PARKER — Andrew Bowers may as well have his own Geico Gecko commercial.
Lutheran-Parker coach John Adam called his 6-foot-7 senior “insurance against the perimeter” Tuesday night as the Lions took down visiting Denver Christian 62-53.
Bowers rolled to 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots as Lutheran-Parker, ranked No. 6 in The Denver Post/9News Class 2A poll, improved to 15-3 overall and 10-2 in the Mile High League.
Never mind that No. 4 Denver Christian (17-2, 12-1) had already clinched the league and that both teams are ensured regional berths. This was about preparing for the elimination rounds and obtaining a measure of satisfaction after the Lions’ 54-38 loss to the Crusaders in January.
“We didn’t play well,” said the redheaded, left-handed Bowers. “It was kind of rough.”
But not Tuesday, when the Lions returned the favor.
Bowers scored 12 points in the first half and established superiority down low. Plus, the Lions, who ended the Crusaders’ 13-game winning streak and owned the backboards, were constantly harassing the Crusaders with sticky defense.
Lutheran-Parker permitted only 13 points in the first half.
“I’ll take that kind of defense anytime,” Adam said.
Even with Denver Christian challenging after halftime — it got within 39-33 after trailing by 13 points — the Lions didn’t break because of multiple contributions, including 10 points from Bo Milberger.
Conversely, the Crusaders had issues, including protecting the ball but mostly shooting. They made one of their first 14 attempts. The clanging was from all over — layups, short ones from the side and in the paint, and an assortment of misfires from the perimeter.
“And they were good ones,” DC coach Dick Katte said, whose team was led by Steven Conway’s 15 points. “That’s what I told them at halftime, when we only gave up 27 points, which I’ll take. We just weren’t making them.”
Lutheran-Parker will finish the regular season at home Thursday against Nederland. Denver Christian won’t play again until Feb. 24, in districts. Top teams in leagues will be playing for regional seeding.
Denver Christian 5 8 18 22 — 53
Lutheran-Parker 13 14 12 23 — 62
Denver Christian — Conway 4 7-10 15, Viss 7 2-2 16, Hart 1 0-0 2, Terpstra 2 9-10 14, LeFebre 2 2-3 6, Kroshus 0 0-0 0, Herren 0 0-0 0, Kastens 0 0-0 0, Pranger 0 0-0 0. Totals 16 20-25 53.
Lutheran-Parker — Loptien 1 4-6 6, Jost 4 0-0 8, Horan 0 1-2 1, Bowers 8 4-5 20, Parkinson 1 0-0 3, Foote 2 2-4 8, Milberger 3 4-4 10, Murphy 1 0-0 2, Radic 1 0-1 2, Bruxvoort 0 2-2 2, Olson 0 0-0 0. Totals 21 17-24 62.
3-point goals: Denver Christian — Terpstra. Lutheran-Parker — Foote 2, Parkinson.
