Boys basketball hosts Gojo Tipoff Classic preceding 2017-18 season

Ben Weiner going up for a layup against Denver South post in Gojo Tipoff Classic. Photo Credit: Miles Blumhardt.

Fossil Ridge High School hosted Denver South, Vista Ridge, Denver East, Poudre, Far Northeast, Rocky, and Dakota Ridge High School in the Gojo Tipoff Classic the week of November 27. On Wednesday, November 29, the SaberCats kicked off their season with a big win, (62-60), over Denver South High School.

The Rebels gave Fossil a competitive game as they held the lead in both the first and second quarter of play, (11-16) and (26-34) respectively. However, in the third quarter, the Cats were able to match Denver South’s offense, draining shot after shot, and take a minimal (43-42) lead.

Possession remained balanced throughout the fourth quarter, both teams racked up points, and the intensity never once dulled. Fossil was able to secure the (62-60) win in the last few seconds of play, but the Rebels did not make it easy for them. Senior Blake Bodnar had a very strong game Wednesday night and commented in an interview, “It felt good to finally get the season started, we’ve spent a lot of time gearing up for this year, and to start off with a win just made it even better. The team played well and everyone contributed to get the win.”

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It felt good to finally get the season started, we’ve spent a lot of time gearing up for this year, and to start off with a win just made it even better.

— Blake Bodnar

 

On Friday, December 1, the boys took on Denver East High School, who finished their 2016/17 season with an (18-8-0) record. The Angels are 11 time State Champions, and took the win over Fossil last year in the same preseason tournament.

After the signal of the first whistle, the Angels took off. They played high pressure defense, and their offensive combination was very strong, considering they have multiple players who will be playing division I ball next year. The Cats were behind (8-22) after the first quarter, and couldn’t catch the Angels going into halftime, as they were down (17-37).

Once the second half of play was underway, Fossil scored (17) points and only allowed (14) points against them in the third quarter. After an extremely fast paced, and physical game, Fossil fell (53-63) to Denver East. After being down (20) points at halftime, the Cats were able to make it a (10) point game, which showed the grit and heart of this new team.

Dakota Ridge was Fossil’s next and final opponent, and with the Eagles’ (80-55) win over Rocky, and (57-64) loss to the Far Northeast Warriors in their first two games of the tournament, the Cats knew they would be just as hungry for the win as they were.

Fossil was able to hold the lead over the Eagles through the first quarter (14-10), as well as the second (34-20).  However, in the third quarter, Dakota Ridge came back, nearly tieing up the game, (44-37), as Dakota Ridges’ Alex Overlie and Antonio Norton hit shot after shot.

The fourth quarter was by far the most exciting period of play throughout the tournament. Fossil was holding a (62-59) lead over the Eagles, when Cole Binder of Dakota Ridge chucked the ball up towards the basket from far outside the circle, and scored, sending the game into overtime (62-62).

In the period of over-time, the lead went back and forth between each team, it was literally a one point game the entire time. It wasn’t until the final 20 seconds that Fossil was able to break away and take the (72-69) win over the Eagles.

Head Coach Matt Johannsen stated, “Proud of the team effort in the first two rounds of the tournament, and it was a gritty win over a very good Dakota Ridge team for third place. Love the “can do” attitudes all the way through number 1-13.” All in all it was a successful weekend for the SaberCats; don’t forget to come out on Tuesday, December 5, as the boys take on Golden at home at 6:30!