After wrapping up impressive seasons on both sides of the ball, boys and girls basketball teams from Coal Ridge and Roaring Fork are preparing for the first round of the 2024-25 CHSAA state playoff tournament. 

Coal Ridge

The Coal Ridge Titans take massive pride in their basketball programs. Seeing their teams making the dance isn’t enough for the school’s community.

“Since the start of the school, 20 years ago, basketball has been one of the programs that has led the way in setting a high standard for all of our athletes and programs,” Coal Ridge Athletic Director Ben Kirk said. “Sending both programs to the state playoffs is both a huge accomplishment, but also an expectation within our department.  We are extremely blessed with the level of athletes we have and the commitment and involvement of our families with our athletic programs, so sending teams to the playoffs is something that we celebrate, but also expect.”

Titans boys host the first round playoff game thanks to No. 6 seed

The boys team had an impressive run this season. Following a decent 4-3 start, the No. 6 Titans caught fire. After dropping a trio of games in December, Coal Ridge only lost three games throughout the rest of the season. They were even better against league opponents. Carrying a 10-2 league record, the Titans only conference losses came to the No. 3 state-ranked Aspen Skiers. 

The Titans regular season play earned them home field advantage on Friday, where they will face off against the No. 27 Stargate School Eagles.

Coal Ridge’s offense has run through big-man Ben Simons. The senior finished the season with the most free throws made (106) in all of 4A. His 13 double-doubles was the fourth most in the class and his 10.5 rebounds per game was ranked fifth in 4A. 

“It is an honor to be ranked so high, and I’m blessed with a team that pushes the best out of me,” Simons said. “I wouldn’t be ranked so high if I didn’t have such good teammates and coaches behind me who are always pushing me to get better.”

The Titans will face off against the Eagles at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Coal Ridge High School.  

“We are extremely excited to play in front of our home crowd,” Titans head coach Paul Harvey said. “Hosting regionals is an immense opportunity because we get to play in front of our incredible fans. We hope we can live up to all of the fantastic support our school and community gives us. We are so gratefully appreciative of everyone’s support and dedication, it truly makes playing at home a special occasion.”

Titans girls sneak into playoffs

The No. 29 Lady Titans had a tougher road then the boys did. The girls finished the season under .500 at 10-13, but their impressive 6-4 record against league opponents helped them nose their way into the state playoffs. 

They were led by standout sophomore Natalie Davis and senior Brilee Jensen, who both made their presence known on the score sheet every night. 

In the 4A Western Slope rankings, Davis finished second in three-pointers made (32), and Jensen’s 44 made free throws and 8.3 rebounds per game put her name second in the rankings in both categories. 

The Lady Titans will have to trek to the front range for their first playoff matchup. They will meet the No. 4 Holy Family Tigers at 5 p.m. on Friday at Holy Family High School in Broomfield. 

Roaring Fork Rams 

The Roaring Fork Rams basketball programs had great 2024-25 seasons and have a healthy baseline to hang their hats on. They aren’t done yet, as both boys and girls are preparing for their first round playoff matchup on the front range on Friday. 

“We are super excited to have both of our teams in the playoffs again this year,” Roaring Fork Athletic Director Crista Barlow said. “We have had a few years of empty stands so it is fun to see the community supporting our teams again.  Basketball is one of the longest sports seasons so kudos to our student athletes and coaches who are putting in the extra hard work for playoffs.”

Rams girls dominate regular season, finish with No. 9 seed

The No. 9 Roaring Fork Rams varsity girls basketball team strolled through their regular season. The Rams nearly went flawless, the only blemishes on their record coming against the No. 1 3A Western Slope team — the Cedaredge Bruins. 

Through 23 games, the Rams only faltered twice. Their incredible 21-2 record should have been enough to earn themselves home-court advantage through the first round of the playoffs, but two losses to the Bruins snuffed their hosting hopes. 

“These girls have been very easy to coach. They work hard, they support each other and they have a great team attitude. I know they will be ready to go on Friday,” Rams head coach Mike Vidokavich said. 

The Rams rode their explosive offense throughout the season. Sophomore Riley Bevington (22.8) and senior Carley Crownhart (22.5) both finished in the top ten in all of Colorado in terms of points per 32 minutes played. Six of the state’s top ten players in terms of points per 32 minutes played fall on the Rams’ roster.

Rams boys go undefeated in league play, achieve No. 15 seed

The No. 15 Rams’ boys had a similar type dominant season, but ran into a few more speed bumps. Because of their proximity to strong 4A teams like Coal Ridge, Basalt, and Aspen, Roaring Fork dropped six regular season games, but stayed unblemished in 3A league play. 

The team saw similar seeding troubles. Their 12-0 record in league play nurtured a strong resume, but because other divisions saw tougher competition, the Rams will carry No. 15 seed heading into the state tournament.

Rams junior Kiko Pena led Roaring Fork to be one of the toughest defenses in 3A. His 13.1 rebounds per game was the second most in the class, and his 2.2 blocks per game was the third most in the 3A state division.

The Rams will travel to Windsor Charter Academy to face the No. 18 Denver Academy Thunder at 7 p.m Friday.