2A Boys Basketball: Simla Earns First State Title Since 1987

LOVELAND – A lengthy title drought was bound to break when Simla and Crowley County met in Saturday’s 2A boys basketball state championship game.

With both squads looking to make history, it took until the game’s final minute to determine the beneficiary. Ultimately, Simla’s ability to execute late helped the Cubs earn their first state trophy since 1987 via a 56-51 victory.

“I started coaching them in third grade basketball,” said longtime Simla head coach David Guy, who also leads the Cubs’ football program. “I wanted them to win so bad. I’m so happy for them. They have done this, and they do things the right way.”

Before fouling out late, Simla’s Tatum Kocerha scored a team-high 21 points, including 12 in the first quarter, at Blue Arena in Loveland. The athletic sophomore took control early with his strong touch in the paint and helped Simla jump out to an immediate 8-0 lead. Entering halftime, top-seeded Simla led second-seeded Crowley County, 35-24.

“We knew Crowley County was a good team and that they go on runs and they start off hot,” Kocerha said. “We were able to control the first and second quarter and were just able to live off of that.”

Crowly County fought back in the second half and trailed by only two points in the final minute before Simla regained control. However, senior Carston Cox nailed three clutch free throws in crunch time to help seal the win.

“It’s just a blur,” Kocerha said. “We’ve worked so hard. Ever since I was little, I’ve always played up with my brother and his group, so we’ve always been together. For it to finally come together and finally get it done, it just feels great.”

Behind Kocerha’s 21 points, Cox scored 15, senior TJ Eurich had eight, and senior Wyatt Stanko contributed six.

“We’re a brotherhood,” Kocerha said. “We got each other’s backs no matter what it is. We love each other all the time, so I think that’s what put us over the top.”

Senior Gunner Hughes led Crowley County’s comeback attempt with a game-high 31 points, including 17 in the second half. Seniors Anthoni Walter and Ben Cuckow also combined for 17 on the evening.

Still, the Cowboys will have to wait at least another year to secure their first boys basketball state title since 1968.

“Crowley is one heck of a basketball team,” Guy said. “It’s a shame someone had to lose.”

Crowly County closed its season at 25-3 while Simla hoisted the state trophy at 25-2.

“We’ve been knocking at the door in football and basketball, and they’ve been knocking on the door in baseball for the last four years,” Guy said. “We just keep knocking on the door, and we finally kicked that sucker open.”

In the 2A boys third-place game, No. 3 seed Bishop Machebeuf cruised to a 78-52 victory over No. 5 seed Plateau Valley on Saturday.