High School Sports and Economic Growth: A Tale of Two Titans
March 11, 2025, 4:17 am
In the heart of Colorado, two stories unfold. One on the basketball court, the other in the realm of economic development. Both narratives pulse with energy, ambition, and the spirit of competition. They showcase the resilience of youth and the promise of innovation.
On March 5, 2025, the Riverdale Ridge Ravens faced off against the Broomfield Eagles in a high-stakes girls' basketball playoff game. The gym buzzed with excitement. Fans packed the stands, their cheers echoing like thunder. The air was thick with anticipation.
Brianna Crittendon, a five-star junior, was the star of the night. She had been a scoring machine all season, averaging 26.8 points per game. But this night was different. The Eagles, led by Paige and Reece Gilpatrick, were fierce competitors. They came to play.
Crittendon started strong, scoring seven quick points in the second quarter. The crowd roared. Broomfield’s student section taunted her with chants of “Overrated.” But Crittendon silenced them with a smooth turnaround jumper. A smirk crossed her face. She thrived under pressure.
As the game neared its climax, the Eagles mounted a comeback. An 11-0 run tied the game with just over a minute left. Tension crackled in the air. Riverdale Ridge regained the lead, but Broomfield had one last chance. Paige Gilpatrick launched a three-pointer that could have sent the game into overtime. Crittendon, however, had other plans. She leaped, blocking the shot like a wall. The Ravens held on to win.
This victory propelled Riverdale Ridge into the Great Eight, a step closer to the championship. Crittendon’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination. The young star shone brightly, proving that hard work pays off.
Meanwhile, just a few miles away, another story was brewing. The Redtail Ridge innovation campus was set to transform the landscape of Louisville, Colorado. This ambitious project would convert a vacant 475-acre parcel into a vibrant mixed-use hub. It promised to be a beacon of economic growth.
Construction is set to begin this spring. The campus will feature over 194 acres of outdoor space, 20 miles of trails, and retail opportunities. It’s a playground for innovation. Positioned near major bioscience programs, Redtail Ridge is poised to become a life sciences powerhouse.
AdventHealth Avista has already invested $34 million in the area, planning to build a new hospital. This is just the beginning. The project is expected to generate $43 million in local taxes and fees during construction. Once completed, it will yield $24.4 million annually in commercial property tax revenue.
The numbers are staggering. Projected annual retail sales could reach $144 million. New annual sales tax revenues are estimated at $12.5 million. The development is expected to create around 10,500 jobs, including 1,400 direct and indirect positions through AdventHealth’s new location.
The life sciences sector in Colorado is booming. Over the past five years, funding has exceeded $9 billion. Redtail Ridge is a crucial piece of this puzzle. It will drive economic growth and foster innovation.
Both stories—Crittendon’s triumph on the court and the Redtail Ridge development—reflect the spirit of Colorado. They highlight the importance of perseverance and vision.
In high school sports, young athletes learn valuable lessons. They learn to face challenges head-on. They learn the importance of teamwork and dedication. Crittendon’s journey is a perfect example. She faced adversity but rose to the occasion.
Similarly, the Redtail Ridge project embodies the spirit of innovation. It represents a vision for the future. It shows what can happen when communities come together to support growth.
As the Ravens prepare for their next game, the excitement continues to build. Crittendon and her teammates are hungry for victory. They are ready to face the next challenge.
On the other hand, the construction crews are gearing up for the Redtail Ridge project. They are ready to break ground and lay the foundation for a new era.
Both narratives are intertwined. They showcase the resilience of youth and the promise of economic development. They remind us that success is not just about winning games or building structures. It’s about creating opportunities. It’s about fostering growth.
In the end, whether on the basketball court or in the business world, the same principles apply. Hard work, determination, and vision pave the way for success. As Colorado continues to grow, these stories will inspire future generations. They will remind us that anything is possible with grit and passion.
So, as we watch Crittendon and the Ravens chase their championship dreams, let’s also keep an eye on Redtail Ridge. Both are symbols of hope and ambition. Both are shaping the future of Colorado. The game is on, and the stakes are high.
On March 5, 2025, the Riverdale Ridge Ravens faced off against the Broomfield Eagles in a high-stakes girls' basketball playoff game. The gym buzzed with excitement. Fans packed the stands, their cheers echoing like thunder. The air was thick with anticipation.
Brianna Crittendon, a five-star junior, was the star of the night. She had been a scoring machine all season, averaging 26.8 points per game. But this night was different. The Eagles, led by Paige and Reece Gilpatrick, were fierce competitors. They came to play.
Crittendon started strong, scoring seven quick points in the second quarter. The crowd roared. Broomfield’s student section taunted her with chants of “Overrated.” But Crittendon silenced them with a smooth turnaround jumper. A smirk crossed her face. She thrived under pressure.
As the game neared its climax, the Eagles mounted a comeback. An 11-0 run tied the game with just over a minute left. Tension crackled in the air. Riverdale Ridge regained the lead, but Broomfield had one last chance. Paige Gilpatrick launched a three-pointer that could have sent the game into overtime. Crittendon, however, had other plans. She leaped, blocking the shot like a wall. The Ravens held on to win.
This victory propelled Riverdale Ridge into the Great Eight, a step closer to the championship. Crittendon’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination. The young star shone brightly, proving that hard work pays off.
Meanwhile, just a few miles away, another story was brewing. The Redtail Ridge innovation campus was set to transform the landscape of Louisville, Colorado. This ambitious project would convert a vacant 475-acre parcel into a vibrant mixed-use hub. It promised to be a beacon of economic growth.
Construction is set to begin this spring. The campus will feature over 194 acres of outdoor space, 20 miles of trails, and retail opportunities. It’s a playground for innovation. Positioned near major bioscience programs, Redtail Ridge is poised to become a life sciences powerhouse.
AdventHealth Avista has already invested $34 million in the area, planning to build a new hospital. This is just the beginning. The project is expected to generate $43 million in local taxes and fees during construction. Once completed, it will yield $24.4 million annually in commercial property tax revenue.
The numbers are staggering. Projected annual retail sales could reach $144 million. New annual sales tax revenues are estimated at $12.5 million. The development is expected to create around 10,500 jobs, including 1,400 direct and indirect positions through AdventHealth’s new location.
The life sciences sector in Colorado is booming. Over the past five years, funding has exceeded $9 billion. Redtail Ridge is a crucial piece of this puzzle. It will drive economic growth and foster innovation.
Both stories—Crittendon’s triumph on the court and the Redtail Ridge development—reflect the spirit of Colorado. They highlight the importance of perseverance and vision.
In high school sports, young athletes learn valuable lessons. They learn to face challenges head-on. They learn the importance of teamwork and dedication. Crittendon’s journey is a perfect example. She faced adversity but rose to the occasion.
Similarly, the Redtail Ridge project embodies the spirit of innovation. It represents a vision for the future. It shows what can happen when communities come together to support growth.
As the Ravens prepare for their next game, the excitement continues to build. Crittendon and her teammates are hungry for victory. They are ready to face the next challenge.
On the other hand, the construction crews are gearing up for the Redtail Ridge project. They are ready to break ground and lay the foundation for a new era.
Both narratives are intertwined. They showcase the resilience of youth and the promise of economic development. They remind us that success is not just about winning games or building structures. It’s about creating opportunities. It’s about fostering growth.
In the end, whether on the basketball court or in the business world, the same principles apply. Hard work, determination, and vision pave the way for success. As Colorado continues to grow, these stories will inspire future generations. They will remind us that anything is possible with grit and passion.
So, as we watch Crittendon and the Ravens chase their championship dreams, let’s also keep an eye on Redtail Ridge. Both are symbols of hope and ambition. Both are shaping the future of Colorado. The game is on, and the stakes are high.