In the days leading up to the Colorado 1A State Basketball Tournament, the Dove Creek High School girls basketball team dreamed of nothing less than a state title.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, such dreams did not come true, yet after three solid performances on the state’s biggest stage, players returned home with their heads held high.
Bulldogs lose to Eads
Kicking off the state tournament on March 13 against Eads High School, the Bulldogs played far from their best, losing 56-26 in a one-sided match-up.
After hanging tough during the first quarter, which ended with Eads leading 10-5, Dove Creek fell apart in the second frame, falling behind 26-12 entering the half.
Key to the Bulldogs’ struggles was the team’s inability to avoid foul trouble as starters Corissa Guynes and Madison Young each picked up three first-half fouls.
Continuing to be plagued by foul trouble in the second half, the Bulldogs never found their rhythm, falling behind 39-17 entering the fourth quarter.
Bulldogs defeat Kit Carson
Moving to the consolation bracket for a March 14 match-up against Kit Carson, the Bulldogs won 62-59 in a thrilling overtime contest.
Evenly matched from the start, Dove Creek and Kit Carson battled to a 49-49 tie after four quarters of play.
Refusing to yield in overtime, the Bulldogs pulled ahead 55-51 before a three by Kit Carson cut the Dove Creek lead to 55-54 with just over a minute left.
Determined to win however, Dove Creek sunk several clutch free throws in the final minute to pull ahead 62-56 before hanging on for the three-point victory.
Bulldogs beat Idalia
Matching up against Idalia High School in the consolation championship, the Bulldogs capped off their stellar season with a victory, winning 45-35 to finish fifth in the state.
Struggling to find their offense early on, the Bulldogs relied on their stifling defense to stay close, pulling ahead 6-2 after one quarter of play.
Beginning to find their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, the Bulldogs pulled ahead 16-4 before entering halftime with a 20-11 lead.
Closing out their season in style, the Bulldogs subsequently pulled ahead 33-21 after three quarters before coasting to the victory and securing fifth place in the tournament.
With the win, the Bulldogs concluded the year with an impressive 19-6 record.
