Arvada West girls hoops lockdown defensively against Golden

GOLDEN — A 3-pointer outburst and strong defensive effort was enough for Arvada West’s girls basketball team on opening night of the 2021-22 season.

Junior Brooke Meeks sunk a trio of 3-pointers over the span of 75 seconds in the first quarter to open up a 9-2 A-West lead. The Wildcats (1-0 record) went on to take a 44-14 road victory against the Demons (0-1).

“I think any given game we’ve got a handful of kids who can be that kid,” A-West coach Brady Meeks said of the outside shooting ability of the Wildcats, including his daughter Brooke. “It just happened to be Brooke tonight. Honestly, tonight we needed it. It looked like a first game. It was ugly.”

Golden had grabbed an early 2-0 lead with a bucket from freshman Brooklyn Carbone in the opening seconds. However, the junior shooting guard heated up early to give A-West a commanding lead.

“Coming out first game back and the start of my junior season I definitely was super nervous,” Brooke Meeks admitted. “I thought those first shots would be a little long. I’m just glad my shot was falling. I’m glad I could help my team to get the win.”

Freshman Avery Harrison had a nice first quarter pouring in five early points in her first game as a Wildcat.

“I actually expect her to be a huge piece this year,” Coach Meeks said of Harrison, who finished with seven points. “First game freshman jitters, I expect. I think she will be one of the better freshman in the state with what she brings for us.”

Senior Amanda Neff finished with eight points as Coach Meeks gave plenty of playing time to his bench. A-West had nine players score with Brooke Meeks leading the way with a dozen points, all on 3-pointers. Her final 3-pointer came in the opening minute of the second half and was taken several feet behind the 3-point line.

“That’s kind of my shot,” Meeks said of her deep 3-pointer made from well beyond NBA range in front of the Wildcats’ bench that put A-West up 30-6 just 30 seconds into the second half. “A lot of people can’t hit the shot. I do have that range so when I make one then teams have to come out on me. Then I can attack the basket and create for my teammates.”

Golden struggled offensively making just six field goal the entire game. The offensive highlight for the Demons was a 4-point play by senior Anna Kennedy in the fourth quarter. Kennedy hit the Demons’ lone 3-pointer of the game with 7:34 left in the final quarter and was fouled. She made the free throw to complete the 4-point play.

“Plenty of things to clean up,” Coach Meeks said after the 30-point win. “We are just trying to get better every game, but we need to get a lot better if we want to do what we think we can do this year.”

The 5A Jeffco League should be strong again with Valor Christian leading the way being the preseason No. 1 in the 5A CHSAANow.com coaches’ rankings. 

“I think we can compete with anyone (in 5A Jeffco), even with a Valor team,” Meeks said. “Going out and giving our all is all you can do. I think a lot of people don’t realize the talent we have. I think we’ll shock a lot of people this year.”