Basketball Recap: Estes Park Falls Despite Big Games from Hayden Powell and Phineas Smith

Estes Park was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They took a 63-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Belleview Christian Bruins.

Hayden Powell

Steals

01/09/25 @ Gilpin County	9
01/14/25 @ Dayspring Christian Academy	7
02/07/25 @ Belleview Christian	5
12/17/24 @ Union Colony Prep	5
01/28/25 @ Flatirons Academy	4
+ 10 more games

Despite the defeat, Estes Park had strong showings from Phineas Smith, who posted 20 points in addition to six rebounds and three blocks, and Hayden Powell, who dropped a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards. Powell also grabbed five steals, which is notable because Estes Park is 3-1 when he posts at least five steals, but 4-8 otherwise. Noah Webster was another key player, putting up eight points and four steals.

Even though they lost, Estes Park smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in six consecutive matches.

Belleview Christian found their leader in sophomore Justus Cunningham, who went 8-for-12 on his way to 25 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Thanks to that strong game, Cunningham now owns an excellent 45.7% shooting accuracy. Isaiah Lumbreras also deserves some recognition as he posted his first assist of the season.

Estes Park's loss dropped their record down to 7-9. As for Belleview Christian, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a massive bump to their 8-8 record this season.

Estes Park didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 61-39 win against Union Colony Prep on the 12th. As for Belleview Christian, they have also already played their next match, a 72-29 defeat against Bishop Machebeuf on the 11th.