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Kristin Vieselmeyer is up for another 2-point shot. The sophomore was the top scorer for the Lady Dragons in Thursday’s game. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

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As part of a consistent and fearsome Dragon defense, senior Shianne Willmon guards the basket during an Ignacio offensive play. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Lady Dragons finish in final 4

Semifinals, championship never played after state tourney is cut short

One thing is true. The Holyoke Lady Dragon basketball team is one of the best in the state.

Unfortunately, the girls didn’t have the chance to prove just how good they are.

Due to health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Colorado High School Activities Association canceled the state basketball tournament for all classifications after the first day of action Thursday, March 12.

No. 2-seeded Holyoke defeated No. 7 Ignacio 47-34 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. A small but mighty crowd was there to cheer them on because attendance was limited to four guests per player.

The Lady Dragons finished their season knowing they made it to the final four teams in 2A girls basketball on top of an incredible 23-1 season record.

Other top teams were No. 1-seeded Limon, who beat No. 8 Holly 67-45; No. 4 Del Norte, who defeated No. 5 Wray 63-46; and No. 6 Sanford, who won against No. 3 Rye 46-31.

Holyoke’s only loss this year was to Limon, and the team wanted a chance to redeem that loss. “We felt like we could win,” said coach John Baumgartner. “The hard part was that we couldn’t finish it.”

Fleming was also playing in the 1A state tournament. They lost a heartbreaking 39-38 game to Shining Mountain and would have played in the consolation bracket had the tournament not been canceled.

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Holyoke Enterprise

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Holyoke CO 80734