Feature Photo by: Samir Mohammed- Junior captain and guard Jodon Dotson goes the distance and drives for a layup in the second quarter of the Make-A-Wish basketball game. Before the Gateway game, Dotson commented, “I’m excited to see what the post season has in stakes for us and how we can transition our regular season performance to the playoffs.”
Although the cold weather brought chills and holiday lights across the country, February and March have flowers, chocolate, and the spring scent in store for us. With summer behind us and the winter slowly drifting away, the regular season for the 2017 Rangeview Boys Basketball season is coming to an end and the season-concluding rivalry game approaches.
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer; these are signs that the spring season and postseason high school basketball is approaching. Many Raider fans say they are excited for the upcoming rivalry game against Gateway to finish the season. The rivalry game was a blowout last season throughout its entirety, and a last second layup by now senior quarterback Jaelin Odegard gave the Raiders 100 points and had the entire gym on its feet, roaring. Fans expressed they want to see that kind of intensity and promise from the team throughout the post season and in years to come.
“It’s my favorite game of the season,” College and Career Center Coordinator Betty Gessesse said. “Our rivalry against Gateway has been going on for years and the energy and spirit during the Gateway game is unmatched. I’m excited for our boys to beat Gateway.”
The Raider’s 2017 season had a mix of close wins and losses. The Raiders were short six seniors that graduated last year but were still able to achieve a 16-6 record. Although the Raiders lost multiple games against top ranked teams by ten or fewer points, they still managed to secure the EMAC title. It is tough to say how the Raiders will adapt and overcome during playoffs exclaimed fans; varsity captain and junior guard Jodaun Dotson believes the team continues to show growth and is excited to see how they will transition and shift their momentum towards the second leg of the season.
“I’m proud me and the team have been able to overcome losing many seniors from last season and winning EMAC this season. I’m excited to see what the post season has in stakes for us and how we can transition our regular season performance to the playoffs,” said Dotson.
The Raiders will play their last game of the season at home tonight at 7pm against their rival Gateway High School. Gateway finished the 2016 basketball season at 6-17, and currently sits at 9-13 for the 2017-2018 basketball season. Although the stats and record are in favor of the Raiders, fans say they are still ecstatic to support and see the team in a cross-town rivalry especially since it was announced last week that the two rivals will not play in football next year.
Senior basketball manager and fan Ingrid Reyes commented, “I’m super excited, I feel like the boys are pumped because it’s a rivalry game. I’m certain they’re going to give it their all because this is the last regular season game. I really hope Ryan can play today so all the seniors can play their last game against Gateway together.”
Many say they are going to the game early because every Gateway basketball game is extremely full and crowded. Families, fans, and teachers express that they are extremely ecstatic to see what the current seniors and young players have to contribute to the basketball culture at Rangeview High School and the anticipated finale for the regular season. The Raiders will host a first-round playoff game Wednesday February 21st, and playoff brackets will be announced the day before, Tuesday February 20th.
For more info on Rangeview Basketball, click here: http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/rangeview-raiders-(aurora,co)/basketball/home.htm
