by David High
LA VETA — La Veta was the host of the first round of District-6 playoffs Tuesday Feb. 20 and, as proper hosts, they showed the Cotopaxi Pirates around the court to the tune of a 10-6 lead in the initial quarter of play. The Pirates and Redskins battled each other evenly in the second quarter as the visitors cut the Redskin lead by one point to make it 23-20 going into the third period.
The Redskins took control with a steady output on offense and a stingy defense to distance themselves from their visitors in the third period 36-25.
The Pirates weren’t done yet and made a run at the home team before it was all over, but the Redskins hung on to win 50-45.
Friday, the Lady Redskins continued their playoff confrontations by traveling to Adams State University to face the Sangre de Cristo Thunderbirds in the second round of the playoffs. As during the season when the two teams met, the 18-2 Sangre Thunderbirds jumped to an early lead in the first quarter to lead. Trailing 15-8, the Redskins were in a catch-up mode the rest of the way. Sangre, a very talented 1-A team, continued on with a machine-like offensive performance and never looked back, going on to win 61-29 and move on in the playoffs.
To say La Veta’s Saturday morning game, played for third place in the playoffs against Sierra Grande, was a back-and-forth affair would be an understatement. The Panthers jumped out in front to take a clear lead at 13-8 in the first eight minutes. The Redskins weren’t discouraged however, and bounced back with a smothering defense that allow the Panthers just two points and, before you knew it, La Veta was in front at the break 21-15.
The Panthers took their turn to bounce back in the third quarter, shutting down the Redskins offense as just two balls found the net for the red and white. Going into the final eight minutes it was Sierra 29, La Veta 25.
It was anybody’s ball game at that point, as the two evenly matched teams traded basket for basket. Unfortunately, the Panthers were the ones with the basket that mattered, giving them a two point advantage at the final buzzer to take the win, 44-42.
The Lady Redskins lost four of their last eight games against some tough competition to end season with an outstanding 15-7 overall record.
Senior all-around athletes Sonia Vallejos, M’Kenna Smith and cousins Rachelle and Shaylee Andreatta have been high level competitors for the Redskin volleyball and basketball teams over their high school careers. They have provided great leadership this season and will be greatly missed. It will seem odd to not be typing their names in La Veta sports articles next year. Good luck to all of you in your future endeavors.
Antonito took the championship game, winning over Sangre de Cristo 34-44. Both teams will move on to the State Tournament.
Cotopaxi 6 14 5 20 45
La Veta 10 13 13 14 50
S. Grande 13 2 14 15 44
La Veta 8 13 4 17 42
