AURORA — It was a foul-fest with 89 free throws attempted, a whistle about every 10 seconds and a marathon filled with turnovers and substitutions that pushed some folks’ bed times.
But, hey, the Centennial League opened.
Visiting Eaglecrest proved patient and determined in blowing out Smoky Hill 86-64 on Wednesday night.
The Raptors, state champions two seasons ago, are 6-3 overall, ranked No. 7 in The Associated Press Class 5A media poll and feeling fortunate to have that one over.
“Lots of fouls,” Raptors senior guard Elijah Ross said. “But Smoky Hill did a good job of slowing us down, slowing our fast break. We’re just glad to open with this win.”
It was echoed by head coach John Olander, who also acknowledged league game No. 2, on Friday, will be against sixth-ranked Overland.
“Smoky always plays us tough,” Olander said. “But we came in here and won by 20 and scored 86 points.”
True. Eaglecrest’s firepower was evident early, notably behind senior pivot Blend Avdili’s hot early hand. He scored 16 of the Raptors’ first 28 points, 18 of the first 32 and rolled to a game-high 27, including knocking down two 3-pointers.
Sophomore Colbey Ross went off for 21, and Elijah Ross, signed with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, had 16, mostly from the free-throw line, a recurring theme all night.
All told, Eaglecrest attempted 55 free throws, Smoky Hill 34. “That’s a lot,” Elijah Ross said.
Eaglecrest led 42-30 at halftime, then took firm command in the third quarter. Smoky Hill, which is 2-10 and has faced many of 5A’s top programs, couldn’t keep up. Dalontae Kelly led the Buffs with 19 points, but they also were guilty of 19 turnovers.
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
