4A & 5A Championship Preview
The field is set as we’ve reached the final game of the 2017-18 season. Championship Saturday is finally here as the Longmont and Lewis-Palmer battle it out for the 4A championship and __ and __ for 5A. This is for all the marbles, let’s take a look at the teams.
Longmont
This is the most exciting team in the championship as we seen this team go unconscious from beyond the arc in the Final Four. They knocked down nine 3-pointers and kept up their strong play. They are coming off of an upset over the No.1 seeded team in the playoffs, Pueblo South and all they need is one last game to put the icing on the cake for a spectacular year. In their final four game, their captain and emotional leader, Luke Johnson willed the team to a victory. He finished with 22 points as he went 7/11 from the field. Jayden Elkins and Dallas Dye both scored in double-figures to assist on the scoring load, but this is a team that gets it done all together and their chemistry makes it difficult for teams to match-up against. They’re up against a stubborn bunch that rally around their leader and play for one another, this team must continue to stay red-hot from beyond the arc
Lewis Palmer
Lewis Palmer is coming off of a nail-biting 56-54 win that came down to a controversial call on the final possession in which a charge was called. In the game, it was a game of runs as both teams sized each other up but Lewis-Palmer prevailed. Joel Scott continued his impressive run as he finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. He couldn’t be handled on the glass which translated to him getting second chance points. He showcased he’s one of the best in the state and his play is contagious as the team rallies around his energy. He was aggressive and got to the free throw line, just wasn’t able to knock them down as he went 5-of-15 from the charity stripe, something he’ll fix in the next game. Alongside him, Matthew Ragsdale was his usual self. He defended at a high level, spaced the floor and ran the passing lanes, he added 12 points. If they can continue their strong play and get the same type of production from Carter Kreisher as well, Lewis-Palmer will be crowned the $A state champs, but with Luke Johnson on the other end, it won’t come easy.
Grandview
This team doesn’t make it look easy, but, they always seem to find a way. It’s a disciplined bunch that you’ll rarely see take contested jumpers. They either feed Dayne Prim in the post and let their offensive weapon go to work or rotate the ball around until they get the open shot they want that likely ends with a Tyler Unger or Ben Boone 3-pointer. Their guard Davon Walker plays with poise and controls the pace for the game, and Gunner Gentry is the “glue guy” that gives his all on every possession. This is a team that plays the right way and makes every opportunity count. Expect the championship game to be played at their pace.
George Washington
The finish to the GW and Rock Canyon game was intense as it took overtime for them to finish to the 5A state championship for the second straight season. This time a 47-41 thriller over the No. 1 seeded Rock Canyon Jaguars. In the game, you seen a team start strong, watch the other team rally, then finish them out as multiple players stepped up and help secure the victory. Jon’il Fugett led the Patriots with 16 points, six rebounds, 10 of which came from the free-throw line, none bigger than the four to close them out. D’Auntray Pierce fouled out but made his presence known as he had five points, seven rebounds, four blocks and changed countless other shots. Xavier Cooper, Mohammed Diallo and Devon Jones also played well and were key contributors. Shawn’Trell White continues being the X-factor and as long as he’s setting the tone on the defensive end with Pierce backing him, teams will have a hard time scoring on this unit. This will be an interesting game as Grandview coach Michael Rogers goes against his former school, GW wants has a bad taste in their mouth from last year’s defeat and want to take home the gold ball.