RBC ladies chosen for all-state games

RBC I Two Rio Blanco County basketball players were selected to play in the annual Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports all-state game this Sunday at Arvada West High School. Rio Blanco County seniors Quincey Thacker of Rangely and Meeker’s Kaysyn Chintala were both four-year varsity players for their schools and both will play on the Blue team.
“We are proud that she (Thacker) will be representing Rangely High School and the Western Slope League in this all-state game,” Rangely head coach Quinton Kent said. “She has been a key player for us the last couple years; she has worked hard and got better each year of her high school career. Quincey was especially important to us this year, averaging a double-double, which not very many players at any level accomplish.”
Thacker scored 328 points in her senior season, averaging 14.3 points per game, leading her team in scoring and rebounds with 85 offensive and 185 defensive rebounds, averaging 11.7 per game and she had 42 steals.
Kent said Thacker will attend Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, and is hoping to play basketball there.
Chintala led the Lady Cowboys to a 21-3 record and a district title her senior year, averaging 9.2 points per game (203 total points, including 31, three-pointers), 46 assists, 65 rebounds and 72 steals.
“It’s quite an honor for her and she is excited to play in it,” said Greg Chintala, Meeker’s head coach — and Chintala’s father — of the all-state game. “You work hard and sometimes you get a little reward.”
Coach Chintala said “it was a whole lot of fun” coaching his daughter. “She knew she had to step up her game, with me as her dad,” Chintala said. “She worked hard and set a good example. It was the best way in the world to watch her games.”
Kaysyn plans to attend Colby Community College in Colby, Kan., on a volleyball scholarship and may try walking on to the basketball team.
The Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports began sponsoring an all-state game in 1978 to provide girls a showcase for talent. Each senior athlete is nominated by coaches in her league, while coaches representing all the leagues make the final selection. Players are chosen based on talent, dedication, team play and leadership.
The 2A game will start at 10:30 a.m., Sunday.