Category: Stories

Izzy Johnson, a standout guard from Arapahoe High School, joined Hoops Tracker to discuss her basketball journey, development, and commitment to Colorado School of Mines. After a summer playing club basketball with Hardwood, where she focused on defense, energy, and skill development, Izzy elevated her role heading into high school season by improving her ball handling, finishing ability, and leadership mindset.
Now averaging around 11 points and four rebounds per game, Izzy is helping lead a deep and balanced Arapahoe team that recently captured the Nike Tournament of Champions title in Phoenix. She emphasized the team’s depth and collective contribution as key strengths, especially compared to previous seasons centered around individual stars.
Izzy committed to Colorado School of Mines, prioritizing academics and team culture during her recruiting process. She values the balance between high-level basketball and strong academics and looks forward to playing alongside her Hardwood teammate Lauren Thompson at Mines.
With Arapahoe competing in a competitive 6A field, Izzy believes several teams — including Cherry Creek, Denver East, and Broomfield — are strong contenders, but she’s confident in her team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Veteran Fairview High School coach Tom McCartney shared stories from his decades-long career in Colorado athletics, including a remarkable and little-known stint as an emergency head basketball coach in the 1990s. Stepping in midseason during a 20-game losing streak, McCartney leaned on guidance from his father, Hall of Fame coach Bill McCartney, to inspire an unlikely upset victory over Cherry Creek. The interview also traced McCartney’s journey from Michigan to Colorado, his playing and coaching roots, his long tenure as Fairview’s football coach, and his reflections on leadership, mentorship, and adapting to a new generation of athletes.

Loveland High School basketball standout Courlyn Yaussi joined Hoops Tracker after delivering a historic performance in which she scored 49 points and hit 11 three-pointers, ranking her among the top single-game performances in Colorado high school history

Yaussi credited the achievement to team energy, confidence, and unselfish play, noting that eight of the ten players who saw the floor also scored.
Yaussi discussed Loveland’s continued growth after a rebuilding season that followed the graduation of seven seniors. With a young roster gaining experience, the team has built strong chemistry through consistent offseason work and commitment in the gym. Her summer playing for Mountain West Premier’s U16 EYBL team helped elevate her game—particularly on the defensive end—and reinforced the importance of strength training in preparation for the college level

BROOMFIELD — Gracie Ward’s basketball journey has been defined not just by skill, but by an unwavering commitment to growth, toughness and leadership.

Now a senior guard at Holy Family High School, Ward has emerged as one of Colorado’s most reliable perimeter players while guiding a Holy Family program that refuses to be overlooked, even as the lone 4A team competing in the Granite League against 5A and 6A opponents.

Cooper Vais on Baseball, Basketball, and the Grind
Cooper Vais, a standout multi-sport athlete from Arvada West, joined the Hoopstracker Podcast to discuss his recent commitment to the University of Texas for baseball, his dual-sport journey, and the mindset that fuels his success. As Colorado’s top-ranked player in his class, Vais shared insights into his recruiting process, training regimen, and the unique dynamic of playing for his father in both basketball and baseball. Averaging 17 points per game on the court while throwing 93 mph on the mound, Vais exemplifies elite athleticism and discipline. He also highlighted Arvada West’s undefeated basketball season and the team’s chemistry built from years of shared youth sports.

Arapahoe High School point guard Ava Butler joins the Hoops Tracker podcast to discuss her basketball journey, recovery from injury, club circuit experience, and expectations for the upcoming season. She highlights the strong culture at Arapahoe, the leadership she learned from former teammates, and the impact of playing for both Coach Jerry and the Hardwood Elite program.