Highlands Ranch – Matt Bouldin looked like the only thing on his mind Thursday night was basketball.
ThunderRidge’s 6-foot-5 senior, one of the state’s top recruits – he has committed to Gonzaga – scored 36 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the fourth-ranked Grizzlies dropped Eaglecrest 72-57 in the Class 5A season opener for both teams.
At times, Bouldin played out of his mind. He drilled four 3-pointers and presented his usual matchup problems with his ability to play the point, drive in from the wings and post up down low.
“The college thing kind of got a little bit overwhelming,” Bouldin said. “I just feel so much better to get it out of the way and be able to just play and not even worry about it.”
The victory marked the beginning of the prep winter season and the first round of the eight-team Tip Off Classic, hosted by ThunderRidge and defending champion Heritage. The tournament concludes Tuesday at Heritage.
The Grizzlies never trailed and outscored the Raptors 21-6 in the third quarter to take control. Senior T.J. Robinson sank five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points and five rebounds for ThunderRidge.
Guard Bryson Creighton and forward Josh Henry (12 rebounds) paced the Raptors with 13 points apiece.
Eaglecrest 12 17 6 22 – 57
ThunderRidge 17 14 21 20 – 72
Eaglecrest – Nteza 2 1-2 5, Noble 0 0-0 0, Cobb 0 2-4 2, Rued 3 0-0 8, Harrison 2 0-0 4, Creighton 4 3-5 13, McIlvain 2 0-0 6, Cherry 0 0-1 0, Henry 6 1-3 13, Spear 1 4-6 6. Totals 20 11-21 57.
ThunderRidge – Stender 1 0-1 2, Day 1 0-0 2, Bouldin 12 8-11 36, Jelniker 0 0-0 0, Gaiter 1 0-1 2, Robinson 6 2-4 19, Arnold 1 1-4 3, Tiedgen 2 1-2 5, Becker 1 1-2 3. Totals 25 13-25 72.
3-point goals – Creighton 2, McIlvian 2, Rued 2; Robinson 5, Bouldin 4. Total fouls – Eaglecrest 21; ThunderRidge 18. Fouled out – None. Technicals – None.
