Eaglecrest Halts Mountain Vista, 74-59
By Matt Langley
BasketballColorado.com
3/15/2013
Boudler, CO – The Eaglecrest Raptors defeated the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles Friday night at the Coors Event Center 74-59 in the other 5A State Semifinal game. This game featured two teams that like to run and shoot, and they did just that. However, Eaglecrest was able to force their way to the basket while Mountain Vista was unable to get the same high percentage shots and instead had to take 20 three-pointers in the game. Eaglecrest lead the whole way, while Mountain Vista just never seemed to get on track. Eaglecrest was able to use it athleticism to get to the basket and finish or get fouled in the process, shooting 38 free throws in the game. Mountain Vista was just a step behind the whole game. If they got a steal, Eaglecrest was able to steal it right back. If a Golden Eagle guard was able to get in the lane, an Eaglecrest player was there to strip the ball away or take the charge.
In the 1st quarter The Golden Eagles were within two points, 18-16, but Mountain Vista hit a scoring drought in the 2nd quarter. Jake Pemberton and Elijah Valdez combined for 19 of Mountain Vista’s 27 1st half points. While seven different players accounted for Eaglecrest’s 35. Eaglecrest’s relentless defensive pressure continued to be an issue for the Golden Eagles in the second half. Eaglecrest only took eight three-pointers for the game. The rest of their shots came from the paint. Mountain Vista was unable to get stops on the defensive end to cut into the Raptor lead. The Raptors made their free throws in the closing minutes to seal the win.
Pemberton and Valdez were the only Golden Eagles in double figures with 17 and 16 points respectively. Eaglecrest had four players in double figures: Rayjon Craig had 16, Jaisen Jackson had 13, Maurice Perez had 11, and Blen Avdili added 10. Eaglecrest moves on to the 5A State Finals Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at the Coors Event Center where they will face Denver East.
