The sense of accomplishment from the Eaglecrest community has been especially savoring after last year’s heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss in the Final Four. The sudden departure of star LaDavian King prompted the squad – specifically the remaining seniors and high profile transfer Nettles – to be even more motivated to return with a vengeance and a drive to finally claw in the championship they could only hover over. Fortunately, the hard work paid off.
Senior forward Gavin Gallegos shared his exhilaration, saying, “Feels amazing. We’ve worked for this for so long. Since June.”
Nettles made his impact early in this clash of birds. Despite a relatively quiet first half scoring performance, Nettles compensated by finding good looks for his teammates, leading the Raptors with 5 assists. Because of his instrumental distribution of the ball, the Raptors managed to take a 6-point lead by halftime.
To boost the intensity early in the game, Nettles focused on getting “them involved in the game, getting them scoring, getting them going.”
Eaglecrest knew heading into the state championship game, they had a tough battle ahead against the Eagles. Not only did they seek to dismantle the reigning state champions, but to also contain Valor’s star guard Cole Scherer. Scherer fueled a strong offensive push in the second half, leading the team to a 23-12 run in the third to take the lead. However, even with Valor’s burst of sudden momentum, the Raptors refused to back down.
“Valor played great in the third and they are a good well-coached team. We have been in similar situation throughout the year and our team didn’t panic,” admitted head coach Jarris Krapcha.
From the start of the fourth, Eaglecrest mounted a collective push to narrow the deficit. The comeback culminated with a dynamic corner three by Nettles to reclaim the lead at the 5-minute mark. The clutch shot became the turning point in the game, serving as an early indicator of the Raptors’ firm grasp for the rest of the game. Even despite an impressive 35-point performance by Scherer, the Raptors were ultimately able to hold off Valor’s last-ditch efforts, thanks to Jason Noone’s critical free throws deep in the quarter.
“Jason is our best shooter. Eventually, I made the decision to specifically get him the ball knowing Valor was in a must-foul situation. (I) felt great with him at the line,” said Krapcha.
Once the buzzer finally sounded, all the pressure exerted on the Raptors to bring home a championship was lifted. Nettles could be seen with passionate emotion, running up to the other side of the court in jubilation. The Raptor’s fanbase, who traveled to Denver to support their team, also expressed their excitement with cheers resounding throughout the Coliseum. In appreciation of the fans’ elation, the roster then jumped to the crowd to celebrate the victory in unity. Fresh off the win, assistant coach and former Eaglecrest basketball player Arden Dennis exclaimed his enthusiasm after becoming a championship-winning coach.
“Man, it feels amazing,” Dennis said, “Just all the excitement, just pouring out at the end, when it’s finally said and done.”
For the seniors, this victory holds even more significance, for players like Gallegos, Lucas Kalimba, and Garret Barger, the state trophy serves as a symbol of the peak they have finally reached after their persistent journey starting from their early stages as a Raptor. The seniors now embark to the sunset, savoring the long-awaited vista that once seemed beyond their reach.
“It’s special…all my four years, it’s all you ever want…to win a championship and be able to end on that,” reveals star senior Ant Nettles.
Eaglecrest’s victory is ultimately a testament to the power of resilient unity combined with audacious perseverance. Having withstood the immense pressure of this season and the sting of the devastating exits of past seasons, Eaglecrest’s claim to this year’s championships is one of the most significant titles in Eaglecrest’s athletic history. Defeating the Eagles not only reaffirmed the Raptors’ dominance as the birds of the west but as the apex predators of Colorado high school basketball.
