Maves scores career-high 40 points in win over Dakota Ridge

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LAKEWOOD — It isn’t a secret that Jayda Maves is one of the premier girls basketball players not only in the Je co League, but in the state.

One Jan. 23 the Western Colorado University-commit did something she has never done before during her stellar prep career. Maves poured in a career-high 40 points in a 63-26 home victory against Dakota Ridge.

“She (Maves) works so hard at her game. She has for years,” Green Mountain’s rst-year coach Matteo Busnardo said. “It is crazy as a coach to stand there and watch it. ey just keep going in and keep going in. I’m so happy for her and the team.” e Green Mountain senior in nearing the 1,500-point career total over her four years with the Rams despite a sophomore shortened COVID season in 2020-21. Maves was instrumental in Green Mountain three straight 4A Final Four state appearances over the pervious there seasons.

Maves pushed her season average to 24.4 points per game scoring 31 points in a win over Pomona on Jan. 25 and broke her career-high with 42 points at Alameda on Jan. 27.

“For me it means so much for our team to win,” Maves said after her 40-point night against Dakota Ridge that included eight 3-pointers. “I want our team to be the best that we can. When I score I want to get everyone else’s con dence up too.”

While Maves was the highlight with the career night, the Rams had a nice supporting cast. Junior Taylor Ellington, along with sophomores Avery Freedman and Julia Schafer all scored in the rst 4 minutes of the game.

“We knew Dakota Ridge plays a lot of zone defense and we have a lot of shooters,” Busnardo said. “I knew the shots would be open. For (Maves) to score 40, her teammates were nding her and trusted her.

I’ve got all the trust in the world in Jayda.”

Green Mountain — No. 8 in