyler Wheeler-Temple each scored 10, followed by a nine-point performance by Carter Milroy.
“We wanted to come out as fast as we can and make a statement because this is the first time we’ve been here, and we knew coming into it it was going to be a tough game,” Wheeler-Temple said. “We wanted to show the other teams we are not here to fool around, we are contenders for the championship.”
No. 5 Vanguard will play No. 12 Lutheran on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the second round.
Sierra’s run ends in round of 8
The impressive run the No. 20 Sierra girls’ basketball team put up in the Class 4A state tournament came to an end on Friday in a 70-38 loss to No. 12 Pueblo South.
The Stallions held a manageable deficit heading into the second half, down by nine points, but the Colts outscored Sierra 29-16 in the final sixteen minutes to put it away. Pueblo South had help from junior Gabi Lucero, who had a career night, scoring 40 points for the Colts. She averaged 17.7 prior to Friday’s game.
Sierra finishes its season 18-9, and had the program’s best run in the state tournament since the Stallions’ last appearance in the round of eight in 2009.
BOYS BASKETBALL
CLASS 3A
(29) St. Mary’s 57, (4) Platte Valley 53
At Platte Valley: St. Mary’s started its Class 3A state tournament run on a high note, upsetting the No. 4 seed Platte Valley in front of the Broncos’ home crowd on Friday.
Camden Raedel led the Pirates with 14 points, while Gabe Calhoun put up 12 points shooting 56 percent from the field.
Calhoun led the team with 14 rebounds, including 11 defensive boards, which helped the Pirates gain an edge.
Coach Jim Masterson credits the win to St. Mary’s good defensive effort.
Platte Valley scored 25 points in the fourth quarter in an effort to eliminate the deficit, but the Pirates held on.
No. 29 St. Mary’s will take on No. 20 Colorado Academy on Saturday in the second round.
(15) Grand Valley 55, (18) Colorado Springs Christian 44
At Alamosa: CSCS was knocked out of state-title contention with an 11-point loss to Grand Valley in the first round.
The Lions finish their season 15-8.
CLASS 2A
(15) Evangelical Christian 52, (18) Dawson School 45
At Evangelical: The Eagles move on to the 2A Region 2 championship thanks to a seven-point win over Dawson School.
Justin Holt had 23 points for the Eagles, shooting 69 percent from the field. Cameron Rawlings backed him up with 13 points.
Evangelical Christian will take on No. 2 Yuma in the championship on Saturday at 2:30.
(7) Ellicott 56, (26) Sargent 29
At Ellicott : A comfortable 27-point victory punched Ellicott’s ticket to the Class 2A Region 7 championship, to be played against No. 10 Calhan on Saturday at 2:30.
The Thunderhawks shut Sargent out in the first quarter, racking up at 14-0 lead after the first eight minutes, and ended the first half with a 28-9 edge.
(10) Calhan 60, (23) Akron 51, OT
At Ellicott: Thirty-two minutes was not enough to decide a 2A Region 7 first-round game between Calhan and Akron as the Rams outscored Calhan 12-10 in the fourth to force overtime.
Fortunately for the Bulldogs, Calhan found its footing in overtime, outscoring Akron 15-7 for the win.
Calhan will face Ellicott in the Region 7 championships on Saturday at 2:30.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
CLASS 3A
(12) Manitou Springs 43, (21) Faith Christian 36
At Centauri: The Mustangs earned a seven-point win over Faith Christian to punch their ticket to the second round. Manitou Springs will play No. 5 Centauri on Saturday at 1 p.m.
(4) Colorado Springs Christian 58, (29) Brush 33
At Colorado Springs Christian: CSCS continued their streak of stellar play in a first-round win over No. 29 Brush, sending the Lions to the second round to play No. 13 Eaton on Saturday at 1 p.m.
(3) St. Mary’s 62, (30) Roaring Fork 26
At St. Mary’s: The Pirates coasted through to the second round with a 36-point win over No. 30 Roaring Fork.
St. Mary’s will take on No. 19 Salida in the second round on Saturday at 1 p.m.
(11) Jefferson Academy 57, (22) Vanguard 48
At Cedaredge: The Vanguard School fell to Jefferson Academy in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs. The Coursers finish the season 14-9.
CLASS 2A
(16) Haxtun 49, (17) Ellicott 44
At Haxton: Ellicott fell in the first round of the Class 2A Region 1 tournament to Haxtun. The Thunderhawks have ended their run for a region title but will still have a chance to make the 2A state tournament.
(12) Wray 54, (21) Colorado Springs School 48
At Wray: CSS ended its run for a 2A Region 5 title in a six-point loss to No. 12 Wray. The Kodiaks have lost three straight.
(20) Dayspring Christian Academy 54, (13) Calhan 53
At Calhan: The Bulldogs fell victim to a one-point upset in the first round of the 2A Region 2 tournament to Dayspring Christian.
Vanguard’s Carter Milroy dribbles the ball during a Class 3A first-round boys’ basketball game against DSST: Green Valley Ranch on Friday, March 2, 2018 at James Irwin High School.Sierraâs Aubrey Robinson, right, goes up for a shot against Pueblo Southâs Gabi Lucero during their Great 8 game at the Events Center in Pueblo, Colo. on March 2, 2018. (Chris Mclean, The Pueblo Chieftain)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, center, is boxed in by Evergreen senior Kristina Schreiber, left, and junior Claudia Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, looks for an open player as she is defended by Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan falls during a play in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)The student section from Air Academy celebrates after a three point basket was scored by forward Katlyn Blacksten at the buzzer at the end of the first quarter during the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Air Academy fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Kylee Blacksten fights off the defense from Evergreen sophomore Hayley Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, center, looks for an open teammate in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten, center, is boxed in by Evergreen senior Kristina Schreiber, left, and junior Claudia Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, dribbles past Evergreen senior Baylee GalanBrowne as she looks to drive the hoop in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Kylee Blacksten, center, is blocked on her shot attempt by Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy, left, in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)A student holds a ‘Get Loud’ sign during the Air Academy loss to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, left, comforts senior forward Mary Parchinski as both were emotional in the final minute of the game as the Cadets fell short to the Evergreen Cougars 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, left, comforts senior forward Mary Parchinski as both were emotional in the final minute of the game as the Cadets fell short to the Evergreen Cougars 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten, left, dribbles for the basket as her team fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, passes the ball to her teammate forward Mary Parchinski during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan goes for a layup against Evergreen during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Zoe Sims looks for an open teammate as they fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Mary Parchinski goes for a basket past Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy head coach Phil Roiko, center, talks with his team during the fourth quarter as they would eventually fall short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten breaks through the sign that read ‘Give ’em the beak’ as she and the team entered the court after halftime as they faced off against Evergreen the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Sierraâs Aubrey Robinson, right, goes up for a shot against Pueblo Southâs Gabi Lucero during their Great 8 game at the Events Center in Pueblo, Colo. on March 2, 2018. (Chris Mclean, The Pueblo Chieftain)Air Academy forward Mary Parchinski goes for a basket past Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy head coach Phil Roiko, center, talks with his team during the fourth quarter as they would eventually fall short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten breaks through the sign that read ‘Give ’em the beak’ as she and the team entered the court after halftime as they faced off against Evergreen the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Vanguard’s Carter Milroy dribbles the ball during a Class 3A first-round boys’ basketball game against DSST: Green Valley Ranch on Friday, March 2, 2018 at James Irwin High School.Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, center, is boxed in by Evergreen senior Kristina Schreiber, left, and junior Claudia Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, looks for an open player as she is defended by Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan falls during a play in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)The student section from Air Academy celebrates after a three point basket was scored by forward Katlyn Blacksten at the buzzer at the end of the first quarter during the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Air Academy fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Kylee Blacksten fights off the defense from Evergreen sophomore Hayley Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, center, looks for an open teammate in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten, center, is boxed in by Evergreen senior Kristina Schreiber, left, and junior Claudia Dillon in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, dribbles past Evergreen senior Baylee GalanBrowne as she looks to drive the hoop in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Kylee Blacksten, center, is blocked on her shot attempt by Evergreen senior Hannah Kennedy, left, in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)A student holds a ‘Get Loud’ sign during the Air Academy loss to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, left, comforts senior forward Mary Parchinski as both were emotional in the final minute of the game as the Cadets fell short to the Evergreen Cougars 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, left, comforts senior forward Mary Parchinski as both were emotional in the final minute of the game as the Cadets fell short to the Evergreen Cougars 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy forward Katlyn Blacksten, left, dribbles for the basket as her team fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan, right, passes the ball to her teammate forward Mary Parchinski during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Liza Louthan goes for a layup against Evergreen during the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)Air Academy guard Zoe Sims looks for an open teammate as they fell short to Evergreen 50-36 in the round of eight in the 2018 4A CHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament on Thursday March 2, 2018 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE, THE GAZETTE)
