Let’s make some basketball magic in Golden

Basketball is, for lack of a better word, magical.

In February 2020, I wrote a column for the Clear Creek Courant, the Transcript’s sister paper, explaining why I believe basketball games are unlike any other sports experience.

e high school coaches and I outlined several ways basketball feels unique, with much of it examining the crowd’s impact on the game.

Whether it’s cheering so loudly that opposing players can’t hear their coaches or distracting them when they go to the free-throw line, there’s a reason the fans are sometimes called “the sixth man.”

Although I’ve seen all this rsthand across multiple teams at multiple venues, I admit most of my observations are based on my time at the University of Kansas. In Allen Fieldhouse, it seems like KU fans can conjure a W through sheer willpower. e 16,300-seat venue sells out every game, creating an environment so loud that opposing teams “feel the sound.”

I still remember where I stood on Feb. 25, 2012, when KU came back from a 19-point de cit to beat archrival Mizzou. ere was no sitting down and there was no holding back — we were going to yell, clap and stomp until our team won.

I guarantee that game would’ve turned out di erently in any other venue. Everyone in the crowd that day saw just how much the fans’ passion can impact the outcome.

I saw similar passion from the Jan. 27 home crowd at Colorado School of Mines, as the men’s team rallied a comeback against Fort Lewis. e crowd hollered and stomped when the Skyhawks were at the line, and the Oredigger faithful cheered for every home basket in that nal stretch.

And while Jan. 27’s 800-plus attendees is the team’s biggest crowd of the season, I’m hoping that statistic won’t last long.

February is a big month for the local basketball teams. Golden High School is hosting Senior Nights Feb. 6 and Feb. 10. en, the Mines teams celebrate their Senior Night Feb. 18.

If Jan. 27’s crowd was one of the best junior forward Riley Schroeder’s ever seen, imagine how much it’d mean to the Orediggers to see a sold-out Lockridge Arena, or for the Demons to play in a packed home gym. So, I’m challenging my fellow Goldenites to pack the stands.

Bring family members, friends, classmates, church members, hiking buddies, neighbors and more. Let’s create amazing homecourt advantages for the local teams and send their seniors o in style.

I hope there are so many Demons at the Feb. 6 and Feb. 10 games, it’s standing-room only. I hope fans are so loud Feb. 18, the Orediggers feel like they’re headlining a rock concert. is month, I hope Goldenites create a basketball atmosphere so magical and momentous, it can only be captured by that classic Allen Fieldhouse phrase: “Pay heed.”

Announcing the next “Co ee with a Reporter” event

Do you think there’s another sport where fans can have such a tangible impact? What’s your most memorable gameday experience? Should I write a follow-up column lobbying everyone to attend local baseball games? (I mean, you should. Just put all local Senior Day games on your calendars going forward.)

Join me for the next “Co ee with a Reporter” from 8-11 a.m. Feb. 9 at Bean Fosters. I’d love to get your general feedback on the Transcript, hear your story ideas, and/or shoot

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, Feb. 6 – Senior Night for Golden High School boys team vs. archrival Wheat Ridge. Girls’ game starts at 5:30 p.m., and boys start at 7 p.m. The event’s the final day of the annual Jamie Wiggins Food Drive. Tickets are $5 for everyone, although students get in free with their activity passes.

Friday, Feb. 10 – Senior Night for the Golden High School girls basketball team vs. Conifer. Girls’ game starts at 5:30 p.m., and boys start at 7 p.m. The event is part of school’s annual Wish Week. Tickets are $5 for everyone, although students get in free with their activity passes.

Saturday, Feb. 18 – Colorado School of Mines’ Senior Night vs. Chadron State. Women’s game starts at 3:30 p.m. Men’s game starts at 6 p.m. Tickets for the evening are $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, children and military; and Mines students and sta are free with their Blaster cards.

the breeze talking about sports and Golden goings-on. If you can’t make it, feel free to email me at cwesteman@coloradocommunitymedia.com and/or look for another “Co ee with a Reporter” event this spring.