COLORADO SPRINGS — Previously, Rampart’s guards have had Class 5A’s opposition for breakfast during the 2009-10 season.
But on a night when the Rams’ backcourt got into early foul trouble and turned in a subpar performance, the team’s depth emerged, notably Lance Evans and Alex Koehler.
The two combined for a much-needed 33 points Saturday as Rampart remained undefeated with a 64-58 home decision of rival Palmer in the hotly contested Class 5A Colorado Springs Metro League.
Nearly two-thirds of the way through the regular season, Rampart, ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News 5A poll, is 14-0 overall and atop the league at 7-0.
Afterward, the Rams agreed it was a survival test.
“We couldn’t put them away,” coach J’on St. Clair said. “It was just like I thought, (the Terrors) would always answer.”
With main ball handlers and motors Devon Grant and Reuben Riggs-Russell saddled with fouls that came early, the Rams were able to sustain the game’s pattern in which they would run to a lead, only to have Palmer (9-5, 5-2) keep it close.
But in front of a packed house, Evans, a senior forward, scored 15 of his team-high 17 points in the second half. Koehler, the Rams’ third guard, made four 3-pointers while scoring 16, and Rampart needed every one.
“When our guards are getting into foul trouble and not doing their usual thing, Alex and I had to pick up the slack,” Evans said. “We don’t carry the team. We all run as one.”
It turned tight in the closing moments as Rampart, which shot just 8-of-21 at the free-throw line, suffered turnovers and missed layups among assorted lapses. Palmer took advantage but had two poor possessions in which it could have tied it or taken the lead.
Back-to-back baskets by Evans were the difference, one in which he stayed active and found himself alone under the basket for an easy layup that made it 60-56 with 1:02 to play.
“It’s a good thing,” St. Clair said. “We’ve had blowouts, both of us, so this was good for us.”
Palmer coach Jimmy Grantz watched another game effort, particularly on defense, but the missed chances late are on his team’s list to take advantage of and not squander.
“We’ve got to execute better, got to get better shots,” Grantz said. “I’m not super-discouraged. I just have to do a better job of preparing us, but it’s good to learn this stuff.”
Terrell Brown gave Rampart, which led 56-42 early in the fourth quarter, fits all game, scoring 22 points, including 12 of his team’s first 14.
Riggs-Russell had 11 points, and junior Matt Hower added three key free throws in the fourth quarter for Rampart, which is staring at the meat of its schedule. The Rams host Fountain- Fort Carson on Tuesday and play at Palmer on Thursday.
Palmer 10 13 15 20 — 58
Rampart 19 7 21 17 — 64
Palmer — Little 2 5-6 9, Urbaniak 3 0-0 6, Deese 2 0-0 6, Rufran 1 5-6 7, T. Brown 8 6-6 22, A. Brown 2 4-6 8, Victorino 0 0-0 0, McDougal 0 0-0 0. Totals 18 20-24 58.
Rampart — Riggs-Russell 4 1-4 11, Grant 2 1-2 5, Evans 8 1-3 17, Roman 1 1-3 3, Koehler 6 0-0 16, Hower 1 3-5 5, Shonte 0 0-2 0, Peete 3 1-2 7. Totals 25 8-21 64.
3-point goals: Palmer — Deese 2. Rampart — Koehler 4, Riggs-Russell 2.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
