Dakota Ridge falls short in Great 8 at the Denver Coliseum

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DENVER — e shots just didn’t fall for Dakota Ridge’s boys basketball team in the Class 5A state quarternals March 2 at the Denver Coliseum.

e Eagles saw their historic season come to an end with a 65-55 loss to No. 2-seeded and undefeated Mesa Ridge. It was the rst trip to the Great 8 of the state tournament since 2004 for Dakota Ridge.

“I can’t thank them enough for letting me be apart of their journey,” Dakota Ridge coach Sean Kovar said of his nine seniors. “All season long they played for each other and they played for Dakota Ridge. ey really represented our school and our community the right way on and o the court.”

Top-seeded Air Academy, Mesa Ridge, Windsor and Frederick advanced to the Final Four that will be played Friday, March 10, back at the Denver Coliseum. Mesa Ridge advanced to the Sweet 16 last year before having its season ended by eventual 4A state runner-up Pueblo South.

“It was exactly what we knew they were,” Kovar said of the undefeated Grizzlies. “ ey were super aggressive and great shooters. Hats o to them. ey have a great team and had a great game plan.”

Sophomore Bryce Riehl led the way for Mesa Ridge pouring in a gamehigh 25 points, including going 5-for-5 from 3-point range. e Grizzlies never trailed and used a 10-0 run