At least one new state champion will be crowned in the small school divisions of girls’ basketball this weekend, with some teams aiming to secure consecutive titles. Colorado Springs Christian (Class 3A) and Briggsdale (1A) have a history of success, maintaining a sense of excitement and achievement with each victory.
Within the brackets for 3A, 2A, and 1A girls’ basketball, there are compelling narratives of underdog successes alongside the expected contenders who have reached the pinnacle of the season.
Class 3A
Teams (listed in bracket sequence): Peyton (22-0), Strasburg (18-6), Centauri (17-6), Yuma (15-8), Colorado Springs Christian (24-0), Highland (18-6), St. Mary’s (20-4), Grand Valley (24-0)
Teams on a Roll: Three teams are vying to complete the season undefeated, notably Colorado Springs Christian, the reigning champions, with a remarkable 30-game winning streak. Yuma and Highland enter the University of Denver with six and seven consecutive wins, respectively. Grand Valley, St. Mary’s, and Centauri are back in the Great 8 from the previous year. Centauri, in particular, has showcased stellar defense in the postseason, conceding only 19.8 points per game across four matchups.
Standout Performances: The battle for the state’s scoring title is intense between Peyton’s AJ Mannering (33.9 ppg) and Riverdale Ridge’s Brihanna Crittendon (29.3 ppg). Other notable players include Briza Flores from Highland, Natalie Damron from Strasburg, and Jade Lungwitz from Yuma, each making significant contributions to their teams’ success.
Class 2A
Teams (listed in bracket sequence): Merino (24-0), Mancos (18-5), Hoehne (22-2), Simla (16-8), Burlington (19-4), Denver Christian (19-4), Rangely (22-1), Wiggins (14-9)
Teams to Watch: Merino stands as the sole undefeated team in this category, eyeing a repeat appearance in the championship game. Rangely, Hoehne, Denver Christian, Burlington, and Mancos arrive in Loveland with impressive win streaks. Noteworthy performances in the postseason include Burlington’s consistent offensive display and Rangely’s dominant run, outscoring opponents by a significant margin.
Player Highlights: Players such as Amara Mazerall from Simla, Janae Ramos from Hoehne, and Riley Hunt from Wiggins have delivered standout performances, contributing significantly to their teams’ regional successes.
Class 1A
Teams (listed in bracket sequence): McClave (22-1), Kit Carson (15-9), Briggsdale (21-2), Idalia (18-6), Flatirons Academy (22-1), Dove Creek (20-2), Stratton (21-3), Eads (17-7)
Teams on Fire: While no team in 1A can maintain an undefeated record, Flatirons Academy, McClave, Briggsdale, Dove Creek, and Stratton arrive in Greeley with impressive win streaks. Notably, six out of eight teams in the 2024 bracket also competed in the 2023 tournament. Defensive prowess is evident in McClave’s performance, allowing minimal points during the postseason.
Player Standouts: Players like Jenna Krise from Briggsdale, Emma Cox from Flatirons Academy, and Anna Wollert from Eads have been instrumental in their teams’ regional victories, showcasing exceptional skills and contributions to their respective teams’ success.