Basalt girls b-ball escapes Hotchkiss with a 47-40 win

The Basalt High School girls basketball team remained undefeated in league play with a 47-40 win over Hotchkiss Saturday.

However, Bsalt, 5-0 in league and 12-1 overall, narrowly escaped the Hotchkiss gym with the win, as Hotchkiss (2-4, 4-9) played Basalt to a close contest until the end.

“They’re probably one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen this year,” said Basalt coach Debbie Cain. “They out-rebounded us, they out-hustled us, they out-played us in every area, and they should have won.”

Basalt rallied in the fourth quarter to seal the win, Cain said.

“I give credit to Molly McGrath,” Cain said. “She had all seven of her points in the fourth quarter – a huge 3-pointer, and then she was 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.”

Junior Stephanie Kemp led BHS with 15 points. Sophomore Mariah Mulcahy came off the bench to add 13 points and grab 8 rebounds.

On Thursday, Basalt hosts Roaring Fork (5-0, 8-4), the only other undefeated team in league play, along with Aspen. On Friday, Basalt travels to Rangely and then plays at West Grand on Saturday in a non-league game.

“Roaring Fork will be a tough game,” Cain said. “They’re jelling right now. The next few weeks are huge.”