Warriors advance to state 4A boys basketball playoffs

GREENWOOD VILLAGE – When Frederick’s boys basketball team was 2-8, coach Larry Frank called a team meeting.

                “I asked everyone in the room to raise their hands if they thought we were going to make the state playoffs,” he said. “Not many did.”

                That was six or seven weeks ago. Sunday afternoon, the Warriors learned they were in the 48-team bracket as a ninth seed. The Colorado High School Activities Association released the brackets during its selection show.

Frederick takes a 12-11 record into Tuesday night’s game at Thompson Valley, also sporting a mark of 12-11. The winner visits top-seeded Lewis-Palmer (22-1) Friday night.

                Ryan Miller leads the Warriors’ scoring efforts at 12 points a game. Lucas Adams is close behind at 11.1 per outing. Miller handles most of the rebounding chores (7.7 per contest). One Eagles’ player (center Austin Dyer) averaged in double figures this season. He tossed in 11 points per game. Karsen Buschjost averages 7.5 rebounds per night.

                “I am familiar with Thompson Valley,” Frank said. “They have quick athletes. They like to shoot the ball. It will be a good test for our kids. And I know our kids will be ready.”

                Frederick won 10 of its last 13, including an 11-point victory over Roosevelt Thursday night.

                “We won’t change anything. What you see is what you get,” Frank said. “There won’t be any surprises. We’ll just have to go and play one of our better games.

“It’s a good accomplishment by the kids, you bet,” Frank continued. “They believed in each other and worked hard.”

Contact Sports Editor Steve Smith at ssmith@metrowestnewspapers.com or at 303-659-2522, ext. 224.