All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Senior Samantha Zacky has spent the past four years making her mark on Niwot High School's tennis program. A dedicated doubles player, she has built a strong partnership with her teammate Anne Haley and has cherished every match they have played together. She thrives in the strategy of doubles play and the energy of team competition, but what she values most is the support that comes with it. "I always have so much fun every game, no matter the outcome," Zacky said. "That's what I love most...
The Third Annual Niwot Invitational took place on Saturday, March 29, at the Art Stapp Sports Complex at Niwot High School, bringing together some of the top track and field talent in the state. Before the rain rolled in, the day featured warm sunshine, great competition, and even a few shattered meet records. Though a lightning delay cut the meet short, plenty of standout performances made their mark. For Niwot Head Coach Maurice "Mo" Henriques, hosting this event is the fulfillment of a...
Skyler Messinger reported to spring training in Arizona this year with the Colorado Rockies minor league organization in his first full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery over a year ago. At the start of spring training, Messinger was listed on the Class A Spokane roster, which is where he finished last season in limited action. But Messinger was also invited to participate in the Arizona Fall League as one of the Rockies' top prospects, and he did not disappoint, earning AFL All-Star...
In a heartbreaking week of baseball, the Niwot High School Cougars suffered two narrow defeats, falling to Skyline High School 11-10 on Thursday, March 27, before losing 5-3 to Riverdale Ridge High School on Saturday, March 29. Thursday's home contest against Skyline was a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple lead changes. The Cougars jumped out to an early 3-1 advantage after the first inning, highlighted by Charlie Shaw's triple that drove in Haden Shaw. Henry Noblin added a two-run double...
Niwot High School’s Varsity tennis team played a match against Legacy High School on Thursday, March 27, winning by a score of 5-2. Up and coming freshman Georgia Jaffe played in a doubles match with her partner, Hazel Awsumb, winning points for the team with a victory. “I was a bit nervous going into my first match because I didn’t know what to expect, but I was also excited,” said Jaffe, reflecting on the lead-up to the competition. Despite some early nerves, she and Aswumb fought through a challenging match, with Jaffe focusing on her pos...
The Niwot High School girls golf teams competed in their third tournament of the season this week. Eight athletes represented Niwot at the Granite Peaks League Tournament, with its two teams securing fourth place in the top division, and third place in the lower division. The group headed to Twin Peaks Golf Course on Monday, March 24 for its first Granite Peaks League tournament, hosted by Longmont High School. Coach Ed Weaver reflected on the competition, saying, "We're playing a lot better...
The Cougar girls soccer team had a rough home opener against Erie High School on Thursday, March 27, but bounced back two days later with a dramatic last-second win over Steamboat Springs High School. These results bring Niwot High School to a 1-2-1 season record. Against the Erie Tigers, Niwot struggled to find its rhythm as the Tigers controlled the game from the start. Erie wasted no time getting on the board, scoring just 10 minutes into the match. Despite Niwot's efforts to regroup, the...
The Niwot High School boys volleyball team showcased both its potential as well as growing pains this week, beginning with a commanding victory before facing mixed results in tournament play. The Cougars delivered a decisive 3-0 victory against the Fossil Ridge High School Sabercats on Thursday, March 27. The Cougars dominated from the opening serve, particularly in the first set, finishing with set scores of 25-12, 25-16, 25-20. Junior Diego Kheng led Niwot's offensive charge with 12 kills, while Jasper Helgans orchestrated the attack with 28...
Drew Stapp is the definition of a two-sport athlete. A senior leader for Niwot High School's baseball team and a top golfer, he has been making his mark on both fields of play. With a career .291 batting average and .344 on-base percentage, Stapp has been a reliable presence at the plate this season, hitting .312 through the first six games. This past weekend, Cougar baseball traveled to Queen Creek, Arizona, for a tournament, where Stapp went a perfect 3-for-3 in the opener on March 20 and...
Niwot Baseball traveled to Queen Creek, Arizona, over spring break, heading south for the first time in several years to the Valley of the Sun for a tournament at Casteel High School March 20-21. The Cougars opened against Forest Grove High School, Oregon, coming away with a 13-6 victory in five innings due to a time limit. Niwot scored in every inning, as the offense came alive. At the same time, the Cougars made four errors in the field, and a few more that did not show up in the box score....
The Niwot High School track and field team braved another windy spring day on Saturday, March 22 at the Broomfield Shootout. The girls team placed second overall, behind only host Broomfield High School, while the Niwot boys tied for 20th with Air Academy High School. Senior Reese Kasper continued to prove she is a top hurdler in the state, winning the 300-meter hurdles in 43.05 and taking third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.81. Kasper was not the only Cougar bringing home...
Niwot High School lacrosse players traveled to San Marcos and Carlsbad California March 17 and 18 as members of the Mead High School lacrosse team, where they suffered losses against the more experienced San Marcos High School Knights (San Marcos, CA) and the La Costa Canyon High School Mavericks (Carlsbad, CA). The team fought hard, but fell short against the Knights and Mavericks losing by scores of 16-6 and 23-8 respectively. The Mead girls lacrosse team is composed of students from all over...
The Niwot High School baseball team dominated The Academy at home March 12, posting a 12-2 victory in six innings, then traveled to Lewis-Palmer the next day, where they suffered a hard-fought 10-9 loss, their first of the season. Senior Kaige Kennedy and junior Henry Noblin led the Cougar offense against The Academy, garnering three hits each. Kennedy had a single, double and homerun, while Noblin added two singles and a double. Senior Haden Shaw added two hits, including a triple, Ten Cougars...
After leading Niwot High School's girls soccer team in goals last season, junior forward Heather Humphrey does not plan on slowing down. "I really enjoy the competitive and cutthroat environment of the game, along with the intensity and teamwork," Humphrey said. "Playing striker allows me to be the most creative and aggressive, which drives me to be a better player. Scoring for my team is an unmatched feeling." That drive has fueled her success, something Niwot Head Coach Stephen Dimit has seen...
On Thursday, March 13, the Niwot High School girls tennis team suffered a difficult loss in their second game of the season against perennial powerhouse Kent Denver High School. Despite a determined effort from the entire team, Niwot fell 6-1. However, the players remain optimistic, viewing this match as a learning experience that will help them improve for the rest of the season. Samantha Zacky, a senior and four-year varsity player at Niwot, reflected on the challenges of competitive tennis...
Niwot High School's girls golf team hit the ground swinging this week. With a young team, the Cougars faced their first test of the season, competing in two tournaments and gaining valuable experience as a team. The week started on Monday, March 10, with the MeadMont Scramble at the Twin Peaks Golf Course. Junior Emmy Hostelley, freshman Sonya Homes, and sophomores Wendy Cheruiyot and Adison Murphy got some early-season reps. However, the real test was Saturday's Chilly Chili Invitational at...
The Niwot High School girls soccer team was forced to settle for its first draw of the season on Tuesday, March 11, finishing in a 1-1 tie with host Wheat Ridge High School in a competitive non-conference matchup. The Cougars, looking to rebound after dropping their season opener, moved to 0-1-1 overall with the result. In a tightly contested first half, the Farmers struck first, taking an early lead on their home turf. Niwot responded quickly as junior midfielder Diya Mehta equalized the score...
Niwot High School's boys volleyball team kicked off its season with a dominating 3-0 victory over Pomona High School Tuesday March 11 at home. Players such as Senior, Malachi Nehls, led the Cougars with seven kills over two sets, while senior, Ethan Husk, contributed six kills, across three sets. Senior Jenu Ngialah, and sophomore, Own Raabe, recorded five kills, with Raabe reaching a .571 hitting percentage. Overall, Niwot ended with 35 total kills, and a .183 hitting percentage. The Cougars we...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. For Reese Kasper, track and field was never the original plan, but competing in a Division I level sport was. Growing up as a gymnast, she dedicated years to the...
Senior Kaige Kennedy left his mark on Niwot High School baseball's season-opening win over Severance High School on March 6. Along with finishing a home run shy of the cycle, the outfielder/pitcher drove in two runs and sealed the victory on the mound. The game also left its mark on him when he recorded the final out with a diving tag of a Severance baserunner, leaving Kennedy covered in chalk from the third baseline. With Niwot entering this season with increased expectations, Kennedy was...
The Niwot High School girls swim and dive team wrapped up a successful season with a ninth-place finish at the 4A state championships and multiple individual honors. Led by senior Izzy Fay, the team put in hard work all season, improving meet after meet and finishing strong. Fay capped off her high school career in the best way possible, winning the 4A state diving championship and earning CHSAA's 4A Diver of the Year award. "It's a recognition of my dedication and commitment to the sport," Fay...
The defending 4A state champion Erie High School lacrosse team opened its season with a hard-fought 11-9 victory over Boulder High School on Thursday, March 6. The St. Vrain Valley School District team combined team, which pulls athletes from several nearby schools, saw key contributions from Niwot High School players. Senior Tyler Chivukula scored twice, while senior Marcus Vock added a goal and three assists. Sophomore Drake Chivukula finished with a goal and an assist. The Tigers are coming off their first-ever state title after winning the...
The Niwot High School girls soccer team's season is officially underway, though the first game did not go their way. The Cougars opened on the road against Mountain Range High School on Tuesday, March 4, falling 2-1 in a nonconference matchup. Head coach Stephen Dimit believes the team's response in the days following was just as important as the result itself. Sophomore Diya Mehta scored Niwot's lone goal, while goalkeepers Mariah Fletemeyer and Larkyn Young split time in the net. With club...
The Niwot High School varsity baseball team kicked off its 2025 season in style on March 6 with a drama-filled win at Severance High School. Needing one final out to secure victory, Niwot senior pitcher Kaige Kennedy played hero in the seventh inning when he made Severance pay for a baserunning mistake. With Niwot up 8-6, Severance had runners on second and third base when Kennedy threw a wild pitch. The Silver Knight on third scored easily, but his teammate on second stumbled after rounding thi...
Niwot High School girls basketball's first state tournament game in 11 years ended in disappointment on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Aurora Central High School. In a foul-filled affair, the Cougars entered halftime down 22-9 before putting up a valiant fight with their season on the line. Niwot began the third quarter on a 12-0 run to make things interesting but ultimately came up short when the final buzzer sounded, 35-33. While the Cougar program took a massive step forward by reaching the Class 5A...
While Peyton Rhodes would have liked to extend her high school career another game, the senior remains proud of what she and her Niwot High School girls basketball team accomplished this winter. After falling to Aurora Central High School on Feb. 26 in the Cougars' first state tournament game since 2014, Rhodes reflected on her now-complete high school career. Niwot won only nine combined games in Rhodes' first two varsity seasons before breaking through with 10 senior victories. "My first two...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. Anne Haley's journey in volleyball began at a young age, influenced by her mother's love for the sport. From the early days of recreational volleyball to becoming a f...
As the Niwot High School girls soccer team gears up for a new season, head coach Stephen Dimit is optimistic about the squad's potential. With strong returning players, a deep talent pool, and a competitive schedule ahead, the Cougars are looking to build on last year's foundation and make an impact in their league. Among the key veterans are senior Greta Stauch, juniors Mariah Fletemeyer, Heather Humphrey, and Brynn Schlarb, and sophomores Mirjam Bos, Ashley Grier, Ava Inguagiato, and Hannah...
As the Niwot High School girls varsity tennis team prepares for a new season, Team Captain Magnolia Valentine is focused on leading with an emphasis on community, support, and growth. With tennis in her life since she was five, Valentine, a senior, brings years of experience and a passion for the game to her role. But as captain, her primary focus is on fostering a strong, supportive team dynamic. "One of the most important aspects of leadership for this team is building a strong community,...
As the Niwot High School girls golf team enters its tenth season, the Cougars are preparing for an exciting spring. Head Coach Ed Weaver is back at the helm following an eventful boys golf season, and he will be joined once again by assistant coaches Chad Richert and Byron Rudisill. Rudisill is rejoining the staff after taking last spring season off following the birth of his second child. Leading the team this season is sophomore Wendy Cheruiyot, who had an impressive freshman campaign....
The Niwot boys volleyball team officially kicked off the 2025 season on Feb. 17 and is preparing for an upcoming home match on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. against Pomona High School. As the season gets into full swing, the team is looking to build momentum and showcase its skills on the court. Coming off an impressive 2024 season with a 19-4 record and a top-10 ranking in Colorado, the team is looking to build momentum and showcase its skills on the court. With early practices and matches...
Coming off back-to-back regional tournament appearances, the Niwot High School baseball team is aiming to take another step forward this spring. An experienced senior class lends reason to the Cougars' optimism, particularly at the plate. Brothers Haden Shaw and Charlie Shaw hit a combined .456 last season while fellow senior Kaige Kennedy batted .471 with five extra-base hits. Other seniors ready to mash include pitcher/outfielder Jagger Kilpatrick, first baseman Drew Stapp, and outfielder...
Wrestling at 285 pounds, Niwot High School junior Jonathan Lopez achieved a major personal milestone earlier this month by competing in his first-ever state tournament. Lopez was one of three Cougars who suited up at Ball Arena in Denver, joining 144-pound senior Ryder Evans and 165-pound junior Eli Quesada. Neither of Lopez's two Class 4A state tournament matches went his way, but wrestling on Colorado's biggest stage remained special. "I'm pretty proud of making it," Lopez said. "It was a...
The Cougar unified basketball team took part in an exciting end-of-season tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Skyline High School. Teams from Erie, Silver Creek, Mead, Longmont, Skyline, Frederick, and Niwot high schools came together for a morning of basketball and community. Niwot's first game of the day was against the Mead Mavericks. Junior Jack Frailey, sophomore Dallin Easton, and sophomore Te Esquibel-Davis all contributed to giving the Cougars an early 16-12 lead. Freshman Sawyer Gall sh...
For the first time since 2014, the Niwot High School girls basketball team has qualified for the state tournament. On Feb. 23, the Colorado High School Activities Association released its 40-team Class 5A girls state tournament bracket, and the Cougars earned the No. 34 seed. Niwot will visit No. 31 Aurora Central High School on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in a first-round "play-in" game. After beginning the year 7-1, the Cougars finished their regular season at 10-13 (2-11 Granite Peaks League) with...
Niwot High School's boys varsity basketball team finished out the season on Friday, Feb. 19 with a tough loss against the Erie High School Tigers, ranked ninth in the league. With a final score of 70-41, the away game may not have resulted in the Cougars' desired outcome but head coach Walker Bounds emphasized his pride in the team, reflecting on how the team had climbed the ranks in one short season and stood their ground despite some challenging teams. "We went from playing in the weakest...
Although he views himself as more of a role player, junior Henry Noblin's on-court contributions have been invaluable to the Niwot High School varsity boys basketball team. Noblin makes his presence felt most prominently on the glass, leading the Cougars with 4.8 rebounds per game through Feb. 11. The 6-foot-1 forward is also a menace to opposing ball-handlers, as he's averaging a team-high 1.3 steals per game. Niwot head coach Walker Bounds is among those who appreciate Noblin's willingness to...
Despite a challenging past month-plus of Granite Peaks League play, the Niwot High School girls basketball team remains within striking distance of its first state tournament berth since 2013-14. As of Feb. 16, the Cougars are 10-12 overall (2-10 Granite Peaks League) and ranked No. 33 in the Class 5A Colorado High School Activities Association Selection & Seeding Index. The top 40 teams will qualify for the single-elimination state tournament, up from 32 teams last year. Niwot's regular season...
The Niwot High School varsity boys basketball team has suffered its fair share of defeats this season, but that hasn't kept head coach Walker Bounds and his players from approaching each game with intensity. Following a particularly heartbreaking loss at Frederick High School on Thursday, Feb. 13, Bounds credited his Cougars for staying locked in through a difficult stretch. "I've been really pleased with the way this team has handled adversity," Bounds said. "We've had a tough year and a...
Ball Arena hosted the 2025 CHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Feb. 13-15, where 1,300 athletes competed across boys and girls divisions. The boys' tournament featured over 900 wrestlers from more than 200 schools, competing in four classifications: 2A (56 schools), 3A (49 schools), 4A (47 schools), and 5A (51 schools). Wrestlers fought across 14 weight classes, from 106 to 285 pounds, in Niwot High School's 4A division. The tournament proved challenging for Niwot High School's three state...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. Elizabeth "Izzy" Fay has made a big splash in Niwot High School athletics. The standout diver, who signed with California State University, Bakersfield, has made wave...
The Niwot High School girls basketball team experienced a mixed week, falling 53-15 to Legacy High School on Feb. 4 before bouncing back with a 56-47 Senior Night home victory over Silver Creek High School on Feb. 7. Heading into their matchup against the Legacy Lightning, the Cougars held a 9-9 record, while Legacy stood at 10-7. Despite the close records, the game quickly turned lopsided as the Cougars struggled offensively. Niwot shot just 17% from the field and hit only one three-pointer...
In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Niwot High School unified basketball team faced off against the Erie High School Tigers in an energetic back-and-forth contest. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Cougars narrowly fell to the Tigers, 64-62, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The Tigers won the opening tipoff, but it was Niwot sophomore Dallin Easton who put the first points on the board, giving the Cougars an early 2-0 lead. Junior Emmett...
The Niwot boys varsity basketball team suffered two losses this week against highly-ranked Legacy High School and the Cougars' cross-town rival, Silver Creek High School. The game against Legacy on Tuesday, Feb. 4 ended with the Cougars on the short end of a 76-44 score, while Friday's Senior Night battle was close until the final minutes, with Silver Creek coming out on top, 56-42, leaving the Cougars eager for a win as the season winds down. Rohit Das led the Cougars in scoring against Legacy...
When Eli Quesada decided to wrestle this year, the Niwot High School junior's goal was simply to make the varsity team. He picked up the sport intending to help his football career and didn't expect much in terms of results. Now, only months after his first high school match, Quesada is preparing to wrestle on Colorado's biggest stage. The 165-pounder earned a state championship bid this past weekend by placing fourth in the Class 4A Region 2 Tournament. "It's been crazy seeing how much I got be...
Led by star diver Izzy Fay, Niwot High School placed ninth at the Class 4A Girls Swimming and Diving State Championships. Fay, a senior, closed her storied high school career by earning her second straight diving state title. Competing at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton, she racked up an impressive final score of 529.50 on Saturday, Feb. 8. "Izzy getting first at state is always great," said Niwot Head Coach Ella Thramann. "I know that was a pretty close one with the Windsor...
The Niwot High School wrestling team demonstrated its competitive spirit at the CHSAA 4A Region 2 Wrestling Tournament hosted by Mead High School, with three Cougars securing spots on the podium, advancing to state. Ryder Evans, who achieved his milestone 100th win, captured third place in the 144-pound weight class with an impressive display of skill, returning to the state tournament for the second year in a row. Evans opened the tournament securing a technical fall victory over Glenwood Sprin...
Swimmer Devi Burnett emerged from her lane and anxiously looked toward the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center scoreboard, searching for a result she had long strived for. After falling short the evening prior, the Niwot High School senior had just used her final opportunity to qualify for state in the 100-yard freestyle. She had given it her all but still needed to see something below 53.20 seconds to secure her first-ever individual state qualification. The look on Burnett's face said it all....
Niwot High School's unified basketball team traveled to face off against the Frederick High School Eagles on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Despite a determined effort by the Cougars, Frederick secured the win with a final score of 77-73. The game began with freshman Isaiah Richart winning the tipoff for Niwot, setting the tone for an energetic contest. Freshman Sawyer Gall put the Cougars on the board first, but the Eagles responded quickly to tie the game. Senior Jake Hostelley followed up with a basket...
The Niwot High girls basketball team faced two tough games against highly-ranked Broomfield High School on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and Holy Family High School on Friday, Jan. 31. Against elite competition, the Cougars came out on the short end of both games, losing 75-15 against Broomfield, and 63-37 against Holy Family. The team has begun looking forward to getting back in the win column in the coming weeks before the end of the season. The Cougars fought hard, and when asked if the mindset of the...
