Vista Ridge Handles Pueblo Central

The Vista Ridge Grizzlies handled the Pueblo Central Wildcats, 67-44 at Golden High School Friday night in the first round of the 4A State Playoffs. The Wildcats got off to a solid first quarter start  despite senior guard Mike Ranson being faced guarded and often doubled teamed. The Grizzlies started knocking down three’s and the Wildcats did not get Ranson involved in the second quarter .

The Grizzlies out scored the Wildcats 17-5 in the quarter with eight points coming from junior guard Hunter Maldonado.  Once Vista Ridge took the lead the Wildcats simply could not find anyone to consistently make a basket but they stayed with in striking distance until the end of the first half when down 20-27 with .4 remaining. This happened.

If someone can tell me how this play by Mike Ranson earns a Tech is I’d be obliged #copreps pic.twitter.com/wAVTAEbsB1

— basketballcolorado (@bball_co) February 27, 2016

Noah Beatty stepped to the line and knocked down both free throws to put Vista Ridge up 29-20 at halftime.  Beatty had a great game on both ends of the floor. Most of his time was spent face guarding Ranson on defense all the while running the point guard spot. He scored 13 points and had four assists most going  to Jake Goggin who scored easily at times against the Wildcat zone and made some tough contested lay ups.

Vista Ridge’s defense in the second half wouldn’t allow the Wildcats back into the game.  The Vista Ridge defense continued to face guard, double team and then used a spy in the paint to make sure every Ranson shot was contested.  Vista Ridge owned the boards on both ends of the floor and grabbed every loose ball it seemed.

Vista Ridge moves on to play host Golden  Saturday @ 2:00

Double Digit Scorers

Pueblo Central 

Mike Ranson

Vista Ridge 

Jake Goggin – 16

Noah Beatty – 13

Hunter Maldonado – 10