Ashley Van Sickle led Ralston Valley to their first Final 4 berth with 22 points.
Broomfield – 58
Ralston Valley – 74
Denver,CO – Defending state champion Broomfield and Ralston Valley went back and forth for one half. At the end of the first half Ralston Valley led by five points, 30 -25.
The third quarter was dominated by Ralston Valley. They outplayed Broomfield on both sides of the floor. On the defensive end, their stingy pressure defense would not allow Broomfield to penetrate the three point line and they contested passing lanes on the wing to force 6 third quarter turnovers on 6 steals. The Mustangs converted every third quarter turnover into points, as they scored more points off of turnovers (14) than Broomfield scored in the entire third quarter (7).
Broomfield was outscored 26 – 7 in the third and Ralston Valley connected on more field goals (11), than Broomfield attempted (8). Ashley Van Sickle and Hannah Weber combined for 20 points in the third quarter. At the end of three quarters Broomfield trailed 56 -32.
Brenna Chase finished with 27 points in her final high school game.
In the fourth, Broomfield senior and BYU commit Brenna Chase exerted her will offensively in an attempt to bring her Eagle squad back to within striking distance. She was able to convert on two deep threes early in the fourth to cut the Ralston Valley lead to eleven. Chase’s offensive explosion coupled with Broomfield’s adjustments to minimize the Mustang’s transition offense helped to cut the deficit to nine however Ralston Valley maintained control of the game late to seal their trip to the Final Four with the 74-58 over the defending state champions.
Stats of note:
Ashley Van Sickle and Hannah Webber combined for 38 points
Ralston Valley shot 9 of 20 from three
Ralston Valley converted 20 turnovers into 26 points
About the Blogger: Nick Graham is the director of basketball for Chauncey Billups D1 Basketball in Highlands Ranch. Graham, who played collegiately at Washington State University trains basketball players of all ages and skill levels including many of the states top high school and collegiate players along with NBA players as well. In addition, Nick travels the country working with some of the nations top prep players. Along with leading D1 Basketball Training nationally, he also works with Spalding and many of the top trainers in the country including Johnny “Handle Life” Stephene. Through his partnership with Spalding Nick traveled to the 2016 NBA All Star game to provide youth players in the Toronto community with NBA All star training along with Stephene. Also, Nick and Stephene will lead regional All American camps this summer with D1 Basketball, Spalding and NBA players Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony amongst others. Nick’s passion is assisting Chauncey Billups in mentoring, developing and celebrating the young players and coaches along with educating and empowering parents of basketball players all over Colorado.
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Find out more about Chauncey Billups Basketball Training with Nick Graham @ D1sportsbball.com/Denver
