It’s Sportsland again! Welcome back, or welcome for the first time! Here, we talk high school sports and community sports stories in the Centennial State.

From college commitments to coaching hires, records broken and trophies lifted, we cover all the things Denver media outlets don’t have time for. Sometimes that means a local cycling around the world, or participating in a derby-like horse race in Mongolia. Nothing surprises us anymore.

This week’s thoughts: Denver is a Mecca, maybe THE Mecca, for women’s and girls’ sports in America. You know how I know?

Because every time another event comes to the Mile High City, we make SportsCenter, the freaking New York Times and whatnot because we blow everyone else out of the water with our ticket sales. Just check this out.

The Denver Summit put a new meaning to its name by breaking a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) record for attendance at over 63,000 fans packing Mile High Stadium. The previous record was 40,091 fans, set last year by Bay FC at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park.

That’s barely the most recent example. Earlier this month, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, or PWHL, came to Ball Arena, and 15,512 Coloradans showed up (which was an impressive increase from the 11,612 that showed up earlier in the year).

And let’s not forget Dick’s Sporting Goods is always packed every time the U.S. Women’s National Team comes to town. (By the way, the next matchup is in just over two weeks; USA plays Japan on April 17 at DSG Park).

It’s just something to think about, WNBA, don’t cha think?

I gotta tell ya: I watched Prairie View boys lacrosse take on Denver North last week. For once, a matchup was right in my backyard and not 20-30 miles away. Not that I mind the driving, for the most part, it’s just nice when they come to me every once in a while.

I would have never thought this Thunderhawks team had never been to the postseason until last year. They scored so many goals in the first quarter against Denver North that it’s not even worth describing the time between them.

But a fan told me that, and the coach confirmed it. Last year was a breakthrough. This year, it’s different.

Moving to Class 4A last season was certainly the right move. Prairie View finished 6-10 last season, which was actually the best year since 2018. They’re topping that this year already.

“(Moving to 4A) is a lot better for our kids. If you look at our sizes and our numbers, it makes sense. We still don’t have a JV program,” said Head Coach Forrest Walker, who is in his fourth season at Prairie View. “It’s definitely helped the culture feel better and a little bit more enthusiastic all around.”

At 6-2 now, the Thunderhawks are in uncharted territory. It’s the best start since the 2017 season, when the program finished 9-6 and 1-5 in the 5A Front Range League. But that’s always been the way it’s supposed to go, Walker told me.

“The expectation is to always do better than we did the year before,” Walker said. “So, whether that be a higher ranking, a home playoff game or a first-round bye, I think we’re always just trying to make ourselves better … We’re pretty hungry. We’ve got a long stretch; we’re just taking it one game at a time. But I like where we’re at.”

WHY SPORTSLAND? Sportsland is the go-to high school sports newsletter in Colorado, covering athletics across Jefferson and Adams Counties. We give you all the game updates, yes, but we also go deep behind the scenes to give you context to some of the best sports stories in our coverage areas. The best part? It’s FREE!

While other news stations prioritize Denver’s professional and college sports teams, we keep our eyes on the high school athletics landscape, providing key updates and legislative news from CHSAA, hard-hitting feature stories and connect generations of families through sports.

BEST OF THE BEST — This whole basketball season, I’ve been so impressed with how lucky we are in the Colorado Trust for Local News area. But I’m certainly not surprised.

I’ve been in Colorado for five years now, and every season we have a huge collection of some of the best hoopers in the state.

Though nobody in our areas lifted championship trophies, many remained dominant throughout the season and then shone brightest on the biggest stage. This may be the most talented group of high school players I’ve observed across our areas since moving here. It definitely makes my job more fun.

Let’s get into it!

This year, we have two Players of the Year in girls’ basketball!

Five First Team All-State Selections:

Four Second Team Selections:

Honorable Mentions:

What’s most exciting? Many of these players aren’t seniors, so they’ll grace the high school courts once again next season. Mainly, I’m thinking of Class 5A Player of the Year Jojo Martin, who is only a freshman at Standley Lake!

Another one — Gunnar Ast, an Honorable Mention for Flatirons Academy — is a 6-foot-7 sophomore.

I’m already excited for next season!

📈 Weekly rankings announced for spring sports: See who is atop the rankings in baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, girls soccer, boys volleyball and more from CHSAA. Read the full story ➡

⚾ Arvada West baseball rolls Vista PEAK in return to Colorado: Many teams used Spring Break to travel, but for business, not enjoyment. Arvada West finished a tournament in Arizona and picked up right where they left off. Read the full story ➡

⛹‍♂️ Long, hard road of hoops paying dividends for Skyview grad: From injuries to youth coaching and even officiating, this Skyview grad is still looking for a playing opportunity in college. Read the full story ➡

🥎 Mines softball gets a draw with Regis in weekend series: The Colorado School of Mines softball team is struggling in 2026, but managed to avoid another loss against crosstown rival Regis this weekend. COTLN’s Corinne Westeman is all over it. Read the full story ➡

🌊 Golden expects an ‘earlier and shorter’ tubing season: The weird winter of Colorado is having adverse effects on spring activities. Tubing in Golden is a staple every season, but how will it change this year? Read the full story ➡

We want to hear from you!

Last week’s poll: Should private and public schools play in different leagues?
No, there’s no imbalance here (50%)

All records current as of March 30

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