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In front of a packed gymnasium at Loveland High School, the Red Wolves and Thompson Valley played two dramatic basketball games, each winning. The Eagles won the women’s game and the Red Wolves won the men’s contest.
Playing for the third time in four days, the Thompson Valley women struggled to score points against Loveland. But the Eagles’ defense, which played a big role in this three-game sweep of his, scored points again.
After two days of holding the Skylines scoreless throughout the second half, Thompson Valley held Loveland to 11 points in the final 16 minutes for a 39–27 road victory.
That game was followed by a dramatic 65-62 win for the Red Wolves over the Eagles in the men’s game.
“It was an ugly game for us,” said Mike Artis, first-year head coach of the Thompson Valley Girls. We had a good internal pass to their zone.We didn’t get the knockdown (3-point shot) we planned today.We played hard on the defensive side of the ball. I think that’s what we take our hats off.”
Thompson Valley put Loveland under pressure from the start, but the Redwolves found their way well enough to lead 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a back and forth, with Thompson Valley leading 17-16 going into halftime.
“We had a bit of a slow start, but we had more energy in the second half,” said senior Charlie Dache. “We played as more of a team and it was fun.”
Artis and the Eagles made some adjustments in the half, changing zone play to try and get more passes into the teeth of the inside and Loveland defense.
The shot hadn’t fallen yet, but the change worked as the Eagles drew foul after foul and entered the double bonus early in the fourth quarter.
Just as the team held Niwot and Skyline to an average of 16.5 points in the second half in the team’s two games earlier this week, the Eagles tightened up again in the third quarter by holding Loveland to just 3 points.
“Defense, that’s what we’re really working on,” Artis said. “I came here and saw the team. We do a great job once you do the press and then go into the half court, the girls jump around and flex.
Entering the game averaging 19.5 steals per game, the Thompson Valley regained their share on Saturday.
They never let up on defense and were able to extend their lead to 25-19 at the end of the third quarter. Loveland he came within 21-19, but that’s how close the game was.
“We’re really practicing defense, pressing, etc., and we’re a really fast team,” Dulce said. “When you’re pressing, it really comes together in the game. It’s time to get more.”
Thompson Valley took a 12-point victory over Loveland, 14-8, in the final period. Kelsey Jacobson led the Eagles with 12 points and Reese Peterson led the Redwolves with 12 points.
The Eagles improved to 6-5 and the Red Wolves fell to 2-9.
Loveland boys keep Eagles down
Despite leading by three quarters and trailing by six points in the first quarter, the Red Wolves’ victory was not easy.
The Thompson Valley fought to the end — tying the game with four minutes remaining — but were unable to take the lead.
Loveland led 47-41 going into the fourth period, but Thompson Valley tied the game at 51 midway through the quarter. Loveland answered with a Trey Olsen 3-pointer to take a 54-51 lead.
Thompson Valley were within one point at 55-54, but Olsen’s perimeter shot again put the Red Wolves up 58-54.
The Eagles failed to come within 3 points and trailed by 65-59 seconds. Thompson his volley tabin his Adamson hit his 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough.
“I’m so proud,” said emotional Loveland head coach Chris Gebhardt. “Our kids are resilient and I’m so proud of them. It was a great game.The Thompson Valley is a great team.Our kids played today and loved their intensity from start to finish.
Loveland improved to 3-7, while Thompson Valley dropped to 8-3.
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