The Super Bowl is not the only big game happening this weekend. On the Western Slope, several high school basketball teams are showing their skills and extending their winning streaks.

Grand Junction Tigers Remain Undefeated

The Grand Junction Tigers boys basketball team is having a remarkable season. They are undefeated in 12 games and have clinched the Southwestern League title. On Friday night, they defeated the Montrose Indians 64-51, with senior guard Isaac Rodriguez leading the way with 21 points.

The Tigers are ranked second in the state in Class 5A by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). They have a balanced offense, with four players averaging double-digit points per game, and a stingy defense, allowing only 47.8 points per game to their opponents.

The Tigers will face the Fruita Monument Wildcats on Tuesday, February 13, in their final regular season game. The Wildcats are the only other team in the league with a winning record (9-3). The Tigers will look to complete a perfect season and prepare for the state playoffs, which will begin on February 22.

Delta Panthers Girls Basketball Team Wins 10th Straight Game

The Delta Panthers girls basketball team is also enjoying a stellar season. They have won 10 consecutive games and are atop the 3A Western Slope League standings. On Saturday afternoon, they beat the Cedaredge Bruins 52-36, with junior forward Keely Porter scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

The Panthers are ranked fourth in the state in Class 3A by CHSAA. They have a potent offense, averaging 60.4 points per game, and a dominant defense, holding their opponents to 32.6 points per game. They have also outrebounded their opponents by an average of 15.4 boards per game.

The Panthers will play their last regular season game on Thursday, February 15, against the Gunnison Cowboys. The Cowboys are the second-place team in the league, with a 9-1 record. The Panthers will try to extend their winning streak and secure the league title before heading to the state playoffs, which will start on February 23.

Other Notable Results from the Western Slope

In addition to the Grand Junction Tigers and the Delta Panthers, several other Western Slope basketball teams had impressive performances over the weekend. Here are some of the highlights:

• The Grand Junction Central Warriors boys basketball team beat the Durango Demons 58-54 on Saturday, improving their record to 8-4 and securing the second place in the Southwestern League.
• The Palisade Bulldogs girls basketball team defeated the Rifle Bears 48-40 on Friday, improving their record to 8-4 and moving into a tie for second place in the 4A Western Slope League.
• The Grand Valley Cardinals boys basketball team beat the Coal Ridge Titans 63-54 on Friday, improving their record to 10-2 and staying in first place in the 3A Western Slope League.
• The Hotchkiss Bulldogs girls basketball team beat the Paonia Eagles 44-39 on Friday, improving their record to 10-2 and staying in first place in the 2A/1A Western Slope League.

The Big Game Preview

While the Western Slope basketball fans are enjoying the local action, they are also eagerly awaiting the biggest game of the year: the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 11, at 4:30 p.m. MST.

The Buccaneers are led by quarterback Tom Brady, who is playing in his 10th Super Bowl and seeking his seventh ring. The Chiefs are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is playing in his second consecutive Super Bowl and looking to repeat as champions.

The game will feature a clash of styles, as the Buccaneers have a more balanced attack, with a strong running game and a stout defense, while the Chiefs have a more explosive offense, with a plethora of weapons and a creative scheme.

The game will also feature a historic moment, as Sarah Thomas will become the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl. She will be joined by a diverse crew of officials, including two Black and two Latino referees.

The Super Bowl will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on CBS All Access. The halftime show will feature pop star The Weeknd, who has promised a “cinematic experience” for the viewers.