BOULDER — The Class 4A defending champion Sierra Stallions defeated Colorado Springs rival Lewis-Palmer on Thursday at the Coors Events Center to return to the state final. It was Sierra’ third win over Lewis-Palmer.
The Stallions (25-2), winners of 20 consecutive games, gained control in the second quarter and wore out the Rangers (21-6) for the 64-52 victory with their swarming defense, quick-fire transition game and the shot-blocking of 6-foot-7 sophomore Wesley Gordon and 6-4 senior Kamryn Williams.
The Rangers were kept afloat and rallied behind all-state senior Kyle Engelhardt, who fed a 13-0 run late in the third quarter and into the fourth that cut Sierra’s 19-point lead down to 52-46 with 5:57 remaining.
The Rangers closed to within five points, but the Stallions pushed ahead behind the free-throw shooting of Jahmall Fountain and Tyrell Johnson.
The 4A state final is Saturday.
Pueblo East 59, Longmont 52
The Pueblo East Eagles were steady and unselfish Thursday, working their way to a 59-52 Class 4A state semifinal victory over Longmont at the Coors Events Center.
The Eagles (25-1), who never trailed after the second quarter, wore the Trojans (24-3) down with the perimeter passing and dribble penetration of guard Jordan Gregory, who got kicks to the weakside for easy baskets, while Longmont couldn’t nail the big shots pull within a possession of taking back the lead.
With the victory, the South Central League champions will play defending champion Sierra here on Saturday.
