Wolverines Boys Basketball Setting Sights on St. Mary's

Bayfield High School boys basketball team prepares for 3A state playoffs matchup against Colorado Springs St. Mary's

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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After beating Pagosa Springs on Saturday, the Bayfield High School boys basketball team is in a nearly identical position as last year's squad as the Wolverines head into the 2026 3A state playoffs. The Wolverines, seeded 21st, will next face No. 12 Colorado Springs St. Mary's at 6:30 p.m. on Friday in a 3A-Region V event hosted by fifth-seeded Peyton High School.

Why it matters

The Wolverines are looking to build on their success from last year's playoffs and make a deep run, while St. Mary's is also a strong team that finished the regular season 16-7 overall and 10-3 in league play.

The details

Bayfield High School's boys basketball team, led by head coach Damon White Thunder, finished the regular season 14-9 overall and 6-6 in the 3A/4A Intermountain League. The Wolverines are led by junior Duke Ketchum, who scored a game-high 18 points in their 46-44 win over Pagosa Springs in the regular season finale. St. Mary's, led by sophomore standouts Bret Stewart and Cruz Artaechevarria, edged rival Colorado Springs Christian 65-60 in their last game.

  • The 3A-Region V playoff game between Bayfield and St. Mary's will take place on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
  • The winner of the Bayfield-St. Mary's game will face the winner of the Peyton-Platte Valley game on Saturday, March 8, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Damon White Thunder

Head coach of the Bayfield High School boys basketball team.

Duke Ketchum

Junior on the Bayfield High School boys basketball team who scored a game-high 18 points in their regular season finale win over Pagosa Springs.

Bret Stewart

Sophomore guard/forward for the Colorado Springs St. Mary's boys basketball team who scored 16 points in their recent win over Colorado Springs Christian.

Cruz Artaechevarria

Sophomore guard/forward for the Colorado Springs St. Mary's boys basketball team who also scored 16 points in their recent win over Colorado Springs Christian.

Kisean Dawson

Sophomore forward/center for the Colorado Springs St. Mary's boys basketball team who averaged almost 12 points and 7 rebounds per game as a freshman and currently averages roughly 12 points and 6 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the Bayfield-St. Mary's game will advance to face the winner of the Peyton-Platte Valley game on Saturday, March 8, 2026 at 1 p.m. for a chance to qualify for the 3A state tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between Bayfield and St. Mary's features two teams with strong regular season records looking to make a deep playoff run. The winner will have a chance to advance to the 3A state tournament, making this an important game for both programs as they aim to extend their seasons.