The Manitou Springs girls basketball went into the Class 3A state tournament with high hopes, but couldn’t hang with No. 5 Lutheran. The Lions beat the Mustangs 64-28 on March 4 to cap a season that was filled with challenges for Manitou.

After playing a few games early in the year, Grace Allen decided to sit out the season to continue her recovery from a torn ACL. The Mustangs (10-24) battled through the decision and got a surprising level of play from senior Ashlyn Thomson, who struggled with injuries for three seasons before finally playing a full year of basketball.

The Mustangs naturally hoped to go further in the 3A state tournament, but their ability to simply get there was a feat that shouldn’t be overlooked.

“With all the challenges, changes and unexpected things that came up during the season it was really good to see the solid commitment and effort from the core of our team,” coach Jessie Nunley said. “That really got us through and got us to finish where we did.”

The Mustangs will lose four senior starters: Thomson, Lexi Vigil, Abby Parker and Bella Coscetti. But with the foundation that Nunley has built as a head coach and the example the seniors have set, the hope is that some of the younger players will step in and keep the program as a consistent state qualifier.

“I hope they’re able to see that if your mentality is strong and you believe that you can do it, you can accomplish what you set out to do,” Parker said.

Plenty of experienced players will return next year as the Mustangs should get Allen back. McKesson Rhodes, Sami Benge-Kulzer and Kaleena Jones will round out a veteran group with its eyes on a better finish in 2023.

“I’m really excited to think about the team, especially with those returning players that added support, momentum and leadership,” Nunley said. “They got us through some tough times this season.”