thedenverpost--2020-03-05--No. 5 San Diego State shakes off Air Force scare at Mountain West men’s basketball tournament

LAS VEGAS — Jordan Schakel scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half as No .
5 San Diego State rallied for a 73-60 win over Air Force in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament on Thursday .
Schakel , who shot 1 of 5 in the first half , hit four 3-pointers in the second half for the top-seeded Aztecs ( 29-1 ) , who rode a 21-3 run to their 13th consecutive quarterfinal victory .
Yanni Wetzell and Malachi Flynn had 16 points each for San Diego State , which is hoping to earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCAA Tournament .
After surviving the scare from Air Force , SDSU plays the winner of Boise State-UNLV in the semifinals .
AJ Walker scored 18 points for Air Force ( 12-20 ) , which advanced off a 77-70 win against Fresno State on Wednesday .
Air Force shot 60 % in the first half but just 27.3 % in the second , opening the door for the Aztecs .
Air Force took a 44-39 lead on Caleb Morris ’ 3-pointer .
Schakel then hit back-to-back 3s that gave San Diego State its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half .
Matt Mitchell hit San Diego State ’ s fifth 3 of the half for a 60-47 lead with 7:05 remaining .
• Air Force comes up short against No .
4 San Diego State Schakel hit his fourth 3 with 1:29 remaining to make it 71-60 .
Walker , who averaged 10.9 points during the regular season , scored 14 points in the first half .
His 3-pointer with 39.2 seconds remaining preserved a 37-33 halftime lead for Air Force .
San Diego State went 1 of 6 to begin the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 7 to take a 19-17 lead on a 3-pointer from Adam Seiko .
The Falcons made four of their seven 3s in the final 10 minutes of the first half .
San Diego State : Plays either Boise State or UNLV on Friday .

LAS VEGAS — Jordan Schakel scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half as No. 5 San Diego State rallied for a 73-60 win over Air Force in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament on Thursday.
Schakel, who shot 1 of 5 in the first half, hit four 3-pointers in the second half for the top-seeded Aztecs (29-1), who rode a 21-3 run to their 13th consecutive quarterfinal victory.
Yanni Wetzell and Malachi Flynn had 16 points each for San Diego State, which is hoping to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. After surviving the scare from Air Force, SDSU plays the winner of Boise State-UNLV in the semifinals.
AJ Walker scored 18 points for Air Force (12-20), which advanced off a 77-70 win against Fresno State on Wednesday.
Air Force shot 60% in the first half but just 27.3% in the second, opening the door for the Aztecs.
Air Force took a 44-39 lead on Caleb Morris’ 3-pointer. Schakel then hit back-to-back 3s that gave San Diego State its first lead since early in the first half.
Matt Mitchell hit San Diego State’s fifth 3 of the half for a 60-47 lead with 7:05 remaining.
Schakel hit his fourth 3 with 1:29 remaining to make it 71-60.
Walker, who averaged 10.9 points during the regular season, scored 14 points in the first half. His 3-pointer with 39.2 seconds remaining preserved a 37-33 halftime lead for Air Force.
San Diego State went 1 of 6 to begin the game, but responded by making 6 of 7 to take a 19-17 lead on a 3-pointer from Adam Seiko.
The Falcons made four of their seven 3s in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
UP NEXT
San Diego State: Plays either Boise State or UNLV on Friday.


thedenverpost--2020-03-05--Avalanche takeaways: Nathan MacKinnon snaps mini-slump in OT loss to Ducks

Nathan MacKinnon snapped a seven-game goals drought Wednesday night and produced just his second multiple-point game during that stretch .
But make no mistake , the Avalanche superstar had not been playing poorly .
He just hasn ’ t been getting rewarded .
MacKinnon has produced 39 shots in his last eight games and leads the NHL in shots ( 311 ) .
Despite falling to fifth in NHL scoring with 88 points and eighth in goals with 34 , MacKinnon is still considered a Hart Trophy candidate as league MVP .
“ Players will get frustrated — if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re not getting rewarded , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after the 4-3 overtime loss to visiting Anaheim .
“ Nate ’ s been a real good team guy and understands it ’ s going to come for him and the team is still winning .
But I know it wears on you .
So I liked to see him getting rewarded for playing hard , and playing well.
” Injuries to six key players obviously lessen the strength of the Avs ’ lineup , but it also allows depth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in handy during the playoffs .
Young defenseman Ryan Graves logged a season-high 26:43 on Wednesday and 21-year-old forward Tyson Jost played 17:55 .
Save for defenseman Nikita Zadorov , who was minus-3 and logged just 7:58 , each of the former depth guys got increased playing time against the Ducks .
Forwards Martin Kaut , Logan O ’ Connor , Vladislav Kamenev and defenseman Mark Barberio wouldn ’ t make the lineup if Colorado was a full-strength .
And even Jost could get bumped when Mikko Rantanen , Nazem Kadri , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injured list .
So there is a silver lining to that long list that now includes top-pair defenseman Cale Makar .
“ You got to play , and play hard , and play well , in order to get ice time , ” Bednar said .
“ Obviously , some guys are in elevated roles right now and we needed them to be good — and lots of guys are stepping up for us .
It ’ s good .
That experience should help our team going down the stretch.
” Zadorov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ducks ’ first three goals came when he was on the ice .
Andrew Agozzino and Sam Steele scored from atop the crease and Brendan Guhle back-door on a defensive breakdown .
Zadorov is probably the Avalanche ’ s most inconsistent player , logging 20-25 minutes when he ’ s on his game and 7-15 minutes when he doesn ’ t have it .
Zadorov is making $ 3.2 million this season and can be a restricted free agent this summer .
His inconsistency suggests he will be difficult to re-sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reassigned to the American Hockey League ’ s Colorado Eagles on Thursday , and replaced by Sheldon Dries .
Kaut , who was Colorado ’ s 2018 first-round draft pick ( 16th overall ) , has had a good showing in eight NHL games , but the team wants to keep him from playing 10 games so he doesn ’ t burn a year of his entry-level contract .
Kaut is still eligible to play one more game for the Avs before a possible burn would begin .
The Avalanche also recalled @ @ @ @

Nathan MacKinnon snapped a seven-game goals drought Wednesday night and produced just his second multiple-point game during that stretch. But make no mistake, the Avalanche superstar had not been playing poorly. He just hasn’t been getting rewarded.
MacKinnon has produced 39 shots in his last eight games and leads the NHL in shots (311). Despite falling to fifth in NHL scoring with 88 points and eighth in goals with 34, MacKinnon is still considered a Hart Trophy candidate as league MVP.
“Players will get frustrated — if you’re getting chances and chances and you’re not getting rewarded,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after the 4-3 overtime loss to visiting Anaheim. “Nate’s been a real good team guy and understands it’s going to come for him and the team is still winning. But I know it wears on you. So I liked to see him getting rewarded for playing hard, and playing well.”
Silver lining
Injuries to six key players obviously lessen the strength of the Avs’ lineup, but it also allows depth guys to get valuable experience that might come in handy during the playoffs.
Young defenseman Ryan Graves logged a season-high 26:43 on Wednesday and 21-year-old forward Tyson Jost played 17:55. Save for defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who was minus-3 and logged just 7:58, each of the former depth guys got increased playing time against the Ducks.
Forwards Martin Kaut, Logan O’Connor, Vladislav Kamenev and defenseman Mark Barberio wouldn’t make the lineup if Colorado was a full-strength. And even Jost could get bumped when Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky and Matt Calvert return from the injured list.
So there is a silver lining to that long list that now includes top-pair defenseman Cale Makar.
“You got to play, and play hard, and play well, in order to get ice time,” Bednar said. “Obviously, some guys are in elevated roles right now and we needed them to be good — and lots of guys are stepping up for us. It’s good. That experience should help our team going down the stretch.”
Big Z fell asleep
Zadorov played just nine shifts Wednesday and each of the Ducks’ first three goals came when he was on the ice. Andrew Agozzino and Sam Steele scored from atop the crease and Brendan Guhle back-door on a defensive breakdown.
Zadorov is probably the Avalanche’s most inconsistent player, logging 20-25 minutes when he’s on his game and 7-15 minutes when he doesn’t have it. Zadorov is making $3.2 million this season and can be a restricted free agent this summer. His inconsistency suggests he will be difficult to re-sign.
Footnotes. Kaut, 20, was reassigned to the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles on Thursday, and replaced by Sheldon Dries. Kaut, who was Colorado’s 2018 first-round draft pick (16th overall), has had a good showing in eight NHL games, but the team wants to keep him from playing 10 games so he doesn’t burn a year of his entry-level contract. Kaut is still eligible to play one more game for the Avs before a possible burn would begin. The Avalanche also recalled defenseman Kevin Connauton.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Ask Amy: Dad worries about partner’s off-site texting

My previous marriage was not a healthy one .
My wife had several affairs .
I ’ m now in a very loving relationship with someone I adore .
My girls love her and she ’ s a great motherly figure .
We ’ ve talked extensively about marriage .
We rarely argue or disagree .
Our relationship is fantastic .
The one thing that bothers me involves texting and social media .
She routinely gets text messages from a male co-worker during the evening and weekend hours .
I firmly believe that it ’ s inappropriate and unnecessary for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of work .
She is a devoted life partner , but why does this continue , even after I have expressed my concerns ?
Early in our relationship , before we were fully committed , she went on a trip that was previously planned to visit a man she was in a prior relationship with .
She wasn ’ t fully forthcoming about this until she returned home .
She said she didn ’ t think we were in a fully committed relationship .
I have forgiven her .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonder why these behaviors continue .
She ’ s a very friendly and caring person , which may at times come across as flirtatious .
Am I being unreasonable and insecure , or should I be concerned ?
Dear Wondering : Your girlfriend is a “ devoted life partner.
” Devoted life partners get to have friends outside of the partnership .
These friendships should not be conducted in secret and should be acknowledged openly — and occasionally shared — with the family .
The friendship with this co-worker predates your relationship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ braiding your lives together , you should meet one another ’ s friends and learn the backstory of these various friendships .
Platonic friendships outside of the primary relationship are not “ inappropriate ” or “ unnecessary.
” In fact , these friendships can demonstrate ( as well as expand ) a person ’ s capacity for other relationships .
Yes , texting and posting on social media during “ together time ” is distracting and rude to one ’ s partner .
Perhaps as a couple ( and family group ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone use .
You need to differentiate between human instincts ( when you just know in your bones that something is amiss ) , and the toxic trust issues perpetuated in your marriage and triggered by this work friendship .
Discuss this tactfully with your partner , encourage her to be open and transparent about her friendships , and show an interest in meeting all of her friends .
Dear Amy : Over the past year , my husband has come to believe that conversation consists of asking lots of questions , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of topics that I can not possibly know .
Topics run the gamut from information in the news to details about my relatives .
This has gotten worse over time .
Sometimes our “ conversations ” seem like an interrogation .
He does not converse with others in this way .
Recently , I returned home after driving seven hours to arrange an assisted-living facility for my mom — an emotionally draining experience .
Upon entering the house , I was confronted with intense questioning about issues surrounding my mother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting back in the car and driving away .
The next morning , I told him that his way of welcoming me home was highly undiplomatic , and that intensely questioning someone is not carrying on a conversation .
We are both 65 , I am fully retired , he is partially retired , and we do not have financial stress .
I do not have secrets from him , and we trust each other completely .
Dear Interrogated : This might be a sign of a cognitive problem , except your husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other people .
Arriving home from a stressful trip — not to a greeting but an interrogation — is not the best way for him to love you .
Point this out during a calm moment .
Encourage him to dive into his outside friendships — because it seems that he is storing up a lot of what he sees as “ conversation starters ” for you .
If this gets worse , he should get a medical check-up .
Dear Amy : I was shocked by your response to “ Annoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother-in-law constantly makes nonsense baby noises to her baby .
The reason your response shocked me was because you got it right .
“ Annoyed ” should perhaps take the opportunity to listen to a podcast while her mother-in-law is “ goo-goo-gooshing.
” Thank you for encouraging this kind of adult-baby communication .
Dear Shocked : I accept your backhanded compliment — and thank you .

Dear Amy: I’m a 50-year-old divorced father of three wonderful daughters.
My previous marriage was not a healthy one. My wife had several affairs.
I’m now in a very loving relationship with someone I adore. My girls love her and she’s a great motherly figure. We’ve talked extensively about marriage. We rarely argue or disagree. Our relationship is fantastic.
The one thing that bothers me involves texting and social media. She routinely gets text messages from a male co-worker during the evening and weekend hours. I firmly believe that it’s inappropriate and unnecessary for the communication between the two of them outside of work.
She is a devoted life partner, but why does this continue, even after I have expressed my concerns?
Early in our relationship, before we were fully committed, she went on a trip that was previously planned to visit a man she was in a prior relationship with. She wasn’t fully forthcoming about this until she returned home. She said she didn’t think we were in a fully committed relationship. I have forgiven her.
I’m thinking about getting engaged, but I wonder why these behaviors continue. She’s a very friendly and caring person, which may at times come across as flirtatious.
Am I being unreasonable and insecure, or should I be concerned?
— Just Wondering
Dear Wondering: Your girlfriend is a “devoted life partner.” Devoted life partners get to have friends outside of the partnership. These friendships should not be conducted in secret and should be acknowledged openly — and occasionally shared — with the family.
The friendship with this co-worker predates your relationship. As you two continue the process of braiding your lives together, you should meet one another’s friends and learn the backstory of these various friendships. Platonic friendships outside of the primary relationship are not “inappropriate” or “unnecessary.” In fact, these friendships can demonstrate (as well as expand) a person’s capacity for other relationships.
Yes, texting and posting on social media during “together time” is distracting and rude to one’s partner. Perhaps as a couple (and family group), you can all agree on parameters regarding phone use.
You need to differentiate between human instincts (when you just know in your bones that something is amiss), and the toxic trust issues perpetuated in your marriage and triggered by this work friendship. Discuss this tactfully with your partner, encourage her to be open and transparent about her friendships, and show an interest in meeting all of her friends.
Dear Amy: Over the past year, my husband has come to believe that conversation consists of asking lots of questions, even if they relate to details regarding a range of topics that I cannot possibly know.
Topics run the gamut from information in the news to details about my relatives. This has gotten worse over time. Sometimes our “conversations” seem like an interrogation. He does not converse with others in this way.
Recently, I returned home after driving seven hours to arrange an assisted-living facility for my mom — an emotionally draining experience.
Upon entering the house, I was confronted with intense questioning about issues surrounding my mother’s trust and estate. I felt like getting back in the car and driving away.
The next morning, I told him that his way of welcoming me home was highly undiplomatic, and that intensely questioning someone is not carrying on a conversation.
We are both 65, I am fully retired, he is partially retired, and we do not have financial stress. I do not have secrets from him, and we trust each other completely.
What gives?
— Interrogated
Dear Interrogated: This might be a sign of a cognitive problem, except your husband doesn’t seem to do this with other people.
Arriving home from a stressful trip — not to a greeting but an interrogation — is not the best way for him to love you. Point this out during a calm moment.
Encourage him to dive into his outside friendships — because it seems that he is storing up a lot of what he sees as “conversation starters” for you. If this gets worse, he should get a medical check-up.
Dear Amy: I was shocked by your response to “Annoyed,” the young mother whose foreign-born mother-in-law constantly makes nonsense baby noises to her baby.
The reason your response shocked me was because you got it right.
“Annoyed” should perhaps take the opportunity to listen to a podcast while her mother-in-law is “goo-goo-gooshing.”
Thank you for encouraging this kind of adult-baby communication.
— Shocked
Dear Shocked: I accept your backhanded compliment — and thank you.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--“This is not me vs. Mike”: Nuggets defend Michael Porter Jr. in wake of healthy scratch

CHARLOTTE — Less than five minutes into the second quarter Thursday night , Nuggets coach Michael Malone made a substitution to put two of his starters back in the game , and rookie Michael Porter Jr. took it as a sign .
He shuffled to his left , further away from the scorer ’ s table , until he arrived at the last seat on the Nuggets ’ bench .
Slowly , he began to button up his warmup sweats , evidently aware that Malone didn ’ t intend on playing him against the Hornets .
By the third quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran Paul Millsap strategically sat himself next to the celebrated rookie .
“ We keep all that stuff between us , ” Millsap said , careful not to reveal exactly what was said between the two .
“ We talk .
He understands.
” Porter didn ’ t play in Thursday ’ s dramatic 114-112 win over the Hornets on Thursday .
It was his first healthy scratch since the Nuggets were in Brooklyn on Dec. 8th .
“ I think ( it ’ s ) for the betterment , for himself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him because he knows we need him , and if he ’ s not locked in , the team struggles , ” Millsap said .
“ We need him locked in .
I think he ’ s understanding it , and he ’ s taking it a little bit better than he would , per se , at the beginning of the year , but still a work in progress , and he ’ s still learning.
” Malone said the decision was about defense , where the Nuggets have struggled mightily since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the All-Star break , Denver owns the 27th ranked defense in the entire league .
It ’ s why Torrey Craig , despite getting a did-not-play in Tuesday ’ s loss to Golden State , earned the lion ’ s share of the minutes at the backup small forward job .
Craig played well , adding nine points and four rebounds in 16 minutes .
“ It ’ s nothing that Michael Porter did or did not do , ” Malone said .
“ This was a matter of us having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and arguably our best defensive player was a DNP last game .
Right after helping us beat Toronto with 17 points and great defense on ( Pascal ) Siakam and ( Kyle ) Lowry off the bench .
So it ’ s just me trying to find a way to insert some defense into the game .
“ I thought Torrey had a good impact , ” Malone continued .
“ This is not to say that Michael won ’ t play against Cleveland .
He ’ s just got ta stay with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were a 54-win team last year and we ’ re a team that has high aspirations this year .
And yes , we want to develop Michael Porter , but we also have to find ways to win .
And tonight , I just went with a group that I felt was going to give us the best chance to win .
And so Mike ’ s just got ta stay engaged and stay ready , and I have no doubt he will.
” One teammate ensuring that he does remain engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Craig , his good friend , who ’ s inadvertently played minutes that could ’ ve been allotted to Porter .
Before the players turned back to their respective benches ahead of the start of the third quarter , Craig found Porter near the free throw line .
He offered words of encouragement , even if Porter ’ s minutes might come at the expense of his own .
“ I just try to make sure that he has the right head space , not let it affect him in a negative way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even say we should play together some time for a big lineup .
Anything to encourage him.
” Craig can commiserate .
After helping blast the Raptors on Sunday , Craig was relegated to the bench in an effort to give Porter time .
But Porter struggled in those minutes ( 1 for 6 from the field , two rebounds ) against the Warriors , and the Nuggets ’ defense continued to slide .
That ’ s what led to Malone ’ s decision Thursday .
“ His head ’ s good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he understands , and he ’ s still going to get a chance to play , ” Craig said .
“ This is not me vs. Mike or me trying to take his minutes or he trying to take my minutes .
At the end of the day , we ’ re teammates , and we do whatever the coach calls .
It ’ s not up to us.
” Craig ’ s commitment to team is admirable considering it ’ s resulted in sporadic roles for him .
“ You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be within you and you really have to believe that if you want to be successful and want things to work together as a team , ” Craig said .
It ’ s why , despite their tricky arrangement , he ’ s one of Porter ’ s biggest fans .
“ He definitely makes the team better , ” Craig said .
“ Everything he brings to the table , his scoring , his rebounding , his playmaking skills .
A team would be crazy to say that they can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
”

CHARLOTTE — Less than five minutes into the second quarter here Thursday night, Nuggets coach Michael Malone made a substitution to put two of his starters back in the game, and rookie Michael Porter Jr. took it as a sign.
He shuffled to his left, further away from the scorer’s table, until he arrived at the last seat on the Nuggets’ bench. Slowly, he began to button up his warmup sweats, evidently aware that Malone didn’t intend on playing him against the Hornets.
By the third quarter, Porter’s seat unchanged, veteran Paul Millsap strategically sat himself next to the celebrated rookie.
“We keep all that stuff between us,” Millsap said, careful not to reveal what was said between the two. “We talk. He understands.”
Porter didn’t play in the Nuggets’ dramatic 114-112 win over the Hornets, his first healthy scratch since the Nuggets were in Brooklyn on Dec. 8.
“I think (it’s) for the betterment, for himself, I think it’s good for him because he knows we need him, and if he’s not locked in, the team struggles,” Millsap said. “We need him locked in. I think he’s understanding it, and he’s taking it a little bit better than he would, per se, at the beginning of the year, but still a work in progress, and he’s still learning.”
Malone said the decision was about defense, where the Nuggets have struggled mightily since late February. In the seven games since the All-Star break, Denver owns the 27th-ranked defense in the entire league.
It’s why Torrey Craig, despite getting a did-not-play in Tuesday’s loss to Golden State, earned the lion’s share of the minutes at the backup small forward spot Thursday. Craig played well, adding nine points and four rebounds in 16 minutes.
“It’s nothing that Michael Porter did or did not do,” Malone said. “This was a matter of us having the 27th-ranked defense since the All-Star break and arguably our best defensive player was a DNP last game. Right after helping us beat Toronto with 17 points and great defense on (Pascal) Siakam and (Kyle) Lowry off the bench. So it’s just me trying to find a way to insert some defense into the game.
“I thought Torrey had a good impact,” Malone continued. “This is not to say that Michael won’t play against Cleveland (Saturday). He’s just gotta stay with us. The reality is this: we were a 54-win team last year and we’re a team that has high aspirations this year. And yes, we want to develop Michael Porter, but we also have to find ways to win. And tonight, I just went with a group that I felt was going to give us the best chance to win. And so Mike’s just gotta stay engaged and stay ready, and I have no doubt he will.”
One teammate ensuring that he does remain engaged and doesn’t check out is Craig, his good friend, who’s gotten minutes that could’ve been allotted to Porter. Before the players turned back to their respective benches ahead of the start of the third quarter, Craig found Porter near the free-throw line. He offered words of encouragement.
“I just try to make sure that he has the right head space, not let it affect him in a negative way,” Craig said. “I even say we should play together some time for a big lineup. Anything to encourage him.”
Craig can commiserate. After helping blast the Raptors on Sunday, Craig was relegated to the bench in an effort to give Porter time. But Porter struggled in those minutes (1 for 6 from the field, two rebounds) in a loss to the Warriors, and the Nuggets’ defense continued to slide. That’s what led to Malone’s decision Thursday.
“His head’s good, he’s in a great spot, he understands, and he’s still going to get a chance to play,” Craig said. “This is not me vs. Mike or me trying to take his minutes or he trying to take my minutes. At the end of the day, we’re teammates, and we do whatever the coach calls. It’s not up to us.”
Craig’s commitment to team is admirable considering it’s resulted in a sporadic role for him.
“You have to be unselfish, that has to be within you and you really have to believe that if you want to be successful and want things to work together as a team,” Craig said.
It’s why, despite their tricky arrangement, he’s one of Porter’s biggest fans.
“He definitely makes the team better,” Craig said. “Everything he brings to the table, his scoring, his rebounding, his playmaking skills. A team would be crazy to say that they can’t use him or he makes them not better.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--State hockey: Fort Collins earns first championship bid with victory over Chaparral

The city-unified Fort Collins hockey program , in its fourth year of existence , is not letting age dictate expectations .
No .
3 Fort Collins earned a 3-2 victory against No .
2 Chaparral on Thursday night in the CHSAA state semifinals at Pepsi Center .
All of the Lambkins goals arrived in the first period with widespread scoring from Jason Campos , Tanner Marsh and Nolan Williamson .
And , Fort Collins did not feature any seniors on the ice .
“ We ’ re a very young team , ” Fort Collins coach Dylan Strom said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some occasions where you ’ re naïve how big the moment actually is , and we try to use that to our advantage.
” Fort Collins ( 18-3-1 ) will now face Valor Christian ( 19-2-1 ) on Tuesday for the Lambkins ’ first shot at a state title .
Fort Collins was bolstered in the semifinals by excellent goaltending from Sam Simon , whose .949 save percentage before Thursday night ranked second-best in the state .
Chaparral ( 16-3-3 ) scored on a second-period power-play goal from Blake Johnson with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal in the third period from Jackson Mundell , but were unable to complete the comeback .
“ ( Simon ) is the anchor of our team , ” Strom said .
“ There is a reason why he is wearing the ‘ C ’ and it ’ s very nontraditional for a goalie to be wearing ( it ) .
But that ’ s where our leadership comes from in the club .
”

The city-unified Fort Collins hockey program, in its fourth year of existence, is not letting age dictate expectations.
The Lambkins are legit.
No. 3 Fort Collins earned a 3-2 victory against No. 2 Chaparral on Thursday night in the CHSAA state semifinals at Pepsi Center. All of the Lambkins goals arrived in the first period with widespread scoring from Jason Campos, Tanner Marsh and Nolan Williamson. And, Fort Collins did not feature any seniors on the ice.
“We’re a very young team,” Fort Collins coach Dylan Strom said. “It almost works to your advantage in some occasions where you’re naïve how big the moment actually is, and we try to use that to our advantage.”
Fort Collins (18-3-1) will now face Valor Christian (19-2-1) on Tuesday for the Lambkins’ first shot at a state title.
Fort Collins was bolstered in the semifinals by excellent goaltending from Sam Simon, whose .949 save percentage before Thursday night ranked second-best in the state. Chaparral (16-3-3) scored on a second-period power-play goal from Blake Johnson with a five-on-three advantage. The Wolverines added another goal in the third period from Jackson Mundell, but were unable to complete the comeback.
“(Simon) is the anchor of our team,” Strom said. “There is a reason why he is wearing the ‘C’ and it’s very nontraditional for a goalie to be wearing (it). But that’s where our leadership comes from in the club.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Previewing the Class 5A girls basketball Great 8 at Denver Coliseum

A look at each of the Great 8 girls basketball matchups Friday at the Denver Coliseum : No .
3 Regis Jesuit ( 21-4 ) vs. No .
6 Highlands Ranch ( 20-5 ) Breakdown : The last time the small-ball Raiders took on Highlands Ranch ’ s disruptive defense , the two teams produced an overtime thriller that saw Regis emerge 37-35 winners .
It was the Raiders ’ lowest point total this winter against Colorado competition , and one of 11 times the Falcons have held an opponent to 40 points or less in their last 13 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) vs. No .
5 Fruita Monument ( 23-2 ) Players to watch : Grandview — Lauren Betts , so.
, F/C ( 17.2 ppg , 10.9 rpg , 3.7 bpg ) ; Addison O ’ Grady , jr. , F/C ( 11.4 ppg , 6.5 rpg , 2.2 apg ) .
Fruita — Callie Allen , sr. , C ( 14.6 ppg , 6.0 rpg , 2.0 spg ) ; Lila Dere , sr. , G ( 13.6 ppg , 4.4 rpg , 2.8 spg ) .
Breakdown : The Wolves are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fruita Monument has seen all season .
The 6-foot Allen makes a living scoring inside the arc , but with the nation ’ s top-rated sophomore ( the 6-7 Betts ) occupying the same space , things won ’ t come easy .
Dere and Fruita ’ s other outside shooters must stretch Grandview out .
No .
2 Cherry Creek ( 23-2 ) vs. No .
7 Ralston Valley ( 20-5 ) Breakdown : The defending 5A champion Bruins dominated a Feb. 22 meeting against RV , with the Stanford-bound Van Gytenbeek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a 79-40 win .
It ’ s one of four double-digit losses the Mustangs have suffered at the hands of the 5A tournament ’ s top four seeds so far this winter .
No .
1 Valor Christian ( 24-1 ) vs. No .
8 Fossil Ridge ( 21-4 ) Breakdown : The Eagles have yet to lose a game to a Colorado team this season , with their lone defeat coming against a Brooklyn , N.Y. , school that ’ s currently 20-2 .
Beers is already on the radar of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a CU commit .
They go up against a Fossil Ridge team they beat 80-53 just two weeks ago .

A look at each of the Great 8 girls basketball matchups Friday at the Denver Coliseum:
No. 3 Regis Jesuit (21-4) vs. No. 6 Highlands Ranch (20-5)
Time: 4 p.m.
Players to watch: Regis — Jada Moore, sr., G (17.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.0 apg); Avery Vansickle, jr., G (16.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.5 apg). HR — Payton Muma, sr., G (15.3 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.9 spg); Taylor Ray, sr., G/F (13.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.6 bpg).
Breakdown: The last time the small-ball Raiders took on Highlands Ranch’s disruptive defense, the two teams produced an overtime thriller that saw Regis emerge 37-35 winners. It was the Raiders’ lowest point total this winter against Colorado competition, and one of 11 times the Falcons have held an opponent to 40 points or less in their last 13 games.
No. 4 Grandview (22-3) vs. No. 5 Fruita Monument (23-2)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Grandview — Lauren Betts, so., F/C (17.2 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 3.7 bpg); Addison O’Grady, jr., F/C (11.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg). Fruita — Callie Allen, sr., C (14.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.0 spg); Lila Dere, sr., G (13.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.8 spg).
Breakdown: The Wolves are long, athletic and the toughest thing Fruita Monument has seen all season. The 6-foot Allen makes a living scoring inside the arc, but with the nation’s top-rated sophomore (the 6-7 Betts) occupying the same space, things won’t come easy. Dere and Fruita’s other outside shooters must stretch Grandview out.
No. 2 Cherry Creek (23-2) vs. No. 7 Ralston Valley (20-5)
Time: 7 p.m.
Players to watch: Creek — Jana Van Gytenbeek, sr., PG (18.0 ppg, 7.8 apg, 3.7 rpg); Cali Clark, sr., F (13.6 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.3 apg). RV — Sydney Bevington, jr., PG (16.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.9 apg); Brooklyn Seymour, jr., F (9.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 spg).
Breakdown: The defending 5A champion Bruins dominated a Feb. 22 meeting against RV, with the Stanford-bound Van Gytenbeek racking up 26 points and seven assists in a 79-40 win. It’s one of four double-digit losses the Mustangs have suffered at the hands of the 5A tournament’s top four seeds so far this winter.
No. 1 Valor Christian (24-1) vs. No. 8 Fossil Ridge (21-4)
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Valor — Raegan Beers, so., F/C (15.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.2 bpg); Kindyll Wetta, jr., G (13.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.6 apg). FR — Lauren Zwetzig, sr., F (10.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.7 apg); Sophia Hadad, sr., G/F (9.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.8 spg).
Breakdown: The Eagles have yet to lose a game to a Colorado team this season, with their lone defeat coming against a Brooklyn, N.Y., school that’s currently 20-2. Beers is already on the radar of multiple Division-I schools, while Wetta is a CU commit. They go up against a Fossil Ridge team they beat 80-53 just two weeks ago.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--State hockey: Valor Christian advances to title game with 2-1 win against Regis Jesuit

Valor Christian junior forward Evan Pahos did not expect to score when the puck left his stick .
His unintentional heroics Thursday night against Regis Jesuit in the CHSAA state hockey semifinals at Pepsi Center , though , was the difference in sending the Eagles soaring into next week ’ s championship game against the winner of Fort Collins and Chaparral .
Top-seeded Valor defeated No .
5 Regis , 2-1 , after Pahos dumped the puck into the offensive zone late in the third period , and watched the rubber pinball from the boards behind Raiders goalie Gage Bussey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skate , and then into the net .
A lucky goal ?
Maybe .
But that sure didn ’ t erase the smile from Pahos ’ face while standing outside the winning locker room .
“ The boards are really lively here , ” Pahos said .
“ We all freaked out.
” Valor ( 19-2-1 ) last reached the title game in 2018 with a runner-up finish against Regis .
The Eagles , led by former DU coach George Gwozdecky , faced the Raiders seven times this season with each game decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed its season at 13-7-2 .
Valor took an early lead Thursday when it capitalized on a first-period power-play chance 11 minutes into the game , as defenseman Ryan Kayser handled the puck in the offensive zone and sniped it unassisted past the lower pads of Bussey .
The Raiders evened things late in the second period with their own power-play goal when forward Will Laws flipped the puck over the left shoulder of Valor senior goalie Trey Hirschfield .
The third period began tied at 1-1 , and the stage was set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s among the state ’ s top netminders .
Hirschfield entered the semifinals with a .935 save percentage and was phenomenal in closing the game with several acrobatic saves .
“ I was going to do everything I can along with my team , all be together to win this game , and that ’ s what ended up happening , ” Hirschfield said .
“ We lost ( state ) two years ago .
We ’ re winning it this year.
” Prior to the singing of the National Anthem , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a moment of silence and provided a short audio tribute for Cale Woodley , the son of Regis coach Dan Woodley , who died on Feb. 25 in Florida after an accidental shooting .
Cale Woodley , 21 , played three seasons for the Raiders ice hockey team , winning a state championship in 2016 as a senior .
Dan Woodley was on the Regis bench Thursday coaching his team .
A memorial mass for Cale is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel at Regis Jesuit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls division cafeteria .
In lieu of flowers , the family requests donations be made in Cale ’ s memory to Regis Jesuit , with contributions used to provide financial aid to students , the school announced .
“ For Dan to be able to coach his team after what has happened to his family , you have to give him all the credit in the world , ” Gwozdecky said .
“ What he ’ s done at Regis and what he ’ s done for the state of high school hockey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shown great leadership with the teams he ’ s built .
… He and his staff have been very supportive of Valor in helping build our program , with little things like allowing us to get certain ice times that they weren ’ t using .
Those things , to me , mean an awful lot .
”

Valor Christian junior forward Evan Pahos did not expect to score when the puck left his stick.
His unintentional heroics Thursday night against Regis Jesuit in the CHSAA state hockey semifinals at Pepsi Center, though, was the difference in sending the Eagles soaring into next week’s championship game against the winner of Fort Collins and Chaparral.
Top-seeded Valor defeated No. 5 Regis, 2-1, after Pahos dumped the puck into the offensive zone late in the third period, and watched the rubber pinball from the boards behind Raiders goalie Gage Bussey, to the blade of his left skate, and then into the net.
A lucky goal? Maybe. But that sure didn’t erase the smile from Pahos’ face while standing outside the winning locker room.
“The boards are really lively here,” Pahos said. “We all freaked out.”
Valor (19-2-1) last reached the title game in 2018 with a runner-up finish against Regis. The Eagles, led by former DU coach George Gwozdecky, faced the Raiders seven times this season with each game decided by one goal or tied. Regis completed its season at 13-7-2.
Valor took an early lead Thursday when it capitalized on a first-period power-play chance 11 minutes into the game, as defenseman Ryan Kayser handled the puck in the offensive zone and sniped it unassisted past the lower pads of Bussey. The Raiders evened things late in the second period with their own power-play goal when forward Will Laws flipped the puck over the left shoulder of Valor senior goalie Trey Hirschfield.
The third period began tied at 1-1, and the stage was set for Hirschfield to prove why he’s among the state’s top netminders. Hirschfield entered the semifinals with a .935 save percentage and was phenomenal in closing the game with several acrobatic saves.
“I was going to do everything I can along with my team, all be together to win this game, and that’s what ended up happening,” Hirschfield said. “We lost (state) two years ago. We’re winning it this year.”
Prior to the singing of the National Anthem, the public address announcer at Pepsi Center asked for a moment of silence and provided a short audio tribute for Cale Woodley, the son of Regis coach Dan Woodley, who died on Feb. 25 in Florida after an accidental shooting.
Cale Woodley, 21, played three seasons for the Raiders ice hockey team, winning a state championship in 2016 as a senior. Dan Woodley was on the Regis bench Thursday coaching his team.
A memorial mass for Cale is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel at Regis Jesuit. A reception will immediately follow in the girls division cafeteria. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Cale’s memory to Regis Jesuit, with contributions used to provide financial aid to students, the school announced.
“For Dan to be able to coach his team after what has happened to his family, you have to give him all the credit in the world,” Gwozdecky said. “What he’s done at Regis and what he’s done for the state of high school hockey in Colorado has been phenomenal. He’s shown great leadership with the teams he’s built. … He and his staff have been very supportive of Valor in helping build our program, with little things like allowing us to get certain ice times that they weren’t using. Those things, to me, mean an awful lot.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Kiszla: NFL players would have to be brain dead to accept 17th regular-season game in deal offered b

Kiszla: NFL players would have to be brain dead to accept 17th regular-season game in deal offered by league’s franchise owners

How much brain damage is more football worth ?
NFL players are not stupid , although the same franchise owners that treat players more like sides of Wagyu beef rather than full partners in America ’ s most lucrative sports league are now trying to give them the bum ’ s rush to push through a new collective bargaining agreement , all in the name of more football !
The proposed deal , sent Thursday for ratification or rejection by players , has been loudly – and sometimes profanely – opposed by NFL stars from both sides of the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson to longtime Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe .
“ That ’ s an absolute NO from me on the new CBA , ” Wolfe declared on social media .
“ ( Bleep ) deal.
” But we all want more football , right ?
Who says no to a 17th regular-season game and more playoff action on the NFL schedule ?
Not you .
Not me .
And certainly not Jerry Jones , Stan Kroenke or the Bowlen family , who all stand to make billions of dollars from enhanced television deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More football .
More money .
More fun for everyone .
What ’ s not to like ?
“ One more regular-season game and less preseason football .
It ( darn ) sure is a benefit to fans , ” said Jack Mills , whose well-established agency in Boulder has represented NFL players great and small for decades .
“ I think the CBA is going to pass , because my general sense is the rank-and-file players at lower-income levels are going to be happy with better salaries and long-term benefits.
” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We ’ re all suckers for money .
Get this : Under proposed terms of this agreement , the NFL minimum wage would increase to $ 1.06 million per season by 2030 .
Good gravy .
That sounds pretty sweet to any working stiff that teaches algebra or drives a beer truck for a living .
“ These athletes act as if playing a game we all played as kids is doing something special , ” Broncos fan Victor Lopez said .
“ They should be happy there ’ s a league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make millions of dollars.
” But there must be a reason marquee players from Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to veteran Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. are adamantly opposed to the deal .
And I think it is way more complicated than greed .
Players can trust franchise owners about as far as Houston defender J.J. Watt can throw a billionaire .
History shows management would rather exploit than do right by the athletes putting their bodies on the line every time they take the field .
Unlike Nolan Arenado or Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superstars who make the NFL a national obsession are not treated with the respect of fully guaranteed contracts .
Unlike LeBron James and his brethren in the NBA , football players are being asked to take less than a 50/50 split from a bounty of TV revenue so ridiculous that retired quarterback Tony Romo can be paid $ 17 million per year merely to yak about the game .
And tell me how much the newfound riches raked in by Robert Kraft from widespread legalized gambling are going to be worth ?
Worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , is NFL owners seem to be in a big rush for players to trade the increased physical liability of a 17th regular-season game for money , as if the risk of brain damage or long-term physical disability is just another chip on the bargaining table .
“ Got ta vote no on that CBA , ” Harris shouted into the Twitterverse .
The CBA requires only a simple majority to pass , and owners seem to be employing a divide-and-conquer approach , appealing to the desperation of lower-income players for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linebackers against established Pro Bowlers who can afford to take the long view while playing the long game .
“ Both sides of this negotiation need labor peace , ” Mills said .
“ The players and owners both know that a strike or lockout doesn ’ t work in the NFL.
” So let ’ s do a deal that not only makes money , but sense .
We love the NFL to death .
But how much football is too much ?
A smart athlete knows everything is negotiable , except @ @ @

How much brain damage is more football worth?
NFL players are not stupid, although the same franchise owners that treat players more like sides of Wagyu beef rather than full partners in America’s most lucrative sports league are now trying to give them the bum’s rush to push through a new collective bargaining agreement, all in the name of more football!
The proposed deal, sent Thursday for ratification or rejection by players, has been loudly – and sometimes profanely – opposed by NFL stars from both sides of the line of scrimmage, from Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson to longtime Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe.
“That’s an absolute NO from me on the new CBA,” Wolfe declared on social media. “(Bleep) deal.”
But we all want more football, right? Who says no to a 17th regular-season game and more playoff action on the NFL schedule? Not you. Not me. And certainly not Jerry Jones, Stan Kroenke or the Bowlen family, who all stand to make billions of dollars from enhanced television deals and the bonanza of legalized gambling.
More football. More money. More fun for everyone. What’s not to like?
“One more regular-season game and less preseason football. It (darn) sure is a benefit to fans,” said Jack Mills, whose well-established agency in Boulder has represented NFL players great and small for decades. “I think the CBA is going to pass, because my general sense is the rank-and-file players at lower-income levels are going to be happy with better salaries and long-term benefits.”
I think Mills is absolutely right. Why? We’re all suckers for money. Get this: Under proposed terms of this agreement, the NFL minimum wage would increase to $1.06 million per season by 2030. Good gravy. That sounds pretty sweet to any working stiff that teaches algebra or drives a beer truck for a living.
“These athletes act as if playing a game we all played as kids is doing something special,” Broncos fan Victor Lopez said. “They should be happy there’s a league out there that gives them an opportunity to make millions of dollars.”
But there must be a reason marquee players from Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to veteran Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. are adamantly opposed to the deal. And I think it is way more complicated than greed.
Players can trust franchise owners about as far as Houston defender J.J. Watt can throw a billionaire. History shows management would rather exploit than do right by the athletes putting their bodies on the line every time they take the field.
Unlike Nolan Arenado or Mike Trout in Major League Baseball, football superstars who make the NFL a national obsession are not treated with the respect of fully guaranteed contracts.
Unlike LeBron James and his brethren in the NBA, football players are being asked to take less than a 50/50 split from a bounty of TV revenue so ridiculous that retired quarterback Tony Romo can be paid $17 million per year merely to yak about the game. And tell me how much the newfound riches raked in by Robert Kraft from widespread legalized gambling are going to be worth?
Worst of all, at least in my mind, is NFL owners seem to be in a big rush for players to trade the increased physical liability of a 17th regular-season game for money, as if the risk of brain damage or long-term physical disability is just another chip on the bargaining table.
“Gotta vote no on that CBA,” Harris shouted into the Twitterverse.
Amen, brother.
The CBA requires only a simple majority to pass, and owners seem to be employing a divide-and-conquer approach, appealing to the desperation of lower-income players for a quick buck, pitting punt-returners and second-string linebackers against established Pro Bowlers who can afford to take the long view while playing the long game.
“Both sides of this negotiation need labor peace,” Mills said. “The players and owners both know that a strike or lockout doesn’t work in the NFL.”
So let’s do a deal that not only makes money, but sense. We love the NFL to death. But how much football is too much? A smart athlete knows everything is negotiable, except his health.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Jamal Murray’s dagger saves Nuggets in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE – Jamal Murray saved his best for last .
With the shot-clock winding down and the Nuggets staring at another empty possession , Murray took control and dropped a dagger to gut the Hornets .
His jumper with just six seconds left gave the Nuggets a 114-112 lead they wouldn ’ t relinquish .
Jerami Grant gave a strong contest on Terry Rozier ’ s last-ditch 3-point attempt , which rimmed out .
The win , which comes ahead of a brutal stretch of road games , improved the Nuggets ’ record to 42-20 and notched their post-break record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going down , it was at like three when I looked up , ” Murray said .
“ I really didn ’ t worry about the defender , I just kind of went to my steps and shot .
… I ’ m just going off skill and muscle memory.
” Murray ’ s shot gave him a team-high 18 points , but it was Will Barton ’ s theatrics that eased the tensions .
Locked in a gripping , fourth-quarter tilt with the Hornets , Barton decided to use Charlotte wing Cody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with five minutes to go , bouncing a pass off the unsuspecting defender and jamming it home for a dunk .
As he trotted back to his bench , the score tied at 96 , a grin danced across his face .
In the lighthearted postgame locker room , Barton told his teammates all he was worried about was whether Martin was going to turn his back and ruin the spectacle .
“ It was a big play , smart play , savvy play by Will Barton in a really short clock situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had that effect , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said .
“ My hope would be regardless of that play , I think our guys showed , down the stretch , that we were poised .
That ’ s what we ’ re used to seeing.
” The move lightened the mood and seemed to liberate his teammates .
Murray knocked down a 3-pointer and Gary Harris sunk one , too , before the Nuggets eventually hung on .
Nikola Jokic added 14 points , 11 rebounds and eight assists as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Hornets reeled off a 16-3 run to open the third quarter , which snapped any of Denver ’ s defensive momentum and exposed more of their problems .
Devonte ’ Graham drained two of Charlotte ’ s four 3-pointers in the quarter , and the turnovers , which have plagued the Nuggets ’ offense ever since the break , cropped up again with five in the period alone .
Owing to bad offense and disconnected defense , the Hornets took an 82-80 lead into the fourth .
Meanwhile , celebrated rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
Defensive-minded Torrey Craig played over him in a move Malone justified due to the team ’ s struggling defense .
Craig did chip in nine points on 4 of 6 from the field .
Coming off of Tuesday ’ s disheartening loss at home to Golden State , Malone revealed his team had endured “ a very honest film session.
” It wasn ’ t just the Warriors loss that was nagging at him ; it was the six games since the All-Star break which have seen their collective defense plummet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep talking about it , and I ’ m going to treat these guys like grown men , which they are , ” Malone said prior to the game .
“ And if they can ’ t handle the truth , then they ’ re in the wrong business .
“ The best part about it is that film doesn ’ t lie , ” Malone continued .
“ I can tell them we ’ re not playing hard enough , I can tell them that we ’ re not getting back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to take care of the ball , but when they see it on film , and it ’ s pointed out and it ’ s stopped , and it ’ s rewound , and it ’ s showed again , there is no debate.
” Malone lamented using the same talking points – rebounding , turnovers and defense – after each loss since the All-Star break .
“ Let ’ s get together in two and half hours , you and I , we ’ ll sit here in the same spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about this game tonight , and we ’ ll see if we actually had any semblance of , ‘ We have to fix this.
’ ” The Nuggets tightened the screws on a leaky defense in the second quarter , allowing just 17 points with a more engaged effort .
Their offense , which poured in 60 points on 55 percent shooting in the first half , was never the problem .
Led by Paul Millsap ’ s 11 points along with nine each from Barton and Monte Morris , the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first two quarters .
And after a porous first quarter , their defense finally matched that same urgency on the other end .

CHARLOTTE – Jamal Murray saved his best for last.
With the shot-clock winding down and the Nuggets staring at another empty possession, Murray took control and dropped a dagger to gut the Hornets.
His jumper with just six seconds left gave the Nuggets a 114-112 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Jerami Grant gave a strong contest on Terry Rozier’s last-ditch 3-point attempt, which rimmed out. The win, which comes ahead of a brutal stretch of road games, improved the Nuggets’ record to 42-20 and notched their post-break record to 4-3.
“Shot clock was going down, it was at like three when I looked up,” Murray said. “I really didn’t worry about the defender, I just kind of went to my steps and shot. … I’m just going off skill and muscle memory.”
Murray’s shot gave him a team-high 18 points, but it was Will Barton’s theatrics that eased the tensions.
Locked in a gripping, fourth-quarter tilt with the Hornets, Barton decided to use Charlotte wing Cody Martin’s back as a prop with five minutes to go, bouncing a pass off the unsuspecting defender and jamming it home for a dunk.
As he trotted back to his bench, the score tied at 96, a grin danced across his face.
In the lighthearted postgame locker room, Barton told his teammates all he was worried about was whether Martin was going to turn his back and ruin the spectacle.
“It was a big play, smart play, savvy play by Will Barton in a really short clock situation, big basket, and so maybe it had that effect,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “My hope would be regardless of that play, I think our guys showed, down the stretch, that we were poised. That’s what we’re used to seeing.”
The move lightened the mood and seemed to liberate his teammates. Murray knocked down a 3-pointer and Gary Harris sunk one, too, before the Nuggets eventually hung on.
Nikola Jokic added 14 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as he was mired in foul trouble all night.
The Hornets reeled off a 16-3 run to open the third quarter, which snapped any of Denver’s defensive momentum and exposed more of their problems. Devonte’ Graham drained two of Charlotte’s four 3-pointers in the quarter, and the turnovers, which have plagued the Nuggets’ offense ever since the break, cropped up again with five in the period alone. Owing to bad offense and disconnected defense, the Hornets took an 82-80 lead into the fourth.
Meanwhile, celebrated rookie Michael Porter Jr. sat watching the entire game. Defensive-minded Torrey Craig played over him in a move Malone justified due to the team’s struggling defense. Craig did chip in nine points on 4 of 6 from the field.
Coming off of Tuesday’s disheartening loss at home to Golden State, Malone revealed his team had endured “a very honest film session.” It wasn’t just the Warriors loss that was nagging at him; it was the six games since the All-Star break which have seen their collective defense plummet.
“I’m going to keep talking about it, and I’m going to treat these guys like grown men, which they are,” Malone said prior to the game. “And if they can’t handle the truth, then they’re in the wrong business.
“The best part about it is that film doesn’t lie,” Malone continued. “I can tell them we’re not playing hard enough, I can tell them that we’re not getting back in transition, I can tell them we have to take care of the ball, but when they see it on film, and it’s pointed out and it’s stopped, and it’s rewound, and it’s showed again, there is no debate.”
Malone lamented using the same talking points – rebounding, turnovers and defense – after each loss since the All-Star break.
“Let’s get together in two and half hours, you and I, we’ll sit here in the same spot, and we’re going to talk about this game tonight, and we’ll see if we actually had any semblance of, ‘We have to fix this.’”
The Nuggets tightened the screws on a leaky defense in the second quarter, allowing just 17 points with a more engaged effort. Their offense, which poured in 60 points on 55 percent shooting in the first half, was never the problem.
Led by Paul Millsap’s 11 points along with nine each from Barton and Monte Morris, the Nuggets picked apart Charlotte’s defense over the first two quarters. And after a porous first quarter, their defense finally matched that same urgency on the other end.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Denver police officer blocks handicap spot at disability advocates’ HQ during emergency call

A Denver police officer parked a marked patrol vehicle partially in a handicap spot at the headquarters for the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition last month , blocking access to a van driven by the coalition ’ s legal director , who uses a wheelchair .
Legal director Kevin Williams said Thursday he wanted to draw attention to the incident because he routinely receives complaints about Denver police parking in handicap spots .
“ It really is flipping a middle finger to the disability community , ” he said .
“ And the irony of it is this was at ( our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block ?
The guy who sues people for violating the ( Americans with Disabilities Act ) .
” Denver police public information officer Doug Schepman said in a statement that the officer who parked the vehicle was responding to a call for a hold-up or panic alarm , and said the call is “ one of the highest priority calls indicating a person ’ s life is potentially endangered.
” Police investigated the Feb. 24 parking incident after an earlier complaint and the involved officer will not face discipline , Schepman said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot within minutes , the statement said .
Josh Winkler , a board co-chair for the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition , spotted the Denver police vehicle and snapped a photo in the Empire Park business plaza around 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 .
The image shows a Denver police SUV stopped partially in a clearly marked handicap spot and partially in the orange-striped area adjacent to the spot .
The striped area is labeled with a sign that says , “ Wheelchair Access Aisle / Absolutely No Parking.
” The SUV was parked on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is specially equipped so that Williams can drive it .
The van has a wheelchair lift on the right side , and it was impossible for Williams to get into his vehicle while the police SUV was parked next to it , he said .
Williams said Thursday he did not need to use his van while the SUV was parked there .
“ We don ’ t know how long it was parked there , but the law is also very clear , ” Williams said .
“ Stopping , standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sign specifically designating that you can ’ t park there is unlawful.
” Williams said even if the officer was responding to an emergency call , he ought to have parked in a different spot , and said there was a loading zone closer to the door .
“ If there was somebody dying on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the three accessible parking spaces and a cop zipped in there , I ’ m not going to say that ’ s a problem , ” Williams said .
“ But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone they could have parked in.
” In the statement , Schepman apologized for “ any difficulty ” caused by the officer ’ s parking job .
The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is a statewide organization that advocates for people with disabilities .
It has hundreds of members , Williams said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A Denver police officer parked a marked patrol vehicle partially in a handicap spot at the headquarters for the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition last month, blocking access to a van driven by the coalition’s legal director, who uses a wheelchair.
Legal director Kevin Williams said Thursday he wanted to draw attention to the incident because he routinely receives complaints about Denver police parking in handicap spots.
“It really is flipping a middle finger to the disability community,” he said. “And the irony of it is this was at (our) office. And who did they block? The guy who sues people for violating the (Americans with Disabilities Act).”
Denver police public information officer Doug Schepman said in a statement that the officer who parked the vehicle was responding to a call for a hold-up or panic alarm, and said the call is “one of the highest priority calls indicating a person’s life is potentially endangered.”
Police investigated the Feb. 24 parking incident after an earlier complaint and the involved officer will not face discipline, Schepman said Thursday. The vehicle was moved from the spot within minutes, the statement said.
Josh Winkler, a board co-chair for the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, spotted the Denver police vehicle and snapped a photo in the Empire Park business plaza around 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24.
The image shows a Denver police SUV stopped partially in a clearly marked handicap spot and partially in the orange-striped area adjacent to the spot. The striped area is labeled with a sign that says, “Wheelchair Access Aisle / Absolutely No Parking.”
The SUV was parked on the right side of Williams’ van, which is specially equipped so that Williams can drive it. The van has a wheelchair lift on the right side, and it was impossible for Williams to get into his vehicle while the police SUV was parked next to it, he said.
Williams said Thursday he did not need to use his van while the SUV was parked there.
“We don’t know how long it was parked there, but the law is also very clear,” Williams said. “Stopping, standing or parking in any space that has a sign specifically designating that you can’t park there is unlawful.”
Williams said even if the officer was responding to an emergency call, he ought to have parked in a different spot, and said there was a loading zone closer to the door.
“If there was somebody dying on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the three accessible parking spaces and a cop zipped in there, I’m not going to say that’s a problem,” Williams said. “But in this case, there was a loading zone they could have parked in.”
In the statement, Schepman apologized for “any difficulty” caused by the officer’s parking job.
The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is a statewide organization that advocates for people with disabilities. It has hundreds of members, Williams said.
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thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Don’t miss your chance to buy this beautiful and rare Boulder home

Are you dreaming of mountain views just minutes away from urban amenities and wide-open spaces ?
If that extraordinary combination sounds like something you ’ ve always wanted , 6600 South Boulder Road is the perfect place for you to call home .
This stunning Boulder estate is listed by LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty broker Susie Langford for $ 3.6 million .
This spectacular home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms , making it a great size for buyers of all kinds .
The interior design details take this house to the next level .
The grand entrance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were sourced from an 1800s Icehouse in Denver .
Custom ironwork , heated Brazilian cherry floors , cedar windows , and the home ’ s four fireplaces create a cozy , Colorado atmosphere .
The kitchen epitomizes the popular farmhouse trend in an authentic way and features an open-concept floor plan allowing guests to flow from the kitchen to the dining area easily .
Bonus features include a music room , a home office , a fitness room as well as private access to a hot tub .
In the main-floor master @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows that allow natural light and views of the property into the space .
The en suite bathroom has an oversized bathtub as well as a walk-in steam shower to help you melt away the stress of your day .
“ This home is truly one-of-a-kind , ” said Langford .
“ There are so many unique features that make this a rare opportunity for homebuyers looking to find their own personal paradise in Boulder.
” This home , which sits on almost 24 acres , is perfectly situated adjacent to county open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s famous Flatirons rock formations .
What ’ s more , this listing is just 10 minutes from downtown Boulder and only 25 minutes from Denver , providing access to shopping , dining and entertainment while being nearby to nature .
If the outdoor lifestyle is something you ’ re looking for , this home is the right choice for you .
Currently being used as a working ranchette , there are horses , cattle , an eight-stall heated barn and raised gardens to grow your own vegetables .
The outdoor living spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
Have friends and loved ones over for a backyard barbecue in the summer , relax and reset near the water feature , or enjoy an evening on the patio .
The opportunity to own a unique home in this highly sought-after area in Colorado won ’ t be available for long .
Come see this beautiful Boulder home for yourself by contacting Langford at 303-493-1455 .
For all of your real estate needs , contact LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty by calling 303-893-3200 or by visiting LIVSothebysRealty.com .
LIV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusive Board of Regent for the Who ’ s Who in Luxury Real Estate , has 23 office locations in metro Denver and surrounding areas , including Boulder , Castle Rock , Cherry Creek , Denver Tech Center , downtown Denver , Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge , Winter Park , Dillon , Crested Butte , Telluride and the Vail Valley .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Are you dreaming of mountain views just minutes away from urban amenities and wide-open spaces?
If that extraordinary combination sounds like something you’ve always wanted, 6600 South Boulder Road is the perfect place for you to call home. This stunning Boulder estate is listed by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker Susie Langford for $3.6 million.
This spectacular home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, making it a great size for buyers of all kinds.
The interior design details take this house to the next level. The grand entrance commands attention with towering Douglas fir beams that were sourced from an 1800s Icehouse in Denver. Custom ironwork, heated Brazilian cherry floors, cedar windows, and the home’s four fireplaces create a cozy, Colorado atmosphere.
The kitchen epitomizes the popular farmhouse trend in an authentic way and features an open-concept floor plan allowing guests to flow from the kitchen to the dining area easily. Bonus features include a music room, a home office, a fitness room as well as private access to a hot tub.
In the main-floor master bedroom, enjoy quiet relaxation with large windows that allow natural light and views of the property into the space. The en suite bathroom has an oversized bathtub as well as a walk-in steam shower to help you melt away the stress of your day.
“This home is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Langford. “There are so many unique features that make this a rare opportunity for homebuyers looking to find their own personal paradise in Boulder.”
This home, which sits on almost 24 acres, is perfectly situated adjacent to county open space revealing breathtaking views of Boulder’s famous Flatirons rock formations. What’s more, this listing is just 10 minutes from downtown Boulder and only 25 minutes from Denver, providing access to shopping, dining and entertainment while being nearby to nature.
If the outdoor lifestyle is something you’re looking for, this home is the right choice for you.
Currently being used as a working ranchette, there are horses, cattle, an eight-stall heated barn and raised gardens to grow your own vegetables. The outdoor living spaces in this house serve as entertaining spaces as well. Have friends and loved ones over for a backyard barbecue in the summer, relax and reset near the water feature, or enjoy an evening on the patio.
The opportunity to own a unique home in this highly sought-after area in Colorado won’t be available for long. Come see this beautiful Boulder home for yourself by contacting Langford at 303-493-1455. For all of your real estate needs, contact LIV Sotheby’s International Realty by calling 303-893-3200 or by visiting LIVSothebysRealty.com.
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, has 23 office locations in metro Denver and surrounding areas, including Boulder, Castle Rock, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge, Winter Park, Dillon, Crested Butte, Telluride and the Vail Valley.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Stunning new ranch in a setting to match. Shea unveils its luxury ranches at The Canyons, five minut

Stunning new ranch in a setting to match. Shea unveils its luxury ranches at The Canyons, five minutes from Park Meadows

Shea Homes has a double treat waiting for you Saturday and Sunday , March 7-8 , in The Canyons , its new master plan taking shape east of I-25 in Castle Pines .
One treat is to see this new community and its amenities in a scenic setting ; the other is to tour two new , luxury ranch models that are likely the best you ’ ve seen .
Shea ’ s new Retreat Collection of ranches are a decidedly luxurious approach to single-level living , with big entertaining areas showing lots of depth , options for full finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garages with a third side-load carriage bay on all but one of the plans .
The Canyons — with a more scenic terrain than other areas you may be touring and with a covered bridge entry and The Exchange coffeehouse opening later this month — is luring several other builders after this patio-ranch market , some reportedly bringing in plans priced over $ 1 million .
But you ’ re unlikely to see anything with the value in size and features that these Shea designs have , with layouts delivering over 2,400 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from just under $ 700,000 .
That was music to the ears of nine buyers who already signed on for Retreat ranches just over the past two weeks .
“ They ’ re coming from Highlands Ranch , Lone Tree , Centennial and Parker , ” says LeAnn Peralta , who along with Helen Liu DesVeaux will greet you at the models .
“ They ’ ve been waiting and wondering whether they would be better off to fix up their old places , but these models are convincing them that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logic is the location you ’ ll see at The Canyons — 10 minutes from shopping and dining in Lone Tree or Park Meadows , and very close to grocery shopping and dining in Castle Pines .
DesVeaux adds that Realtors are arriving with more buyers , wondering “ what the buzz they ’ re hearing is all about.
” Shea is taking advantage of that by readying some for-purchase versions of the same models you ’ ll tour , ready for move-in by May or June — time for you to market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resale inventory is very low , and maybe avoid a double move .
One of those is a Homestead plan , with a three-car garage including the side-load carriage bay , and finished basement space that will take its size to over 4,000 square feet — four bedrooms , plus a study , and four baths .
It ’ s priced right now at $ 849,900 .
The easiest way to get involved is by joining a priority list in return for a refundable deposit .
That will position you at best advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will take a daylit walk-out basement .
You ’ ll also get invited to a VIP meet-and-greet Shea is hosting for early buyers next week in one of these attractive models .
Meanwhile , you ’ ll see the covered bridge , the information center and coffeehouse nearing completion , and the canyon-like scenery above the new Rueter-Hess Reservoir , with a third of its 1,270 acres set aside as open space , accessed by 15 miles of trails .
DesVeaux and Peralta say that prices are absolutely going up the longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 470 about 5 miles to Castle Pines Parkway , turn east on Hess Road a half mile to Canyonside and south to Westbridge Dr , cross the covered bridge , head east a mile to a roundabout ; then north on Cross Canyon Trail and right at Rim Ridge , to the first right on Canyonside , and follow Shea ’ s signs .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Shea Homes has a double treat waiting for you Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, in The Canyons, its new master plan taking shape east of I-25 in Castle Pines. One treat is to see this new community and its amenities in a scenic setting; the other is to tour two new, luxury ranch models that are likely the best you’ve seen.
Shea Homes at The Canyons What: Shea Home’s Retreat Collection of luxury ranch designs at First Light in The Canyons, 3-car garage with carriage bay on all but one; basement finish option, walk-out sites; trails, amenities on view; 2 furnished models.
Shea Home’s Retreat Collection of luxury ranch designs at First Light in The Canyons, 3-car garage with carriage bay on all but one; basement finish option, walk-out sites; trails, amenities on view; 2 furnished models. Where: 1915 Canyonpoint Pl, Castle Pines; take I-25 to Castle Pines Pkwy/Hess Rd, east on Castle Pines Pkwy/Hess to Canyonside Blvd, south to Westbridge Dr, cross the covered bridge, east 1 mile to roundabout; north on Cross Canyon Trail, right at Rim Ridge, and first right on Canyonside, follow Shea signs.
1915 Canyonpoint Pl, Castle Pines; take I-25 to Castle Pines Pkwy/Hess Rd, east on Castle Pines Pkwy/Hess to Canyonside Blvd, south to Westbridge Dr, cross the covered bridge, east 1 mile to roundabout; north on Cross Canyon Trail, right at Rim Ridge, and first right on Canyonside, follow Shea signs. Price: From high $600s, move soon 4B/4B at $855,500
From high $600s, move soon 4B/4B at $855,500 When: Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 8, 11-6
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 8, 11-6 Phone: 303-346-4125
303-346-4125 More Info: SheaHomes.com/Retreat
Shea’s new Retreat Collection of ranches are a decidedly luxurious approach to single-level living, with big entertaining areas showing lots of depth, options for full finished basements with added guest suites, and garages with a third side-load carriage bay on all but one of the plans.
The Canyons — with a more scenic terrain than other areas you may be touring and with a covered bridge entry and The Exchange coffeehouse opening later this month — is luring several other builders after this patio-ranch market, some reportedly bringing in plans priced over $1 million.
But you’re unlikely to see anything with the value in size and features that these Shea designs have, with layouts delivering over 2,400 feet on the main, plus basement space, from just under $700,000.
That was music to the ears of nine buyers who already signed on for Retreat ranches just over the past two weeks.
“They’re coming from Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial and Parker,” says LeAnn Peralta, who along with Helen DesVeaux will greet you at the models. “They’ve been waiting and wondering whether they would be better off to fix up their old places, but these models are convincing them that they really want new.”
Adding to that logic is the location you’ll see at The Canyons — 10 minutes from shopping and dining in Lone Tree or Park Meadows, and very close to grocery shopping and dining in Castle Pines.
DesVeaux adds that Realtors are arriving with more buyers, wondering “what the buzz they’re hearing is all about.”
Shea is taking advantage of that by readying some for-purchase versions of the same models you’ll tour, ready for move-in by May or June — time for you to market your older place at a moment when resale inventory is very low, and maybe avoid a double move.
One of those is a Homestead plan, with a three-car garage including the side-load carriage bay, and finished basement space that will take its size to over 4,000 square feet — four bedrooms, plus a study, and four baths. It’s priced right now at $849,900.
The easiest way to get involved is by joining a priority list in return for a refundable deposit. That will position you at best advantage for homesites opening now, including some that will take a daylit walk-out basement. You’ll also get invited to a VIP meet-and-greet Shea is hosting for early buyers next week in one of these attractive models.
Meanwhile, you’ll see the covered bridge, the information center and coffeehouse nearing completion, and the canyon-like scenery above the new Rueter-Hess Reservoir, with a third of its 1,270 acres set aside as open space, accessed by 15 miles of trails.
DesVeaux and Peralta say that prices are absolutely going up the longer you wait.
Take I-25 south past 470 about 5 miles to Castle Pines Parkway, turn east on Hess Road a half mile to Canyonside and south to Westbridge Dr, cross the covered bridge, head east a mile to a roundabout; then north on Cross Canyon Trail and right at Rim Ridge, to the first right on Canyonside, and follow Shea’s signs.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-03-07--Veteran goalie William Yarbrough signs with Rapids

COMMERCE CITY — When the Colorado Rapids came calling William Yarbrough didn ’ t hesitate .
The 10-year LIGA MX veteran , who had led top-flight León to two titles , was ready for something new .
“ I spoke to my agent and the club and said ‘ we need to make this happen , ' ” Yarbrough recalled when he found out the Rapids had interest .
“ The staff in Colorado was in touch with me personally for the last few weeks and the conversations we had is what made it a pretty easy decision.
” Yarbrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rapids owning his rights .
It falls beneath the parameters of a TAM or DP deal and it gives the Rapids an experienced goalie to pair with MLS veteran Clint Irwin .
The Rapids will have an open competition between the two .
“ The more competition there is on a team the better it is , ” Yarbrough said .
“ There ’ s only one spot for a keeper and I ’ m looking forward to making the most of it.
” Yarbrough hasn ’ t had many opportunities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 times since the start of the 2018-19 Liga MX Apertura season .
“ I ’ m more than excited , ” Yarbrough said .
“ It almost feels like a family here , the atmosphere is incredible .
There ’ s great energy in the locker room and the staff is amazing .
I have felt very welcome from the moment I walked in.
” Yarbrough finished his LIGA MX career with 193 appearances and 48 shutouts with León .
Born in Aguascalientes , Mexico , Yarbrough is a dual citizen who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Men ’ s National Team , including a 2-0 win in an exhibition against Mexico in 2015 .
Irwin made his season debut in a 2-1 road win last Saturday and is in his eighth MLS season , fifth with Colorado over two stints .
His pro career featured 34 shutouts over 133 appearances .
“ One of our objectives over the off-season was to build a roster deep with talent and to foster competition all over the field and this signing further helps us achieve that , ” Rapids General Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The opportunity to bring in a player of Will ’ s quality doesn ’ t come around every day , so we ’ re excited to have him join our already strong goalkeeping group.
” Irwin will start Colorado ’ s home opener on Saturday against Orlando .
The Rapids have two weeks of play following that match and then there ’ s an international break at the end of the month .
Yarbrough should have plenty of time to get fit with the season just having started .

COMMERCE CITY — When the Colorado Rapids came calling William Yarbrough didn’t hesitate. The 10-year LIGA MX veteran, who had led top-flight León to two titles, was ready for something new.
“I spoke to my agent and the club and said ‘we need to make this happen,'” Yarbrough recalled when he found out the Rapids had interest. “The staff in Colorado was in touch with me personally for the last few weeks and the conversations we had is what made it a pretty easy decision.”
Yarbrough signed a one-year loan Friday, with the Rapids owning his rights. It falls beneath the parameters of a TAM or DP deal and it gives the Rapids an experienced goalie to pair with MLS veteran Clint Irwin. The Rapids will have an open competition between the two.
“The more competition there is on a team the better it is,” Yarbrough said. “There’s only one spot for a keeper and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”
Yarbrough hasn’t had many opportunities to play recently, getting the nod just 11 times since the start of the 2018-19 Liga MX Apertura season.
“I’m more than excited,” Yarbrough said. “It almost feels like a family here, the atmosphere is incredible. There’s great energy in the locker room and the staff is amazing. I have felt very welcome from the moment I walked in.”
Yarbrough finished his LIGA MX career with 193 appearances and 48 shutouts with León. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Yarbrough is a dual citizen who has made three appearances for the United States Men’s National Team, including a 2-0 win in an exhibition against Mexico in 2015.
Irwin made his season debut in a 2-1 road win last Saturday and is in his eighth MLS season, fifth with Colorado over two stints. His pro career featured 34 shutouts over 133 appearances.
“One of our objectives over the off-season was to build a roster deep with talent and to foster competition all over the field and this signing further helps us achieve that,” Rapids General Manager Pádraig Smith said in a statement. “The opportunity to bring in a player of Will’s quality doesn’t come around every day, so we’re excited to have him join our already strong goalkeeping group.”
Irwin will start Colorado’s home opener on Saturday against Orlando. The Rapids have two weeks of play following that match and then there’s an international break at the end of the month. Yarbrough should have plenty of time to get fit with the season just having started.


thedenverpost--2020-03-07--Previewing the Class 5A boys basketball Great 8 at Denver Coliseum

A look at each of the Great 8 boys basketball matchups Saturday at the Denver Coliseum : No .
6 Valor Christian ( 19-6 ) vs. No .
19 George Washington ( 18-8 ) Breakdown : Fresh off an upset of No .
3 seed Ralston Valley , the Patriots get a second crack at a Valor Christian squad that beat them by 11 on Feb. 20 .
Valor has won nine in a row , including a 60-52 nailbiter over Eaglecrest in the quarterfinals .
Find a way to contain Kendale Johnson , who ’ s scored 20-plus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak may rise to 10 .
No .
5 Grandview ( 19-6 ) vs. No .
29 Regis Jesuit ( 13-13 ) Breakdown : With upset wins over No .
4 Cherry Creek and No .
13 Denver East , the Raiders are the Cinderellas of the 5A boys bracket .
After starting the season with nine consecutive losses , Regis has won 13 of 17 to climb back to .500 .
Standing in the way of the school ’ s first Final Four trip since 2011 is the Wolves ’ talented inside-outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2 Fairview ( 22-3 ) vs. No .
7 Chaparral ( 19-6 ) Breakdown : A rematch of both teams ’ season opener ( Fairview won 66-60 ) features two squads riding double-digit win streaks , with Chaparral at 10 and Fairview at 16 .
The Wolverines are one win away from a second straight Final Four appearance after surviving Tuesday ’ s 85-82 double-OT thriller against Smoky Hill .
The long , athletic Knights , led by Page and 6-foot-4 Vanderbilt pitching prospect Carter , offer an even tougher test .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs. No .
9 Columbine ( 21-4 ) Breakdown : The defending champion Raiders have won 44 straight games dating back to 2019 .
Bidding to become 5A ’ s first unbeaten champ in more than a decade , they boast a balanced and experienced roster with four players averaging double-digit points per game .
On the other side stands Columbine ’ s O ’ Brien — a 6-foot-8 scoring machine and CU recruit who has been held under 20 points just four times all season .

A look at each of the Great 8 boys basketball matchups Saturday at the Denver Coliseum:
No. 6 Valor Christian (19-6) vs. No. 19 George Washington (18-8)
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Valor — Roger Rosengarten, sr., F/C (11.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.2 apg); Amondo Miller, jr., G (12.1 ppg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg). GW — Kendale Johnson, jr., F (13.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.0 apg); Jarmell Johnson, jr., G (12.0 ppg, 1.4 spg).
Breakdown: Fresh off an upset of No. 3 seed Ralston Valley, the Patriots get a second crack at a Valor Christian squad that beat them by 11 on Feb. 20. Valor has won nine in a row, including a 60-52 nailbiter over Eaglecrest in the quarterfinals. Find a way to contain Kendale Johnson, who’s scored 20-plus in four straight GW wins, and that streak may rise to 10.
No. 5 Grandview (19-6) vs. No. 29 Regis Jesuit (13-13)
Time: 2 p.m.
Players to watch: Grandview — Caleb McGill, sr., F/C (17.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg); Lian Ramiro, sr., G (15.3 ppg, 4.6 apg, 1.5 spg). Regis — Michael Wolf, jr., G (11.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 spg); Blakeley Stoughton, jr., F (10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.5 spg).
Breakdown: With upset wins over No. 4 Cherry Creek and No. 13 Denver East, the Raiders are the Cinderellas of the 5A boys bracket. After starting the season with nine consecutive losses, Regis has won 13 of 17 to climb back to .500. Standing in the way of the school’s first Final Four trip since 2011 is the Wolves’ talented inside-outside duo of McGill and Ramiro.
No. 2 Fairview (22-3) vs. No. 7 Chaparral (19-6)
Time: 5 p.m.
Players to watch: Fairview — Greysen Carter, jr., G (17.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.8 spg); Jalen Page, sr., F (13.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg). Chaparral — Kobe Sanders, sr., G (20.2 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.0 spg); Jeremiah Coleman, so., G (10.3 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg).
Breakdown: A rematch of both teams’ season opener (Fairview won 66-60) features two squads riding double-digit win streaks, with Chaparral at 10 and Fairview at 16. The Wolverines are one win away from a second straight Final Four appearance after surviving Tuesday’s 85-82 double-OT thriller against Smoky Hill. The long, athletic Knights, led by Page and 6-foot-4 Vanderbilt pitching prospect Carter, offer an even tougher test.
No. 1 Rangeview (25-0) vs. No. 9 Columbine (21-4)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Rangeview — Obi Agbim, sr., G (13.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 apg); Christian Speller, sr., G (11.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg). Columbine — Luke O’Brien, sr., G/F (25.6 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 3.3 apg); Justin Lohrenz, sr., F (12.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg).
Breakdown: The defending champion Raiders have won 44 straight games dating back to 2019. Bidding to become 5A’s first unbeaten champ in more than a decade, they boast a balanced and experienced roster with four players averaging double-digit points per game. On the other side stands Columbine’s O’Brien — a 6-foot-8 scoring machine and CU recruit who has been held under 20 points just four times all season.


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--Drug, staff problems: Report lambastes Lookout Mountain youth detention facility

The state is restructuring Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center into four smaller cohorts after an outside agency ’ s report on the troubled juvenile detention facility revealed a substantial drug problem , major staffing shortage , and lack of basic safety and security processes , among other problems .
The report , issued by the national nonprofit organization Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators , stemmed from observations made while visiting the Golden-based center in July following months of turmoil .
During two months last spring , Lookout Mountain experienced five high-profile security issues , including a staff member arrested on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escapes by violent juveniles and a riot between rival gangs injuring three staff members .
“ The current situation and level of violence at LMYSC can be corrected , ” the report read .
But the report concluded the facility suffered from a “ level of violence , the severe drug problem , the unsafe conditions , the culture , the atmosphere , staff turnover and the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear for safety.
” The Denver Post requested a copy of the report the state received last fall , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , citing Human Services ’ statutes .
Last month , at a roundtable with reporters , the department reiterated that it would not release the full report .
After reporters pushed the department at the meeting , officials agreed to release a redacted report .
The state Division of Youth Services responded to the outside report , addressing the recommendations made by the CJCA , which included : • Changing staff culture and resistance to reform efforts by engagement work , pay increases and improved training .
• Better listening to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in positive activities .
Anders Jacobson , director of the Colorado Division of Youth Services , said the department agreed with the report ’ s recommendations and is making changes .
The facility , which was previously holding 150 to 200 youth , will be broken down into four separate centers , each having their own administration and youth who do not co-mingle .
The facility hired a drug dog to sweep all DYS facilities , and the Lookout Mountain facility will have a “ drug detection device ” anyone wishing to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jacobson said direct care staff are receiving a “ much-needed ” increase in salary , as well .
“ If we were asked to design and build a secure youth services center in today ’ s world , we would never design and build a 17- to 20-acre institution with over 18 buildings and to serve 150 to 200 kids that co-mingle throughout , ” Jacobson said .
“ It ’ s just not best practice .
We know that smaller is better .
”

The state is restructuring Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center into four smaller cohorts after an outside agency’s report on the troubled juvenile detention facility revealed a substantial drug problem, major staffing shortage, and lack of basic safety and security processes, among other problems.
The report, issued by the national nonprofit organization Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, stemmed from observations made while visiting the Golden-based center in July following months of turmoil. During two months last spring, Lookout Mountain experienced five high-profile security issues, including a staff member arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography, multiple escapes by violent juveniles and a riot between rival gangs injuring three staff members.
“The current situation and level of violence at LMYSC can be corrected,” the report read. But the report concluded the facility suffered from a “level of violence, the severe drug problem, the unsafe conditions, the culture, the atmosphere, staff turnover and the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear for safety.”
The Denver Post requested a copy of the report the state received last fall, but the department initially said it would not release it, citing Human Services’ statutes. Last month, at a roundtable with reporters, the department reiterated that it would not release the full report. After reporters pushed the department at the meeting, officials agreed to release a redacted report.
The state Division of Youth Services responded to the outside report, addressing the recommendations made by the CJCA, which included:
Changing staff culture and resistance to reform efforts by engagement work, pay increases and improved training.
Better listening to the youth in the facility and engaging them in positive activities.
Working with the local community.
Anders Jacobson, director of the Colorado Division of Youth Services, said the department agreed with the report’s recommendations and is making changes.
The facility, which was previously holding 150 to 200 youth, will be broken down into four separate centers, each having their own administration and youth who do not co-mingle. The facility hired a drug dog to sweep all DYS facilities, and the Lookout Mountain facility will have a “drug detection device” anyone wishing to enter the building will have to go through.
Jacobson said direct care staff are receiving a “much-needed” increase in salary, as well.
“If we were asked to design and build a secure youth services center in today’s world, we would never design and build a 17- to 20-acre institution with over 18 buildings and to serve 150 to 200 kids that co-mingle throughout,” Jacobson said. “It’s just not best practice. We know that smaller is better.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-06--PHOTOS: Annual bison auction raises $40K for conservation program

Denver Parks & Recreation held its annual Bison Auction at Genesee Bison Ranch on March 6 , 2020 .
According @ @ @ @ @ Denver Parks & Recreation , this year ’ s sale of thirty-five young bison raised @ @ @ @ @ auction keeps the herd ’ s population size at a healthy level .
Funds from @ @ @ @ @ general costs of managing and feeding the herd and “ will assist Denver Parks and @ @ @ @ @ conducting public outreach and education in its Mountain Park system.
” The herds are descended @ @ @ @ @ in North America and were originally established at Denver ’ s City Park by the @ @ @ @ @ of Denver .
The herd was moved to Genesee Park in 1914 and expanded to @ @ @ @ @

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
People check out the bison that are up for auction during the annual Bison Auction at Genesee Bison Ranch from Denver Parks & Recreation on March 6, 2020 in Golden. The herds are descended from the last wild bison in North America and were originally established at Denver’s City Park by the Denver Zoo and the City of Denver. The herd was moved to Genesee Park in 1914 and expanded to Daniels Park in 1938.