Boulder City takes top two 3A Southern League girls basketball awards

Slowing down Boulder City forward Caiti Forrester was the primary focus of the Eagles’ opponents in the Class 3A Southern League girls basketball tournament.

But the senior forward didn’t cooperate. While carrying Boulder City to the championship, Forrester compiled 48 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in two tournament victories.

Forrester was rewarded by being voted league Most Valuable Player by coaches.

“When other teams made attempts to match up or defend her, they would change throughout the game,” Boulder City coach Brian Lemmel said. “I don’t think any of them felt they were effective doing it. They struggled to defend her, and they struggled to compensate for her when she was on defense.”

The 6-foot-1-inch Forrester, who has signed with Division II Colorado State-Pueblo, played multiple positions for the Eagles.

“She spent time playing shooting guard, she could go inside, and she was also our point guard for a time,” Lemmel said. “She was one of the best ball handlers we had.”

Forrester led Boulder City (11-11) to only its second 3A state tournament berth of the decade, but the Eagles’ quest for their first state title since 1999 fell short against Lowry in the semifinals, 49-41.

Lemmel was named league Coach of the Year.

“The kids and my coaching staff all earned that,” Lemmel said. “I’ve got quite a group of coaches that worked well together all season.”

Boulder City freshman forward Karlee Koopman also was named to the first team in the utility spot. Junior center Rachel Moody made the second team.

Koopman began the season on the Eagles’ junior varsity before being brought up during the holiday tournament season.

“We realized she had to be on varsity,” Lemmel said. “She was playing that well.”

The first team is rounded out by Faith Lutheran’s Kelsey McCourt; Moapa Valley’s Caley Dunlap and Brianne Olige; and Virgin Valley’s Ellie Biasi and Rachel Morris.

The second team includes Moapa Valley’s Jessica Waite and Shilo Parashonts; Virgin Valley’s Madison Bowler and Shelby Brotherson; and Faith Lutheran’s Kiah Mayo.