Air Academy’s boy’s basketball team has made their mark in history as they become the first team to win State in 26 years. The team was led by Head Coach Barry Clark and assistants Roof, Brotherton, and Cole. With a 24-4 overall record and a 12-2 league record, the Kadets had an overall fantastic season. Senior David Louthan led the team with the most points per game and rebounds per game; seniors Paul Ambuul and James Sims followed up Louthan in PPR and RPB. The five senior starters, David Louthan, Adam Brown, James Sims, Austin Dewing, and Paul Ambuul led the team to a Pikes Peak Athletic Conference co-victory with Sand Creek for the first time since 1989. With that victory the Kadets secured a high seed in the playoffs and the opportunity to host the first two rounds.

Through-out the season the Kadets continued to put the foot on the pedal. With rivalry game wins over Cheyenne Mountain and Sand Creek, this team rose to the top of league rankings. The Kadets advanced to the 4A playoffs with a second seed and a home court advantage. With host victories over Evergreen [68-47] and Pueblo Central [64-54] the Kadets advanced to the Great Eight against Golden. Golden was the number one seed in the bracket but after a grueling game the Kadets emerged victorious, 45-41. With 5 seconds remaining Austin Dewing charged into the paint and drew a foul; ultimately sinking both free throws. With the win over Golden the Kadet basketball team advanced to the final four in Boulder, Colorado.

There they faced Lewis-Palmer in the final four game on Friday at Coor’s Event Center in Boulder. In an intense game that went back and forth through each quarter, the Kadets narrowly edged out Lewis Palmer 54-51. With a block at the buzzer from David Louthan the Kadets secured their spot in the 4A state final game but, 8-20 free-throw shooting caused for a closer game than needed.

However, this was not the case for the next game as the Kadets would go 11-12 in the first quarter on the line against undefeated Longmont. At the end of the half the score would read 30-20 Kadets, but Longmont rallied and by the third quarter it was 34 all. The fourth quarter would go back and forth in an intense battle that would lead to a final overtime match-up after Longmont sunk a three to tie it up at 53’s. Overtime proved to be an exciting end to an even more exhilarating overall season with the final score 64-59.This was the Kadets first 4A basketball Championship since 1989 when the Kadets beat Greeley West in the 3A state championship game. Louthan went 7-8 from the free-throw line in the last minute of the game to secure his teams Championship victory over previously undefeated, number one seed, Longmont.

Congratulations to the Air Academy boys basketball team for all the hard work, poise, and determination they put in this season. Seniors Paul Ambuul, Adam Brown, David Louthan, Austin Dewing, James Sims, Blake Becco and Bailey Sexton have left their mark on this program and this school’s history. Another shout-out to the cousins, Austin Dewing, James Sims, and David Louthan, and teammates Mark Beatty and Henry Yocum who not only won a basketball state championship this year, but a soccer championship as well; Way to go Kadets!