DENVER – There’s new glory for two basketball programs as both Eaglecrest and Benet Academy clinched state championships on March 15, 2025, marking historic milestones for their respective schools.
Playing at the Denver Coliseum, Eaglecrest captured the Class 6A boys basketball state title with a thrilling 65-63 victory against the defending champions, Valor Christian. This win marked Eaglecrest's first boys basketball title since 2017 and their first ever in Class 6A.
After enduring disappointment the previous year by falling short in the Final Four, the Raptors came back with determination. "We’re state champs. We’re state champs," exclaimed senior Ant Nettles after the game. "It meant a lot to the team, knowing how it felt to lose and now how it felt to get back here and make it farther than last year. It’s everything to us. Bringing it home means everything." The Eagles began the game on the back foot but rallied at various points, demonstrating their resilience.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with Eaglecrest leading 14-12 after the first quarter and 29-23 at halftime. Valor Christian turned the tide with an impressive third quarter, outscoring the Raptors 23-12 and taking a 46-41 lead heading to the final period. Eaglecrest, though, was unfazed, regaining momentum to reclaim the lead with five minutes left. Valor's star player, Cole Scherer, did not go down quietly, scoring 35 points but it wasn't enough to secure victory.
Eaglecrest's balanced scoring attack was pivotal, with Nettles leading his team with 14 points, Garrett Barger adding 12, and Jason Noone contributing 11, including several clutch free throws down the stretch. The Raptors entered the championship with significant momentum, riding an 18-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Benet Academy also celebrated their own historic achievement, claiming their first-ever state title after edging out Warren with a score of 55-54. The Redwings were led by the strategies of Hall of Fame head coach Gene Heidkamp and put on a spectacular performance to finally seal the long-awaited state championship.
The game saw both teams battle fiercely, with Benet leading 16-11 after the first quarter. They maintained their narrow edge at halftime with the score at 24-23. Benet soared at the start of the second half, using a 12-4 run to establish their largest lead at 36-27. Senior Daniel Pauliukonis scored 17 points, providing key contributions throughout the match.
Warren, led by star sophomore Jaxson Davis, who scored 27 points during their semifinal victory, pressed hard for the win. Despite being behind, Davis showcased his talent and leadership, finishing the game with 17 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, and nearly drove Warren to victory.
The final moments were filled with tension. With less than ten seconds left on the clock, Warren had one last chance to pull off the upset. Unfortunately for them, Davis fumbled as he was guarded closely, and Benet's 6’7" Edvardas Stasys deflected the inbound pass, allowing time to run out and sending Benet fans erupting with joy.
“What a shot by Davis and Warren trails 54-52 with over 50 seconds left,” reported local media, highlighting the dramatic final moments of the game which could have swung either way. The victory capped off Benet Academy’s season at 33 wins and 5 losses, quite the achievement for the Redwings as they celebrated on their home floor.
Both championships spark joy and pride within the communities of Eaglecrest and Benet Academy. These victories resonate beyond mere sports; they symbolize hope, perseverance, and the culmination of hard work and teamwork. For both schools, the echoes of victory will last long after the final scores fade.