Tuesday night’s victory over Fairview was dedicated to recognizing the six senior men in Fossil Ridge’s program. Senior night adds a special feel to any game, but the main focus of the game was that the Sabercats had to win to have a chance to clench the Front Range Conference.
Matt Johannsen, head coach, started five out of the six seniors, only leaving out injured Nick Girardi.
The Sabercats (16-6) had a uneventful first half, not quite looking like themselves. They trailed the Knights by three, 19-16, at half time.
Fossil Ridge came out looking like a new team in the second half.
“We realized that we weren’t playing our type of basketball. This season we’ve thrived on getting out and running, and finishing easy baskets in the paint, which has sparked the rest of our offensive plan,” said senior Colby Ripsam. “Implementing those strategies lead to opening up shots on the outside.”
Ripsam had his best defensive performance of the year, shutting down Fairview’s big man, 6’10 Frank Ryder.
Gaurd, Braxton Bertolette, was the leading scorer last night with 25 points.
“I wanted it for the seniors,” said Bertolette. “It’s even better that we now have the chance to win the conference on Thursday.”
Thursday, Fossil will go face to face in a match up against Boulder, who also has the same 16-6 record. If they win, they will clench the conference, giving them better seeding for state.
