AIR FORCE ACADEMY — With 1:23 left in regulation, Hi-Plains’ Kent Herman missed two free throws that would have given his team the lead in its Class A boys championship game Saturday against Caliche.
But for him and his teammates, that’s OK because he made the next six when it counted most, and that turned out to be the difference in winning another state title.
The Patriots’ senior forward scored eight of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter — including six from the foul line in the final 35 seconds — to lead top-seeded and undefeated Hi-Plains to a 63-60 victory over Caliche at Clune Arena.
“We knew they were in a foul situation,” Herman said. “You just have to hit your free throws, stay focused and stay calm.”
He did, and his team is back on top after losing last year’s title game to Kit Carson.
“Clutch. That’s all I can say,” Patriots head coach Dave Sheffield said of Herman’s late- game free-throw shooting.
Caliche (23-2) had one last shot to send the game into overtime, but Andrew Stieb’s 3-point attempt from the left wing bounced off the front of the rim as time expired.
“We got some good looks. We weren’t looking for a 3 (down the stretch), didn’t have to,” Kirkwood said. “If we had a 2, we’d take the 2 and foul. (But) they hit some free throws down the stretch.”
Caliche led after each of the first three quarters, but Randy Kirkwood’s run-and-gun offense couldn’t find the shots that fell the two previous games against Ouray and Flagler.
The Buffaloes held their final lead at 56-55 after Cory Stumpf’s putback with 1:56 left.
Caliche had the ball and the lead after Herman missed two free throws, but turned it over after an errant pass went out of bounds. Kraig Tagtmeyer was then fouled with 50 seconds left and hit two free throws, giving Hi-Plains (26-0) the lead for good.
“At the end of the game, it’s all about execution,” Sheffield said. “The guys had to do their job and they did it.”
Craig Debus led Caliche with 17 points, while Cody Zink and Derek Weingardt scored 11 each.
Hi-Plains center Nathan Rueb scored 15 points — 12 in the first quarter — but he fouled out with 2:08 remaining and his team up one. Watching from the bench, the 6-foot-5 senior said he wasn’t too concerned.
“I have the best teammates in the state. I didn’t have anything to worry about, but I did anyway,” Rueb said.
However, thanks to Herman, Rueb’s fears were calmed.
But just barely.
Hi-Plains’ victory gives it a second state championship since 2006. But it comes with something else.
“It’s good, but now you’ve got a target on your back,” Herman said.
HI-PLAINS 63, CALICHE 60
Caliche 18 18 8 16 — 60
Hi-Plains 16 15 12 20 — 63
Caliche — Stumpf 4 0-0 9, Stieb 2 1-4 6, Debus 6 5-5 17, Chartier 1 4-6 6, Zink 4 1-2 11, Weingardt 5 0-0 11. Totals 22 11-17 60.Hi-Plains — Bancroft 2 0-0 4, Tagtmeyer 4 2-2 10, K. Rueb 1 1-2 3, Henry 4 1-1 11, Herman 7 6-8 20, N. Rueb 6 3-5 15. Totals 24 13-18 63.3-pt. goals — Stumpf, Stieb, Zink 2, Weingardt; Henry 2. Total fouls — Caliche 19; Hi-Plains 15. Fouled out — Zink; N. Rueb. Technicals — None.
All-tournament team: 1A boys
Craig Debus, Jr., Caliche
Gage Roelle, Sr., Peetz
John Wright, Jr., Crested Butte
Derek Weingardt, Jr., Caliche
Kent Herman, Jr., Hi-Plains
MVP: Kent Herman
