[slideshow_deploy id=’16684′]
The annual Gojo Tipoff Classic basketball tournament took place starting Wednesday, November 30, at Fossil Ridge High School. The Sabercats had two solid and hard fought wins, but the team came up short, 58-68, in the championship game against a very talented Denver East squad.
To start off the weekend, the Cat’s took on Dakota Ridge High School. The boys came out on fire, showing solid play, ankle-breaking ball handling skills, but, most importantly, they we’re finding the backboard and ultimately the netting of the hoop. At halftime Fossil was holding a 47-26 lead after a handful of completed free throws from Cam Dehart, Braxton Bertolette, and Garrett Ripsam, as well as aggressive and creative offense and smart defense. After another high pace half, the Sabercats took the win, with a final score of a crushing 82-52. It seemed that the team had found a new “mojo”.
Their second game, vs skilled Montbello High School, called for a better performance and strong play until the final whistle. The ball went back and forth and back and forth throughout the game…literally; possession of the ball was almost equal and neither team out shined the other. The Sabercats, however, came out on top with a 60-57 win, pushing them into the championship game.
Going into the final game, the Sabercats new it was going to be a tough one to pull out of the hat. Denver East is a team with a lot of skill and a lot of depth and a previous season record of (17-9-0) backed with multiple State Champion titles. Throughout all four quarter’s it was a fairly close game, there just wasn’t enough time for Fossil to make a full comeback after going down early. Unfortunately Fossil couldn’t walk away with the champion title, losing 58-68; however, senior Braxton Bertolette broke a record scoring over 1000 career points in a Fossil Ridge jersey, so it wasn’t all bad.
On Monday December 5, the boys took on Golden and struggled again losing 55-73. Their next game is Tuesday December 13, at home vs Mountain Vista at 6:30! Come out and support your boys! Follow @frhssportsnews & @EmilyBreyEIS on Twitter for more updates!
