Jaguars nip Grizzlies inaDen dynamo
ROCK CANYON 44, T’RIDGE 43
highlands ranch » It was sweet. Most are for first times or unusual occurrences.
Rock Canyon turned in a determined performance Friday night atThunderRidge’s GrizzlyDen to earn a hard- fought 44- 43 decision. The only other time the Jaguars beat their Douglas County rivals was in 2010. Throw in the facts that Jags coach Kent Grams played and coached for the Grizzlies, and that Rock Canyon is determined to be heard in an obviouslywideopen Class 5A season, and it was easy to why Jags students giddily stormed the court.
“I’ve been waiting for months for this game,” Jags senior Isaac Hirsch said, recalling that his teams have been losing to ThunderRidge since sixth grade. “They’ve had our number. I’ve always played against these kids, but I was so prepared.”
His free throws with 16.8 seconds to play sealed what Grams called probably the best victory in program history.
“It was great to get it done,” Rock Canyon sophomore Sam Masten said after leading all scorers with 21 points.
Now 16- 2 overall, 5- 0 in league, the Jags, No. 7 in the latestAssociated Press 5A media poll, rode Masten’s scoring, solid defense, and contributions from Hirsch, Payton Berman, Noah Beck, Tommy Dowling and Colin Rardin.
Rock Canyon rarely trailed, toughened up down the stretch and overcame some questionable shot selection.
“We have to get better and learn how to finish games,” a happy Grams said. “The players did a great job. ... Now, we have to get ready for ( at) Regis Jesuit ( on Tuesday).” The Raiders are also undefeated in league.
The No. 5 Grizzlies ( 14- 3, 3- 1) had ample opportunities, didn’t shoot it well late and were led by Clay Verk’s 16 points, although he got only three shots after halftime.