1A Girls Basketball: McClave Girls Help School Sweep State Titles

GREELEY – McClave ousted Idalia Saturday night in a 47-33 contest to win its first CHSAA 1A Girls State Championship since 2009.

“This was such an incredible night,” coach Brianne Howe said. “What made it even sweeter was the boys winning, too. To have two state championships tonight is just so incredible for our school. The showing of this community is something we’re so proud of, and we’re so proud to be part of such a special place.”

McClave led for the majority of the contest, allowing the Wolves to get ahead by two just twice throughout the entire contest.

The Cardinals snatched up their fifth state championship since 2004. Prior to McClave taking the floor, the past got to pay a little visit to the present.

“We had some past state champions from McClave basketball that had given some speeches to our girls this week,” Howe said. “So I told the girls before the game that we’re not just playing for this team and our coaches. [We’re playing] for all of the little girls in the stands and the past state champions and this special community that we have.”

Star junior Abrielle Gomez led the way for the Cardinals recording her seventh double-double of the season and 16th of her career, scoring 21 points on 6-of-14 shooting and reeling in 11 rebounds.

Sophomore Addison Vallejos joined Gomez as the only other Cardinal to reach double-digit scoring, putting up 11 points. Vallejos also grabbed five steals, which was a game high.

Heading into the fourth quarter things were tight, with the Cardinals holding on to a slight 30-27 lead. But, like the night prior, the fourth quarter is when McClave gets red hot.

In the final eight minutes, McClave outscored Idalia 17- 6 to seal the deal.

“The past two nights, the fourth quarter has been my favorite,” Howe said. “We’ve talked a lot about how these girls play with the heart of a champion, and they just flat refuse to lose. They did that in the state semifinals against Stratton – that was a great team – and they outscored them 20-8. To then do that again tonight in the fourth quarter… it’s just a mentality that they have.  I could not be more proud of the grit and tenacity that showed at the end of that game. They refused to be denied.”

In the third place game played earlier in the day, No. 3 Eads outlasted No. 4 Stratton, 53-51.