By Matt Langley
LangleyScouting.blogspot.com
Aurora – The No. 3 ranked Aurora Central Trojans lost to the No. 6 ranked Rangeview Raiders 57-45 at Central on Thursday night. Even though it was the first game of the season for both teams the atmosphere in the gym had the feel of a mid season contest for this cross-town rivalry. While the intensity of the game was high, there were also plenty of first game jitters. Neither team shot the ball extraordinarily well, nor was each team immune to turnovers.
Lead by Junior guard Jeremiah Paige, Rangeview started the game on fire going on a 13-1 run with Paige scoring seven points in the quarter. Aurora Central would get on track behind Senior guard Carlton Hurst and close the quarter on a 10-2 run of its own, but Rangeview still lead at the end of the 1stquarter 15-10. The second quarter saw the Trojans make a run and shrink the Raider lead to one, but just as quickly Rangeview extended its lead back to six capped of by a Paige alley-oop dunk. Rangeview would maintain the lead going into half time up 29-23.
In the second half, Central changed defenses going man to man with Hurst guarding Paige. While Hurst was able to slow down Paige, the Trojans were able to gain a one point lead with Freshman LaDarius King hitting clutch shots. With time running down in the third quarter and a missed three pointer by Central, Rangeview Junior guard Trey Bridges hit a three pointer of his own as time expired to end the third quarter giving the Raiders the lead back 38-36.
Hurst tried to will the Trojans to the lead in the fourth scoring 10 of his game high 26 points in the fourth quarter, but as soon as the Trojans would make a dent in the lead, the Raiders would cause a turnover or Central would commit a foul nullifying any ground made by the Trojans. Central went 4 of 25 from behind the three point line. Central Coach Ian Calvert said his team “has to makes shots.” Paige led Rangeview in scoring with 20 points. Rangeview was also able to out rebound Central and control the pace of the game. Rangeview Coach Shawn Palmer was pleased with the win though he may be worried about his team’s depth. However, he thinks the 2012-13 team “will be a better overall team” than last year’s Final Four team.