Incredible. With 11 seconds to go in the state semi-final boys basketball game vs. #1 ranked Faith Christian (FCA), I was preparing to accept the fact that CA would play in the consolation game vs. Lutheran the following afternoon. What transpired in the remaining time of regulation was nothing short of unbelievable.

 

FCA was shooting a free throw, was up 4 points with 10.9 seconds left in regulation. FCA missed the free throw and CA’s Justin Bassey came down with the rebound and was immediately fouled. CA was in the bonus, so Bassey went to the charity stripe to shoot 2. After hitting his first free throw, Justin intentionally missed his second shot and was fouled again. With CA now down by 3, Bassey repeated his strategy; made his first shot and purposely missed the second shot. Junior Christian Hyatt came down with the ball this time and FCA fouled CA, again. The Mustangs were now down 2 with just under 7 seconds remaining, and FCA was doing its part in this made-for-ESPN conclusion to a hard-fought, tough game by both squads. As CA went to the free-throw line for the third straight time, Hyatt made both shots to tie the game. FCA then received the ball on their end line and made a valiant attempt to pull out a victory from the jaws of defeat, but came up short. In overtime, FCA fell behind and into foul trouble and couldn’t reverse the positive momentum for the Mustangs. CA managed to persevere during the 4-minute overtime, avenge their regular season loss to FCA and win the game 75-69 and seal their path to the championship.

 

The grit and resilience that the CA boys showed that night was evident again during the championship game on Saturday night vs. #2 ranked Colorado Springs Christian. To be clear, these positive attributes have been on public display often in the past few years in many other CA athletic events and championship runs. Down 19 at one point during the third quarter against CSCS, who regularly play 11 or 12 players during the course of a game vs. 6 or 7 regulars for CA, the Mustangs fought back to bring the game within 2 during the waning seconds. Bassey, Hyatt and company could not perform another miracle comeback, eventually losing 55-52, but we as a community should be proud of their efforts that were on display in front of over 2000 fans in Lockridge Arena on the campus of Colorado School of Mines. So many CA fans were in attendance Saturday night to witness the run by the boys and their display of class, hard work, aggressive competitiveness, fight and fortitude.

 

CSCS was a formidable opponent, and they will be strong again next year. My hat is off to them for winning the championship; they are a great team and program. I personally thanked each and every one, players, coaches, managers, in the CA boys basketball program for what they have given to the CA community. During tournaments like these, CA athletes give the CA community the opportunity to come together and support each other, laugh, cry, scream and be 1CA for a brief period of time. For all of their hard work, commitment, and dedication to a common goal, I am grateful.

 

There is only one Colorado boys basketball program that can claim to have been in the state championship game over the last 2 years: Colorado Academy. This team’s efforts will not soon be forgotten, and I look forward to next season filled with the inevitable ups and downs and life lessons associated with competitive athletics.

 

For sure, the terrific strides taken by the CA girls basketball team this season under the tutelage of assistant AD, Meghan Peregord, and their Sweet 16 state run cannot be overlooked, and indeed, rival the boys’ success. Is it coincidence that both CA basketball teams lost to the eventual state champion? The CA girls lost to Pagosa Springs who beat Sterling in the girls title match.

 

Often Peregord and Steve Hyatt would share strategies and philosophies throughout the season. This type of collaboration and teamwork by the coaches is helpful to the two programs and witnessed by the programs players, potentially a very positive and impactful byproduct for impressionable young adults. Colorado Academy is a wonderful place to work, learn, and play. I am continually reminded and thankful for the support given by the community all that we do.