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.
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
Follow Nick on Twitter @DreamLiveBall & on Instagram @DreamLiveBallNick
Find out more about Chauncey Billups Basketball Training with Nick Graham @ D1sportsbball.com/Denver