Simla overpowers Fountain Valley

   PUEBLO - Simla rolled into this week's Class 2A state girls basketball tournament with a resounding 73-26 win over Fountain Valley on Saturday at CSU-Pueblo.

   With the win, the Cubs (23-0) reach the eight-team state tournament Thursday, also at CSU-Pueblo. The seedings and pairings will be announced Sunday by the Colorado High School Activities Association.
   Simla's smothering defense led to several fast-break opportunities, which led to a 34-11 lead at halftime.
   "We always run a fast break," Simla coach Al Snyder said. "All 12 of my kids like to run the ball up the court and get easy baskets."
   Raelynn Snyder led the Cubs with 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Simla had no problem finding people to score.
   Three other players were in double figures, including Caroline Alexander, who had 15 points.

   "We have a pretty good outside-inside game," Alexander said. "I think our height gives us a good advantage inside and we use it. Our main offense is getting up and down the court so we try to do it as much as we can."
   The Cubs used their size and agility on offense to frustrate Fountain Valley (16-6) at both ends of the court.

   The Danes tried to keep the score close in the beginning by slowing the game down, but Simla dominated the boards, which fed its fastpaced offense. The Cubs outrebounded Fountain Valley 56-26.
   "We knew we had to come out and not play to their level," Raelynn Snyder said.
   Fountain Valley was unable to keep the score from getting out of hand.

   "I think on a day like this the score quickly becomes irrelevant and you have to focus on what you are playing for," Danes coach Paula Walter said. "I think what we are playing for is the experience. We always play to learn something and we played for each other. I'm really proud of the girls for doing that."