Before the Gilpin girls’ varsity basketball game against Union Colony Prep on February 6, the Lady Eagles Basketball Teacher of the Year Award was presented by the entire team to Rachel Van Hoose. Hoping to emulate her excellence against their opponent on the hardwood, the Eagles entered the contest batting .500 with a 7-7 record.

The first quarter started slowly for both teams, ending with a score of Gilpin 9, Union Colony 7. Defensive pressure led to 12 steals by the Eagles in the second quarter. Hitting their stride defensively and catching fire on offense, Gilpin shot a sizzling 57% from the field and made 75% of their free throws. Score at halftime: Gilpin 28, Union Colony 15.

Gilpin’s relentless full-court press resulted in nine more steals for the Eagles. Union Colony had difficulty finding any type of rhythm under the continual duress. Gilpin would go on to score 30 of their total points in transition off of turnovers. Many of those points came in the paint near or at the hoop. The girls held their own on offense, outscoring their opponent by three points in the third quarter.

Ahead by 16 points entering the fourth quarter, Gilpin showed no signs of coasting or letting up. Applying the same techniques and strategies that had worked in the first three quarters, the Eagles sunk a couple of three-point baskets and poured in 17 points. Final Score: Gilpin 57, Union Colony 32.

A home run by any standard, sitting at 8-7, the team has four more games remaining on their schedule with three of them being played on their home court.

Outstanding performers for the Gilpin Eagles were: Elise Vincent with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 assists. Faith Ramsey with 16 points on 6 for 10 shooting and 100% accuracy from the foul line, 8 rebounds, 7 steals, and 7 assists. Annabelle Aloel had 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals. Avery Ramsey scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds with 6 steals. Kailee Starkey added 5 points and dished out 5 assists.