GILPIN COUNTY — A cold night brought a warm crowd into the Gilpin High School gym. The hardwood floor glowed under the lights. Parents and spectators watched as Gilpin and Nederland met again in a familiar rivalry for the Girls Junior Varsity Basketball game on December 8.

Nederland entered 0–2, still looking for their first win. Nederland player Eva Wrobel said she felt excited and a bit nervous.

Many knew the girls on the other side of the court. That is how it goes in a small mountain region, where everyone has played with or against each other at some point.

First half

The game opened with a clean jump ball. Nederland scored first when Juniper Hall (#25, center/forward) powered through defense for a layup. Gilpin tied it with a quick finish from Keira Ferrante (#11, sophomore).

Gilpin then caught fire. Amelia Bushey (#30, freshman) sank a three-point shot. Then she hit another one. She added a free throw. Then she scored an additional three-pointer from the wing, quickly stretching the lead.

Loose balls turned into scrambles on the floor. Nederland’s Adeline Buckland (#20, forward/center) fought hard for rebounds. Hall blocked a shot cleanly. Evelyn Leary (#12, forward/guard) made a push to the goal, but Gilpin held tight on defense.

Gilpin spread the floor with long passes and quick assists. Nederland answered when Buckland scored on a push to the goal. But Gilpin kept control, scoring again. The Eagles went into halftime up 20–6.

The Gilpin cheerleaders performed a half-time show with acrobatic stunts, keeping the excitement going.

Second half

Nederland opened the second half with energy. Naima Bullings (#4, guard) fed Eva Wrobel (#5, point guard) for a clean jump layup.

Meko Sage Eich (#1, guard/forward) hit a three-point shot from the top of the arc. The Panthers then strung together a smooth sequence—Buckland to Hall to Leila Tarleton (#21, forward)—for a layup that decreased the Eagles' lead.

Gilpin returned the action. Bushey kept shooting well. Riley Edward (#21, freshman) and Averi Reisner (#2) worked the ball around the perimeter. Adele Fisher (#25, senior) added pressure inside.

Collisions increased as both teams fought for possession. One hard defensive move sent a player to the floor. Another pile-up came after a loose ball at midcourt. Bodies tumbled. Whistles followed.

Gilpin stretched the score to 38–16. Another layup extended it. The final buzzer sounded with Gilpin on top, 41–16.

Post-game

Nederland’s assistant coach, Val Gane, said he was proud of the girls’ effort. It is his first year helping at the high school level. He also coaches middle school girls' basketball and soccer. 

Even with the wide margin, the rivalry stayed friendly. Kids milled together in the crowd.

Gilpin finished with a strong win. Nederland walked out ready for the next tip off.