Eagles defeat Falcons 50-44 in final home basketball thriller
by Patty Unruh
It was a clash of talons at the Gilpin High School gym Monday night, as the Eagles basketball teams emerged victorious from league battles with the Front Range Christian Falcons of Littleton. Both Gilpin and Front Range deserve kudos for the way they fought to the end.
The Eagles met Dayspring Christian Academy in Greeley Tuesday evening at press time, and the teams are looking ahead to the district quarterfinals on February 20 at a location TBA.
Lady Eagles Match
The varsity girls’ teams were scoreless until about five minutes into the game, when Trystin Swan got things rolling with 2 quick baskets for Gilpin. The teams were 4-0 going into the second round. Nicole Adams added 2 for the Eagles, and Front Range Christian (FRC) started to put points on the board. Baskets by Aspen Nadeau and Lena Warren and one by FRC put the tally at 12-6 Gilpin at the half.
The Lady Eagles were in command during the third quarter. Cicely Lepro fired up the crowd by swishing in a 3-point field goal just as the buzzer sounded the end of that period. Gilpin maintained the lead throughout the last quarter. Free throws by Warren and Samantha Smith pushed the score to 21-13 Gilpin for the final result.
“It was good to have the seniors go out with a win,” noted girls’ head coach Jeff Schuessler. “They all stepped up and played well. Aspen Nadeau had a great game. Front Range boxed Cicely out, which was a sign of respect by their team. Cicely showed resilience – she gave her teammates the shots instead of getting them herself. Our defense had a great game.”
The senior basketball players and their parents were honored between the girls’ and boys’ varsity games. Each senior received flowers, hugs, and praise for representing Gilpin County High School during their student careers. Their plans for post-graduation were also announced.
The senior basketball athletes and their parents included Katelyn Armstrong, parents Kevin and Kersten; Austin Boulter, parents Steve and Lisa; Aspen Nadeau, parents Ken and Gigetta; Tanner Davis, parents John and Kathy; Cicely Lepro, parents Ryan and Jenny; Carly Johnson, parents Kirk and Nicki; John Immordino, parents Joe and Krista; Trystin Swan, parents Jason and Sonja; Chris Burtschi, parents John and Laura; and Aspen Cowles, parents Neil and Laurie. Wrestler Josh Trujillo was recognized but was participating in a meet. He is at the state wrestling tournament this coming weekend.
Boys’ Contest
The boys’ game provided a nail-biting comeback finish to the evening. The Falcons were first to score, but Gilpin’s Austin Boulter and Tanner Davis quickly added 9 points in field goals. The Eagles’ Alex Wilhelm put up a neat pair of free throws, and John Immordino added another 2 marks to the scoreboard. The contest stood at 13-4 at the end of the quarter, and it looked like Gilpin might have an easy victory.
Not so fast. Halfway through the period, the Falcons began to close the gap with two 3-pointers in quick succession, and the tide began to turn. Their Drew Lloyd made good on a free throw, and the score was tied at 15-15. It wasn’t long until FRC was ahead 20-17. The score was 22-19 in favor of the Falcons at halftime.
As the third quarter began, the FRC players were on fire, rapidly opening an 8-point lead over Gilpin. But Boulter and Davis took turns at the free throw line and each added 1 point. The Falcons then shot a 3-point basket and another free throw, and the score was 33-23 FRC. Perhaps time for the Eagles to call it a day.
Never underestimate a senior who wants to win his final home game. The Eagles battled back, hitting 2-point field goals and free throws with determination. Gilpin’s Will Lorenz dropped a 3-point bomb, and the crowd exploded at the 39-38 score in favor of Gilpin.
As the gym rocked with cheers, Gilpin furthered its lead. The pressure was on, with the score 45-44 Gilpin, when Lorenz and Chris Burtschi broke through with 4 free throw points. With just 3 seconds left, Davis added one last free throw. The final triumphant score was Gilpin 50, FRC 44.
Gilpin guys’ head coach Paul Hanson reported, “It was fun, and a heroic effort by our players. Everyone stepped up, especially our seniors. If we play with that level of intensity and quality, we are capable of beating anyone on our schedule.”
Other Results
Gilpin played Denver Christian Thunder in away conference games on February 6, the boys losing just 46-44 and the girls going down 42-18. On the 9th, the Eagles hosted Twin Peaks Charter Academy (Longmont); Gilpin girls were the victors 38-23, but the boys lost 44-30.