Hoops roundup: Coal Ridge teams score statement wins over 4A GJ Central
Boys
Coal Ridge 69, Grand Junction Central 23
The Titans dominated from the start against their bigger-school guest Thursday night, including a 23-point second quarter while holding the Grand Junction Central Warriors to single-digit scoring in all four stanzas.
“We had a great team win tonight, with stout defense and lots of passes to set up teammates,” head Coal Ridge coach Paul Harvey said. “We hope this builds momentum towards our season finale on Saturday versus Roaring Fork.”
Senior Andrew Herrera led the team scoring with 15 points and classmate Moises Contreras popped off 14, with balanced scoring behind them in the blowout win.
Coal Ridge (10-3 overall, 5-1 in the 3A Western Slope League and headed into the weekend ranked No. 12 in the state among 3A teams) hosts Roaring Fork to close out the regular season Saturday afternoon.
The only other Garfield County game on the slate Thursday night was Rifle hosting Palisade for a key 4A WSL matchup. A score had not yet been reported as of 10 p.m. Thursday.
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Coal Ridge Titan Moises Contreras dribbles through the defending Grand Junction Central Warriors during Thursday night's game.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent
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Coal Ridge Titan Kevin DiMarco jumps for the layup through the defending Grand Junction Central Warriors during Thursday night's game.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent
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Coal Ridge Titan Johnny Bencomo battles against the defending Grand Junction Central Warrior during Thursday night's game.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent
Girls
Coal Ridge 49, Grand Junction Central 48
The Lady Titans also had an impressive win over the 4A-ranked GJ Central Warriors in a last-minute thriller on the home court.
Down by six in the closing minutes, Coal Ridge scored the final seven points of the game to earn the win over the 10-3 Warriors, who came in ranked No. 6 in the state among 4A teams.
Central held the advantage after a 14-10 run in the second quarter to lead 26-21 at halftime. But the Titans owned the second half, closing the gap in the third before posting a 17-13 fourth period to claim the victory.
Individual statistics were not immediately available Thursday night.
Coal Ridge (10-3, 2-3 league) closes out at home against Roaring Fork on Saturday, as the Titans look to remain in the top 24 Class 3A teams that will advance to next week’s playoffs. The Titans came into Thursday’s game holding the No. 19 spot.
Palisade 53, Rifle 41
Rifle’s girls suffered a second straight 4A Western Slope League loss, this one at home Thursday night to Palisade.
The Lady Bears were within two points at the half, but saw the visiting Bulldogs go on a tear in the final 16 minutes to claim the 12-point win.
Individual statistics were not immediately available Thursday night.
At 8-5 overall and 8-3 in the 4A Western Slope League, the Bears will look to hold onto a top-32 spot to qualify for next week’s playoffs, facing league foe Summit on Friday night.
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