The Gilpin Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team didn’t lose a single game in Gilpin County this year, going 11-0 at home. Their 16-4 overall record was the best in their district which translated into a #1 seed at the 2A District 7 Basketball Tournament at Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton February 24.

Following a first round bye, Gilpin’s game against the Golden View Classical Academy Sentinels was merely a warmup for the next round. Dominating every aspect of the contest, the Eagles ended up winning by a score of 53-11. Freshman Elise Vincent was named Player of the Game with 11 points that included two 3-pointers. The statistic that stood out most was 21 steals; every member of the Eagles squad took the ball away from the Sentinels at least once.

The next day they would square off against the #2 ranked Denver Christian Thunder for the championship. The girls had faced the Thunder earlier in the year and were able to secure a 57-54 victory in Gilpin. Coach Jeff Schuessler called it “the best played game they participated in all year.” Setting a goal at the beginning of the season of winning the District Championship, the Eagles would have to be in top form against a tough opponent in order to prevail.

The first quarter was far from their best, finding themselves down by a score of 16-6 at its conclusion. The Eagles buckled down defensively in the second and started hitting their shots. Outscoring Denver Christian 17-4 in that period, they took a 23-20 into halftime.

Not as high scoring as the first meeting between the teams, with so much on the line, every possession was hotly contested. Never have I seen a game where so many players hit the floor going after the basketball. The teams played to a virtual standstill in the third quarter with the Thunder scoring six points and the Eagles four. It was anyone’s guess as to who would win up until about two minutes remaining. At that point, Gilpin continued tightening the screws on defense and hit big buckets when it counted. Final Score: Gilpin Eagles 39, Denver Christian 31.

Senior Abby Smith received Player of the Game honors. Smith led all scorers with 17 points, shooting lights-out from 3-point range, going three-for-three in the second quarter. Skyley Ramsey contributed 12 points (6-for-6 at the line), 4 assists, and 4 steals. Younger sister Faith had 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

Tears of joy flowed down the cheeks of some of the girls, having toiled day after day for months refining their skillsets with laser-like focus on the prize. Congratulations to the Girls Basketball 2023 Colorado Class 2A District 7 Champions!

There are now 32 teams left in 2A Girls Basketball that move on to the Regionals. On the merits of the Eagles’ impressive #5 seeding, they will be playing at home Friday, March 3, at Gilpin County High School. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m.