Two scoring streaks help Chargers get past Eagles
littleton » Longtime Chatfield High School boys basketball coach Stephen Schimpeler knows his program and what it has been about over the years.
It was on display Friday night, when his Chargers went into Dakota Ridge’s Eagles Nest and took a 71- 57 victory as well as control of the Class 5A Jefferson County league.
The Chargers, who lost Monday at perennial state challenger Denver East and survived a slow one against Ralston Valley on Wednesday, are 11- 2 overall and 4- 0 in league.
“You know, the way we play, we’re a team of runs,” Schimpeler said. “That’s the way we play. We just don’t know how big they’re going to be.”
Chatfield enjoyed two big runs Friday. First, behind the inside play of Josh Frenette then three consecutive 3- pointers by Joe Miks, Chatfield built a 35- 26 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Dakota Ridge ( 6- 5, 3- 1) enjoyed its own surge to creep within 38- 33.
Then the Chargers ran away on a 17- point binge. The Chatfield lead crested at 24 points down the stretch in the fourth quarter, and it was thrilled to win a rivalry matchup.
“No, I’m surprised,” Schimpeler said, asked if his team’s play to date was unexpected. “It’s a good group, and we’re playing well. And we’re sharing the ball. When we get down, we don’t share it as well, but I’m pleased.”
Frenette, who led Chatfield with 16 points— three others were in double figures— has improved greatly playing with his back to the basket, Schimpeler noted.
The 6- foot- 5 senior said, “I think we’re just trying to get our confidence back ( after Denver East and beating Ralston Valley 42- 38) and getting into the flow.”
Cameron Pearson added 14 points for the Chargers.