Now things start to get really interesting for Wheat Ridge’s girls basketball team.
After drubbing Elizabeth 82-25 Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Wheat Ridge High School, the Farmers (10-3, 6-0 in Class 4A Jeffco League) have their most important stretch in conference play.
Wheat Ridge faces D’Evelyn (7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22) at home before back-to-back road trips next week to the foothills against Conifer (7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26) and Evergreen (7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29). The combined record of the three teams ahead for the Farmers is 36-7.
Before the month ends, Wheat Ridge will know if it still has a shot at winning the league title. The Farmers sit atop the conference with undefeated Conifer (15-0, 6-0).
“With success comes pressure,” Wheat Ridge coach Heather McAdams said. “With pressure you can forget to have fun.”
The Farmers had plenty of fun Tuesday night. Kelsey O’Connor, Chloe Gearhart and Elle Madsen each finished with 17 points. Mandy Madrid and Kendra Austin had 10 points each.
Wheat Ridge’s defense was just as impressive as its offensive balance. Elizabeth (4-11, 2-4) was forced into 43 turnovers.
“I’m tired of teams hanging with us,” McAdams said. “It’s time to come out and put down the explosion right away.”