Daniel Williams
GOLDEN - D’Evelyn is atop the mountain of Colorado high school girls’ basketball. Golden is in the middle of climbing that same mountain.
The two teams will open 4A Jeffco league play when the Jaguars host the Demons Friday at 7 p.m. at D’Evelyn High School.
The Jaguars (8-1) play guest to a good young Golden team (3-6) that has gotten in the bad habit of losing close contests.
“So many of our girls are just getting their first varsity experience but you can see us getting better and better,” said Golden senior Lauren Chacho, the teams only senior.
D’Evelyn has a habit of winning every game, with their one loss coming at Grandview 63-57 on Dec. 12. The Jaguars have four double-digit scorers, allowing them to beat good teams even on their off nights.
Golden leans on junior Haley Blodgett, who is a double-double machine, averaging 13 points and nearly 13 rebounds per game.
If the Demons plan on upsetting the Jaguars Blodgett’s already impressive number might have to increase for one night.
TRENDING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
Arvada girls’ basketball has been one of the great early season stories in Colorado High School athletics.
Wheat Ridge girls’ basketball is looking to put their early season struggles behind them.
The two teams will hook up for a league meeting Friday at Arvada High School at 7 p.m.
Arvada (5-3) looks to continue their turnaround against a Wheat Ridge team (0-7) that is in search of their first victory.
Actually, Wheat Ridge looks a lot like Arvada did last season. Arvada won only two games all of last season and has had an incredible turnaround this season.
The Farmers are struggling to find an identity but are a young and talented. If they can start to execute better down the stretch in games, they will also start to win games in the process.
NEW YEAR, NEW OPPERTUNITIES
Arvada West girls’ basketball looks to use the New Year as a new opportunity.
The Wildcats (1-8, 0-2) will play Dakota Ridge (3-7, 2-1) Friday at A-West High School at 7 p.m.
A-West has lost six straight contests - but not because of lack of effort. Several of those losses were by single digits in games that were given away because of turnovers and lack of late game execution.
Still, led by senior Corey Hendrickson and her 13 points per game average, the Wildcats are continuing ti improve.
EAGLES STARTING TO SOAR
After dropping their first two games of the season Faith Christian girls’ basketball has won four of their last six games, looking poised to make another deep playoff run.
The Eagles (4-3) will host an Eaton team with their own post season aspirations Thursday at Faith Christian High School at 7 p.m.
Faith Christian’s roster is littered with underclassmen, yet they have still found a way to remain competitive with contributions from players like junior Cassaundra Rindels who is averaging nearly 12 points per game.
BEST PANTHERS UNIT IN YEARS
Pomona girls’ basketball team has won more than six games in a season since 2008.
Through 11 games this season, they have already hit that mark. Pomona (6-5, 1-3) is one of the early season surprise teams in 5A Jeffco and they have the opportunity to build off their success when they travel to Columbine Friday at 7 p.m.
The Panthers are led by sophomore sensation Dominique Riley who averages 13 points and three steals per game. Riley is aided by senior Kristen Seltenreich (11.4 points per game) and a solid bench.
However, after winning four of their first six games Pomona has dropped three of their last four.
