The Windsor Wizards have demonstrated their prowess once more, with both the boys and girls basketball teams securing coveted spots in the Colorado Class 5A Great 8 at the Denver Coliseum. The boys team, seeded third, secured their place with a decisive 65-49 victory over Thomas Jefferson, while the girls team, ranked fifth, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Littleton with a final score of 49-43.
In a thrilling series of games, the Wizards’ boys and girls displayed their strength and determination in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Junior guard John Backhaus stood out for the boys team, contributing 20 points, including three 3-pointers. Madden Smiley and Tadese Keyworth also played pivotal roles, each scoring 12 points. With a memorable 12-0 run in the second quarter, the Wizards established a solid foundation for their victory, securing their fourth Great 8 appearance in the last 10 years.
The girls’ triumph was equally impressive, as they overcame an 18-point halftime deficit to emerge victorious. A stellar defensive performance, coupled with a remarkable 19-2 run in the third quarter, propelled the Windsor girls to a hard-fought victory. Players such as Brooklyn Jiricek, Reyleigh Hess, and Nola Greenwald played crucial roles in this remarkable turnaround, showcasing the team’s unwavering determination and resilience.
Looking ahead, both teams are focused on the upcoming challenges, with the boys team facing Lewis-Palmer and the girls team taking on Northfield in their respective Great 8 matchups. The coaches and players of the Wizards have expressed their determination to make a lasting impact in the forthcoming games and are fully focused on their goal of clinching victory.
The continued success of the Wizards under the leadership of their coaches, Jon Rakiecki and Karin Nicholls, has firmly established them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of high school basketball. With a history of impressive performances and a dedicated fan base, the Windsor Wizards are poised to make their mark in the upcoming Great 8 games. Their unwavering spirit and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes and a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication in achieving success on the basketball court.