NEDERLAND — The basketball teams at Nederland Middle-Senior High School had two evenings of home games in the Panthers’ Den during the week of January 20 that ended with mixed results.

Nederland’s girls’ and boys’ teams played Poudre Community Academy from Fort Collins on Wednesday. On Friday, they played Ascent Classical Academy Northern Colorado from Windsor. 

The Nederland High School girls’ basketball team is in its second year after not having a team for a few years. Head Coach Kate Cannon has led the team both years.

“In year two, the team has definitely taken a step forward in coming together," Cannon said. "There’s a stronger sense of trust and chemistry, and the girls are beginning to understand their roles while supporting each other on and off the court.

"One of this team’s biggest strengths is their effort and willingness to compete. They play hard for one another, are coachable, and continue to show growth in both confidence and basketball IQ.”

"It’s been great to see their growth as players and teammates.”

Nederland sophomore Adeline Buckland has a jump shot that's tough to defend.  Chinook West senior Abbey Moore brings an energy to Nederland’s defense that encourages quick feet and sticking to the offense. 

Throughout the season, the girls high school basketball team has been working on being consistent offensively, moving the ball better, and making smart decisions. 

“Defensively, they’ve taken pride in being tough and building confidence in their ability to be physical and really competing with varsity teams," Cannon said.

While playing Poudre at home the Lady Panthers defeated the Poudre Warriors (38 - 14) and then took a loss to the Ascent Archers (55 - 20).

Nederland boys

After the girls’ victory against Poudre, the Panther varsity boys’ team took the court. During the first quarter, the Panthers got behind and they had to dig themselves out. Poudre was hot with the 3-point shots. 

The Nederland players never let up on the energy, the defense, or the shooting.

“I am really proud of how our guys fought back to push the game into overtime," Nederland Head Coach Stephen LeFaiver said of the well-conditioned team. "We just began using our press and 2-3 zone, and we played it really well. It got us back into the game.

"It is a testament to our players working hard in practice and implementing it in a game situation.”

Both teams needed their free throws.

“In the second half and overtime, we shot 8-11 from the free throw line," LeFaiver said. "This is by far the best we have ever done since I have been here.” 

With 5:23 left in the game, senior Drew Hertzfeld made two free throws and brought the Panthers within four points. At 21 seconds left in the game, junior Simon Schlosser sank a 3-point shot to bring the game to a one-point difference. With four seconds remaining Schlosser scored two free throws to tie the game and take them into an intense overtime. 

In the end, the Panthers took the loss with a score of 54-49. 

High scorers for the Panthers were Hertzfeld with 14 points and seven rebounds and senior Mason Ivey with 13 points and five steals. Schlosser also put 11 points on the board.

For the next game, Ascent Classical Academy took the win over the Panthers. Their consistent outside shooting was solid. The Archers won 59-34. 

The high scorer for the Panthers for that game was Schlosser with 15 points.  

“As a first-year coach, I could not be prouder of the work our players are putting forth," LeFaiver said. "I am only the second coach these guys have ever had, and they are responding really well. They are a resilient bunch who work and play hard.

"We are put through the gauntlet in the early season playing the #1 team in the state twice and our league champion as well. Through this, we learned a lot, improved a ton. That will help us as we move through the second part of the year.”