No one likes to absorb a loss in any sport, but it has been proven that a defeat can be a motivating factor in winning a championship. That certainly could be the case for Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Springs School boys (18-1) began defense of their Class 2A championship as the district tournaments got underway this week. They open against Kiowa, which the Kodiaks beat 76-35 during the regular season. And despite a 53-52 loss to cross-town 3A rival Colorado Springs Christian in their season finale, the Kodiaks of coach Dave Cortez appear ready.
The Kodiaks did have a slight scare last week, though, when reigning player of the year DeLovell Earls suffered a wrist injury. It was first thought to be a break that would have kept him out of the playoffs.
"It was a sprain for DeLovell and he will be ready to go," a relieved Cortez said. "It would have been difficult to win without him, but he will be ready to go. We might rest him for our first district game, but at least have him on the bench if we need him. He has practiced with us, so I think he'll be ready.
"Overall, I think we are ready, as we have all our core players back from last year, and the kids are excited," Cortez said. "The last three games against CSCS, Calhan and Limon have been tough. And, the loss to CSCS was a wake-up call. We also lost to CSCS in the regular season last year and they play us tough. This time, though, we were a bit off our game and I think we have learned from it. The last three games, though, have helped us get ready for the playoffs."
Earls is the No. 4 scorer in 2A with a 21.7-point average. He also pulls down 11.5 rebounds and accounts for 4.6 assists an outing. The Kodiaks have a solid lineup, though, getting 15.2 points from Chris Dailey and 11.9 a game from Andre Brown.
Among the state's small-classification boys teams there are only five undefeated squads. Three are in 3A, with Faith Christian (Arvada), Jefferson Academy (Broomfield) and Aspen, all with 19-0 records. There is only one unbeaten in 2A and that's Meeker (20-0), a team beaten by CSS in last year's state semifinals. The only undefeated team in 1A is Otis (19-0).
Faith Christian is the defending champion in 3A. Meeker has been led this season by Mitch Jacob, who averages 16.4 points, and Dakota Rowlett, who scores 14.9 an outing. Tom Olson and David Burkel have paced Jefferson Academy scoring at 13.2 and 11.1 points, respectively. Andrew Papenfus (14.1) and Zach Babich (11.3) have led Aspen, while Jim McGrath (15.5), Carlos Hernandez (11.5) and Karson Kunz (10.7) lead Otis.
The postseason also begins for the girls
Colorado Springs Christian and Olathe are the only unbeaten teams among the 3A girls, and Kim is the only team with an unblemished record in 1A. Colorado Springs Christian and Kim are ranked No. 1 in their respective classifications. Kim hopes to improve on last season's state runner-up finish as the Mustangs were beaten 39-38 by McClave in the title game.
Holy Family (Broomfield) (18-1), ranked No. 2 and its lone loss coming against Colorado Springs Christian, will attempt to win its third consecutive title. Wray was the defending champion in 2A, but was eliminated in districts Tuesday.
Brianna VandeGrind leads Colorado Springs Christian in scoring with a 15.2 average and is the only player on the team in double figures. Olathe has been paced this season by Emily Brummitt (13.8 points), Morgan Standberry (10.9) and Tawni Middleton (10.4). Leading the way for Kim has been Danielle Lewis (15.1) and Haley Sheldon (14.1).
