Warriors make it through injuries to state girls playoff berth

GREENWOOD VILLAGE – Given the injuries on the Frederick High School girls basketball team this season, a state playoff berth may not have made the radar several times.

Jim Siegle

Caroline Johnson, of Frederick, breaks around a successful screen set by Mikayla Bragalone during the first quarter of the Warriors’ game at Roosevelt Feb. 16.

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    But when the 48-team bracket was announced Sunday afternoon, the Warriors were in the draw as an 11th seed. Frederick (9-14) travels to sixth-seeded Thompson Valley (15-8) at 7 p.m., Feb. 22 for the first-round match. The winner gets a trip to third-seeded Moffat County (17-6) Saturday.
    Three of Frederick’s starters played less than 15 games this season. One – Alisha Casados – hasn’t played since December.
    “Despite of a season full of injuries, we had a little run at the end of our regular season to put ourselves in a position to participate in the postseason,” FHS coach Roger Dufour said.
    No one on the Eagles’ roster averaged in double figures this season. Lexy Schoonover leads the squad at eight points a game. Lauren Mickelson is next at 7.8 points per contest. The top rebounder for Thompson Valley is Emily Newton. Frederick’s top point producer is center Mikayla Bragalone (12.4 points per game). Sophomore Erica Artis is next, averaging 8.3 points per game. Bragalone is the leading rebounder at 6.8 rebounds per game. Artis is close behind with her average of 6.7.
    “I’m satisfied with the Thompson Valley match up,” Dufour said. “They have pretty good guards and like to press, but I like our chances. We are excited for Wednesday, and we’ll bring our best.”

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