Niwot girls basketball delivers bundle of wins for the holidays

Coming into the Dec. 19 game against Prairie View High School, the Niwot High School girls varsity basketball team had won three games in a row.

With a record of 5-1, they were off to their best start in years. Led by an excellent class of seniors and receiving contributions across the lineup, the Cougars were firing on all cylinders. On their home floor, they weren't about to let this one slip away.

From the first whistle, after Prairie View won the tip, two Niwot defenders immediately trapped the ball carrier, forcing a turnover and scoring a layup on the other end. This opening play symbolized almost the entire first quarter. The Cougars were committed to playing suffocating, pestering defense, which often resulted in steals that fueled their transition offense.

They almost always converted on the fast break, thanks to their ability to pass on the run to the teammate with the most open lane to the basket. Niwot opened up a big lead within the first couple of minutes, and the score was 10-0 before Prairie View was able to attempt a shot.

Leading the defensive effort was senior guard Thalia Alamaraz, who played relentless one-on-one defense starting in the backcourt, staying in front of the Prairie View guard and repeatedly stealing the ball. Almaraz has been a defensive force all year, averaging a remarkable 4.8 steals per game.

On the offensive end, Niwot excelled in transition and half-court play. The Cougars executed several plays featuring over-the-top passes to forwards Jiselle Sales and Hadie Adams, who scored with ease in the paint.

They also utilized give-and-go plays with speedy freshman Alaina Loomis, who drove to the basket with confidence, navigating traffic for layups. Whenever a shot bounced off the rim, junior Cyrena Allen and sophomore Diya Mehta were ready to grab the rebound and score on putbacks. By the end of the first half, the Cougars held a commanding 52-16 lead.

In the second half, Coach Todd Trobaugh had the opportunity to rotate different combinations of players as Niwot cruised to victory. He looked for combinations that gelled and displayed chemistry ahead of the tougher January schedule.

Once league play begins, the Cougars will face dramatically stronger opponents, including powerhouses Broomfield High School and Mead High School, as well as rivals Longmont High School and Silver Creek High School. These games will present a whole different level of competition compared to the start of the season.

Against Prairie View, the Cougars scored most of their points through layups and free throws. However, against stouter defenses, their jump shooting will need to become a more consistent weapon. Junior guard Ella Zechman and senior forward Peyton Rhodes, who nailed a buzzer-beating jump shot to end the first quarter, could be key outside scorers in those tougher matchups.

Niwot's aggressive defense also resulted in a number of reaching and pushing fouls, allowing Prairie View to get into the bonus and score from the free throw line. Avoiding such fouls will be crucial in closer games where every point matters.

For now, though, Niwot is rolling through the holidays as a program on the rise. With a 6-1 record, the Cougars look to return refreshed after winter break for the start of league play starting at home Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. against Horizon High School.