DENVER – In a thrilling showdown at the Denver Coliseum, the Riverdale Ridge Ravens secured their first-ever 4A state title in girls’ or boys’ basketball for the Thornton school. Led by the unstoppable Brihanna Crittendon, the Ravens toppled the defending champions, the Holy Family Tigers, with a final score of 50-43 in what will be remembered as an epic battle on Championship Saturday.

From the opening quarter, Crittendon showcased her dominance, racking up six points to give the Ravens an early lead of 14-9. Holy Family struggled to contain the powerhouse post player, who boasts offers from prestigious colleges like Louisville, Texas Tech, and UCLA. Despite Holy Family’s efforts to rally, Crittendon consistently delivered clutch plays to keep the Ravens ahead.

Coach Tim Jones praised Crittendon’s remarkable performance, describing her as a generational talent with an unshakable mentality. Crittendon’s stat line of 22 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks exemplified her impact on the game. Contributing to the Ravens’ triumph were Brooklyn Charo with 11 points and six rebounds, and Cimonie Martinez with 10 points and eight rebounds.

For Coach Jones, the victory held profound significance, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Reflecting on the journey, he expressed gratitude for his team’s perseverance and described the championship win as surreal, especially with his inaugural group of seniors who formed the foundation of the program.

Despite a valiant effort, Holy Family concluded their season with a record of 25-3, falling short against the formidable Ravens. Gracie Ward led the Tigers with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Sawyer Dana, Jennifer Altshurer, and Enyiah Contreaz each contributed seven points.

As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, jubilant Ravens fans erupted in cheers, while tears of joy and admiration flowed from both teams. The passing of the torch from one northern powerhouse to another marked a poignant moment in basketball history, as the Riverdale Ridge Ravens etched their name in the annals of Colorado high school basketball with an unforgettable victory.