Vansickle scores 33 points, leads Eagles into title game
Years ago, Chauncey Billups carved out his place as a Colorado prep basketball legend. Later, at the University and in the NBA, he gained fame as “Mr. Big Shot.”
Well, move over Mr. Billups, and make some room for Ms. Big Shot.
That would be Valor Christian junior point guard Quinn Vansickle, who poured in 33 points and made her presence felt in nearly every key moment of the Eagles’ 71-59 win over Cherokee Trail in Thursday’s Class 6A state girls basketball Final Four matchup at the Denver Coliseum.
“Quinn is a big shot type of kid and she rises to the occasion in key moments,” said Valor coach Jessika Caldwell. “I knew she was a little bit disappointed in how she played in the last round, so she hit the gym early, every day, and worked on her shooting.”
No. 4 Valor (22-4), seeking its first state title since 2021, will play for the championship at 1:15 p.m. Saturday against the winner of Thursday night’s late semifinal between No. 7 Regis Jesuit (19-7) and No. 3 Legend (24-2).
“I do want the ball,” said Vansickle, who has scholarship offers from Marquette and Utah State, among others, but hasn’t committed yet. “It comes down to hard work and all of the hours I put in. And so much of it comes from my faith in God.”
Quinn played all 32 minutes, shot 9 of 18 from the field (including 5 of 12 from 3-point range), made 10 of 11 free throws, handed out four assists and had six steals. She was everywhere, all at once.
She had to be because junior guard Rylie Beers went down with a left knee injury in the second half and didn’t return.
Caldwell didn’t know the extent of Beers’ injury, but said, “It doesn’t look promising.” Beers, who scored seven points, was in tears at the end of the game as she congratulated her teammates.
Cherokee Trail was led by junior forward Delainey Miller’s 21-point, six-rebound performance.
Her powerful inside game caused major problems for Valor, especially in the second quarter when the Cougars outscored Valor to take a 33-27 lead.
But Vansickle kept the Eagles in the game and she had 26 points by the end of three quarters when the Eagles carved out a 50-48 lead entering the final frame.
Valor was excellent from the foul line — making 24 of 30 shots — and also got a big game from sophomore Peyton Jones, who scored 13 points.
The Eagles soared to start the game. Behind Vansickle’s eight points
— including two 3-pointers — the Eagles jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, but the Cougars worked the boards and their tight defense kept them in it. After one quarter, Valor’s lead had shrunk to 13-10.
The Cougars, paced by junior Miller’s physical play, seemed to be on the verge of taking control several times but Valor had an answer every time it needed it.
The top-seeded Cougars, who saw their season end with a 24-3 record, also got an 18-point, six-rebound performance from senior Damara Allen in her final game.