Highlands Ranch basketball teams are both for real in Colorado

The whispers have morphed into loud proclamations – the Highlands Ranch boys basketball team is for real.

The Falcons traveled to Denver East on Tuesday night and clobbered the perennial-contending Angels 70-49. It marked the worst loss for East coach Rudy Carey since he took over the program in 1993.

Marcus Byrd scored 27 points and Brett Olson added 22 for the Falcons, coached by former Denver Prep League player and coach Bob Caton. Byrd and Olson each will play at the University of Denver next season.

Highlands Ranch (9-1) gained separation by outscoring East 15-2 in the second quarter.

HIGHLANDS RANCH GIRLS ARE GOOD TOO
Meanwhile, in Highlands Ranch, a similar result was unfolding. The host Falcons earned a small measure of revenge for last season's quarterfinals upset by eventual champion East by shellacking the Angels 73-35.

San Diego recruit Katelyn McDaniel led the way with 21 points for Highlands Ranch. Boston College-bound center Deidra Smith was the only East player in double digits with 13.

58 MORE UNTIL UCONN
The Holy Family (Broomfield) girls basketball team extended its winning streak to 32 games Tuesday night by outlasting visiting Eaton 66-60. The upset-minded Reds were within three points in the late going before the Tigers salted away the game at the free throw line.

The win was No. 302 all time for coach Ron Rossi, who has guided Holy Family to three consecutive Class 3A titles.

"Coach told us in the locker room that having a close game was good for us to keep us competitive and keep us hungry," said Tigers guard Stephanie Giltner, who led all scorers with 21 points.