Future Bulldogs battle for Colorado State Championship

Concordia University basketball signees Joel Haywood and Andrew Bowers battled in the Colorado Class 2A state championship game over the weekend.  Haywood led Denver Lutheran to a 61-48 win over Bowers and Lutheran Parker.  Denver Lutheran finished 23-4 on the year, while Lutheran Parker was 22-5. 

Haywood scored 32 points and hit three 3-pointers in the Denver Lutheran victory.  He had 17 points in the first half as the Lights built a lead and helped put the game away after Lutheran Parker had pulled within five in the fourth quarter.  It was Denver Lutheran’s first state boy’s basketball title since 1986. 

Haywood was named Tournament MVP for his efforts.  He scored 17 points and hit the game-winning shot as time expired in Thursday’s win over Peyton.  He scored 18 in the first quarter and finished with 29 points vs. Ignacio on Friday.   

Bowers scored 10 points in the loss to Denver Lutheran.  He was named to the All-Tournament Team.  Bowers scored 14 points on Thursday in a win over Denver Christian and added 10 points on Friday in Lutheran Parker’s win over Yuma.

“It’s rare to have two kids signed that are battling for a state title,” remarked Grant Schmidt, head coach at Concordia University.  “What an accomplishment for both young men.  I’m just thrilled to have them coming here next year.  They have represented their high schools very well, and it’s a great feeling to know they are joining our program.”