The Otis High School boys basketball team concluded a memorable season at the Class 1A State Tournament, last weekend in Greeley.
The Bulldogs went 1-2 in the program’s first state appearance since 2010, when they lost to Caliche in the championship game. They finished the 2022-23 season with a 21-6 record, including a YWKC League regular season championship, and District 5 title, and a regional crown.
State was played in the Bank of Colorado Events Center on the University of Northern Colorado campus, Thursday through Saturday.
Otis ran into Stratton in the quarterfinal, last Thursday, the same Eagles squad they lost to less than two weeks earlier in the District 5 final, as well as once in the regular season in early January.
It turned out to be the same scenario as Otis lost 60-48. The Bulldogs fell behind 23-6 in the first quarter, and 42-18 at halftime. They were able to cut into the deficit, outscoring the Eagles by 12 in the second half, but it was too much to overcome.
Otis statistics were not available.
The Bulldogs were able to extend its stay in Greeley with a 51-42 win over Cheyenne Wells, Friday in a consolation game. Details and statistics were not available.
The win put Otis into the consolation championship game on Saturday against Granada.
The Bulldogs stuck around for most of the game, trailing just 53-50 early in the fourth. However, the Bobcats pulled away down the stretch, handing Otis a 70-57 loss to end the season.
Statistics were not available.
The state tournament brought to an end the high school careers of Otis seniors Jack Willeke and Taylor Ringlein. However, a lot of key players will return next season, providing promise for another run to the Big Show.
