3A GIRLS ALL-STATE: Eagles’ Caiti Forrester takes state’s top honor in Class 3A

As a junior, Caiti Forrester endured an 0-8 record in the Class 3A Southern League and missed the postseason entirely.

Only a year later, the Boulder City forward led the Eagles to their second state tournament berth of the decade.

And it did not go unnoticed.

When coaches met recently to vote on the 3A all-state team, Forrester was named Most Valuable Player.

“It was the best feeling to make the state tournament after the year before, we didn’t even make it to the (league) tournament,” Forrester said.

Boulder City (11-11) had its season end with a 49-41 loss to Lowry in the 3A state semifinals Feb. 27.

The 6-foot-1-inch Forrester played point guard, wing and occasionally post for the Eagles.

Forrester averaged 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 blocks this season. She shot 44.7 percent from the floor, including 34.8 on 3-pointers.

“She had the numbers to back it up,” Boulder City coach Brian Lemmel said of Forrester winning MVP. “She presented herself well every single game.

“Even the games where her numbers were not outstanding, her leadership was always present.”

When it mattered most, Forrester’s numbers were outstanding. She had 48 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in two 3A Southern League tournament wins.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a better feeling after a basketball game than after we won the first-round (league) game against Moapa,” Forrester said.

Forrester will continue her career next season at Colorado State-Pueblo, which reached the NCAA Division II Tournament this season.

“I’m excited to see what kind of role I fill,” Forrester said. “Every time I think about it, I get excited.”

Also for Boulder City, freshman center Karlee Koopman was named second-team all-state.

“She was our second-most efficient player,” Lemmel said of Koopman, who was called up from the junior varsity team in December. “She worked very hard.”

The first team is comprised of Lowry guard Morgan Thacker, Moapa Valley guard Caley Dunlap, Yerington forward Kayla Lommori, Spring Creek forward Lacy Rider, Virgin Valley center Rachel Morris and Truckee utility player Michelle Hoehn.

The second team includes Koopman, Spring Creek guard Teagan Tolden, Fernley guard Jayme King, Spring Creek forward Mary Suing, Virgin Valley forward Ellie Biasi and Lowry utility player Skyler Estes.