Girls beat defending state champs, climb to No. 1 in state rankings

Holyoke girls basketball team climbed to the top of the Colorado 2A rankings with an 11-1 record after two wins over defending state champ Limon and county rival Haxtun last weekend.

The rankings, which are voted upon by coaches, are the official polls of the Colorado High School Activities Association. Other top 10 teams, in order, are Sedgwick County, Rye, Sanford, Limon, Soroco, Cedaredge, Yuma, Akron and Hoehne.

Coach John Baumgartner said the Saturday, Jan. 22, game in Limon was a good opportunity to “see where we’re at.” It was a great atmosphere to play in, he said, noting the gym was very loud. “Our kids handled themselves well under pressure. It felt good to beat a solid basketball team.”

Holyoke trailed 9-10 after the first quarter, and both teams put up 13 points in the second to give Limon a one-point advantage, 23-22, at halftime.

The Lady Dragons outscored Limon 13-12 in the third period, making it a tied game 35-35 heading into the final quarter.

Baumgartner said they used the clock well in the fourth, and 11 out of their 15 points came from crucial free throws heading down the stretch.

Holyoke ended the game with a 50-45 victory over Limon.

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