As the only team among the legitimate title contenders in Class 5A girls basketball that didn't essentially return its entire squad, many figured the Highlands Ranch dynasty might end this season.

But no matter who the Falcons put on the floor, they continue to overthrow all the teams that were supposed to have surpassed them by now.

Friday night, the second- ranked Falcons trounced No. 4 ThunderRidge 67-41, using a stellar performance from guard Meagan Fulps and a key third-quarter surge to rout the crosstown rival.

The Falcons (19-2 overall, 9-0 league), who returned only one starter and two rotation players this season, likely clinched the Continental League title with the win. Two league games remain (Douglas County, Mountain Vista) but an upset in either doesn't appear likely.

How do the three-time defending state champs keep doing it?

"I have kids that have great spirit," Falcons coach Caryn Jarocki said, perhaps not giving herself enough credit. "They're ready for their chance and they said, 'Let's go!' "

The University of Santa Clara-bound Fulps was dazzling en route to a game-best 23 points, schooling defenders off the dribble before finishing craftily when she got to the hoop. While the contributions of Fulps and forward Jenessa Burke (12 points, six rebounds) were expected, the Falcons received a boost from spot starter Katelyn McDaniel.

McDaniel, a junior varsity player last season, like many on the Falcons' roster, recorded 13 points and a game- best 11 rebounds. The 6-foot sophomore was starting in place of 6-5 center Emily Stark, who is limited by an injured ankle.

"It's always cool to see the seniors getting noticed, but I aspire to be like them," McDaniel said. "So this is exciting."

ThunderRidge, which received 18 points from point guard Carlie Needles, entered the week 18-1 but stumbled against Regis Jesuit on Tuesday and has its first losing streak this season. The Grizzlies (18-3, 7-2) trailed only 30-24 midway through the third quarter, but Highlands Ranch scored the next nine points and finished the quarter ahead 45-27.

"There was a stretch there where we couldn't stop them and we couldn't start us," Grizzlies coach Bill Bradley said. "All of a sudden, the brakes went on and we didn't play with that passion. It's almost like we got a bit frightened, a bit timid."

Fulps was anything but timid as she directed the Falcons to yet another huge triumph.

"Meagan is the best guard in the state," Jarocki said. "She's the player of the year."

ThunderRidge10 7 10 14 - 41

Highlands Ranch12 16 17 22 - 67

TR - Carlie Needles 5 5-6 18, Taylor McBain 0 0-0 0, Brooke Jelniker 3 0-0 6, Rachel Messer 4 2-2 10, Mary Ludwig 1 0-1 3, Rachel Peterson 0 3-7 3, Samantha Rusk 0 0-0 0, Tory Langas 0 0-0 0, Maddie Brady 0 1-2 1, Taylor Chase 0 0-0 0, Jenna Koslosky 0 0-0 0. Totals 13 11-18 41.

HR - Meagan Fulps 8 7-8 23, Katelyn McDaniel 5 3-4 13, Caitlin Hawkins 2 2-2 7, Tiana Gill 0 0-0 0, Jenessa Burke 5 1-2 12, Liza Heap 2 0-0 4, Tierra Shumpert 1 2-4 4, Emily Stark 1 0-0 2, Breann Baker 0 0-0 0, Lindsay Mallon 0 0-0 0, Kaneisha Flournoy 0 0-0 0, Michaela Neuhaus 1 0-0 2, Lauren Heap 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 15-20 67.

Three-point goals - TR, Needles 3. HR, Hawkins, Burke. Fouled out - Ludwig.