Monarch High School’s Mitchell Hill, at center, show his emotions in the final seconds of a game against Lakewood in the first round of the playoffs on Feb. 25, 2015 in Louisville. (Jeremy Papasso, Daily Camera)
It’s yet another reason why we go ahead and play the games.
Lakewood, which had yet to win its 10th game of the season, went into Louisville and took down Monarch and the Tigers did it in convincing fashion. They drubbed the Coyotes 52-41 on Wednesday night in the opening round of the Class 5A boys basketball playoffs.
The Tigers improved to 10-14. Monarch abruptly ended 20-4.
So, yes, Lakewood, a No. 12 seed, handled Monarch, which was a No. 5 seed.
Behind 22 points by Jacob Storye at 17 from Kolton Peterson, Lakewood outscored Monbarch 32-17 in the second half.
CHERRY CREEK 61, ROCKY MOUNTAIN 41
In Greenwood Village, the bruins rolled the Lobos without incident. Cherry Creek moved to 17-7. Rocky Mountain a difficult season at 5-19.
GRANDVIEW 72, PALMER 63
In Aurora, the Wolves, coming off a tough Centennial League season, rose to down the Terrors of Colorado Springs. Grandview moved to 10-14.
HORIZON 54, SMOKY HILL 48
In Aurora, the Hawks, a 9-seed, earned the road victory against the 8th-seeded Buffaloes. Horizon improved to 15-9. Smoky Hill ended 7-17.
HERITAGE 62, AURORA CENTRAL 47
In Heritage, the Eagles evened their mark at 12-12 by handling the Trojans, who ended 15-9.
CASTLE VIEW 66, FOUNTAIN-FORT CARSON 64, 2OT
It took two extra sessions, but the SaberCats moved to 9-14 by beating the Trojans (14-10).
MOUNTAIN RANGE 66, PINE CREEK 56
Ben Egan’s 23 points pushed the Mustangs past the Eagles. Mountain Range is 18-6. Pine Creek finished 9-15.
BOULDER 58, LIBERTY 56 OT
The Panthers needed OT to avoid the upset bug before getting past the Lancers. Boulder is 18-6. Liberty ended 9-15.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN 91, LOVELAND 63
The Lancers had the highest score of the round in whipping the Indians. Abraham Lincoln moved to 15-9.
MONTBELLO 56, MULLEN 44
The Warriors improved to 17-7 with a decision of the Mustangs, who ended 8-16.
DOHERTY 73, ARAPAHOE 55
The host Spartans of Colorado Springs moved on to the second round by ended the Warriors’ season.
HIGHLANDS RANCH 56, CHATFIELD 38
The Falcons, despite a rough Continental League season, stepped up and won on the road against the Chargers. Highlands Ranch is 9-15. Chatfield ended at .500, 12-12.
ARVADA WEST 90, LEGACY 54
Thomas Neff went off for 33 points as the Wildcats improved to 19-5 after rubbing the Lightning (10-14).
COLUMBINE 71, HINKLEY 57
In Littleton, the Rebels improved to 15-9 by beating the Thunderbirds of Aurora (10-14).
NORTHGLENN 57, GREELEY WEST 50
The Norse are 19-5 after beating the Spartans, who ended 10-14.
