One of Gilpin’s greatest: Intense action near the basket in the second round of the regionals. PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

It has been a remarkable season for the Gilpin Girls Basketball Team. Not only did they go undefeated at home this year (which as far as anyone can tell has never been done), but they went on to win their district on February 24. As the winner of the district tournament, they would play their games in Gilpin County during the next round of playoffs. Known as the regionals, the top 32 teams in 2A basketball squared off against each other at eight different locations. The Eagles were seeded #5 and would face #28 Caliche March 3 at home.

The Caliche Buffaloes were to up the challenge against the favored Eagles, outscoring them 11-10 in the first quarter. Coach Jeff Schuessler attributed their slow start to “trying to figure them out.” Apparently, they did as Gilpin played the kind of basketball that their fans have grown accustomed to seeing. Outscoring Caliche 16-5 in the second quarter, they took a 26-16 lead into halftime. Part of their success came from keeping Carson Huss (the #1 scorer in 2A basketball for much of the year) in check. The rest came from what their coach called, “doing our usual thing.”

The Eagles felt comfortable entering the second half, keeping their offensive scheme the same and switching to a zone press defense. Coasting the rest of the way, Gilpin outscored Caliche 26-12 in the half. Final score: Gilpin Eagles 52, Caliche Buffaloes 28.

Sophomore Faith Ramsey led the team with 17 points including five 3-pointers. Senior Abby Smith had 14 points, going five for six at the free throw line and adding 10 defensive rebounds. Senior Skyley Ramsey registered 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.

A hearty congratulations to the 2023 Gilpin Girls Basketball Team for advancing in the regionals and their entry into the Sweet 16!

As one of the very best girls’ basketball squads to ever play at Gilpin High School, they would advance to the Colorado State Championships and the Elite 8 if they prevailed over their next opponent on March 4. Entering rarified territory, only once in Gilpin’s history have the girls had a team go to State.

Their opponent Heritage Christian was a familiar one. On February 2, Gilpin won at home against them in a nailbiter, 35-33. A well-coached talented squad, just like the Gilpin Eagles, that employs good ball movement, judicious shot selection, and hard-nosed defense, they would be looking to avenge the loss.

The bleachers were packed before the tipoff and anticipation palpable. The girls outscored Heritage Christian 10-8 in the opening quarter and played solidly on defense. In the second quarter, Gilpin at times got a little sloppy with the basketball which led to some easy buckets on transition for Heritage. A buzzer-beating 3-pointer by the opposition was daggerlike. Score at halftime: Denver Heritage 23, Gilpin 17.

In the third quarter, Gilpin played good half-court defense like they’ve done all season, but points were hard to come by against the taller rival. Score at the end of three quarters, Heritage Christian 31, Gilpin 21.

Finding themselves down, Gilpin began fouling with three minutes remaining to give themselves a chance which ran the score up even further. Final Score: Heritage Christian 46, Gilpin 27.

It was an exciting year watching one of the all-time greatest Gilpin Girls’ Basketball Teams make history. Coach Jeff Schuessler stated, “I am really proud of our kids for getting this far. It was a great season.”