BOULDER — Boulder High’s Ella Bartsch has accomplished quite a lot during her four varsity basketball seasons in the purple and gold. But the senior’s 68th career game against Northglenn on Saturday was perhaps her best yet.
One day after putting up a then career-most 28 points during the Panthers’ Friday night loss to Broomfield, Bartsch’s strong left-handed finish paved the way for 31 more points in Boulder’s 59-8 win over the visiting Norse.
“I was aware last night (that it was a career-best) and then I was hoping to beat it today, and I did,” Bartsch said.
Boulder head coach Emily Van Patten, who watched her Panthers improve to 4-8, was proud of her veteran forward’s continued success.
“She’s an amazing player,” Van Patten said. “She’s just having a great year and I couldn’t be happier. It couldn’t have happened to a better kid their senior year.”
Bartsch attributed the weekend scoring barrage to her work ethic.
“I’ve definitely improved from my freshman year,” said Bartsch, who is now averaging just over 20 points per game this season. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the court and a lot of time putting the work in. I definitely think it’s paid off.”
Much of Boulder’s offensive success against Northglenn could be credited to its defense forcing turnovers, which frequently led to fast breaks and even a few and-one opportunities. Van Patten said the Panthers tried to show a variety of defensive looks while working out a few issues in certain areas. That plan worked as NHS was held scoreless in the second half.
Following a 60-44 loss against Broomfield on Friday, Van Patten believed the Panthers bounced back nicely on Saturday.
“Anytime you take a tough loss, a win is welcomed,” Van Patten said. “Getting this win is something that we needed to raise our spirits a little bit, but also just to get us in that mindset going forward.”
Junior guard Lily Huettel scored 13 points on the afternoon and was key in facilitating the Panthers’ offense. While she wasn’t afraid to pull up for a shot herself, Huettel fed Bartsch well in the post and was often returned the favor.
“It’s awesome to have a shooter that’s willing to shoot the ball when I kick it out from the post, and it’s awesome how she feeds me in there too,” Bartsch said. “I wouldn’t be able to get as many points if I didn’t have someone that is willing to assist me on those. It’s been a great dynamic.”
Other contributors included senior Phoebe Hatch and freshman Megan Matthews, who combined scored over 10 points.
Up next, Boulder will return to Front Range League play with a matchup at Rocky Mountain on Tuesday.
