The Lady Reds are going back to the state tournament.  After a win in their last regular season game against Brush, the Reds have secured the six seed in the tournament.  Nakayia Kuskie (21) said, “This just motivates us to get back, we want that feeling of winning a state title.”  They defeated the Beetdiggers by a score of 60-44 after a huge second quarter.  

Kuskie said, “A win at the end like that gives so much confidence.  After the loss against Platte Valley our biggest points were to focus on handling pressure and eliminate turnovers.  We did that and we got a big win over Brush.”  The Reds took an early lead in the first, but only held the lead by one.  In the second, the Reds switched gears and put up 23 points to Brush’s six.  The Reds didn’t look back as they blew past the Beetdiggers.  “I think now we know what we are capable of.” Kuskie said, looking back at the game.  

Ahana Leffler (22) led the team in points with 15 on the night.  She was followed by Kuskie, and Jisell Chumacero (21) who both had eight in the game.  Leffler said, “The win just gave us confidence and reassurance that we can work as a team and make it far with all of the hard work we put in.”  Going into the game, the Reds were ranked 12 in the state and Brush was ranked at 20.  Now, with the tournament brackets set the Reds have secured the six seed and have a first round bye.  

“I mean this is what you dream of playing for in high school sports. It’s a great feeling to know that we’ve set ourselves up for a shot at the state title.” Kuskie said. 

They will face the winner of 11 seeded St. Mary’s or 22 seeded Colorado Academy on Thursday, March 8.  Kuskie said, “I think the only thing that feels really different about the tournament is that the high seed hosts.  For us, this can be a great advantage and we plan on doing our best to capitalize on that.”  

Leffler said, “This year is a little different because there is a shorter time to prepare for state games, but we work hard in everything we do and we’ll be ready for whatever comes.” The Reds will move on to state in hopes of capitalizing on what was cut short for them last year.