BREAKING: Holy Family’s quest for an undefeated season has come to a stunning halt as they fell to defending league champions Horizon, 63-51, on January 20, 2026. The defeat snaps the Tigers’ impressive run, leaving them with an 11-1 record and a challenging road ahead in the league standings.
The game, held in Thornton, showcased the dominance of Horizon’s star player, Noah Sokolowski, who delivered a standout performance with 20 points and a jaw-dropping 30 rebounds. Holy Family coach Pete Villecco emphasized the need for precision against a formidable opponent, stating, “To go on the road and beat a good team like Horizon, you have to do a lot of little things at a high level. And we just weren’t as sharp as we’ve been.”
This loss is particularly significant as it places Holy Family a game behind Horizon and Frederick in the league race, intensifying the competition within the 6A/5A/4A Granite Peaks League. With Horizon now boasting a record of 11-3 and 5-0 in league play, the Tigers face a crucial match against the Golden Eagles on Friday, needing a win to keep their championship hopes alive.
Senior guard Matthew Evans, who led Holy Family with 12 points, reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “I feel like we were really efficient on the offensive end, but it comes down to defense and boxing out. If we did that a little better today, we would’ve won.” The Tigers struggled to contain Sokolowski, who also drew numerous fouls, resulting in Horizon attempting 25 free throws, compared to Holy Family’s mere 7.
The Tigers had entered the game with momentum, coming off a thrilling 71-65 victory against 5A No. 7 Silver Creek just days prior. However, the loss against Horizon highlights the tight margin for error in high-stakes games. Villecco noted, “We had a hard time keeping them off the glass. We knew that would be a challenge,” underscoring the difficulties faced by the Tigers.
As the league race heats up, all eyes will be on Holy Family this Friday as they host Frederick, a team they defeated last season in a low-scoring battle. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Tigers, who must rebound quickly to maintain their championship aspirations.
This developing story continues to capture the attention of basketball fans as Holy Family fights to regain their footing in the league. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.
